Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Access to Affordable Child Care in Luverne
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured more than $2.6 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to improve access to affordable child care in Luverne. Specifically, the resources will enable the renovation, construction, and furnishing of a new child care facility to serve families in Luverne and surrounding communities. “The struggle to find high-quality, affordable child care is a challenge for far too many parents in Luverne and across our state,” said Klobuchar. “By providing funding to build a new childcare facility, this project will help increase access to affordable child care in Luverne. I’m proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources.” “Access to childcare is a key component to giving parents the freedom to work while ensuring their children are safe and taken care of,” said Smith. “Too often, people in rural communities have to travel long distances to take their kids to childcare. This is an important project that is going to expand access for people living in Luverne by making 186 new spots available. I’m proud of the work we did with local leaders to make this possible.” The funding will transform an existing 30,000-square-foot facility into a childcare center for 186 children, including 24 infants, 42 toddlers, 60 preschoolers, and 60 school-age children. Klobuchar has long been a leader in the fight to secure affordable child care and help parents re-enter the workforce should they desire to. Klobuchar leads the bipartisan Child Care Workforce and Facilities
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Kellogg Bridge Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget to make infrastructure improvements to the Kellogg Bridge in St. Paul. These resources will replace the outdated, 80-year-old eastbound bridge, bolstering multi-modal safety and access. “By enabling the much-needed upgrade of the Kellogg Bridge, this project will help strengthen bridge safety and provide Minnesotans with safer and easier access to downtown St. Paul,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to push for this funding, and I know that these resources will make a real difference for so many St. Paul residents.” “This investment in the Eastbound Kellogg Bridge is vital to St. Paul’s lively downtown business district,” said Smith. “I am glad to see this federal funding being used for much needed repairs on a critical connecting piece to downtown St. Paul.” “Funding for the Eastbound Kellogg bridge and the North End Community Center will make a huge impact on our community,” said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. “I’m grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for securing this investment in the vitality of our city and region.” The reconstructed eastbound Kellogg Boulevard Bridge will connect downtown St. Paul and the east side neighborhood districts of Dayton’s Bluff and Mounds Par, providing residents with better access to economic opportunities. The new bridge will also create additional pedestrian and biking access, increase vehicle access points, and link downtown St. Paul to the regional transit system. Klobuchar and
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Supreme Court’s Latest Labor Union Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/27/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court released their 5-4 decision on the Janus labor union case. “I believe that workers have a fundamental right to join together to fight for fair wages and better working conditions,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m deeply disappointed in today’s Supreme Court decision to weaken this key protection for teachers, firefighters, nurses, and other public sector employees. We must now renew our commitment to fight against far-right, corporate-funded, special interests which backed this case—and continue to defend working families in Minnesota and across the country.” ###
Sen. Tina Smith on Supreme Court Justice Kennedy’s Retirement: “Pivotal Moment in Our Country”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/27/18]—Today, while delivering a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Tina Smith made the following statement on Justice Kennedy’s retirement announcement. You can access video of her remarks here. “This is a pivotal moment in our country. With Justice Kennedy’s retirement announcement today, the stakes have never been higher for making sure we choose a Supreme Court justice committed to the constitution and protecting the most fundamental rights of Americans—the right to vote, the ability to organize, a woman’s right to choose. And whomever replaces Justice Kennedy will no doubt have a say on issues that affect the
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Helps Pass Bipartisan Senate Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/28/18]—After taking a leading role in making sure Minnesota priorities are included in the 2018 Farm Bill as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) was proud to help pass the bipartisan legislation in the Senate today. The Senate Farm Bill includes measures authored and championed by Sen. Smith—her legislative roadmap for the energy title of the Farm Bill, her provision to expand access to much-needed broadband in rural communities and tribal areas across the country, and a provision to create a U.S. Department of Agriculture “Rural Health Liaison” who will work
Sen. Tina Smith in Senate Floor Speech: “Farm Bill Touches Lives of Virtually Every American”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/28/18]—Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee—urged her Senate colleagues to pass the bipartisan Farm Bill in order to provide more certainty to farmers, and to support jobs in Minnesota and across the country. You can download video of Sen. Smith’s speech here and access a copy of her remarks as prepared for delivery here. “The Farm Bill touches the lives of virtually every American, and it is vital to my state’s economy,” said Sen. Smith in her speech from the Senate floor. “This bill will provide important stability and predictability to Minnesota farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and
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