Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Lindsey Graham Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prepare Young People for the Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/16/23]—This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to promote partnerships between afterschool providers and businesses so young people can explore career paths and opportunities that help them land their first jobs and thrive in the workforce. The Youth Workforce Readiness Act would support high-quality programs that help young people gain practical skills and connect them to real-life work experiences and learning opportunities. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). “We should be doing everything we can to provide our kids with the skills and connections they need to find good jobs and contribute to their communities. I also hear from employers in Minnesota that they need help getting connected to great employees. That’s where afterschool and out-of-school time providers can play a role in helping young people gain skills and make connections to mentors, opportunities and local employers,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education and Labor Committee. “Our bipartisan bill would help support youth success for years to come by exposing young people to a wide range of careers and helping them make connections in the workforce.” “Preparing our kids to successfully contribute to our economy helps keep America strong,” said Sen. Graham. “A well-educated, well-trained workforce is a key component to future economic development. This legislation is great news for South Carolina and an important investment in the future of our nation.” Right now, too many young people in Minnesota and around the
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Named Chair of Key Agriculture Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/16/23]— Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced she will serve as Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management and Trade, which oversees commodities, crop insurance and trade. “When I first got to the Senate, I fought hard for a spot on the Ag Committee so that I could represent and advocate for Minnesota’s diverse ag sector. I take that role very seriously,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m excited about my new role as chair of this subcommittee, which oversees critically important issues to the agriculture industry in Minnesota from crop insurance to trade. As we begin the legislative year and prepare for the Farm Bill, I will push for crop insurance programs that work well for Minnesota farmers and push USDA to do more to open up foreign markets for Minnesota ag products. I look forward to serving in this new role and will continue working to be a strong partner for Minnesota’s ag community.” When she first joined the Senate in 2018, Sen. Smith fought for and secured a spot on the Senate Agriculture Committee because ag is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy. All Minnesotans are impacted by the Farm Bill, and Sen. Smith heard from Minnesotans with backgrounds in farming, rural development, rural health, and nutrition to make sure that all voices were reflected in the final 5-year bill that passed in 2018 after she joined the Ag Committee. That legislation included many provisions that Sen. Smith authored and championed, including improvement to the dairy safety-net
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Announce $2.1 Million for Infrastructure Improvements at Little Falls/Morrison County Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN), along with Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the Little Falls/Morrison County Airport a grant of $2.1 million for infrastructure improvements. “Critical investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state and country,” Klobuchar said. “By investing in the Little Falls/Morrison County Airport, we are making an important investment in the economy of the region and enhancing public safety.” “Little Falls/Morrison County Airport is an economic driver for many local communities, and we need to make sure it’s
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Announce $500K USDA Grant to Expand Education Opportunities in Northeastern Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/21/19]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Education Innovation Partners Cooperative Center a $500,000 grant to connect students living in rural settings with telecommunication and internet capabilities that could help them learn. Long distance learning services help students overcome challenges they might face due to their remote location and low population density. This project will provide services to 28 sites across six counties. It’s estimated to benefit 21,000 students and 1,500 teachers per year. “Investments in education and health care are
U.S. Senators Smith & Barrasso Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Recruit and Retain Rural Health Care Providers
WASHINGTON D.C. [11/21/2019]—Today, on National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)—both co-chairs of the Senate Rural Health Caucus—announced their bipartisan bill to address the disparity in access to health care in rural America by supporting key rural health workforce programs. Right now, rural America is struggling to recruit and retain the health care providers they need to support their communities. Geographic isolation and scarce housing options create challenges for rural health care providers to attract primary and specialty care physicians, nurses, technicians, ambulance drivers, and case managers. Even when providers move to rural communities,
Klobuchar, Smith, Emmer Announce $200K USDA Grant To Improve Rural Health Care in Central Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/21/19]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn) and Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), announced that the USDA has awarded CentraCare Health System a $234,648 grant to expand telehealth services across central Minnesota. This project will help improve access to critical medical services by placing video equipment at ten clinics across nine counties. It is estimated to help an additional 2,000 patients over a two-year project period. “Investments in education and health care are essential to improving communities across our state,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This funding will help CentraCare address physician shortages in rural areas by establishing greater access to care through telemedicine
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