Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding to Help Grow Global Export Markets for Minnesota Producers
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced funding from the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to help grow export markets for American farm and food products around the world. The additional $300 million investment will go to organizations across the U.S. to implement market development projects focusing on a wide range of products and agricultural markets. “Boosting America’s agricultural exports is great for Minnesota farmers and rural economies,” said Klobuchar. “This funding will help farmers enter the global export market and maintain America’s leadership in agricultural exports.” “Minnesota has long been a linchpin in America’s agricultural market, and I’m proud to advocate for projects that enable farmers in Minnesota to expand their production and stay competitive in the global market,” said Senator Smith. “This investment will help to expand our export policies worldwide, allowing farmers in Minnesota to establish, build, and maintain their partnerships in international markets.” Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack announced in October 2023 that USDA would establish RAPP to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond markets such as China, Mexico and Canada, which account for nearly half of all current exports. In this round of funding, USDA is allocating $25 million specifically for Africa, which has the some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. For more information about RAPP and how to apply, click here. Applications are due on October 4, 2024. ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Urges Justice Department to Address the Use of AI in Wrongful Evictions
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging them to address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in eviction filings. The letter comes on the heels of a Minnesota lawsuit against a firm whose automated eviction filing system may have violated federal law by enabling them to file thousands of complaints without adequate investigation or accuracy controls, leading to wrongful evictions. Automated tools also allow corporate landlords to file serial evictions as a means of collecting rent, placing significant legal burdens on renters. Minnesota renters have reported paying hundreds of dollars in court fees and still having evictions on their record, making it even harder to repay their late rent or find more affordable housing. “Evictions have lasting, detrimental impacts on a family’s housing stability and overall well-being. Following an eviction, families are more likely to experience homelessness, a loss of earnings, lower credit scores, hospital visits, and mental-health concerns,” wrote Senator Smith. “While I recognize and appreciate the potential for these technologies to reduce bias, in this application, I remain concerned about a disparate impact of serial eviction filings, along with limited accountability for errors in automated eviction processes and the lack of recourse for tenants. […] I encourage the Civil Rights Division to apply their holistic approach to enforcement, education, interagency coordination, and policy to prevent unfair and erroneous evictions.” “Eviction actions haunt renters for many years, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding to Help Servicemembers and Veterans Pursue Education at Alexandria Technical and Community College
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $1.1 million in federal funding to help military servicemembers and veterans pursue their education at Alexandria Technical & Community College. This funding will go towards launching a pilot platform for a Global Military Learning Network, which will award credits for military learning and occupational experiences, streamline military admissions processes, develop a secure military-friendly enrollment portal, eliminate the cost of remedial coursework, and increase the number of military graduates available to meet workforce needs. “This federal funding makes an important investment in our state’s veterans
Sen. Tina Smith Receives First Annual Climate Change-Maker Award
WASHINGTON [3.23.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after receiving and accepting the first annual “Climate Change-Maker” award for her leadership in pushing for urgent federal investments to address climate change, build a clean energy economy, and spur economic development. “If we continue business as usual, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster,” said Senator Smith. “Yet this crisis also presents enormous opportunities to grow our economy, improve public health, address environmental injustices, and pass on a livable planet to our children and grandchildren. A clean energy future is coming, the
Senators Smith, Ernst Call for 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—are calling for this upcoming Thursday, March 24, to be designated as “National Women in Agriculture Day,” honoring “the countless women who help agriculture prosper both at home and abroad.” The senators are introducing a bipartisan resolution that has the support of 55 fellow senators. “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Senator Smith. “Women have always played an essential role in this sector, and I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to set
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith Secures Significant Federal Funding to Build Rapid Transit Line in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that she has secured $5 million in federal funding to help build the E Line Bus Rapid Transit Line. “This project will help expand the transit system in Minneapolis with another fast, affordable way to get around the city,” said Senator Smith. “Transit projects like this one are a win for the local economy, help reduce traffic congestion, and are good for the environment. I’m proud of our work to secure these resources and directly improve the lives of Minnesotans.” The E Line Bus Rapid Transit Line will provide fast and reliable
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