•Bill would mean $1.875 million for child care, in Pope County

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation that included $1,875,000 in funding for a project to create a new child care center licensed for 100 children from newborns to school-aged children as well as a community early childhood education hub in Pope County. 

The bill went to the Senate for final passage last Friday and was signed by President Joe Biden on Saturday.  

The bill and the funding was the result months or work by local Pope County officials and Senators Klobuchar and Smith.

“For far too many parents, the struggle to find high-quality, affordable child care is a barrier to reentering the workforce. This project will address a key issue that impacts working families every day. With the federal grant I secured, Pope County is one step closer to opening the new child care facility,” said Klobuchar. 

“Everywhere I go, business leaders and workers tell me childcare is one of the biggest roadblocks to expanding our economy, especially in small towns and rural places,” said Smith. “Pope County is working hard to build a strong community for young families and this new facility is going to make a huge difference.” 

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.