Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects in Le Sueur 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 benefiting Le Sueur County. These projects will help support the Le Sueur County Broadband Initiative, the Le Sueur Water Treatment Facility, and the implementation of a Records Management System, Computer Aided Dispatch, and Jail Management Software Program in the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office. Last month, Klobuchar met with Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett Mason and other county officials to discuss the technology upgrades for the Sheriff’s Office. “From expanding access to broadband to bolstering law enforcement, these projects will make a big difference in Le Sueur County,” said Klobuchar. “We worked with local leaders to secure these resources and move the projects forward.” “From building out affordable and accessible broadband access, to ensuring our water is clean and safe, and keeping our local law enforcement offices up-to-date, the funding heading to Le Sueur County is going to have a real, substantive impact in people’s lives,” said Smith. “These are exactly the type of projects the federal government should be a partner in and I’m proud of the work we did with local leaders to make it possible.” 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
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Willmar Air Medical Transportation Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $1,500,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for infrastructure improvements for Life Link III’s Willmar base. Life Link III is a hospital owned nonprofit organization representing 10 major health systems providing critical care and specialized air medical transportation. “In emergency situations, every second counts and air medical transportation networks are important resources for first responders to deliver quick assistance in hard-to-reach areas,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Life Link III will be able to make infrastructure improvements to its Willmar base to bolster its ability to service the area.” “Life Link III has played a critical role in helping Minnesotans experiencing emergencies,” said Smith. “The infrastructure improvements from this funding will help meet necessary safety standards and ensure that patients receive high quality emergency medical care when they need it.” 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 Continues Fight to Make COVID-19 Vaccine Free
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/4/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) continued her fight to protect all Americans, regardless of their insurance status, from out-of-pocket charges for their coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine by urging Senate and House leaders to prioritize this effort while negotiating the next COVID-19 relief package. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Sen. Smith said that eliminating cost barriers is necessary to deliver vaccines as equitably as possible and prevent further exacerbating health disparities. “Ever since the launch of Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a public-private partnership
U.S. Senators Tina Smith & Thom Tillis, U.S. Representative Grace Meng Lead Bipartisan Push to Support Health Care for Veterans Exposed to Radiation
WASHINGTON, D.C. [3/3/21]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY 6), reintroduced their bipartisan bill in the Senate and the House to secure health care benefits for “Atomic Veterans” who were exposed to harmful radiation when they cleaned up nuclear testing sites during the late 1970s. The Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act would allow veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll on the Marshall Islands to receive the same health care and benefits given to other servicemembers who were involved in active nuclear tests. From 1946 to 1958, the U.S. military conducted more than 40
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester Continue Fight to Prepare Public Facilities for Future Emergencies
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/3/21]—As the country continues to confront the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) reintroduced legislation to make public facilities both better prepared for future emergencies and more energy efficient. The Open Back Better Act would provide stimulus funding for energy efficiency and resiliency retrofit projects—such as improving safety and air quality—in schools, medical facilities, government buildings, education institutions, libraries and more. Sen. Smith and Rep. Rochester said their legislation promotes environmental justice by prioritizing infrastructure improvements in communities of color and low-income areas hit hardest by COVID-19. “COVID-19 has exposed the
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Named Chair of Housing, Transportation & Community Development Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, D.C. [3/2/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that she has been named Chair of a key Senate Banking Subcommittee that oversees important aspects of the nation’s housing, transportation and community development policies. Sen Smith said Tuesday that besides being tapped to lead the Housing, Transportation and Community Development Subcommittee, she will also serve on Securities, Insurance and Investment Subcommittee, and the Economic Policy Subcommittee, as part of serving on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. “We need to stand up for consumers, improve access to public transportation, work to ensure fair access to financial services for
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