Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Patty Murray, Representatives Friedman, Williams and Pappas Introduce New Legislation to Restore Federal Funding to Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, a bicameral bill that repeals President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) provision that bans Medicaid reimbursements for health services provided at Planned Parenthood clinics. The OBBB provision has already put nearly 200 Planned Parenthood clinics at risk of closure, endangering access to health care for more than two million patients across the country. Identical legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30), Chris Pappas (NH-1) and Nikema Williams (GA-5). “I worked at Planned Parenthood. I saw how controlling your own health care allows you to make the best decisions about the course of your life – your education, your work and your family,” said Senator Smith.“Planned Parenthood offers so much more than abortion services. In many communities it is the only clinic to provide cancer screenings, birth control, and STI screening. This bill takes a critical step to restore Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, to ensure these clinics are equipped with the resources they need to provide essential health care, and to give patients back the right to choose their health care provider.” “Planned Parenthood is a cornerstone of healthcare in communities all across our nation and it’s under direct attack. This bill will reverse a cruel, politically motivated ban on Medicaid payments that’s jeopardizing access to not just reproductive healthcare, but cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and more,” said Representative Laura Friedman. “We’re fighting to ensure
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth Remaining Open and Operational
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement on the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth remaining open and operational: “Reversing the decision to close the Duluth Prison Camp is a major victory for the workers, families, and community that have fought to keep these good-paying, union jobs in the region,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “These employees are essential to the local economy and have deep roots in Duluth. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and shouldn’t have been forced to choose between their careers and their community. I pushed hard to reverse this decision, working closely with local leaders, labor partners, and the Bureau of Prisons to keep these jobs in Duluth. I was glad to stand with them every step of the way, and I’ll continue working to ensure federal decisions are made with workers and communities at the center.”
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $250,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester’s Off-site Program Expansion project. This expansion will double the number of K-12 students served by the Rochester Boys & Girls Club. “Nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester offer important resources for kids to improve their academics and lead healthy lives,” said Klobuchar. “With the resources we secured, the Boys & Girls Club will be able to fund their expansion project to meet the needs of the
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Projects to Benefit Scott 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 to benefit Scott County and surrounding areas. These projects will invest in public trails, workforce development, and mental health services. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN). “From building a trail in Prior Lake to investing in workforce development in Shakopee, we worked with local leaders to secure resources for important community initiatives,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve career opportunities, mental health care, and public outdoor recreation
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Substance Use Treatment Program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $550,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget to implement the Stratis Health CIRCLE of Care program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties. The project is a substance use treatment program aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality for those with opioid use disorder (OUD). “The opioid epidemic has been hurting communities across Minnesota for far too long,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Stratis Health will have resources to expand proven treatment programs to additional counties to bolster access to treatment for those who are living with
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Infrastructure and Housing Improvement Projects in Red Wing
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 Red Wing. These projects will help support Sorin’s Bluff Reservoir and the Red Wing Hill Street Triplex Project. “These projects will improve critical water infrastructure and housing options for communities in Red Wing,” said Klobuchar. “With this federal funding, these projects will have the resources to move forward.” “Without a safe place to live – including clean drinking water – nothing in your life works,” said Smith. “These investments in Red Wing will directly benefit the
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