Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Projects to Benefit Scott County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for projects to benefit Scott County and surrounding areas. These projects will invest in public trails, workforce development, and mental health services. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN). “From building a trail in Prior Lake to investing in workforce development in Shakopee, we worked with local leaders to secure resources for important community initiatives,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve career opportunities, mental health care, and public outdoor recreation for Scott County.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of Scott County,” said Smith. “From promoting economic development to supporting neighbors living with mental illness, these projects will help strengthen our communities.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured: Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Substance Use Treatment Program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $550,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget to implement the Stratis Health CIRCLE of Care program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties. The project is a substance use treatment program aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality for those with opioid use disorder (OUD). “The opioid epidemic has been hurting communities across Minnesota for far too long,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Stratis Health will have resources to expand proven treatment programs to additional counties to bolster access to treatment for those who are living with substance use disorder.” “Supporting mental health and substance use disorder services is essential—mental health is health, and we need to make sure more people get the care they need,” said Smith. “This funding will help people in Hubbard and Beltrami access life-saving substance use treatment.” Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months. ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Trump’s Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett for U.S. Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/26/20]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Americans need Supreme Court Justices who will protect the rights of all Americans, and deliver equal justice for all. Judge Barrett’s record opposing the Affordable Care Act and reproductive rights for women shows that she is not qualified to safeguard our constitutional rights and liberties as a member of our nation’s highest court. It is for those reasons that I will oppose the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.”
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: USDA Shortchanged MN Farmers When Distributing Billions to Compensate for President’s Damaging Trade War
Washington, DC [09/15/2020]– U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said findings from a newly released investigation by the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Trump Administration shortchanged farmers in Minnesota and several other states outside of the South when it distributed billions of dollars in aid to partially compensate producers for the significant losses they suffered under the President’s damaging trade wars. Senator Smith said the report, released Monday, found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) not only funneled more money to farmers in southern states, but also favored large operations over
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce $929 Million Grant for Southwest Light Rail
Washington, DC [09/14/2020]–Today Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced a $928.8 million Federal Transit Administration grant for the Southwest Light Rail. Once completed, the 14.5-mile, 16-station extension of the METRO Green Line will connect downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, serving residents in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, nearby Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. The $2.003 billion project will be the largest public infrastructure project in the state’s history. The Senators said the project will provide a significant economic boost to the region, both during construction when it creates jobs, as well as afterward when it will carry thousands of passengers to work, shopping and other venues
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Working to Provide Relief to Northwest Angle Businesses
Washington, DC [09/11/2020]– Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced legislation to provide relief to Minnesota businesses in the Northwest Angle that are hurting due to coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions between the United States and Canada. The Remote Recreational Small Business Interruption Program Act would provide forgivable loans to small businesses in exclaves of the contiguous United States near the Canadian border. In order to safely reach the Northwest Angle, Americans must travel through Canadian territory by automobile at a border crossing. The alternative is a 40 mile boat trip across Lake of the Woods. Sens. Smith and Senator Klobuchar have urged cooperation between the U.S. and Canadian governments to find solutions to
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