Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Lisa Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Improve Aging Services for American Indian Elders
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Enhancing Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (Native ELDER) Act that would improve federal programs and services focused on healthy aging and independence for Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian elders. The legislation was introduced in May during Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the important role and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian elders. “Honoring and caring for elders is foundational to Native American communities. Tribal elders in Minnesota and across the country have been clear about their needs,” said Senator Smith. “Enhanced support for caregivers, funding for home modifications, and better training programs for Tribes to deliver in-home care are some of the basic needs this bill would help to meet. Taking care of our elders – giving them the tools to age comfortably and with dignity in their own homes – this is how we keep our communities strong, and I’m proud this bill will help to deliver on that promise.” “When meeting with Alaska stakeholders, they identified home modifications to improve accessibility and caregiver support as some of the greatest unmet needs for Alaska Native Elders,” said Senator Murkowski.“Our Elders already face substantially worse health outcomes at disproportionally higher rates than other seniors. We have to help bridge this divide by ensuring our Elders have the support they need to age at home, in their local communities. Prioritizing home modifications and supporting family members who act as caregivers, is essential in supporting not only Elders, but the entire
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces $22.3 Million in USDA Funding Available to Organizations Helping Veterans, Non-traditional Farmers Get into Agriculture
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making up to $22.3 million available to fund efforts that help non-traditional farmers and veterans in Minnesota and across the country get into agriculture. “Too often, Minnesota residents from communities who traditionally have not been involved in agriculture, as well as veterans, find barriers to getting into farming,” said Sen Smith. “The 2501 Program helps to remedy that, and I’m proud to champion its reauthorization in the Senate. These funds are available to groups, organizations, and higher education institutions that want to assist them in getting started. I encourage those eligible to apply for this opportunity.” Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, leads the bill in the Senate to reauthorize the “Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Grant Program” – or the 2501 Program – that is funded by USDA and set to be included in the Farm Bill. Smith has long been a champion of the 2501 Program and pushed to reauthorize and expand the funding during the debate over the 2018 Farm Bill – which was ultimately signed into law. Information on how to apply can be found below: Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and a range of higher education institutions serving African-American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024. See the 2501 Program page for more information on the 2501 funding opportunity. USDA Teleconferences to Help With Application Process USDA will host two teleconferences during
U.S. Senators Smith, Baldwin, Kaine Press Biden Administration to Ensure Easy Access to COVID-19 Rapid Tests
WASHINGTON, D.C. [01/07/22]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led a letter urging the Biden Administration to ensure easy access to rapid COVID-19 tests for Americans across the country. In a letter Friday, the Senators pressed the Biden Administration to take needed steps to streamline access to at-home testing. The letter comes after the Biden Administration announced additional actions to combat COVID-19, including through rapid COVID-19 tests. “As you work to draft guidance to allow Americans with private health insurance to be reimbursed for rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests, we urge you to take steps to make
U.S. Senator Tina Smith in Senate Floor Speech: “The Insurrection and Coup Attempt on January 6th, 2021 Was Unsuccessful. But the Fight Continues in State Legislatures Across the Country, and They Are Prevailing”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [01/06/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) delivered a speech from the Senate floor to mark the one year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, recalling her experience that day and calling on her colleagues to protect our democracy against ongoing attacks. You can access video of Sen. Smith’s remarks here and the full remarks are included below. “The insurrection and coup attempt on January 6th, 2021 was unsuccessful. But the fight continues in state legislatures across the country, and they are prevailing,” said Sen. Smith in her remarks from the Senate floor. “According to the Brennan Center, in 2021, 19
U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Mike Crapo Announce Big Win For Dairy Farmers After Leading Bipartisan Push Against Unfair Trade Practices
WASHINGTON, [1.6.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced a major victory for U.S. dairy farmers after spearheading Congressional efforts to hold Canada accountable for violations of a key trade agreement. “For nearly two years, Senator Crapo and I have been leading the charge to crack down on Canada’s illegal trade practices that are hurting U.S. dairy farmers,” said Sen. Smith. “This is a historic win for dairies in Minnesota and across the country, who will finally be able to sell U.S. products to Canadian buyers without unjustified restrictions.” “Enforcing our trade agreements to
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Senate Hearing on Expanding Economic Development in Underserved Communities
WASHINGTON, [1.5.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) chaired a productive hearing focused on addressing the economic challenges and disparities in underserved communities. The hearing covered two bipartisan bills authored by Sen. Smith, which would expand financial services and capital investment in communities of color, Tribal lands, and rural communities. Senators heard from a number of witnesses who shared how Sen. Smith’s legislation would make a difference for community development. Witnesses included: Lakota Vogel – Executive Director, Four Bands Community Fund Frank Altman – Founder and CEO, Community Reinvestment Fund John Holdsclaw – President, Coalition of Community Development Financial
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