Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Celebrates U.S. Trade Mission to Colombia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) celebrated Lamex Food, Inc.’s participation in a trade mission to Bogota, Colombia, led by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand foreign market access for American agricultural products. The Bloomington, MN based food group is one of 23 businesses and organizations who joined the trip from August 13-15 with USDA Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor to discuss policy and business partnerships that will boost American agricultural exports to Colombia. “Agricultural exports support farming in Minnesota and provide economic benefits to the state,” said Sen. Smith.“This trade mission is a great opportunity to expand market access for American goods in Colombia, and for Lamex Food to create new business partnerships overseas.” Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding agricultural market access globally. Earlier this year, she supported a USDA trade mission to India focused on Indigenous food products. ###
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding to Help Grow Global Export Markets for Minnesota Producers
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced funding from the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to help grow export markets for American farm and food products around the world. The additional $300 million investment will go to organizations across the U.S. to implement market development projects focusing on a wide range of products and agricultural markets. “Boosting America’s agricultural exports is great for Minnesota farmers and rural economies,” said Klobuchar. “This funding will help farmers enter the global export market and maintain America’s leadership in agricultural exports.” “Minnesota has long been a linchpin in America’s agricultural market, and I’m proud to advocate for projects that enable farmers in Minnesota to expand their production and stay competitive in the global market,” said Senator Smith. “This investment will help to expand our export policies worldwide, allowing farmers in Minnesota to establish, build, and maintain their partnerships in international markets.” Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack announced in October 2023 that USDA would establish RAPP to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond markets such as China, Mexico and Canada, which account for nearly half of all current exports. In this round of funding, USDA is allocating $25 million specifically for Africa, which has the some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. For more information about RAPP and how to apply, click here. Applications are due on October 4, 2024. ###
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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