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Senator Smith, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill Giving Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jon Tester (D-Mon.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), introduced bipartisan legislation – the National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act – aimed at giving Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding and policymaking that impacts them. “Minnesota’s Tribal Colleges are important institutions that serve Native and non-Native students alike in some of the most impoverished and geographically isolated regions of the country,” said Smith. “These institutions deserve a seat at the table when federal agencies make decisions that impact them. I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to support TCUs and their students and look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.” “The 35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in the U.S., which together form the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, commend Senators Fischer and Tester for their leadership in introducing this important legislation. The National Advisory Council on Indian Education Act will ensure Tribal College and University voices are included and supported throughout the council’s work, thereby strengthening the K-16 pathway for American Indian and Alaska Native students. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this much needed legislation,”said Carrie L. Billy, President and CEO of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving Native students of all ages. NACIE releases an annual report, but neither Department has a process for considering NACIE’s
Klobuchar, Smith, Grassley Statements on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename Federal Building in Minneapolis After Senator Paul Wellstone
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released the statements below on the Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis the “Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building,” in honor of the legacy of the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Senator Wellstone, his wife Sheila, his daughter Marcia, his staff members Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, and pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess. “From his passionate advocacy for better mental health care to his leadership on civil rights, Paul Wellstone showed that public service is really about improving people’s lives,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud that our bipartisan legislation to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis in Paul’s honor has passed the Senate. I can’t think of a better tribute to Paul’s legacy of service than a building where Minnesotans gather and get the assistance they need.” “Paul Wellstone had a profound impact on my life – and the lives of so many Minnesotans – as a public servant and as a friend,” said Smith. “From his work on mental health and campaign finance reform to his votes against the Iraq War, Senator Wellstone never wavered from his convictions or his commitment to improving the lives of working people. By naming this building after him, we hope to honor his legacy and years of service to Minnesota.” “It was an honor to work with and get to know
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Says Senate Passage of Bipartisan Opioids Legislation Will Give Minnesota, Nation Tools to Combat Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/17/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said the bipartisan opioids legislation that passed the Senate today—which Sen. Smith helped write—will give Minnesota and the nation important tools to combat an epidemic that has already claimed too many lives and decimated too many families. Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Health Committee, said the package invests in long-term prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. It also includes her measure to help bring mental health professionals into schools and community-based organizations in order to better reach families who need these vital services. “The opioid epidemic is urgent. It hurts families across
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Leads Bipartisan Push to Lower Wasteful Health Care Spending
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/18/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—along with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)—are leading bipartisan legislation to help develop innovative ways to reduce unnecessary administrative cost burdens. Estimates suggest that while administrative cost burdens could account for over one quarter of total health care spending in the United States, much of it is not directly related to delivering quality patient care. Sens. Smith and Cassidy’s bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take steps toward reducing unnecessary administrative costs across the health care system by at least 50 percent. It also provides support for states to tackle
Sen. Tina Smith: Bipartisan Bill to Help Patients in Minnesota, Across the Country Pay Lower Prices for Prescription Drugs One Step Closer to Becoming Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/26/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that a measure she helped push through the Senate—which would help patients in Minnesota and across the country pay less for their prescription drugs—has also passed the House, clearing the way for the President to sign it into law. Sen. Smith said The Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act prohibits “gag clauses” that prevent pharmacists from telling customers that they could save money by paying cash rather than using their insurance. It passed the Senate earlier this month. “Medication is expensive enough as it is, there is no reason that drug industry
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Outlines Bipartisan Steps Administration Can Take to Help Farmers in Minnesota, Across the Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, pressed the President and other top Trump Administration farm and trade officials to quickly take several meaningful steps to address the growing economic unease being felt by farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and across the country. In a letter sent Wednesday, Sen. Smith outlined several immediate steps the President and top Administration farm and trade officials could take to open markets for farm products and provide relief to farmers hit hard by trade uncertainties and falling farm prices. “During my recent conversations with Minnesota farmers, I
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