Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding Available for Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs
WASHINGTON [2.22.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced new funding is available for voluntary, incentive-based climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs. The funding is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass last year. “Our farmers should have the tools and resources they need to conserve and improve soil, strengthen water quality, and preserve wildlife habitat,” said Klobuchar. “By providing Minnesota farmers with better access to critical, voluntary conservation programs, these investments will boost productivity and increase economic opportunities for our agricultural communities while protecting the environment.” “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. I encourage eligible Minnesota famers to apply.” The Inflation Reduction Act provided an additional $19.5 billion over five years for climate smart agriculture through several of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) conservation programs. These voluntary programs are implemented through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and allow farmers and forest landowners to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. The NRCS is making $850 million available in fiscal year 2023 for its popular conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). These investments
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Coordination Between HHS and Urban Indian Organizations
WASHINGTON, [02.21.23] – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would help federal programs – from substance use treatment to Medicare and Medicaid – meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities and improve care. The Urban Indian Health Confer Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to confer with urban Indian organizations regarding health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban areas – a critical step that will improve care for Indigenous communities and create parity between urban Indian organizations (UIOs) and other components of the Indian Health System. “American Indian and Alaska Native people living in urban areas deserve an active voice in the policies that affect them,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “The bipartisan Urban Indian Health Confer Act will help give them one by facilitating the open and free exchange of information and opinions between federal agencies and urban Indian organizations. It is a critical step towards creating parity within the Indian Health System.” “Urban Indian Organizations play a critical role in providing health care services to Indian Country,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin. “It is essential that the Department of Health and Human Services consult with these UIOs to improve patient access to high-quality, affordable, and consistent care. I’m proud to represent a state home to the second-largest Indian population, many of whom will benefit from this bill. Thank you to Senator Smith for joining me on
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, in Bipartisan Effort, Urges Trump Administration to Keep SNAP Benefits for Families
WASHINGTON D.C. [03/29/19] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) raised concerns about a proposed rule to make harmful changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—which would affect some 1.1 million people across the country—and urged the Trump Administration to withdraw the proposal. In a bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Sen. Smith emphasized the administration’s proposal is in direct contradiction to Congressional intent and would hurt many families struggling to find stable employment. The letter was led by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “Congress recognizes that one-size-fits-all rules for SNAP and employment practices actually end up fitting
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Delivers Weekly Democratic Address
Washington, D.C. – As many Republicans in Congress refuse to accept the facts about climate change, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)—a member of Senate Democrats’ new Special Committee on the Climate Crisis announced Wednesday—delivers this week’s Weekly Democratic Address. In the address, Smith begins by addressing recent news and underscoring the importance of releasing the entire Mueller report to the American people. Smith goes on to highlight the new Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, efforts underway to tackle the climate crisis, and outlines how America can either follow or lead on climate change. She closes by saying that Democrats think the
Sen. Tina Smith Sworn in to Serve Minnesota in US Senate
U.S. Senator Tina Smith was sworn in to serve the state of Minnesota in the United States Senate. Photos of the ceremonial swearing-in are attached and you can watch video here. “Every time I talk about Minnesota I feel incredible pride—in our communities and community leaders, in hard-working families, in farmers and businesses, and in all the women, men, and children who call our great state their home,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m thinking about all of those people—and the weight of this seat, which carries a long progressive legacy that I intend to uphold—as I begin representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. “I want to thank everybody who joined me today, including my husband Archie, our sons Mason
Sen. Tina Smith Fights for Minnesota in First Weekend as U.S. Senator
Back in Washington after a productive trip home to Minnesota, U.S. Senator Tina Smith said she plans to take what she learned from her first weekend as Senator and use it to continue fighting for Minnesota’s priorities. Over the weekend, Sen. Smith made several stops—which you can read more about here—on her way from the metro area to Duluth and the Iron Range and back. “What a great first weekend as Senator,” said Sen. Smith. “The stops I made, and meetings I held, and Minnesotans I met really drove home what a big, diverse, welcoming state Minnesota is. I’m excited to hit the ground
English