Latest Releases
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
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Biofuel and Clean Energy Expansion Projects Across Minnesota
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), announced 71 farms and small businesses across Minnesota will receive federal funding to install clean energy technology and make energy efficiency improvements, in addition to 15 awards to build out the infrastructure businesses need to make domestic biofuels more accessible. These investments will lower Minnesota’s carbon emissions while saving consumers money on energy and gas. “Domestically produced biofuel and renewable power systems strengthen our energy independence, support our farmers, and boost rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These federal funds will also help families and businesses transition to clean energy, reducing their overall energy costs. And through the funding made possible by my bill with Senator Ernst, the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, Minnesotans will have better access to biofuels at local gas stations.” “The clean energy transition is happening, and I want us to lead it,” said Senator Smith. “As we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits. That’s why we pushed to expand programs like REAP that help farmers and rural communities looking to install renewable energy systems or HBIIP, which helps businesses invest in the infrastructure they need to expand the use of biofuels. These grants will save farms and small businesses across Minnesota thousands of dollars per year in energy costs, and support producers who are the bedrock of our biofuel industry and reduce harmful emissions.” These projects are made possible through two programs, both of
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding for Two Harbors Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding to improve Two Harbors’ wastewater infrastructure. “This federal funding will have a real impact in Two Harbors, enabling critical updates to the city’s wastewater treatment facility,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources, and I look forward to continuing to partner with those in the community to address infrastructure needs.” “It may not be the flashiest project, but updating the wastewater treatment facility is critically important for the
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding for Broadband Expansion in Pine County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus; Senator Tina Smith (D-MN); and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding to expand broadband access in Pine County. “This federal funding will support Pine County’s broadband initiatives, enabling people from all parts of the county to access critical work, school, and business opportunities online,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources, and I look forward to continuing to partner with those in the community to address broadband infrastructure needs.” “As I have
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith & Ben Sasse’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Credit Union Employee & Member Safety Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON [3.16.22] – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) announced that their bipartisan legislation to make credit unions safer for employees and members has been signed into law. The Credit Union Employee and Member Safety Act would simplify the expulsion process for credit union members who harass or assault credit union employees, steal from a credit union, or engage in other major violations of credit union rules. “It’s unacceptable that Minnesota credit union employees have had to endure harassment, theft, or violence by members,” said Sen. Smith. “Right now, expelling members who seek to harm credit
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Local Projects Benefiting Northwest Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Northwest Minnesota. This funding will help boost local communities through a wide range of projects including major investments in the Thief River Falls Regional Airport, higher education for Minnesota’s veterans and service members, wastewater treatment facility improvements, roadway infrastructure, childcare investments and more. “This federal funding will have a real impact in Northwest Minnesota. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to child care and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on
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