Latest Releases
Sen. Smith, Rep. Spanberger Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Strengthen Popular Program to Lower Energy Costs, Expand Clean Energy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). A version of the bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and David Valadao (R-CA-22). REAP provides financial assistance to farmers, producers, and rural small business owners to install renewable energy systems and adopt energy efficiency measures. Since 2021, REAP has leveraged more than $1.2 billion in public investment to stimulate more than twice that amount in private investment — delivering more than $3.4 billion in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for rural America. The REAP Modernization Act would build on this success by increasing the cost share for REAP grants and raising certain grant limits. Additionally, the bipartisan bill would make it easier for farmers and small businesses to access the program by streamlining the application process and increasing assistance, outreach, and education for farmers and small businesses throughout the application process. “The clean energy transition is happening, the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” said Smith. “But as we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits. That’s one reason programs like REAP, which helps rural communities install renewable energy systems, are so important. REAP is the flagship program in the Farm Bill Energy Title, and I’m glad to partner with Representatives Spanberger and Valadao to introduce this bill to help improve
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bill to Root Out Discrimination and Increase Accountability For USDA Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. [7.27.23] – This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced legislation to root out discrimination and increase accountability within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the important programs under its purview. A companion bill is being led in the House of Representatives by Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN). The USDA Equity Commission was authorized under the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act with the intention of addressing systemic discrimination within USDA programs. The agency has a documented history of discriminatory practices against black farmers and farmers of color, denying them loans and access to federal programs. Earlier this year, the Commission released its first report, which included a number of recommendations. The Ensuring Accountability for Equity at USDA Act would make two of the recommendations law. “We have to acknowledge that the USDA has a history of institutionalized discrimination against farmers of color. That is the history and we cannot shy away from it,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad to see the recommendations outlined in the Equity Commission’s report and will work to make sure they are implemented through this legislation.” “Whether it’s farm program assistance or natural disaster relief, our federal agencies and their programs should be accessible to all Americans,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud to introduce the Ensuring Accountability for Equity at USDA Act to hold the USDA accountable by removing barriers to underserved communities and ensure equity across all USDA agencies and their programs. It’s critical to implement transparency
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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