Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar Announce Over $20 Million in Federal Funding to Preserve Affordable Housing
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced over $20 million in federal funding for the Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) to preserve affordable housing in manufactured housing communities and support Tribal communities across the Upper Midwest. This funding, awarded through the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) grants, will ensure long-term housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, and community redevelopment for residents in historically underserved areas. The funding will support MHP’s D.R.E.A.M. Initiative (Driving Resilience, Equity, and Affordability through Manufactured Housing), benefiting six Resident-Owned Communities of manufactured housing in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as 28 Tribal communities across the Upper Midwest. “Without a safe, decent place to live, nothing else in your life works. Manufactured housing communities are a critical source of affordable homeownership for families, but they’ve been historically overlooked and under supported,” said Senator Smith. “This investment will help preserve affordable housing, strengthen infrastructure, and support a variety of communities in Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest. By ensuring long-term affordability, we’re giving people the stability, security, and opportunity they deserve.” “Safe and affordable housing is essential for families and the health of our communities, but right now, for far too many, the housing market is inaccessible,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This grant provides critical resources to improve long-term affordability, upgrade infrastructure, and expand access to quality housing where it’s needed the most.” “Manufactured housing is an essential component of our nation’s housing system, providing stability for over 22 million Americans,” said Anne Mavity, Executive Director of MHP. “MHP
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Provision Reconnecting Community to Area Around Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock to Be Signed into Law
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced her provision, written along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN05) to expand community access to land around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock, passed the Senate as part of the Water Resources Development Act and is expected to be signed into law. The provision directs the Army Corps of Engineers to minimize the space they use around the lock and dam as much as possible, while maintaining access for safety and maintenance purposes, to make room for the development of a public recreation space. Redevelopment for a recreational space is being led by Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, a Dakota-led non-profit. “Minnesotans value our lakes and rivers, and this provision recognizes that,” said Senator Smith. “This policy change is a key step to reopening the area around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam for the community to enjoy while ensuring the lock and dam infrastructure continues protecting Minneapolis’ water supply and protecting Lake Superior from invasive carp.” ###
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting Duluth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Duluth. These projects will make necessary infrastructure improvements to the historic Aerial Lift Bridge and bolster the city’s public safety by modernizing the Duluth Police Department’s automated 9-1-1 emergency response system. “This federal funding will have a real impact for Duluth. From helping revitalize the historic Aerial Lift Bridge to strengthening the city’s 9-1-1 emergency response system, this funding will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with Mayor Larson and other
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting the Twin Cities and Surrounding Areas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. These projects will help improve the region’s infrastructure, provide resources for law enforcement and other emergency responders, expand access to broadband, and increase workforce development opportunities. “This federal funding will have a real impact in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to broadband and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting Rochester and Southeast Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. These projects will help improve the region’s infrastructure, provide resources for law enforcement and other emergency responders, expand access to broadband, and increase workforce development opportunities. “This federal funding will have a real impact for Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to broadband and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with leaders from
Smith Leads Bipartisan Push for Further Investments in Global COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/11/22]—This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan group of Senators in urging Senate Leadership to support emergency supplemental resources for vaccine diplomacy, including support for State Department and USAID bilateral and multilateral efforts. In a letter Tuesday, Senator Smith and bipartisan group of eight Senators pressed Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to provide emergency supplemental aide for U.S. global vaccination efforts. The increased funding is needed to ensure that U.S. bilateral efforts are not halted short of the goal of supporting partner countries in rolling out immunizations. The
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