Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Bob Casey, Mazie Hirono Lead 39 Colleagues in Push for More Early Childhood Education and Childcare Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) led 39 of their colleagues in a push to increase funding for childcare programs and early education in the FY2025 Appropriations bill. The Senators noted that $16 can be produced in benefits for every $1 spent on high-quality early education. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also signed the letter. “High-quality, affordable child care and early childhood education remains out of reach for many families. In more than half of states in our country, the average annual cost of full-time, center-based child care is more expensive than the average annual cost of in-state college tuition,” wrote the Senators.“Half of Americans live in places with a shortage of licensed child care providers or slots, which particularly affects rural populations. While these workforce shortages have existed for years, these issues have only been exacerbated by the pandemic and its aftermath. Now is the time to increase the federal investment in early care and education and help all children achieve their full potential.” “Access to childcare and early education is essential, both for the safe and healthy development of our kids, and because it allows parents the freedom to pursue their careers and contribute to the economy,” said Senator Smith. “But right now, childcare is too expensive and inaccessible for too many families. I am proud to help lead this letter that calls for significant investments in childcare and early education for our kids in the next fiscal year.” The letter specifically requests: 1. Child Care
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Rep. Katherine Clark Reintroduce Legislation to Improve School Climates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA5) reintroduced legislation to improve support for youth in schools. The bill, called the Trauma-Informed Schools Act, would support training for teachers and staff in the development of positive school culture and help schools support young people struggling with adversity. The bill is co-led by Congressmen Mike Quigley (D-IL5) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA1) and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR6). “Young students are experiencing unique challenges in school as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased social media use, and lack of access to mental health care. More than 1 in 5 young people today struggle with their mental health, and that number is rising. We need to do more to provide them with the support they need to succeed,” said Senator Smith. “I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation, which will help schools address childhood trauma and build positive school cultures so that all students and adults are welcome and supported in school buildings.” “America is in the throes of a mental health crisis, and our kids are experiencing the worst of it,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “Overcoming this epidemic means equipping our schools with trained, trauma-informed professionals who can help students navigate whatever challenges they may encounter, both in and out of the classroom. The Trauma-Informed Schools Act makes that possible — giving the next generation a fair shot by providing the emotional and social support they need to succeed.” “Trauma is difficult for anyone to process, but for children and teens, it can be especially life-changing and impact their ability to succeed
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces $400,000 in Federal Funding Ensuring 100 Jobs for East Central Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/24/22]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced $400,000 in federal funding for the East Central Regional Development Commission (ECRDC). These funds were made available by the ‘Revolving Loan Fund’ provided by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, which Senator Smith helped pass last year. “The American Rescue Plan Act continues to make significant impacts for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Minnesota,” said Sen. Smith. “The last two years have been incredibly challenging but our economy is recovering. This fund will create 50 new jobs and save 50 existing jobs – ensuring 100 people will continue to be able to
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement Announcing Her Support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/24/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement announcing her intention to vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States: “I will be voting to confirm Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court. “This is an exciting moment. I’ve been following the hearings closely, and Judge Jackson has shown character, intellect, and grace. “If confirmed, Judge Jackson would be the first Black woman and first former federal public defender on the Supreme Court. I have full confidence that she will protect the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution and uphold the
Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Ensure Accurate, Thorough Education about Native Peoples
WASHINGTON [3.24.22] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that she has introduced significant legislation to improve public education and understanding about Native peoples and their histories. Accurate, thorough education about Native peoples benefits all students, Native and non-Native alike. Unfortunately, the education most students receive regarding Native histories and cultures is woefully inadequate. For example, nearly half of Americans say that what they were taught in schools about Native Americans was inaccurate and in most K-12 classrooms, students are not taught about Native peoples at all post-1900. Furthermore, teachers rate “history of Native American peoples” and “pre-Columbian American history
Every Female Senator Joins Smith, Ernst Resolution Designating Today National Women in Agriculture Day
WASHINGTON – During Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)—both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee—have just received the support of every single female senator for their resolution designating today, March 24, as “National Women in Agriculture Day” to honor “the countless women who help agriculture prosper both at home and abroad.” Today, the senators are pushing the Senate to unanimously adopt their bipartisan measure, a process known as “hotlining.” The senators introduced the resolution earlier this week. Now, their bipartisan resolution has the support of every female senator and a
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