Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Investment for SkyWater Technology’s Bloomington Manufacturing Facility
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that SkyWater Technology will receive up to $16 million in federal funding as part of the CHIPS and Science Act to upgrade their facility, increasing overall production capacity by approximately 30 percent. “If we want to continue leading the global economy, we must be a country that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world. This significant investment in SkyWater Technology will transform domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with SkyWater Technology to secure the resources needed to ensure Minnesota remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This is good for our state’s workers and businesses.” “Modern life depends on semiconductor chips. Whether it’s your car, your coffeemaker, your medical devices, or the equipment that our National Guard members rely on,” said Senator Smith. “This investment in SkyWater will make sure these chips aren’t just made in America, it’ll make sure they’re made right here in Minnesota.” This federal funding will invest in cutting-edge technology to modernize and expand SkyWater’s Bloomington facility, improve its cybersecurity by upgrading its IT systems, and create new jobs in high-demand fields like engineering and manufacturing. Klobuchar and Smith voted to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and boost American competitiveness and innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act is providing significant resources to: In June 2023, Klobuchar hosted a roundtable discussion and press conference at Normandale Community College in Bloomington
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate U.S. Trade Mission to Morocco
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) applauded that Minnesotan exporters are participating in a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, ending today. Morocco is the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year. Representatives from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Lamex Foods of Bloomington, Merus LLC of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association of Mankato, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are currently in Morocco to expand U.S. farm and food exports to their market and other West African markets. They are joined by representatives from nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture nationwide. “Minnesota’s participation in this trade mission to Morocco underscores our state’s commitment to expanding our agricultural exports and forging strong international partnerships,” said Klobuchar. “By connecting Minnesota agricultural producers with new buyers in Morocco and across West Africa, this mission will create opportunities to expand markets, strengthen our state’s economy, and support the farmers and businesses that keep Minnesota at the forefront of agriculture.” “Agricultural exports support farming in Minnesota and provide economic benefits to the state,” said Senator Smith. “This trade mission to Morocco is a great opportunity for Minnesota agribusinesses to cultivate new markets for their agriculture products.” Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding agricultural market access globally. Earlier this year, she celebrated a USDA trade mission to Colombia, which Lamex Foods participated in. In April 2024, she
Klobuchar, Smith Introduce Legislation to Support Volunteer Drivers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to support volunteer drivers. The Volunteer Driver Tax Parity Act would lower the financial burden that volunteer drivers face by increasing the charitable mileage tax reimbursement rate for drivers from $0.14 to $0.625 per mile for a two-year period. “Volunteer drivers are vital to rural communities across our state, helping seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and others access important necessities such as meals and health care,” said Klobuchar. “By increasing the charitable mileage tax reimbursement rate, this legislation will help alleviate the financial challenges that many volunteer
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Duluth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24.9 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements in Duluth. Specifically, the grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will revitalize a two-mile section of West Superior Street by replacing outdated utilities systems, expanding broadband connectivity, and building electrical vehicle charging stations. “Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will make a real difference for communities in Duluth, enabling critical infrastructure improvements that will strengthen downtown,
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Plymouth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements in Plymouth. Specifically, the grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will allow the City of Plymouth to improve road safety and accessibility around a stretch of Highway 55, strengthening connectivity between Plymouth and the Twin Cities. “Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help make the roads safer and more accessible in my hometown of Plymouth,
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Reconstruct Highway 197 in Bemidji
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million in federal funding to reconstruct Highway 197. Specifically, the grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will help enable critical safety and mobility improvements to the highway. “Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help make critical infrastructure improvements that will bolster the safety and mobility of one of Bemidji’s busiest routes, making it easier for Minnesotans to access work, school, and other
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