Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Willmar Air Medical Transportation Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $1,500,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for infrastructure improvements for Life Link III’s Willmar base. Life Link III is a hospital owned nonprofit organization representing 10 major health systems providing critical care and specialized air medical transportation. “In emergency situations, every second counts and air medical transportation networks are important resources for first responders to deliver quick assistance in hard-to-reach areas,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Life Link III will be able to make infrastructure improvements to its Willmar base to bolster its ability to service the area.” “Life Link III has played a critical role in helping Minnesotans experiencing emergencies,” said Smith. “The infrastructure improvements from this funding will help meet necessary safety standards and ensure that patients receive high quality emergency medical care when they need it.” 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 New Child Care Center in Warroad
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $322,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for a new child care center in Warroad. This project will bring a high-quality, sustainable child care option to Northern Minnesota and will be built adjacent to the Warroad Senior Living Center, enabling intergenerational care. “For far too many parents, the struggle to find high-quality, affordable child care is a barrier to reentering the workforce. This project will address a key issue that impacts working families every day. With the federal grant we secured, Warroad is one step closer to opening the new child care facility,” said Klobuchar. “Access to childcare is essential, both for the safe and healthy development of our kids, and because it allows parents the freedom to pursue their careers and contribute to the economy,” said Smith. “But right now, childcare is too expensive and inaccessible for many families. I am proud to be a part of this effort to bring affordable and accessible childcare to Northern Minnesota.” 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. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Press to Fully Fund Special Education and High-Needs Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/17/21]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) are once again pressing for increased investment in special education and high-need schools by helping reintroduce the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act. This legislation—led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)—would put Congress on a fiscally-responsible path to fully fund special education services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I on a mandatory basis. “When we invest in education, we’re investing in the next generation of Minnesotans,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “It is critical to ensure that our state receives full federal education funding — anything less shortchanges Minnesota’s students. I’ll continue working to secure the special education
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Roger Wicker Propose Bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program Fix for Rural Hospitals
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/16/21]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced their bipartisan PPP Access for Rural Hospitals Act, which would waive the Small Business Administration (SBA) affiliation rules for non-profit critical access hospitals and hospitals that serve rural areas so that they may qualify for PPP loans. Granting smaller non-profit and rural hospitals access to the PPP program would allow facilities to retain critical staff and focus their resources on providing quality care to patients for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. “Rural hospitals are vital to public health – they’re economic engines for communities in Minnesota and
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce $22M Federal Investment in Minnesota to Support Vaccine Distribution, Cover Cost of Ventilators
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/16/21]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded two grants that total more than $22 million to the Minnesota Department of Health. A $15 million grant will support efforts to distribute and administer the COVID-19 vaccine at 10 vaccination centers across Minnesota. A $7,397,990.26 grant will help cover the cost of ventilators and ventilator accessories purchased during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. “This federal funding to support vaccine distribution and help cover the cost of ventilators is vital as we work to fight this pandemic and lessen the financial burden on our state budget,” said Sen.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Voting to Convict Former President Donald Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/13/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement: “The facts and the evidence were overwhelming—former President Donald Trump lied for months to his supporters, summoned them to Washington, and incited a violent insurrection against our government and our democracy,” said Sen. Smith. “I voted to convict because no reasonable person could believe this would have happened without his betrayal.”
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