Latest Releases
Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Smith, and the Entire Minnesota Delegation, FEMA Issues Disaster Assistance for Flood Recovery in Martin and Murray Counties
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the delivery of Individual Assistance for Minnesotans affected by severe storms and flooding across Martin and Murray counties. The Individual Assistance programs provide disaster survivors with access to a range of programs and services to aid in the recovery process, including financial assistance to eligible individuals and households. Damage assessments by federal, state, and local emergency management teams are ongoing, and FEMA may designate more counties and additional forms of assistance as damage is assessed. “The flooding this summer inflicted serious damage across our state, and we must continue working together to recover,” said Klobuchar. “FEMA continues to be an active partner in the recovery effort so that our state can receive critical federal disaster relief funds, and expanding assistance to Martin and Murray counties will ensure residents have the help they need to rebuild.” “Minnesotans are still struggling after this summer’s devastating floods, and every level of government is needed for our communities to recover,” said Smith. “FEMA is an important federal partner, and this new assistance for residents of Martin and Murray counties will help provide the support they need to get back on track.” In June, Klobuchar and Smith led the entire bipartisan Minnesota congressional delegation in securing President Biden’s approval of Minnesota’s request for federal assistance to help Minnesotans whose homes suffered damage from storms and flooding. This announcement follows the Administration’s previous round of Individual Assistance in July, which made 19
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Climate Resiliency Projects for Lower Sioux Indian Community
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced Lower Sioux Indian Community (LSIC) will receive federal funding to reduce harmful carbon emissions and energy costs in Tribal homes and businesses. LSIC will be awarded nearly $5 million from the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate provisions, which Senator Smith helped to pass into law. This award will allow LSIC to: “Our transition to a clean energy economy can’t leave Indian Country behind. We are finally starting to turn the page on generations of underinvestment and underfunding by the federal government in Indian Country through projects like this,” said Senator Smith. “Tribes know what works best for them and their members, and this funding allows them to meet the unique needs of their communities.” “Lower Sioux Indian Community, Cansayapi, has been researching and working diligently to find ways to continue as good stewards of the Earth and reducing the carbon footprint by growing hemp and building homes made with hemp-based materials for insulation,” said Robert L. Larsen, Lower Sioux Community Council President. “With the help of Senators Klobuchar and Smith, we will continue reducing harmful emissions from fossil fuels and improving local resilience by installing solar-powered heat pumps so the traditional heat sources will not have to run as often or as long. This funding supports Lower Sioux’s strategy to evaluate and weatherize homes, which ultimately will affect the cost to heat them and reduce the harmful emissions from conventional heating sources. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will contribute directly to Lower Sioux’s resilience goals and
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Rural Health Care Passes Senate
WASHINGTON [12/21/22] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Rural Health Causes, announced that their bipartisan bill to improve rural health care passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) Reauthorization Act of 2022 will reauthorize a key program that supports health facilities in rural areas across the country. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and community leaders in greater Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Smith. “This
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Reintroduces Bill to Forgive Student Loan Debt for Beginning Farmers
WASHINGTON [12/20/22] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, helped reintroduce legislation she co-sponsors to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as women, veteran, and minority farmers. The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, which is led by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and also cosponsored by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), would serve as an incentive for farmers to enter – and stay – in the agricultural industry and boost opportunities to grow successful businesses. “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Construct Moorhead Downtown Underpass
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith announced that they have secured more than $26.3 million in federal funding to help construct two railway underpasses along 11th Street in downtown Moorhead. The resources, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, will address a key infrastructure priority for Moorhead by improving safety and mobility, and removing blockages caused by heavy rail traffic. “For years I have been working with the City of Moorhead to obtain this funding. We have tried nine times so this is certainly a lesson in perseverance!” said Klobuchar.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Significant Investment to Help Minnesota Veterans Pursue Careers in Agriculture
WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/19/22] — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced $750,000 in federal funding to support training, mentorship and other opportunities for veterans looking to transition into agricultural careers. The investments will create jobs and strengthen Minnesota’s agricultural workforce by providing hands-on training and mentorship for veterans pursuing opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness. “The men and women who serve our country deserve our utmost respect. That means when they come home, they get the benefits and care they earned and have the opportunities and training they need to pursue good jobs,” said Sen.
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