Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Two USDA Farm to School Grants to Support Agricultural Education and Local Food Access in Minnesota Schools
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm to School Grant program for two projects in Minnesota. The projects will expand agricultural education, support local producers, and incorporate local foods into child nutrition programs in Minnesota. Two projects in Minnesota will each receive $100,000 in funding for agricultural education and child nutrition programs: 1. The Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes: Funding will be used to purchase a “flex connect” farm system, 12 hydroponic towers used for crop growth, from Fork Farms. By purchasing the system, the Boys and Girls Club will expand educational opportunities for students, create an Entrepreneurial Program, and increase local food accessibility for students in Detroit Lakes. 2. Saint Paul Public Schools Nutrition Services: The grant will help expand its Grow Their Own program, a school gardening initiative which encourages food education through hands-on projects. The program currently supports student gardens at 28 different schools. Funding will go towards supporting more permanent staffing for student gardens, as well as expanding and diversifying educational opportunities through the initiative. “Providing nutritious school meals is critical for ensuring our students can succeed,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will expand students’ access to locally grown, nutritious food at school and bolster food education programs.” “Science has shown that proper nutrition is directly linked to academic performance, but too many of our students are not receiving the kinds of healthy meals they need to thrive in the classroom,” said Senator Smith. “This funding will
Klobuchar, Smith, Finstad, Craig Urge Treasury Department to Issue Clean Fuel Production Credit Guidance to Increase U.S. Production of Biofuels
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in urging the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue timely guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to give farmers, blenders, retailers, and fuel users certainty and the time needed to make additional clean fuel projects a reality. The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit consolidates and replaces several fuel-related credits currently scheduled to expire at the end of the year. While 45Z was written to increase the domestic production of clean, homegrown biofuels, guidance is still needed from the Treasury on how farmers and renewable fuel producers can participate in this new market. “The 45Z credit should be leveraged to provide a forward-looking, technology-neutral market signal to increase our country’s production capacity for low-carbon, domestic renewable fuels and for existing biofuel production to invest in decarbonization,” the lawmakers wrote. “Lack of regulatory certainty is already putting thriving businesses at risk as fuel producers are unable to make important business decisions regarding their fuel.” “If properly implemented, this credit can fully mobilize the biofuel industry, growing our domestic manufacturing base, creating jobs, diversifying the U.S. energy portfolio, adding value to crops grown by American farmers, and offering consumers better, more affordable, and lower carbon options at the fuel pump and in the skies,” the lawmakers concluded. Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Secretary Yellen: We write today to request that the Treasury
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith Secures Significant Federal Funding for Critical Senior Housing Repair in St. Peter
WASHINGTON [3.17.22] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that she has secured $300,000 in federal funding to enable much-needed repairs for Parkview Manor, a low-income senior housing complex in St. Peter. Specifically, the project will support a new roof, proper smoke hatches, skylights, and an updated air system. “Without safe, affordable housing, nothing else in life works,” said Senator Smith. “Residents at Parkview Manor, and those in senior living across the state, deserve a high-quality, safe place to call home. I’m proud of our work to secure these resources and deliver much-needed repairs and improvements to Parkview Manor and
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding to Strengthen Affordable Childcare Access, Support Workforce in Little Falls
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured $1.5 million in federal funding to strengthen access to affordable childcare and support parents in Little Falls returning back to work. Specifically, the funding will enable the construction of a childcare facility designed specifically to address the increasing community need for affordable, reliable childcare. Building such a facility will directly boost workforce participation in Little Falls, as lack of access to dependable, high-quality childcare has long been a primary barrier for parents in Little Falls who seek to enter
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding for Two Harbors Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding to improve Two Harbors’ wastewater infrastructure. “This federal funding will have a real impact in Two Harbors, enabling critical updates to the city’s wastewater treatment facility,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources, and I look forward to continuing to partner with those in the community to address infrastructure needs.” “It may not be the flashiest project, but updating the wastewater treatment facility is critically important for the
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding for Broadband Expansion in Pine County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus; Senator Tina Smith (D-MN); and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding to expand broadband access in Pine County. “This federal funding will support Pine County’s broadband initiatives, enabling people from all parts of the county to access critical work, school, and business opportunities online,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources, and I look forward to continuing to partner with those in the community to address broadband infrastructure needs.” “As I have
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