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. Senator Tina Smith, Evergreen Action & Data For Progress Highlight New Report Outlining How Congress Can Pass Clean Electricity Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/4/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—who has been a longtime leader in policymaking to support our clean energy economy—joined Evergreen Action and Data for Progress to launch a new report: A Roadmap to 100% Clean Electricity by 2035. Last Congress, Sen. Smith introduced legislation to establish a federal Clean Electricity Standard (CES) to achieve net-zero emissions in the electric sector by midcentury and this Congress she will push for the strongest CES that can get passed. Today, she joined experts from Evergreen and Data For Progress, as well as Dr. Leah Stokes, to discuss the report and their insights
U.S. Senator Tina Smith & U.S. Representative Angie Craig Call on Congressional Leaders to Include Expanded Definition of Dependent Children in Upcoming COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/4/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN 2) are urging Congressional leaders to include all dependents in economic payment proposals, which would make nearly 15 million dependents eligible to receive economic impact payments and go a long way in helping families weather the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In their letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA 12), Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA 23) and Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Smith and Rep. Craig called on the leaders to expand the definition of dependents to
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Senate Push to Ensure Stimulus Payments Reach Americans Experiencing Homelessness
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/4/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) led 28 of her Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on the Department of the Treasury to ensure Americans receive the relief they are entitled to, including those who are experiencing homelessness. Sen. Smith has been focused on this work since the spring of last year following earlier coronavirus (COVID-19) relief legislation. The bipartisan COVID-19 relief package enacted into law on December 27 of last year provided a round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult, and efforts are currently underway to provide additional direct payments in future relief legislation. Sen. Smith
U.S. Senators Tina Smith & Lisa Murkowski Introduce Two Bipartisan Bills to Expand Mental Health Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/2/21]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced two bipartisan bills to address behavioral health needs and substance use disorders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Stopping the Mental Health Pandemic Act would authorize federal grant funding for States, Tribes, Tribal organizations, and community-based entities to address behavioral health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would administer these grants for training, technology upgrades, surge capacity needs, emergency crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and outreach to underserved communities. U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-CA 45) introduced the House companion earlier this year.
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