Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
WASHINGTON, [10.25.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced over $150 million in new funding for climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs in Minnesota. The investments are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers payments and other incentives to address climate change and achieve natural resource benefits. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. And Minnesota farmers and landowners’ participation rates are among the highest in the country,” said Klobuchar. “This critical funding will not only increase economic opportunities but will support agriculture and conservation efforts in our state.” “Climate friendly farming and land use practices are a win-win for Minnesota’s environment and ag economy,” said Smith. “These Climate-Smart programs are a creative way to combat the climate crisis while boosting rural economies and generating opportunity for farmers. I worked hard to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which made these investments possible.” Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. In return, participants receive rental payments and cost-share assistance. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to their local environment and economy. Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Smith has lead efforts to create and expand conservation programs, including CRP. In 2020, Senator Smith successfully pushed the USDA to increase CRP incentive payments and help more producers participate.
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith, Announce Significant Federal Funding to Help Minnesota Families and Seniors With Heating Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minn.), announced over $112 million in federal funding to help families and seniors pay for energy costs this winter. The funding was made possible in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith helped pass. “As Minnesota prepares for winter, families shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes or buying other necessities,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help families and seniors across our state pay their energy bills and keep their homes warm.” “As the temperature starts to drop in Minnesota, everyone should be able to heat their homes and stay warm,” said Senator Smith. “For low-income families, high energy prices can force an impossible choice between heating their homes and other essentials like rent, food, or medicine. I’m proud of our work to secure this funding, which will help families in Minnesota afford their heating costs and utility bills in the coming winter months.” The funding is issued through the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides families with payment assistance to support their home energy needs. LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather. Households can easily identify if they are eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us. Those interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Senate Colleagues Make Bipartisan Effort to Stop Deceptive Meat Labeling
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/20/2019]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is leading a bipartisan Senate effort to stop deceptive labeling practices that hurt bison ranchers and mislead consumers in Minnesota and across the country. This week, Sen. Smith and several Senate colleagues introduced the “Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act” that would allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit water buffalo products from being marketed as “buffalo.” “Minnesota’s bison ranches are an important part of our farming economy,” said Sen. Smith. “Deceptive labeling not only hurts their bottom lines, but also misleads Minnesotans into purchasing and eating food that’s not necessarily what they think it is. This labeling fix will help ranchers and consumers alike.” “Minnesota
U.S. Senators Smith and Cramer Make Bipartisan Push to Hold Big Pharma Accountable, Have Execs Address Congress Directly About Skyrocketing Drug Prices
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/17/2019]—Today U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) urged the U.S. Senate Finance Committee to hold a hearing on their bipartisan bill to address the skyrocketing price of insulin and help people with diabetes access the life-saving medication they need to survive. The two lawmakers said that during the hearing they also hope to have pharmaceutical executives address Congress directly about high drug prices that are hurting many Americans. Approximately 7.5 million Americans with diabetes rely on insulin every day to survive yet the average price of insulin almost doubled between 2012 and 2016—forcing some patients into the dangerous practice
Klobuchar, Smith Urge Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Expedite Investigation into Recent E-Cigarette Product-Related Deaths and Illnesses
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite their investigation into the rise of acute lung illnesses and deaths linked to the use of e-cigarette products such as vaporizers. On September 6, Minnesota health officials confirmed that one senior citizen in Minnesota died in August of a lung injury associated with vaping. As of today, the nationwide total of recent vaping-related deaths stands at six. Federal health officials have indicated that e-cigarette products may be responsible for roughly 450 cases of severe
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding for Rural Minnesota Communities Affected by Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced funding for rural Minnesota communities affected by natural disasters. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $150 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Program to help rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of natural disasters. Examples of essential community facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, courthouses, street improvements, child care centers, police stations, fire departments, libraries, and food banks, among others. “Severe weather has affected towns and businesses across our state,” Klobuchar said. “These grants will help provide the resources necessary to recover. We can’t prevent natural disasters, but we
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