Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar stopped in Glenwood last week as she visited many cities in the Central and Southern Minnesota. She was in Glenwood to hear from local manufacturing companies and to hear concerns voiced by local community leaders. With stops last week in three remaining counties: Aitkin (American Peat Manufacturing); Carlton (local airport), and Kanabec (Lakes & Pines Community Action Council), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has once again visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties in one year. “The best way for me to do my job is by listening to the people of Minnesota and getting things done for them,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why every year I meet with Minnesotans all over our state and discuss what we can get done together. From expanding child care and housing to supporting local businesses, I’m committed to taking action on the issues that matter most.” From left are: Pope County Commissioner Gordy Wagner, Glenwood Mayor Sherri Kazda, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Kay Blauert, executive director of the Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center, and Sara Boll, executive director of the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar in a phone interview while she was in Glenwood said she had recently met veterans visiting Washington, D.C. through the Honor Flight Network program.  Pope County was represented on that Honor Flight, she said.

The Honor Flight Network has flown approximately over 2,300 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington to see their memorials at no cost in recognition of their service and sacrifices. This flight consisted of 215 Minnesota and North Dakota-based veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 

“It was an honor to meet these incredible Minnesota veterans on their trip to our nation’s capital for this important program,” said Klobuchar. “I am so thankful to all our veterans for their dedicated service to our country, and will continue fighting to ensure our service members and veterans receive the full support they have earned.” 

Veterans from Pope, Douglas, Grant, Traverse, Stevens, Swift, Big Stone, Todd Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Beltrami, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Otter Tail, and Wadena counties took part in the trip. 

In other news, Klobuchar talked about her efforts to enhance the 9-1-1 emergency system.  According to information from Klobuchar’s office, Klobuchar along with Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to the 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to ensure Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters. 

The legislation will also ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are recognized as protective service workers to ensure their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Ted Budd (R-NC).

The bill combines two bills: the 911 SAVES Act, led in the House by Representative Norma Torres (D-CA), and the Emergency Reporting Act, led in the House by Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA).

“During natural disasters, reliable communications networks save lives. This bipartisan legislation will ensure people are able to connect to 9-1-1 during major disasters and improve the resiliency of our 9-1-1 system against outages and disruptions,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation also makes important updates to the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers, recognizing their critical roles during times of crisis.”