Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar Announce Over $20 Million in Federal Funding to Preserve Affordable Housing
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced over $20 million in federal funding for the Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) to preserve affordable housing in manufactured housing communities and support Tribal communities across the Upper Midwest. This funding, awarded through the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) grants, will ensure long-term housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, and community redevelopment for residents in historically underserved areas. The funding will support MHP’s D.R.E.A.M. Initiative (Driving Resilience, Equity, and Affordability through Manufactured Housing), benefiting six Resident-Owned Communities of manufactured housing in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as 28 Tribal communities across the Upper Midwest. “Without a safe, decent place to live, nothing else in your life works. Manufactured housing communities are a critical source of affordable homeownership for families, but they’ve been historically overlooked and under supported,” said Senator Smith. “This investment will help preserve affordable housing, strengthen infrastructure, and support a variety of communities in Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest. By ensuring long-term affordability, we’re giving people the stability, security, and opportunity they deserve.” “Safe and affordable housing is essential for families and the health of our communities, but right now, for far too many, the housing market is inaccessible,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This grant provides critical resources to improve long-term affordability, upgrade infrastructure, and expand access to quality housing where it’s needed the most.” “Manufactured housing is an essential component of our nation’s housing system, providing stability for over 22 million Americans,” said Anne Mavity, Executive Director of MHP. “MHP
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Provision Reconnecting Community to Area Around Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock to Be Signed into Law
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced her provision, written along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN05) to expand community access to land around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock, passed the Senate as part of the Water Resources Development Act and is expected to be signed into law. The provision directs the Army Corps of Engineers to minimize the space they use around the lock and dam as much as possible, while maintaining access for safety and maintenance purposes, to make room for the development of a public recreation space. Redevelopment for a recreational space is being led by Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, a Dakota-led non-profit. “Minnesotans value our lakes and rivers, and this provision recognizes that,” said Senator Smith. “This policy change is a key step to reopening the area around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam for the community to enjoy while ensuring the lock and dam infrastructure continues protecting Minneapolis’ water supply and protecting Lake Superior from invasive carp.” ###
Senator Smith Announces Passage of Historic Bill to Ensure Veterans Receive the Health Care They’ve Earned
WASHINGTON, D.C. [8.3.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced the Senate passed the most significant expansion of benefits and health services for veterans in more than 30 years. The historic Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act ensures millions of veterans exposed to noxious fumes emanating from burn pits will have access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care and benefits. The bill’s passage comes after Senate Republicans voted to block the bipartisan deal last week, which many of them had previously voted for. The bill will now head to President Biden’s desk where it will
Senators Smith, Booker Introduce Legislation to Affirm Federal Regulation of Reproductive Health Products
WASHINGTON, D.C. [8.2.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation that affirms the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) long standing preemptive authority over state law for all FDA-approved reproductive health products, including drugs used in medication abortion. The U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause prohibits states from interfering with the federal government’s power to regulate drugs. The Protecting National Access to Reproductive Care Act codifies this preemptive power and the Department of Justice’s authority to enforce federal laws and regulations. It also provides private individuals, and health care providers an avenue to sue states with laws
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Reintroduces Bill to Help Schools Overcome Teacher Shortages in Minnesota, Across the Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. [08.02.22] – Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—a member of the Senate Education Committee—reintroduced legislation to help schools and districts in Minnesota and across the country facing teacher shortages. More than 40 percent of the nation’s small, rural school districts struggle to adequately staff their schools, and shortages are most acute in certain subject areas. There is a growing need for STEM, foreign language, and special education teachers. Additionally, there is a severe lack of racial diversity—nationwide teachers of color compromise only 18 percent of the teacher workforce. “I’m hearing from Minnesota school superintendents about the many vacancies they’re struggling to fill. More than 40 percent of our nation’s small, rural school districts report that it’s
Senator Smith Announces Passage of Bipartisan Legislation That Will Unlock Major Investments in Nation’s Waterways
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the Senate has passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, which will unlock and expedite a number of significant projects in Minnesota and across the country. The legislation greenlights investments in the nation’s ports and waterways and includes several priorities Senator Smith has pushed for including Mississippi River protections and Great Lakes coastal resiliency. “Minnesota is blessed with pristine waterways and lakes from Lake Superior to the headwaters of the Mississippi,” said Senator Smith. “This bipartisan legislation will help unlock funding to improve and restore our ports,
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