Latest Releases
As Child Labor Violations Skyrocket, Senators Smith, Casey, Murray Introduce Legislation to Combat Child Labor Exploitation
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introducing comprehensive labor legislation to protect children from exploitative child labor practices and hold companies and individuals who take advantage of them accountable. The Children Harmed in Life-threatening or Dangerous (CHILD) Labor Act cracks down on employers who violate child labor laws with much stronger federal penalties and allows children who have been exploited to sue their employers. The bill authorizes the Department of Labor to label and restrict the shipping of goods that are produced with child labor. It also provides the Department of Labor with greater authority to investigate and hold suppliers and subcontractors throughout the supply chain responsible for oppressive child labor and requires federal contracts to contain provisions prohibiting child labor, among other provisions. “Over the past few years we have seen an alarming and dramatic increase in child labor violations,” said Senator Smith. “We’ve seen deeply troubling examples in Minnesota – meatpacking plants and slaughterhouse floors are no place for children. Companies that take advantage of children – often those who are most vulnerable – and subject them to dangerous work environments must be held accountable. This legislation strengthens and improves federal child labor laws and takes important steps to ensure bad actors are met with stronger penalties and are held accountable for violations.” “Children do not belong in factories or working during hours when they should be studying, spending time with their families, or simply being
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
WASHINGTON, [10.25.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced over $150 million in new funding for climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs in Minnesota. The investments are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers payments and other incentives to address climate change and achieve natural resource benefits. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. And Minnesota farmers and landowners’ participation rates are among the highest in the country,” said Klobuchar. “This critical funding will not only increase economic opportunities but will support agriculture and conservation efforts in our state.” “Climate friendly farming and land use practices are a win-win for Minnesota’s environment and ag economy,” said Smith. “These Climate-Smart programs are a creative way to combat the climate crisis while boosting rural economies and generating opportunity for farmers. I worked hard to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which made these investments possible.” Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. In return, participants receive rental payments and cost-share assistance. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to their local environment and economy. Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Smith has lead efforts to create and expand conservation programs, including CRP. In 2020, Senator Smith successfully pushed the USDA to increase CRP incentive payments and help more producers participate.
U.S. Senators Smith, Baldwin, Rubio Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Communities Strengthen Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/27/20]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure federal, state, local and private infrastructure is more resilient to extreme weather events. The Built to Last Act would make it possible for the standards-developing organizations that issue building codes and other standards have the best available information on weather-related risks—including floods and wildfires. Roads and bridges, water and wastewater systems, government buildings and power lines provide essential services to families and communities, but extreme weather poses a significant risk to vital infrastructure. Last year, the Congressional Budget Office estimated annual economic losses
Klobuchar, Smith Announce More Than $6.7 Million for Investments in Affordable Housing
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced more than $6.7 million in grant funding for investments in Minnesota organizations to promote affordable housing. The Volunteers of America National Services in Eden Prairie received $6 million and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity received $735,000. These resources come from a U.S. Department of the Treasury fund that promotes affordable housing and economic development in economically distressed neighborhoods across the United States. “Increasing the availability of homes that families can fit in their budget is one of the most important issues for our state,” Klobuchar said. “These resources will help Minnesotans build and maintain reliable, affordable
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Urge Landowners to Enroll in Conservation Reserve Program Before Friday Deadline
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/26/20]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) are reminding Minnesota landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to enroll before the February 28 general signup deadline. The senators said that CRP, signed into law in 1985, is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. Over the last 35 years, CRP has helped improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat on private lands in Minnesota and across the country. “The Conservation Reserve Program protects critical natural resources and provides economic benefits for our rural communities,” Klobuchar said. “I worked to increase the number of acres in CRP
U.S. Sens. Smith & Sasse Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Credit Union Employee Safety, Simplify Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/24/20]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) introduced bipartisan legislation—the Credit Union Governance Modernization Act—that would make credit unions safer for employees and members, and simplify rules for credit union operations. The measure would allow federal credit unions to expel members for violations of credit union policies, without requiring a vote of membership. Under current law, a federal credit union must hold of a vote of its entire membership before it can expel a member who engages in unacceptable, sometimes dangerous behavior. Minnesota credit unions have shared stories of members who have robbed credit unions, smashed ATMs, and sexually
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