Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Jim Banks Introduce New Bipartisan Youth Suicide Prevention Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention (RAYS) Act, requiring middle and high schools to include mental health and suicide prevention information on student identification cards and school websites. The hotline and text line has been used nearly 20 million times since it was created in 2022. “We can’t afford to leave holes in the safety net we’ve built to catch people when they’re going through hard times or struggling with their mental health. That’s why we created the 988 hotline in the first place. Now, we need to make sure everyone, especially young people, know that resources are available to them when they need it,” said Senator Smith. “This is a common-sense idea to help those facing mental health challenges. It tells them that they are not alone and help is out there.” “It is unacceptable that suicide is the leading cause of death for Americans under 21. This legislation will expand access to vital resources and help save lives,” said Senator Banks. The RAYS Act would require secondary education institutions to provide contact information for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a state or local suicide prevention hotline selected by the school, if available, on the back of all student ID cards. If a school cannot meet this requirement because it does not distribute physical student ID cards, cost is a barrier, or some other administrative burden,
Senators Mullin, Smith Introduce the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Promoting Regulatory Independence, Mastery, and Expansion for Meat Processing in Indian Country Act, also known as the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act. This bill will support tribal meat processing operations by establishing self-governance authority for the inspection of tribal meat processing facilities. This authority would keep processing local and available and facilities running smoothly and safely. “Food sovereignty for our Tribal nations and businesses throughout Indian Country is critically important. The limitations of federal resources should not impact their growth,” said Senator Mullin. “Oklahoma is home to four of the twelve Tribal meat processing facilities in the United States. Given their operation in rural areas, these facilities are often booked for months, or even years in advance, leaving few processing options for Tribal producers. Common sense updates to current procedure will help Tribes expand production, capacity, and support a reliable food supply in their communities.” “Making Indigenous foods more accessible improves the health and economic well-being of Tribal communities,” said Senator Smith. “Though Tribal Nations in Minnesota have significantly grown their buffalo herds in recent years, it’s very difficult to access meat processing near Tribal lands. This bipartisan bill would support Tribal meat processing by authorizing Tribal inspectors to take on the responsibilities of federal inspectors. This is an efficient use of federal funds that recognizes Tribal governments’ rights to self-governance and self-determination.” “The InterTribal Buffalo Council, is a coalition of 89
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Staples Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Staples Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $838,242 to construct a new 9,600 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Staples Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Wadena County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Staples
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Rush City Regional Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Rush City Regional Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $1,729,897 to reconstruct 4,400 feet of Taxiway A pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. “Rush City Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Chisago County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mora Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mora Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $210,780 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include rebuilding and updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 4,794 feet of paved runway which has met the end of its useful life. “Mora Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Kanabec County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Falls International Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Falls International Airport located in International Falls, MN. for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $3,635,242 to reconstruct 19,400 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement, shift Taxiway C1 by 50 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, and reconstruct 220 feet of Taxiway B1 pavement. “Falls International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota, Canada, and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving
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