Latest Releases
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Encourage Minnesota Farmers to Sign Up for Key Safety Net Programs
WASHINGTON, [11/7/22] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) urged Minnesota farmers to enroll in key agricultural safety net programs for the 2023 crop year. Producers have until March 15, 2023 to enroll in in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, which help protect farmers from unexpected market volatility. “The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs help provide our farmers with a strong safety net and much-needed stability in the event of volatile commodity markets,” said Klobuchar. “ I encourage all eligible farmers to reach out to their local Farm Service Agency and apply for assistance before the March 15 deadline.” “While market prices have been good for Minnesota farmers, recent history tells us it’s important to be prepared for anything,” said Smith. “Whether it’s the pandemic, Putin’s war in Ukraine, or climate-fueled extreme weather, unexpected shocks to the market can be devastating for Minnesota farmers and our local economy. That’s why safety net programs like ARC and PLC are so important – they provide farmers the security they need to navigate market volatility. I encourage Minnesota farmers to contact their local USDA Service Center and sign up for these programs before the March 15 deadline.” The ARC and PLC programs are part of a broader safety net provided by USDA, which also includes crop insurance and marketing assistance loans. The ARC and PLC safety net programs were first authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Investments to Improve Health Care in Rural Minnesota
Washington, D.C. [11/7/22] — Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced significant federal investments that will improve health care quality and accessibility in Greater Minnesota. These grants – over $1.8 million in total – will help health care organizations and providers expand critical services and recover from lost revenue in the wake of the pandemic. “This funding will make health care more accessible for rural communities across our state by helping providers expand services, purchase new ambulances, and upgrade facilities to improve the safety of patients and frontline workers,” said Klobuchar. “I’ll keep pushing for resources to ensure that all Minnesotans, regardless of their zip code, can access quality, affordable health care.” “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and Tribal leaders in rural Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Sen. Smith. “These investments will expand access to health care for thousands of Minnesotans while helping providers recover from pandemic-related staffing shortages and lost revenue. As Co-Chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I will continue working to improve access to health care in Greater Minnesota.” Specifically, grants will help replace outdated ambulances, purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), and upgrade hospital and nursing facilities in Slayton, Kittson, Big Stone, Chippewa, Sibley, Freeborn, Red Lake, and Murray Counties. As a member of the Senate Health Committee and a leader in the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, Sen. Smith is fighting to protect, improve, and expand comprehensive health care coverage for Minnesotans. Last month, Smith
Sen. Tina Smith Presses to Help Schools in Minnesota, Across the Country Hit Hard by Teacher Shortages
WASHINGTON D.C [07/09/18]—Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—a member of the Senate Education Committee—introduced legislation to help schools in Minnesota and across the country fill their growing need for STEM and special education teachers, to give rural districts resources to overcome teacher shortages, and to develop a more-diverse teacher workforce in the nation’s schools. Sen. Smith’s bill—the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act—would allow school districts across the country to apply for grants to help them to attract and retain the quality teachers they need. The bill would also provide funding for the Department of Education to administer the grant program and help
Sen. Tina Smith Presses to Help Schools in Minnesota, Across the Country Hit Hard by Teacher Shortages
WASHINGTON D.C [07/09/18]—Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—a member of the Senate Education Committee—introduced legislation to help schools in Minnesota and across the country fill their growing need for STEM and special education teachers, to give rural districts resources to overcome teacher shortages, and to develop a more-diverse teacher workforce in the nation’s schools. Sen. Smith’s bill—the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act—would allow school districts across the country to apply for grants to help them to attract and retain the quality teachers they need. The bill would also provide funding for the Department of Education to administer the grant program and help
Sen. Tina Smith’s Remarks on President Trump’s Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to Serve as Supreme Court Justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/09/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) took to the Supreme Court steps shortly after President Donald Trump announced Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee to fill the vacancy left by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement. Sen. Smith joined fellow Senate colleagues, advocacy organizations, and groups to call for a Justice who will protect the rights of all Americans. “This is a pivotal moment for our country–the person who fills this seat long held by Justice Kennedy will shape the course of American democracy for decades,” said Sen. Smith. “I had hoped that the President would appoint a consensus Justice, a person
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith’s Staff Kicks Off “Health Care Cost Listening Tour”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/11/18]—U.S Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) continued her push to make health care more affordable for Minnesotans by deploying her staff to kick off their statewide “Health Care Cost Listening Tour.” The listening sessions will include Minnesota residents, as well as health experts and care providers in discussions of how to make health care more affordable and accessible in Minnesota and across the country. “Without question, the number one issue I hear about most frequently from Minnesotans is the high price of health care,” said Sen. Smith. “Over the coming weeks, my staff will be traveling all over the state to
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