YMCA of the USA Honors Senator Amy Klobuchar as Congressional Champion

Minneapolis, MN – Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was named a “YMCA Congressional Champion” in Washington, D.C., on February 15 for her support of the Y and her leadership on the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act and the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act. 

Senator Klobuchar’s efforts to serve communities across the nation also includes:

  • Efforts to pass significant legislation aimed at boosting funds for STEM education.
  • Co-sponsor of The Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA), a bipartisan bill that would allow organizations serving vulnerable populations (elderly and individuals with disabilities) to conduct fast, accurate and affordable background checks on prospective volunteers and employees.
  • Introduction of the Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act to address the nationwide shortage of affordable child care.
  • Co-sponsor of The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act (MDPA) would make the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) a covered benefit for Medicare beneficiaries living with prediabetes. Passage of the MDPA and funding for the National DPP at its full amount ensures that all at-risk adults have access to this program which saves lives and saves money.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as a YMCA Congressional Champion. YMCAs across the country provide critical support to communities and help create a world we can feel good about passing on to the next generation,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “I am proud to be their partner in Washington, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

“The Y is fortunate to have elected leaders such as Senator Klobuchar,” said Glen Gunderson, president of YMCA of the North. “Her support of nonprofits like the Y is just one example of her work to improve lives throughout the state of Minnesota and the rest of the country.” 

Arjun Kunhiraman and Kori Lenzmeier, participants in the YMCA’s Youth In Government program, presented the award during the YMCA of the USA’s National Advocacy Days. At the conference, over 300 YMCA leaders from across the country traveled to visit members of Congress to discuss the vital role that YMCAs play in communities nationwide and to urge them to advance policies that empower young people, improve the health and well-being of people of all ages and foster social responsibility. YMCA leaders also heard from national experts about issues important to their mission.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Established 167 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, seven overnight camps, 10-day camps, and more than 90 childcare sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.