Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Urges Justice Department to Address the Use of AI in Wrongful Evictions
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging them to address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in eviction filings. The letter comes on the heels of a Minnesota lawsuit against a firm whose automated eviction filing system may have violated federal law by enabling them to file thousands of complaints without adequate investigation or accuracy controls, leading to wrongful evictions. Automated tools also allow corporate landlords to file serial evictions as a means of collecting rent, placing significant legal burdens on renters. Minnesota renters have reported paying hundreds of dollars in court fees and still having evictions on their record, making it even harder to repay their late rent or find more affordable housing. “Evictions have lasting, detrimental impacts on a family’s housing stability and overall well-being. Following an eviction, families are more likely to experience homelessness, a loss of earnings, lower credit scores, hospital visits, and mental-health concerns,” wrote Senator Smith. “While I recognize and appreciate the potential for these technologies to reduce bias, in this application, I remain concerned about a disparate impact of serial eviction filings, along with limited accountability for errors in automated eviction processes and the lack of recourse for tenants. […] I encourage the Civil Rights Division to apply their holistic approach to enforcement, education, interagency coordination, and policy to prevent unfair and erroneous evictions.” “Eviction actions haunt renters for many years, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Biofuel and Clean Energy Expansion Projects Across Minnesota
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), announced 71 farms and small businesses across Minnesota will receive federal funding to install clean energy technology and make energy efficiency improvements, in addition to 15 awards to build out the infrastructure businesses need to make domestic biofuels more accessible. These investments will lower Minnesota’s carbon emissions while saving consumers money on energy and gas. “Domestically produced biofuel and renewable power systems strengthen our energy independence, support our farmers, and boost rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These federal funds will also help families and businesses transition to clean energy, reducing their overall energy costs. And through the funding made possible by my bill with Senator Ernst, the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, Minnesotans will have better access to biofuels at local gas stations.” “The clean energy transition is happening, and I want us to lead it,” said Senator Smith. “As we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits. That’s why we pushed to expand programs like REAP that help farmers and rural communities looking to install renewable energy systems or HBIIP, which helps businesses invest in the infrastructure they need to expand the use of biofuels. These grants will save farms and small businesses across Minnesota thousands of dollars per year in energy costs, and support producers who are the bedrock of our biofuel industry and reduce harmful emissions.” These projects are made possible through two programs, both of
Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Smith Help Secure Major Grant for Rochester Bus Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/10/22]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) helped secure $4,339,344 in funding to improve Rochester bus stops by adding shelters and benches, and to build a new park and ride featuring a new bus passenger platform. The upgrades will enhance safety for riders, better accommodate transfers between buses and attract new riders. “Investing in public transit infrastructure reduces traffic and makes it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This critical funding will expand public transit service and boost efficiency in one of Minnesota’s fastest growing cities. I’ll keep
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Resources for Key Workforce, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Priorities for Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, includes major federal funding for local projects to strengthen communities in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Over $130 million will be designated for Minnesota projects, including efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, increase access to workforce development programs, provide resources and training for law enforcement, and support affordable, quality healthcare. “This federal funding will make a real difference in Minnesota communities. From strengthening transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure to increasing
Sen. Smith Praises Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve U.S. Postal Service
WASHINGTON [3.8.22] – Today, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) said that the passage of the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act–which she cosponsored–will ensure postal delivery standards are not cut and will help stabilize the long-troubled USPS budget, which in turn will mean reliable service for customers nationwide. The new law will ensure that six day delivery remains the nationwide standard. “The U.S. Postal Service is a vital public service, connecting Americans across the country no matter where they live,” said Sen. Smith. “People don’t just rely on the postal service for letters and catalogues; it’s how people get their medications, ballots,
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Funding to Boost Duluth Tourism Industry, Strengthen Shoreline Resiliency
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Economic Development Association (EDA) has awarded $5 million in CARES Act recovery assistance funding to boost the Duluth tourism industry by strengthening shoreline infrastructure. This funding will make shoreline infrastructure more resilient to storms and other weather disasters while allowing for greater access to waterfront services. The investment will specifically enable the reconstruction of a seawall behind the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). “This investment is a win-win — helping boost the tourism industry integral to Duluth’s economy while bolstering critical shoreline infrastructure,” said Klobuchar.
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