Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Announce Major Investments to Expand Renewable Energy, Lower Energy Bills for Minnesotans
WASHINGTON [12/22/22] – U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-Minn.) announced over $21.6 million in federal funding to lower energy costs, combat climate change, and expand access to clean energy for Minnesotans. The funding – made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act– is based on Senator Smith’s legislation to help rural communities install renewable energy systems and will be distributed across nearly 150 projects throughout the state. The projects will save Minnesota businesses and families thousands of dollars a year in energy costs while reducing harmful greenhouse emissions. “The transition to clean energy is happening, the question is whether our country leads or follows. I want us to lead,” said Smith. “These investments in renewable energy will save Minnesota businesses and families thousands of dollars a year in energy costs while helping reduce harmful emissions. I’m proud of our work to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which made investments like these possible.” “Investments in renewable energy drive our economy forward and help consumers save on energy costs,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will lower energy bills for communities across the state while making it easier for farmers and small businesses to access energy efficiency upgrades.” The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps farmers, ag producers and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Nearly 150 projects in Minnesota are set to receive funding thanks to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Local Projects Benefiting Duluth and North Shore, Including Investments in Aerial Lift Bridge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 federal budget to support local projects benefiting Duluth and the North Shore. These projects will enable critical infrastructure improvements, including modernizing the Aerial Lift Bridge, while expanding housing opportunities and workforce development programs in sectors facing critical shortages. “From improving the Aerial Lift Bridges to helping students pursue medical training programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these investments, and I know that these resources will make a real difference for Duluth and so many communities across the North Shore,” said Klobuchar. “These investments are a big win for Duluth and the North Shore. From key infrastructure improvements like bolstering pedestrian safety on the Aerial Lift Bridge and fixing Beaver Bay’s water system, to workforce development and expanding housing and shelter resources, these projects are going to have a real, positive impact on people’s lives,” said Smith. “I’m proud of the work we did to bring this funding to Northeastern Minnesota.” Klobuchar and Smith have secured federal investments to further the following priorities: Improving infrastructure: $500,000 to modernize and strengthen pedestrian walkways on the Aerial Lift Bridge’s underlying steel support system; $432,000 to repair and replace water intake infrastructure in Beaver Bay. Expanding housing opportunities: $2 million for the Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) to increase the capacity of its Congregate
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop Schools From Publicly Singling Out Children Unable to Pay for Meals at School
WASHINGTON, D.C. [04/10/2019]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) helped introduce legislation to prohibit school “lunch shaming”—the practice of punishing or stigmatizing children who have an outstanding balance or don’t have enough money to pay for meals at school. The Anti-Lunch Shaming Act—led by Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)—would ban schools from requiring children to wear hand stamps or do extra chores because their parents or guardians have not paid their school meal bills. Minnesota is currently considering a similar measure to address this shameful practice, and the federal Anti-Lunch Shaming Act aims to provide protections to students throughout the country. You can read text of the bill
Rep. Betty McCollum Wins 9th Annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition
***PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE*** WASHINGTON, D.C. [04/09/2018]—Today, Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) hosted the ninth annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition. Sen. Smith took up the helm last year to continue the annual hotdish off to determine which Minnesota Congressional Delegation member makes the best hotdish—a dish similar to what other states call a casserole, but is indisputably better. You can download video from the event here and here. Participants’ recipes can be found here. You can find photos of the competition here. Rep. Betty McCollum’s “Hotdish A-Hmong Friends” was named the winner of the 2019 Hotdish Off after a blind taste
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Invest in Rural Communities
WASHINGTON D.C. [04/04/2019]— This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith helped introduce a pair of bipartisan bills to expand investments in rural communities: one designed to help improve rural broadband, and one to improve rural health care. Sen. Smith has been contacted by several Minnesota cooperatives—which are a vital part of the effort to build out rural broadband in the state—that are at risk of losing their tax-exempt status due to a mistake in the 2017 tax law. The mistake in the 2017 law put the tax-exempt status of co-ops at risk if they receive government grants to expand broadband or
U.S. Sens. Smith, Durbin, King, Sinema Introduce Bill to Help Make College Textbooks More Affordable
WASHINGTON, D.C. [04/04/2019]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), introduced legislation that aims to make high-quality textbooks easily accessible and free of charge to students, professors, researchers, and the public. The bill, known as the Affordable College Textbook Act, would make it possible for colleges to create and expand the use of open college textbooks—textbooks that are free and available online. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO 2) introduced a companion bill in the House. According to The College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2017 2018
English