Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Susan Collins Introduce Bill to Build Health Care Workforce in Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to improve access to health care and address the physician shortage in rural areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 would authorize the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to continue providing start-up funding to rural hospitals, medical schools, and other organizations to establish new rural residency programs. Among current medical residency programs, only 2 percent of residency training occurs in rural areas, and in Minnesota, 80 percent of counties qualify as mental health professional shortage areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 will help address the health care provider shortages by supporting the training of more clinicians in rural areas. “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and Tribal and community leaders in rural Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Senator Smith. “There is a severe lack of access to health care in rural communities in Minnesota and across the country, and this bill is the first step to addressing that problem. Establishing more residency programs at rural hospitals and medical schools will incentivize doctors and nurses to work in these areas, help address physician shortages, and ensure Minnesotans living in small towns and rural places have access to the care they deserve.” “Expanding residency training opportunities in rural areas will help increase the number of physicians choosing to serve patients in these communities throughout their careers,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will build on the success of the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to directly address the health
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Investment for SkyWater Technology’s Bloomington Manufacturing Facility
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that SkyWater Technology will receive up to $16 million in federal funding as part of the CHIPS and Science Act to upgrade their facility, increasing overall production capacity by approximately 30 percent. “If we want to continue leading the global economy, we must be a country that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world. This significant investment in SkyWater Technology will transform domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with SkyWater Technology to secure the resources needed to ensure Minnesota remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This is good for our state’s workers and businesses.” “Modern life depends on semiconductor chips. Whether it’s your car, your coffeemaker, your medical devices, or the equipment that our National Guard members rely on,” said Senator Smith. “This investment in SkyWater will make sure these chips aren’t just made in America, it’ll make sure they’re made right here in Minnesota.” This federal funding will invest in cutting-edge technology to modernize and expand SkyWater’s Bloomington facility, improve its cybersecurity by upgrading its IT systems, and create new jobs in high-demand fields like engineering and manufacturing. Klobuchar and Smith voted to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and boost American competitiveness and innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act is providing significant resources to: In June 2023, Klobuchar hosted a roundtable discussion and press conference at Normandale Community College in Bloomington
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
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Statement on Confirmation of Andy Luger as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota
WASHINGTON [03/24/2022]—Today. U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Andy Luger to serve as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota. “Andy Luger is exceptionally well-qualified to lead federal law enforcement efforts in Minnesota. I want to congratulate him on his confirmation to this important post,” said Sen. Smith. “I am confident that his experience, dedication to public service, and commitment to justice will help him lead the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota with integrity.” Sen. Smith and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) formed a selection committee of legal experts and advisors in February 2021 to help vet
Senators Smith, Sanders Introduce Legislation to Address Major Staffing Crisis Across EMS Departments
WASHINGTON [3.23.22] – Today, Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to address the major staffing crisis affecting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Minnesota and across the country. “EMS and fire department calls have skyrocketed during the pandemic. Yet too often, these emergency services are understaffed and underfunded,” said Sen. Smith. “Everyone deserves a timely, fully-equipped response in times of crisis. I will continue working to get this bill across the finish line and ensure our first responders have the resources and staff they need to do their jobs.” “In too many communities across our country, ambulance
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