Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Projects to Benefit Scott County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for projects to benefit Scott County and surrounding areas. These projects will invest in public trails, workforce development, and mental health services. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN). “From building a trail in Prior Lake to investing in workforce development in Shakopee, we worked with local leaders to secure resources for important community initiatives,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve career opportunities, mental health care, and public outdoor recreation for Scott County.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of Scott County,” said Smith. “From promoting economic development to supporting neighbors living with mental illness, these projects will help strengthen our communities.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured: 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 Substance Use Treatment Program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $550,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget to implement the Stratis Health CIRCLE of Care program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties. The project is a substance use treatment program aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality for those with opioid use disorder (OUD). “The opioid epidemic has been hurting communities across Minnesota for far too long,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Stratis Health will have resources to expand proven treatment programs to additional counties to bolster access to treatment for those who are living with substance use disorder.” “Supporting mental health and substance use disorder services is essential—mental health is health, and we need to make sure more people get the care they need,” said Smith. “This funding will help people in Hubbard and Beltrami access life-saving substance use treatment.” 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. ###
Sen. Smith, Senate Colleagues Call on Regulators to Focus on Lending to Main Street
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/31/22]— U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) joined her colleagues in a letter to the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, urging them to work with banks and credit unions to ensure small businesses have access to safe and sound credit as Main Street recovers from COVID-19. “Recent research by the Federal Reserve System found that less than one-third of small businesses that applied for traditional financing in 2021 received all the funding they sought compared to recent years,” wrote the lawmakers. “…Banks are choosing to lend to bigger firms, and
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Hearing On Impact of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill on Small Cities, Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/31/22]—Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) – Chair of the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development (HTCD) – announced she will be leading a hearing on the bipartisan infrastructure law’s effect on smaller cities and rural areas. The hearing will take place on April 6, 2022 at 2:30 pm ET. The hearing will examine the benefits of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act for smaller transit systems with a particular focus on how the Department of Transportation can most effectively implement the law in small and rural communities. Witnesses include: Mr. Ryan Daniel, Chief Executive Officer, St. Cloud
Senate Unanimously Passes Sens. Smith, Ernst’s “National Women in Agriculture Day” Resolution
WASHINGTON [3.30.22]—Last night, during Women’s History Month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan measure from U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)—both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee—designating March 24, 2022 as “National Women in Agriculture Day” to honor “the countless women who help agriculture prosper both at home and abroad.” Every single female senator joined Ernst and Smith on their resolution. “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Women have always played an essential role in this sector, and I’m proud we have passed this bipartisan effort to set aside a
Sen. Smith, Senate Colleagues Urge Key Federal Agency to Address Medical Debt
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) joined her colleagues in a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra highlighting the growing medical debt burden faced by consumers. Specifically, the letter urges the CFPB to address the growing medical debt burden faced by U.S. consumers, and establish an ombudsman position for consumer medical debt. The ombudsman would help resolve consumer complaints and ensure compliance with federal directives, like the ban on surprise medical bills. An ombudsman could also monitor the changes announced last week by Equifax, Experian, and Transunion to ensure that the proposed change to medical debt
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