Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Award to Improve Infrastructure in Polk County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced an award for the city of Crookston to upgrade infrastructure in the city’s east side industrial park. The new infrastructure will include a roadway, water, and wastewater lines that will add 73 acres of developable lots to the industrial park. The project will create 75 jobs and once completed, provide the city with resources to spur their economic growth. “Improving infrastructure is essential for fostering community and economic growth,” said Klobuchar. “This new road and water and wastewater lines will increase the size of the industrial park and significantly boost Crookston’s economy.” “Revitalizing our infrastructure is about more than just fixing roadways, bridges and water treatment facilities, it’s about improving people’s lives and promoting economic growth, which is precisely what these projects will do,” said Smith. “These projects are going to support businesses and strengthen the economy for people in Crookston and Polk County.” The project comes from the Economic Development Administration and totals $3.3 million. ###
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Lead Push to Reinstate Energy Projects for Farmers, Small Businesses
Sixteen Senators are demanding the Trump Administration reverse canceling the bipartisan Rural Energy for America Program WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led fourteen colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration re-commit to funding energy projects across rural America through the bipartisan Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). In 2022 alone, REAP projects saved enough energy and generated enough energy to power over 250,000 homes. Roughly 70% of those projects could be deemed ineligible under the Administration’s new arbitrary restrictions. “Unleashing American energy and supporting American farmers are stated priorities of the Trump Administration. But this change would stifle American energy and hurt our farmers, who are already dealing with increasing costs of operation and uncertain access to markets. At a time like this, it is unconscionable to discourage the use of cost- and energy-saving wind and solar technologies that help to keep their businesses afloat” wrote the Senators. “A REAP program that helps rural Americans invest in the best energy solution for them is a win for farmers’ bottom line and for the lands that they steward. We urge you to remove these new restrictions on REAP,” Senators concluded. On August 18th, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they will be restricting assistance for wind and solar projects previously authorized under REAP. The move will hurt the deployment of cheaper, cleaner energy projects at a time when rural energy costs continue to rise. The REAP program was authorized in
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Applauds Biden Admin Move to Eliminate Medical Debt from Credit Reports
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) celebrated a new proposed rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shielding consumers’ credit scores from being impacted by medical debt. Today’s announcement came after Senator Smith, along with 9 of her colleagues, urged the agency to take action. According to the CFPB’s own report, there is over $88 billion in medical debt on consumer credit records. “You can’t choose when you get sick – it happens whether we like it or not. You shouldn’t be punished with a lower credit score just because you needed medical care,” said Senator Smith.“This move by the Biden
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Funding for White Earth Nation to Increase Solar Power and Energy Storage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced $1.75 million for the White Earth Nation in Minnesota to use energy storage to increase their use of solar power and allow for greater energy flexibility. The project will expand an existing solar array at Pine Point Elementary School and Community Center to help lower electricity costs and support White Earth’s goal to be energy independent. “Tribal Nations have always been leaders in environmental stewardship,” said Senator Tina Smith. “This funding will help White Earth Tribal Nation continue building a more resilient and clean energy system for the Tribe.” The U.S. Department of Energy’s
Klobuchar, Smith Statements on Nomination of Laura Provinzino to be U.S. District Court Judge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that President Biden nominated Laura Provinzino to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, Provinzino was one of the candidates sent to President Biden by Senators Klobuchar and Smith following the recommendation of a judicial selection committee. “As a widely respected Assistant United States Attorney with over twenty years of legal experience, Laura Provinzino is extremely qualified to serve as a
ICYMI: Star Tribune: Sen. Tina Smith goes to bat against Comcast for frustrated Twins fans
WASHINGTON, D.C. [7.7.24] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Tina Smith sent a letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts urging the cable provider to return to the negotiation table with Bally Sports North and get the Minnesota Twins back on the air for Comcast customers. Star Tribune: Sen. Tina Smith takes aim at Comcast on behalf of ‘furious’ constituents In a letter to Comcast’s CEO this week, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith chided the cable company for dropping Bally Sports channels nationwide — a move that has left thousands of Twins fans without access to games. By Michael Rand | June
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