WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation that included $1,000,000 in funding for a project to construct a child care center in Greenbush. This project, which Klobuchar and Smith worked to include, will help the non-profit Lil' Chomper's Childcare open and operate a rural child care program. The bill now goes to the Senate for final passage. 

“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 in Greenbush every day. With the federal funding I secured, the new child care center is one step closer to opening for service,” said Klobuchar. 

“I’ve heard from Minnesotans across the state about the difficulties in accessing childcare, which is especially felt in Greater Minnesota, where the shortage of childcare has led to some people having to drive 50 miles to take their kids to childcare. This federal funding is changing that in Roseau County, where they’ll now be able to construct the county’s first and only childcare center,” said Smith. “Access to childcare is a critical part of supporting rural economies and working families. This project is a great example of how federal, state, and local governments can work together to address the needs of rural families.” 

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.

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