U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. [4/28/21]—This evening, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress:

“First, I want to thank Chad Dunkley for being my virtual guest at President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress. Chad serves as CEO of New Horizon Academy, a family-owned company in Minnesota that has been serving young kids for 50 years. New Horizon Academy is one of the many childcare providers that the American Rescue Plan will help. While I wish Chad could have been here in-person, it was an honor for him to be my guest.

“More than a year ago, Chad and I connected in the early days of the pandemic about the crisis Minnesota childcare providers and families were facing.  Childcare faced huge challenges before the pandemic, but was pushed to the brink and in some cases over the edge. Hearing his story and the experiences in Minnesota inspired me to tackle this and work with partners in congress to deliver historic funding to help stabilize this essential sector.

“I have heard time and again from so many Minnesotans about the need for affordable, high-quality childcare because we know early education is fundamental for families, and for our economy. So I’m glad that President Biden unveiled his American Families Plan today, and spoke tonight about how it would make the significant investments we so badly need. In addition to childcare and early education, President Biden touched on the progress we’ve made when it comes to combating the coronavirus pandemic, and the progress we still need to make on police reform, gun safety, and tackling climate change. Tonight, President Biden again showed that the Biden-Harris White House believes in government that fights for all families and working people, not just a few at the top. I look forward to continuing to partner on this work, and expanding opportunity for Minnesotans and all Americans.”