WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) delivered remarks at the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s (MNA) 157th Annual Convention. MNA is a state-wide trade association that represents local newspapers from across the state. The two-day convention took place on Thursday, February 1, and Friday, February 2, and featured newspaper publishers and editors from across the state. Approximately 250 news industry professionals attended, including Mankato Free Press editor Joe Spear, who was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Services to Journalism Award. An excerpt from her remarks can be found below:

“You are telling the stories that maybe not everyone knows about, that they don't read on Facebook. Many of your stories uncover what happened at the city council meeting and tell people which business is opening and closing. There are a lot of stories of joy, positive stories of our communities – whether they're big or small…” said Klobuchar. “So I just want you to remember that piece of it, of telling the stories of regular citizens in your communities. That brings strength and brings people together in a big way, just as much as your role of uncovering the truth for us. So don't let us forget that piece that we're losing right now in our nation and the role you play in finding that thread that brings people together.”

Senator Klobuchar, Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, leads the bipartisan Journalism Competition and Preservation Act to address the power of dominant online platforms over news organizations. In June 2023, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill by a vote of 14-7.

In November 2023, Klobuchar sent a letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission regarding recent high, twice-per-year postage rate hikes and their effects on local newspapers, small businesses, and nonprofits.

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