Latest Releases
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 substance use disorder.” “Supporting mental health and substance use disorder services is essential—mental health is health, and we need to make sure more people get the care they need,” said Smith. “This funding will help people in Hubbard and Beltrami access life-saving substance use treatment.” 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. ###
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 community and improve public health by making housing safer and protecting access to clean drinking water.” 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 with leaders from across the state. Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months. ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Lauds President Biden’s Bold Action to Address Climate Risk to the Financial System
WASHINGTON, D.C. [5/20/21]—This afternoon, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement in response to President Biden signing an executive order addressing climate-related financial risks. Among other things, the order directed the Department of Labor to review harmful limits imposed by the Trump Administration that prevented the consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors by workplace retirement plans. “I’m pleased to see President Biden is taking bold action to address climate risk to the financial system. It’s critical that financial regulators and the federal budget take into account the risks of climate change. In addition, I’m especially glad
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Continues Fight to Improve Mental Health Services for Students
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/27/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) continued her fight to improve mental health services for students by reintroducing legislation to strengthen school-based mental health services for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Mental Health Services for Students Act would help schools partner with local mental health providers to establish on-site mental health services for students. It would also provide training for school personnel on how to recognize, assist and refer students who may need mental health support. Sen. Smith—a member of the Senate Health and Education Committee—said that schools are an ideal setting to identify students who need mental health services and quickly connect them to help. These
Klobuchar, Smith, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Extend Tribal Broadband Application Deadline
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) joined 13 colleagues in reintroducing the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act to expand the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. This legislation will help Tribal nations apply for spectrum licenses for unassigned spectrum over their own lands – a critical step to expanding broadband access in their communities. “In 2021, every family in America should have access to high-speed internet, regardless of their zip code,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation is key to eliminating barriers to broadband access for Native communities — an important step forward as we work to bridge
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bill to Increase Mental Health Coverage
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/26/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced legislation—along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)—to expand access to mental health services for low-income families and children, the elderly and people living with disabilities. The Medicaid Bump Act would increase the federal reimbursement rate for mental and behavioral health care services under Medicaid. A House companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20) and David Trone (D-MD-6). Right now, behavioral health providers—including adolescent and pediatric specialists—are often reimbursed by Medicaid at low rates. Furthermore, there is a shortage of behavioral health providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. These barriers contribute to inequities in access to mental and behavioral health care services
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