Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Loneliness Among Seniors
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Marco Rubio and Rick Scott (both R-Fla.) introduced the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act to combat loneliness among American seniors. In 2023, one in three adults aged 50-80 reported feeling isolated from others, including nearly 40 percent reporting they only have contact with people outside their home once per week. Social isolation and loneliness increase seniors’ risk for dementia by some 50 percent—and heart disease and stroke by about 30 percent. Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. “People say we can’t combat loneliness through legislation, but I think that’s a ridiculous thing to say. Whether it’s Meals on Wheels or support for caregivers, there are so many different things we can do to support people as they age,” said Senator Smith. “Nobody deserves to feel so alone and isolated that their health suffers, especially seniors. We are more connected now than ever before – yet loneliness endures. We need to invest in programs that will combat loneliness in our older Americans and I’m glad to be leading this charge.” “Seniors across the country are suffering from mental health issues and loneliness. That is why I am introducing the SENIOR Act to support Florida’s seniors by addressing this issue and bringing seniors back into our communities,” said Senator Rubio. “Florida has a wonderful senior population that contributes so much to our great state. Combatting the feeling of isolation and loneliness for our aging community has endless benefits – from better mental and physical health
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects in Le Sueur County
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for projects benefiting Le Sueur County. These projects will help support the Le Sueur County Broadband Initiative, the Le Sueur Water Treatment Facility, and the implementation of a Records Management System, Computer Aided Dispatch, and Jail Management Software Program in the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office. Last month, Klobuchar met with Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett Mason and other county officials to discuss the technology upgrades for the Sheriff’s Office. “From expanding access to broadband to bolstering law enforcement, these projects will make a big difference in Le Sueur County,” said Klobuchar. “We worked with local leaders to secure these resources and move the projects forward.” “From building out affordable and accessible broadband access, to ensuring our water is clean and safe, and keeping our local law enforcement offices up-to-date, the funding heading to Le Sueur County is going to have a real, substantive impact in people’s lives,” said Smith. “These are exactly the type of projects the federal government should be a partner in and I’m proud of the work we did with local leaders to make it possible.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured: Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination
U.S. Senators Smith, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Care Workforce to Areas of Greatest Need
WASHINGTON, D.C. [5/12/21]—Today, during Mental Health Awareness Month, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced their bipartisan legislation which would repay up to $250,000 in eligible student loan repayment for mental health professionals who work in mental health professional shortage areas. U.S. Representatives John Katko (R-NY 24) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA 32) introduced companion legislation in the House. Sen. Smith has shared her own mental health journey from the Senate floor—and again last week as part of Mental Health Awareness Month—in hopes of breaking the stigma around mental health and working to expand access so Americans get the help they need.
U.S. Senators Smith, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Rural Health Care for New & Expecting Moms
WASHINGTON, D.C. [5/5/21]–Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation that would help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural communities get the care they need. More than half of rural counties nationwide lack hospitals with labor and birthing services, and the disparity in access to care and worse health outcomes disproportionally affects people of color. Rural counties with more Black residents are at greater risk of losing their labor and delivery services. “No matter where new and expecting moms live, they should be able to access quality health care. But right now, we know that
Smith, Klobuchar Announce Over $4.5 Million in Disaster Relief Funding for City of Duluth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $4.5 million to the City of Duluth to fund the restoration of the Canal Park area to its pre-disaster state. “The 2019 storms washed away pathways, ripped out light poles, and left lasting damage across Canal Park,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal grant will help cover the cost of restoring the waterfront infrastructure and protecting against future damage so that Duluth residents can enjoy our shoreline for years to come.” “The Lake Superior
U.S. Senators Tina Smith & Lisa Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Tribes Combat COVID-19, Other Public Health Crises
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/3/2021]— U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Tribes address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other public health challenges. The Tribal Health Data Improvement Act would strengthen data sharing between Tribes, Tribal Epidemiology Centers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over the past year, Tribes and Tribal Epidemiology Centers have been denied access to public health data about the virus spreading near Tribal lands, despite their authority to receive this data. This severely limits the ability of Tribal communities to prevent and combat health crises, and represents yet another broken promise by the federal government. These structural barriers to accessing
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