Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Announce New Federal Funding to Increase Access to Biofuels
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced significant federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to install E15 dispensers at fueling stations located in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota to increase the availability of domestic biofuels and give drivers cleaner, more affordable fuel options. Gas stations and distribution facilities in Alexandria, Annandale, Belgrade, Crookston, Hoffman, Moorhead, Paynesville, and Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, will receive funding. The Department is making the awards through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which was made possible with funding from Klobuchar and Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, which was included as part of a larger legislative package in 2022. “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports farmers, and cuts costs for families,” said Klobuchar. “My bill with Senator Ernst, the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, unlocked this funding to help bring affordable biofuels to more local gas stations and help drivers save money.” “Biofuels offer us a clean, renewable, and homegrown pathway to transition away from fossil fuels,” said Smith. “Minnesota is already a leader in biofuels production, and this investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will further spur an industry that America relies on for energy independence, drivers rely on for lower gas prices, and farmers rely on for new streams of income. We’re reducing harmful emissions while creating more economic opportunity in rural areas.”These grants will reduce out-of-pocket costs for transportation fueling and distribution facilities to install and upgrade biofuel-related infrastructure
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Governor Tim Walz Announce Major Federal Funding for Reconstruction of the Blatnik Bridge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Governor Tim Walz (D) announced a $1.05 billion federal grant to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which connects Duluth to Superior. The Blatnik Bridge opened in 1961 and has reached the end of its useful life. Bridge users experience lane closures and other disruptions multiple times each year due to inspections and maintenance work. This new bridge will be safer and boost the regional economy, as the Blatnik Bridge is integral to helping transport Minnesota goods for export to global markets. “For over 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has connected commuters, businesses, and communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but it’s in serious need of a replacement,” said Klobuchar. “The significant federal grant we secured for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project will bolster safety and reliability for the thousands of people who use this bridge every day.” “The Blatnik Bridge is not only an essential connector for commuters in the Upper Midwest region—our national economy depends on this Bridge to deliver goods and services and for proper functioning of national supply chains,” said Smith. “Without this funding, the Blatnik Bridge would soon become unsafe, and thanks to President Biden and Minnesota Democrats in Congress, we finally have the necessary resources to make the bridge safer, more reliable, and more efficient.” “This is big news for Minnesota. This investment will make it possible for Minnesota and Wisconsin to rebuild a critical connection between our states that will foster regional economic growth, strengthen our national supply
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Susan Collins Introduce Bipartisan Wind Energy Research and Development Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/24/19]—This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced bipartisan legislation that would increase investment in clean, renewable wind energy. Their legislation, called the Wind Energy Research and Development Act, would renew and expand the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Wind Energy and award competitive grants to improve the energy efficiency, reliability and capacity of wind energy generation. The wind energy sector supports more than 114,000 American jobs and provides more than $1 billion in revenue each year for states and local communities. Sens. Smith and Collins say that federal support for wind research and
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bill to Improve Mental and Physical Health Outcomes for Seniors
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/23/19]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced legislation to address the negative mental and physical health effects—and the economic consequences—of social isolation among seniors. More than 8 million older Americans experience social isolation, and nearly half of older adults feel isolated, alone, or left out. Socially isolated seniors face a 29 percent increased risk of mortality. And when it comes to federal Medicare spending, it’s $134 more per person per month for every socially isolated older adult. This is compared to Medicare spending on chronic conditions. Sen. Smith’s Older Americans Social Isolation and Loneliness Prevention Act calls for revising the Older Americans Act (OAA)
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Representative Angie Craig Introduce 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/23/19]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN 2) introduced companion bills in the Senate and House to help Minnesotans secure careers in high-demand fields by fueling workforce training partnerships between schools and local businesses. Smith and Craig said that everybody, whether they attend a four-year college or pursue a trade, should be able to find a good-paying career. The 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act—which is supported by Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nv.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in the Senate—addresses a major need in the modern economy: hands-on training to prepare students for the high-skill jobs of today, while also
U.S. Sens. Klobuchar, Smith & U.S. Reps. Peterson, Stauber: Over $350k in Infrastructure and IT Investments Awarded to 3 Tribal Colleges in Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/17/2019]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with U.S. Representatives Collin Peterson (D-MN 7) and Pete Stauber (R-MN 8), lauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for awarding over $350,000 to three tribal colleges in Minnesota—Leech Lake Tribal College, Red Lake Nation College and White Earth Tribal and Community College—for infrastructure improvements. “These rural development investments for Red Lake Nation College, White Earth Nation College, and Leech Lake Tribal College will help students gain access to the best possible options to advance their education,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Minnesotans have a long tradition of honoring our tribal communities, yet we still have work to do
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