Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Statement on Supreme Court’s Brackeen Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.15.23] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Haaland v. Brackeen, which left the federal law governing the placement of Native American children in foster or adoptive homes intact: “Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 to confront a massive injustice: the forced removal of countless Native American children from their families and their communities. Today, the Supreme Court upheld that law and respected Tribes’ rights to govern themselves. This is a welcome decision, but efforts to undermine Tribal sovereignty will no doubt continue, and I am fiercely committed to defending the law and upholding our responsibilities to Tribal Nations.”
U.S. Senators Smith, Lummis Defend Homeowners Against Predatory Home Buyers
WASHINGTON. D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General recommending that state attorneys general take steps to protect homeowners from predatory home-buying practices. Senators Smith and Lummis were concerned by allegations that some franchises of HomeVestors of America, commonly recognized by their advertising catchphrase, “We Buy Ugly Houses,” were targeting elderly and ill homeowners. “Home equity represents more than a quarter of all household wealth in our country and we are deeply troubled by schemes that are all too eager to pilfer it,” wrote the Senators. “We appreciate the dedication of the National Association of Attorneys General to safeguarding consumers and respectfully request that you continue work to put a stop to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, and ensure that HomeVestors and other similar firms are not allowed to take advantage of our nation’s most vulnerable homeowners. Americans work hard to build equity in their homes and should be protected from those seeking to reap the benefits of their investments.” The letter details alarming and misleading practices wherein some franchisees allegedly targeted vulnerable homeowners and communities, deceived and coerced homeowners to close sales, and employed complex legal maneuvers to prevent their victims from backing out of sales despite unfair conditions. The letter recommends that state attorneys general inform consumers, undertake a coordinated response to the repeated complaints, and advocate for tools that empower homeowners. Earlier this week, Senator Smith raised the allegations with the Director
Sen. Tina Smith Pushes to Help Schools Overcome Teacher Shortages in Minnesota, Across the Country
WASHINGTON D.C [07/31/19]—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 hit hard by teacher shortages. Sen. Smith is pushing the legislation because right now there are not enough teachers to meet the demand in all locations and in all fields, resulting in teacher shortages. More than 40 percent of the nation’s small, rural school districts struggle with adequately staffing 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
TOMORROW: U.S. Senator Tina Smith Joins Patients, Fellow Lawmakers, and Advocates To Demand Bold Action to Bring Down Drug Prices
WASHINGTON, DC [07/25/19]—Tomorrow, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and patients from across the country will gather in front of the U.S. Capitol to demand bold action to lower prescription drug prices. Sen. Smith will be joined by fellow lawmakers, as well as advocates, to highlight the need for Congress to address this pressing issue. The press conference will occur right before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform holds a hearing with patients, titled “The Patient Perspective: The Devastating Impacts of Skyrocketing Drug Prices on American Families.” It also coincides with the Center for Popular Democracy’s patient bus trip to
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Again Calls on Top Trade and Foreign Agriculture Official to Provide Clear Answers on Effects Trade Restrictions on Cuba are Having on Minnesota, Nation
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/25/19]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) believes in the importance of building relationships in foreign markets on behalf of Minnesota farmers—and farmers across the country—which is why today she again pressed the Department of Agriculture’s top trade and foreign agriculture official for more information regarding our nation’s trade with Cuba. Two years ago as Lieutenant Governor, Sen. Smith led an agricultural mission from Minnesota to Cuba. But since taking office President Trump has imposed several new restrictions on business with and travel to Cuba, making it even more difficult to build a strong trade relationship with Cuba going forward.
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith & Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Reps. Denny Heck & Sean Duffy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Tribes Combat Homelessness in Minnesota, Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/25/2019]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), along with U.S. Representatives Denny Heck (D-WA 10) and Sean Duffy (R-WI 7), introduced bipartisan companion bills in the Senate and House to make it possible for Tribes and tribally designated housing entities to access funding to combat homelessness on tribal lands. According to a study commissioned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there are between 42,000 and 85,000 homeless Native Americans living on tribal lands. Homelessness on tribal lands often leads to families moving in with neighbors—sixteen percent of American Indian and Alaska Native
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