Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on the Department of Justice’s Report on Policing Practices in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/16/23] — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s report detailing the results of their patterns and practices investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department: “I commend the Department of Justice for its thorough investigation into the patterns and practices of the Minneapolis Police Department. Following the tragic murder of George Floyd, and the violence and harm done to too many people at the hands of the MPD, I called on the Department of Justice to conduct this investigation. The findings released today enumerate in vivid and heartbreaking detail what members of this community have known for a long time, that the MPD has engaged in longstanding practices that deny people their rights under the Constitution and federal law, and has brought lasting and real harm to people. Nonetheless, it is shocking to see spelled out the discriminatory, violent and unaccountable behavior of MPD, especially toward Black and Native American people, and those living with behavioral disabilities. “Every Minnesotan deserves to be safe and protected by law enforcement in their community. Minneapolis has taken some initial steps in advancing reforms, and this investigation provides a template for the work ahead to remake MPD policies, supervision, training, and officer wellness programs so we have true accountability. I’m grateful for the city leaders, faith leaders, public safety and mental health providers, and all the community members who provided their experiences for this report. “I am also deeply aware of the challenges facing MPD officers, and
Senators Tina Smith, Jerry Moran Push to Lower Cost of Cancer Treatments
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.15.23] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure cancer patients who receive oral medications are not hit with thousands of dollars in unaffordable out-of-pocket costs that health plans routinely cover for patients receiving traditional IV chemotherapy treatments. Their Cancer Drug Parity Act responds to the recent improvements in oral medications for cancer by preventing insurers from charging cancer patients higher copayments for those medications than for chemotherapy medicine delivered intravenously. An estimated 2 million Americans will be are diagnosed with cancer this year. A study on patients prescribed oral cancer medications found that one in eight patients faced copayments of $2,000 or more for their first prescription. “Advancements in oral cancer medications have made life better for cancer patients across the country,” said Sen. Smith. “Oral medications are less intrusive than traditional IV treatments, can be taken at home, and have turned cancer into a manageable chronic disease for many. But while IV treatments are covered by a health plan’s medical benefits – with moderate to minimal copays – oral medications often have high, unaffordable copays. It can add up to thousands of dollars in costs for patients each year and can cause many to delay or forego necessary care to treat their cancer. Our bill brings parity to these two kinds of treatments and lowers costs for those taking oral cancer drugs.” “As the number of orally administered cancer drugs increases each year, patients ought to be able to
Klobuchar, Smith Urge Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Expedite Investigation into Recent E-Cigarette Product-Related Deaths and Illnesses
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite their investigation into the rise of acute lung illnesses and deaths linked to the use of e-cigarette products such as vaporizers. On September 6, Minnesota health officials confirmed that one senior citizen in Minnesota died in August of a lung injury associated with vaping. As of today, the nationwide total of recent vaping-related deaths stands at six. Federal health officials have indicated that e-cigarette products may be responsible for roughly 450 cases of severe
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding for Rural Minnesota Communities Affected by Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced funding for rural Minnesota communities affected by natural disasters. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $150 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Program to help rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of natural disasters. Examples of essential community facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, courthouses, street improvements, child care centers, police stations, fire departments, libraries, and food banks, among others. “Severe weather has affected towns and businesses across our state,” Klobuchar said. “These grants will help provide the resources necessary to recover. We can’t prevent natural disasters, but we
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Pens Op-Ed: “U.S. Should Lead the ‘Clean Energy Revolution’ and Learn from State Innovations”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/10/19]—This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) penned an op-ed for the Washington Times on the urgent need for the U.S. to lead the world in climate and energy solutions. In her piece, Sen. Smith cites the economic, health, and climate benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and highlights how states are already encouraging innovation in this space. “The costs of renewable energy, batteries, carbon capture and storage, and other low-carbon technologies are dropping rapidly,” wrote Sen. Smith. “Countries that choose to lead this clean revolution will gain at the expense of those who lag behind. Our country can lead or we can follow. I,
U.S. Sens. Klobuchar, Smith, & Rep. Peterson Announce $350,000 for Infrastructure Improvements in De Graff
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/10/19]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN 7) lauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) $350,000 rural development grant to help the city of De Graff finish building its first sewer system, originally funded in 2017. Prior to the start of this project, De Graff did not have a sewer system and there were concerns that untreated sewage from septic systems was entering bodies of water throughout the city. “Investing in our water and waste infrastructure is a down payment on the long-term well-being of our communities,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This investment will benefit the people and
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