Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Disaster Loans for Minnesotans Affected by Drought
Washington [10/16/23] — Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minn.) announced federal loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations in Minnesota recoup losses as a result of this summer’s drought. These federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Murray and Nobles counties and the contiguous counties of Cottonwood, Jackson, Lyon, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock Minnesota. “This summer’s drought affected everyone from farmers and ranchers to local business owners,” said Klobuchar. “These federal loans will provide relief and ensure farms and businesses get the support they need as they continue to recover. I encourage everyone eligible to get in touch with the Small Business Administration to learn more and apply.” “Climate-fueled extreme weather events, like the drought we experienced in Minnesota this summer, are becoming more and more common. We need to be doing everything we can to support those impacted and limit the economic toll they take,” said Sen. Smith. “These federal loans will help sustain local businesses and farms as they deal with the fallout from the drought. I encourage eligible businesses, farms and nonprofits to contact the Small Business Administration and apply before the May 29th deadline.” The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. EIDLs are available through the Small Business Administration (SBA), and can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, and other bills that could have been paid if
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Low Carbon Hydrogen Production
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, made up of public and private partners in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, will receive significant federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to produce low carbon hydrogen for power generation, natural gas distribution systems, and agricultural use. “This investment will be an important part of our energy future, unlocking innovation and new sources of energy that will benefit our whole state,” said Klobuchar. “The combined public/private investments will create good-paying jobs and power Minnesota for years to come.” “The clean energy transition is happening—the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” said Smith. “This funding will jumpstart the production of hydrogen from clean energy resources in Minnesota to help decarbonize various sectors of the economy, while creating more than 1,500 good paying jobs in our state. I’m proud of our work to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made investments like these possible.” The Heartland Hydrogen Hub was one of just seven proposed clean hydrogen hubs nationwide selected to receive funding through the Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program and this funding were made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass in 2021. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program will create a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, and delivery of clean hydrogen.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Remains Skeptical of EPA’s Proposed Targets for Ethanol, Other Renewable Fuels to be Blended into Nation’s Fuel Supply in 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said she is skeptical of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the amount of corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels the agency says will be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply in 2019. Sen. Smith, who has pressed for expanded use of renewables, said the EPA-announced target of 19.88 billion gallons—required under the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)—does not specify how refiners will make up for the gallons lost from controversial EPA-granted waivers. Earlier this year, the agency granted a “financial hardship” waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn,
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Harmful Travel Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court—in a 5-4 decision—upheld President Trump’s discriminatory travel ban. “Next week, our nation will celebrate the anniversary of our independence—a time when we reflect on the laws, history, and diverse groups of people who make up America. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court goes against the founding principles of our nation and defies our core beliefs,” said Sen. Smith. “This is not who we have been, and it’s not who we should be. We must keep working to help all people demand respect, freedom and dignity in
Sen. Tina Smith Says Bipartisan Measure She Helped Push Through Senate Education Committee Will Improve How Schools Prepare Students for 21st Century Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C [06/27/18]—U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn) said today that a bipartisan measure she helped push through the Senate Education Committee will help schools in Minnesota and across the country better prepare students for 21st century jobs. The bill, which passed unanimously Tuesday, would modernize the current Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to better provide students with technical training and workforce skills. “I’ve met with teachers, students, administrators, as well as business and industry leaders across Minnesota who understand that in our changing economy we need to improve how we prepare students for 21st Century jobs,” Sen. Smith said. “This
Sen. Tina Smith Says Bipartisan Measure She Helped Push Through Senate Education Committee Will Improve How Schools Prepare Students for 21st Century Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C [06/27/18]—U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn) said today that a bipartisan measure she helped push through the Senate Education Committee will help schools in Minnesota and across the country better prepare students for 21st century jobs. The bill, which passed unanimously Tuesday, would modernize the current Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to better provide students with technical training and workforce skills. “I’ve met with teachers, students, administrators, as well as business and industry leaders across Minnesota who understand that in our changing economy we need to improve how we prepare students for 21st Century jobs,” Sen. Smith said. “This
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