Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Demand Answers from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for Cook County Postal Delays
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are demanding answers from U. S. Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy after several Minnesotans in Cook County reported not receiving mail delivery since last year. Residents were also turned away from local post offices when attempting to retrieve undelivered mail. Minnesota-North Dakota District leadership reportedly didn’t know of the issue until Senator Smith inquired on January 8. On December 19, USPS staff assured the Senators that service in Minnesota was stable – a claim that is contradicted by the Cook County problems. The Senators are demanding answers on steps USPS plans to take to rectify the issue and prevent it from happening again. “We are deeply concerned by reports from residents that mail has not been delivered since last year. Minnesotans rely on the Postal Service for essential needs like medications, Social Security benefits, and paychecks. This disruption is unacceptable and must be resolved immediately and steps taken to prevent similar issues,” wrote the Senators. “… We appreciate the hard work of postal workers in Minnesota who serve their communities despite the pressures of staffing shortages, weather events, and ever-growing parcel volumes. But without accountable, honest leadership, they struggle to do their jobs,” they continued. “Like all communities, Minnesota’s North Shore relies on the Postal Service as an essential public service. We urge you to not only address this failure, but to work to prevent these repeated issues from occurring again,” wrote the Senators. The Senators requested answers to the following questions no later than January 16, 2025. You can read the full letter to
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Reconstruct Trunk Highway 19 in Northfield
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured over $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve Trunk Highway (TH) 19 in Northfield. The resources, provided through the USDOT’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, will widen TH 19 from two lanes to three between Decker Ave and Union Pacific Railroad. Improvements will also include a new roundabout at Armstrong Rd, better pedestrian walkways and crossings, and a new snow fence at Decker Ave. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Highway 19 is an important route into Northfield from I-35, passing significant locations such as St. Olaf and Carleton College. This infrastructure project will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure, like highways, that connect people with opportunities all across the state,” said Smith. “This grant is the first step to improving Highway 19 to best serve the Northfield area.” The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program provides communities across the country with funding for local projects that improve and expand surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas and bolster connectivity, safety, and reliability. The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides resources for improving roads, bridges, public transportation, water infrastructure, and broadband in Minnesota and across the
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Local Projects Benefiting Brainerd and Little Falls
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) federal budget for local projects benefiting Brainerd and Little Falls. These projects will support the construction of a new dining facility at the Minnesota National Guard’s Camp Ripley training facility and increase access to affordable child care. “From facility improvements at a key National Guard training center to expanding access to affordable child care, these projects will help address issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with local leaders
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Local Projects Benefiting Iron Range
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting communities on the Iron Range. These projects will help strengthen emergency services infrastructure, expand access to affordable child care, and enable key infrastructure improvements. “This federal funding will have a real impact for communities across the Iron Range. From investing in emergency response services and improving water infrastructure to increasing access to affordable child care, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with leaders from across
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding For Projects Benefiting Moorhead and Surrounding Areas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 federal budget to support local projects benefiting Moorhead and surrounding areas. These projects will help boost entrepreneurship, mitigate flooding in the Red River, increase access to affordable child care and expand economic opportunities for veterans, servicemembers and their families. “From support for small businesses and flood prevention infrastructure in the Red River Valley to increasing affordable child care access and providing career pathways for veterans and service members, these projects will help address key issues
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting Twin Cities and Surrounding Areas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 federal budget to support local projects benefiting the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. These projects will bolster the region’s infrastructure, help expand health care access and upgrade health care facilities, address affordable housing needs, and improve public safety. “From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to health care and affordable housing, these projects will help address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure