Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Press Postmaster General Louis DeJoy About Minnesota Mail Delays
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) sent a letter pressing Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for answers on recent mail delays across Minnesota, particularly in the Rochester area. The follow-up comes after both Senators led the entire Minnesota and North Dakota Congressional delegations in a bipartisan letter pressing the Postmaster General to improve service following an Inspector General report. That report found nearly 130,858 missing or delayed pieces of mail at six post offices over the course of only two days. “Letter carriers, especially in rural areas, work extremely hard to make deliveries on time, especially around the holidays. But without support from district management and the Postmaster General in Washington, their jobs go from difficult to nearly impossible,” said Senator Smith. “These new reports only confirm what we’ve already been hearing, which is that USPS leadership is not doing enough to support their workers and deliver mail on time. The Postmaster General needs to take accountability for service issues and do something about it.” “Minnesotans rely on the Postal Service to deliver their prescriptions, Social Security checks, and more, and they need and deserve timely service,” said Senator Klobuchar. “We have heard reports of mail being delayed for four days or more in Rochester. That’s why Sen. Smith and I are calling on Postmaster General Dejoy to address these issues, ensuring that Rochester and the rest of Minnesota’s residents receive reliable service.” You can read the full letter to the Postmaster General here. Senators Smith and Klobuchar requested the audit of the Minnesota-North
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce 130 New Clean Energy Projects for Rural Minnesotans
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced nearly 130 new clean energy projects across rural Minnesota. The $15.6 million investment will save farms and rural small businesses nearly $18.4 million on their energy bills per year while simultaneously reducing harmful carbon emissions. A full breakdown of the awards and projected savings can be found below. “The clean energy transition is happening; the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” said Senator Smith. “But as we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits, including small towns and rural communities. That’s one reason why projects funded by the Rural Energy for America Program are so important. These investments will help farmers and business owners save money and improve their bottom lines while reducing harmful carbon emissions.” “Investing in long-term energy is a win-win for rural customers and businesses,” said Senator Klobuchar.“With this federal funding, we’re taking a big step toward deploying new energy technologies to power rural communities across Minnesota for decades to come.” This year alone, Minnesota has seen over 380 clean energy projects on farms and in rural communities thanks to the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP). Senator Smith championed and strengthened REAP in the Inflation Reduction Act, which both Senators supported. The funding is specifically set aside for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable, clean energy systems, or to make their operations more energy efficient. Example projects include installing energy efficient grain dryers, LED lighting and
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding to Help Servicemembers and Veterans Pursue Education at Alexandria Technical and Community College
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $1.1 million in federal funding to help military servicemembers and veterans pursue their education at Alexandria Technical & Community College. This funding will go towards launching a pilot platform for a Global Military Learning Network, which will award credits for military learning and occupational experiences, streamline military admissions processes, develop a secure military-friendly enrollment portal, eliminate the cost of remedial coursework, and increase the number of military graduates available to meet workforce needs. “This federal funding makes an important investment in our state’s veterans
Sen. Tina Smith Receives First Annual Climate Change-Maker Award
WASHINGTON [3.23.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after receiving and accepting the first annual “Climate Change-Maker” award for her leadership in pushing for urgent federal investments to address climate change, build a clean energy economy, and spur economic development. “If we continue business as usual, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster,” said Senator Smith. “Yet this crisis also presents enormous opportunities to grow our economy, improve public health, address environmental injustices, and pass on a livable planet to our children and grandchildren. A clean energy future is coming, the
Senators Smith, Ernst Call for National Women in Agriculture Day
WASHINGTON – During Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)—both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee—are calling for this upcoming Thursday, March 24, to be designated as “National Women in Agriculture Day,” honoring “the countless women who help agriculture prosper both at home and abroad.” The senators are introducing a bipartisan resolution that has the support of 55 fellow senators. “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Senator Smith. “Women have always played an essential role in this sector, and I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to set
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith Secures Significant Federal Funding to Build Rapid Transit Line in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that she has secured $5 million in federal funding to help build the E Line Bus Rapid Transit Line. “This project will help expand the transit system in Minneapolis with another fast, affordable way to get around the city,” said Senator Smith. “Transit projects like this one are a win for the local economy, help reduce traffic congestion, and are good for the environment. I’m proud of our work to secure these resources and directly improve the lives of Minnesotans.” The E Line Bus Rapid Transit Line will provide fast and reliable
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