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. ###
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding for Agricultural Workforce Development in the Central Lakes Region
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured $2 million in federal funding for meat processing workforce development in the Central Lakes region. Specifically, this funding will facilitate an increase in meat cutting and butchery career pathways for students by enabling the Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center to expand its training facilities and purchase new processing equipment at Central Lakes College in Staples. “A healthy meat processing industry is critical to the economic success of Central Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This funding will help diversify local meat processing
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on the Death of Minnesota Native Jimmy Hill in Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/17/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement in response to the news that Minnesota native Jimmy Hill was killed during a military strike by Russia in Ukraine: “The death of Jimmy Hill is horrible news and my thoughts are with Jimmy and his family in Minnesota. Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine is causing destruction and loss of life and is taking a human toll the world over.”
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Chisholm Public Safety and Emergency Services Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $3.5 million in federal funding to improve Chisholm’s public safety and emergency services infrastructure. Specifically, the funding will enable the construction of a new Chisholm public safety facility that will house the city’s police and fire departments, as well as ambulance services. The current public safety facility is over a century old. “Improving public safety and emergency services infrastructure is critical to ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with local leaders in Chisholm to secure these vital
U.S. Senator Smith’s Legislation to Strengthen Public Health Measures Takes a Key Step Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/17/22]—This week, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passed the bipartisan PREVENT Pandemics Act, which includes several important pieces of U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s (D-MN) public health legislation. “The COVID pandemic has further exposed the inequities and weaknesses in our public health system,” said Smith. “The PREVENT Pandemics Act would ensure we are better prepared in the future and that we have the resources to confront these challenges. I am proud we were able to include several of my bills in this package and look forward to voting on it on the Senate floor.” The