Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Tribal Leaders Announce Tribal Public Safety Projects
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, announced funding for seven public safety initiatives for four Minnesota Tribes. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation received federal funding ranging between $450,000 and $900,000 for various Tribal programs aimed at increasing Tribal capacity to respond to violent crime, opioid abuse, and assist victims. Projects will be tailored to each Tribe’s unique needs, from expanding Tribal Courts’ capacities for home visits and supervision, to hiring staff to investigate child abuse and neglect cases, to onboarding personnel who coordinate resources to help those dealing with opioid addiction. Tribal leadership in Minnesota have long advocated for greater federal assistance for Tribal public safety efforts to respond to the opioid epidemic and violent crime. “Tribal leaders have been consistently clear that they need more support from the federal government to combat the opioid epidemic and prosecute crimes on their lands, and we have a trust responsibility to assist Tribal governments to keep their people safe,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Tribes know best how to reduce crime and substance abuse on their lands. These grants are directly supporting Tribally-driven solutions to these challenges.” “This grant is crucial in enhancing our ability to respond to the opioid epidemic. By bringing on additional staff, we will improve our efforts to connect those affected by addiction with the resources they need for recovery. Our goal is to reduce
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Staples Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Staples Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $838,242 to construct a new 9,600 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Staples Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Wadena County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Staples Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards building an aircraft storage facility to ensure all planes are safely stored and secured.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Boost Manufacturing and Transportation Workforce in Southern Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured more than $1.9 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget to boost the manufacturing and transportation workforce in Southern Minnesota. Specifically, these resources will support Riverland Community College’s Workforce Development Learn and Earn scholarship program. This initiative enables students to participate in manufacturing and transportation programs to prepare them for careers as high-skilled technicians. “Our manufacturing and transportation sectors are key to the economic success of communities across Southern Minnesota. By allowing more people to enroll in Riverland Community College’s
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Access to Affordable Child Care in Luverne
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured more than $2.6 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to improve access to affordable child care in Luverne. Specifically, the resources will enable the renovation, construction, and furnishing of a new child care facility to serve families in Luverne and surrounding communities. “The struggle to find high-quality, affordable child care is a challenge for far too many parents in Luverne and across our state,” said Klobuchar. “By providing funding to build a new childcare facility, this project will help increase access to affordable
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Kellogg Bridge Infrastructure Improvements
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 2023 federal budget to make infrastructure improvements to the Kellogg Bridge in St. Paul. These resources will replace the outdated, 80-year-old eastbound bridge, bolstering multi-modal safety and access. “By enabling the much-needed upgrade of the Kellogg Bridge, this project will help strengthen bridge safety and provide Minnesotans with safer and easier access to downtown St. Paul,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to push for this funding, and I know that these resources will
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Rural Health Care Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON [01/06/23] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, announced that their bipartisan bill to improve rural health care was signed into law by President Biden. The State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) Reauthorization Act of 2022 will reauthorize a key program that supports health facilities in rural areas across the country. “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and community leaders in greater Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Smith. “This bipartisan legislation will help make sure State Offices of Rural Health
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