Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Infrastructure Grants for Indian Country in Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced two grants for Tribal communities in Minnesota to make several sections of highway safer and more accessible for travelers. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses everywhere–including in Tribal communities like Lower Sioux Indian Community and Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “These infrastructure projects will create good jobs, support new businesses, and make traveling safer for drivers and pedestrians.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in vital infrastructure, like highways, that connect people with opportunities all across the state,” said Sen. Smith. “This federal grant will help improve safety on County State Aid Highway 2 and Minnesota State Highway 1, so that members of Lower Sioux and Red Lake Nation can get where they need to go safely. It’s great to see this significant federal investment and I’m going to keep fighting to bring federal dollars back to Minnesota.” Two Tribal Communities received grants: The grants were distributed as part of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program within the Department of Transportation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for RAISE, which provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. ###
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Grants to Improve Rail Safety in Metro Area
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced grants to three cities in the Twin Cities Metro Area to make upgrades to rail-pathways that focus on improving the safety and mobility of travelers and goods. “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Klobuchar.“This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” “Revitalizing our infrastructure is about more than just fixing railways or roads; it’s about improving people’s lives, which is precisely what this project will do,” said Senator Smith. “These rail-pathways help connect families and businesses across the metro area and are critical for shipping and commerce in Minnesota. Investing in projects like these not only makes our roads and railways safer but helps support local economies across the state.” Three cities received grants: This investment is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith supported and worked to pass. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rail Crossing Elimination Grant Program (RCE), which provides funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that improve the safety and mobility of people and goods. Klobuchar and Smith have both cosponsored the bipartisan Railway Safety Act. This legislation will make key updates to improve rail safety protocols, including increasing inspections on trains that carry hazardous materials, requiring rail carriers to have emergency
Senators Smith, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Mental Health Care Coverage, Hold Insurance Companies Accountable
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/15/22] — Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), introduced legislation to improve mental health coverage. Specifically, the bill would crack down on inaccurate health care provider listings or “ghost networks,” and create stronger enforcement standards to protect those seeking mental health care. “We need to treat mental health with the same urgency we treat physical health, and that means making sure everyone has access to the care they need,” said Sen. Smith. “By law, insurance companies must cover mental health just like they cover physical health, yet they’re still finding ways to dodge compliance
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Encourage Minnesota Farmers to Sign Up for Key Safety Net Programs
WASHINGTON, [11/7/22] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) urged Minnesota farmers to enroll in key agricultural safety net programs for the 2023 crop year. Producers have until March 15, 2023 to enroll in in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, which help protect farmers from unexpected market volatility. “The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs help provide our farmers with a strong safety net and much-needed stability in the event of volatile commodity markets,” said Klobuchar. “ I encourage all eligible farmers to reach out to their local Farm
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Investments to Improve Health Care in Rural Minnesota
Washington, D.C. [11/7/22] — Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced significant federal investments that will improve health care quality and accessibility in Greater Minnesota. These grants – over $1.8 million in total – will help health care organizations and providers expand critical services and recover from lost revenue in the wake of the pandemic. “This funding will make health care more accessible for rural communities across our state by helping providers expand services, purchase new ambulances, and upgrade facilities to improve the safety of patients and frontline workers,” said Klobuchar. “I’ll keep pushing for resources to ensure that
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Significant Investments to Assist Underserved Farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/02/22] — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), announced over $2 million in funding for a key program aimed at helping underserved and veteran farmers in Minnesota access critical financial services. The program, which Smith helped reauthorize in the 2018 Farm Bill, will deliver support and training for Minnesota farmers who have historically lacked access to critical federal programs and services, including loan and grant assistance. “We have to acknowledge that the USDA has a history of institutionalized discrimination against farmers of color. That is the history and we cannot shy away from it,” said Sen. Smith. “As a
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