Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Rep. Michelle Fischbach Announce Grant for Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07) announced a grant from the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) for the expansion of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The cemetery serves more than 59,000 Veterans and their eligible family members and the $1,368,100 grant will fund 1,080 columbarium vaults, update landscaping, and improve irrigation. “It’s on all of us to remember fallen service members and to honor their memories,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will go towards upgrading the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls so families can continue to have a peaceful and dignified place to pay their respects.” “The servicemembers who make such enormous sacrifices for our country deserve our utmost respect,” said Senator Smith. “This grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs will make much-needed improvements to the final resting place for thousands of veterans from our state so they can rest with the honor they deserve.” “This grant is going to mean so much to the thousands of veterans and their families who are laid to rest or paying respects to loved ones in Little Falls,” said Rep. Fischbach. “We can never thank our veterans enough, but this is one small way to show our gratitude for the sacrifices so many have made for this nation.” Part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VCGP has provided more than $1 billion to establish, expand, improve, and maintain 122 state, territorial and tribal Veterans cemeteries since its inception in 1978. ###
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber, and Entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation Introduce Bill Naming Pengilly Post Office in Honor of First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) announced new legislation to rename the Pengilly Post Office after First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski, a Pengilly resident who was killed in action at age 25 during the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Koski was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and First Oak Leaf Cluster for battlefield valor. Pengilly resident Brian Walker, who was saved from drowning when he was a child by First Lieutenant Koski, worked with Klobuchar on the naming effort. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), along with Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), and Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski has long been admired in Pengilly for his heroic actions both before and during his military service,” said Klobuchar. “By naming the Pengilly Post Office in his honor, we are paying tribute to his sacrifice and keeping his memory alive for generations to come.” “Lieutenant Koski was an American hero who we are proud to call Minnesotan,” said Smith. “He is remembered by those who knew him as a man of bravery and decency and has been recognized for his selfless service in the Vietnam War. By naming the Pengilly Post Office after him, we hope this building will serve as a reminder of his service to Minnesota and the United States.” “First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski is an American
Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Smith Help Secure Major Grant for Rochester Bus Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/10/22]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) helped secure $4,339,344 in funding to improve Rochester bus stops by adding shelters and benches, and to build a new park and ride featuring a new bus passenger platform. The upgrades will enhance safety for riders, better accommodate transfers between buses and attract new riders. “Investing in public transit infrastructure reduces traffic and makes it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This critical funding will expand public transit service and boost efficiency in one of Minnesota’s fastest growing cities. I’ll keep
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Resources for Key Workforce, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Priorities for Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, includes major federal funding for local projects to strengthen communities in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Over $130 million will be designated for Minnesota projects, including efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, increase access to workforce development programs, provide resources and training for law enforcement, and support affordable, quality healthcare. “This federal funding will make a real difference in Minnesota communities. From strengthening transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure to increasing
Sen. Smith Praises Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve U.S. Postal Service
WASHINGTON [3.8.22] – Today, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) said that the passage of the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act–which she cosponsored–will ensure postal delivery standards are not cut and will help stabilize the long-troubled USPS budget, which in turn will mean reliable service for customers nationwide. The new law will ensure that six day delivery remains the nationwide standard. “The U.S. Postal Service is a vital public service, connecting Americans across the country no matter where they live,” said Sen. Smith. “People don’t just rely on the postal service for letters and catalogues; it’s how people get their medications, ballots,
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Funding to Boost Duluth Tourism Industry, Strengthen Shoreline Resiliency
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Economic Development Association (EDA) has awarded $5 million in CARES Act recovery assistance funding to boost the Duluth tourism industry by strengthening shoreline infrastructure. This funding will make shoreline infrastructure more resilient to storms and other weather disasters while allowing for greater access to waterfront services. The investment will specifically enable the reconstruction of a seawall behind the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). “This investment is a win-win — helping boost the tourism industry integral to Duluth’s economy while bolstering critical shoreline infrastructure,” said Klobuchar.
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