Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Announce New Federal Funding to Increase Access to Biofuels
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced significant federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to install E15 dispensers at fueling stations located in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota to increase the availability of domestic biofuels and give drivers cleaner, more affordable fuel options. Gas stations and distribution facilities in Alexandria, Annandale, Belgrade, Crookston, Hoffman, Moorhead, Paynesville, and Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, will receive funding. The Department is making the awards through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which was made possible with funding from Klobuchar and Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, which was included as part of a larger legislative package in 2022. “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports farmers, and cuts costs for families,” said Klobuchar. “My bill with Senator Ernst, the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, unlocked this funding to help bring affordable biofuels to more local gas stations and help drivers save money.” “Biofuels offer us a clean, renewable, and homegrown pathway to transition away from fossil fuels,” said Smith. “Minnesota is already a leader in biofuels production, and this investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will further spur an industry that America relies on for energy independence, drivers rely on for lower gas prices, and farmers rely on for new streams of income. We’re reducing harmful emissions while creating more economic opportunity in rural areas.”These grants will reduce out-of-pocket costs for transportation fueling and distribution facilities to install and upgrade biofuel-related infrastructure
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Governor Tim Walz Announce Major Federal Funding for Reconstruction of the Blatnik Bridge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Governor Tim Walz (D) announced a $1.05 billion federal grant to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which connects Duluth to Superior. The Blatnik Bridge opened in 1961 and has reached the end of its useful life. Bridge users experience lane closures and other disruptions multiple times each year due to inspections and maintenance work. This new bridge will be safer and boost the regional economy, as the Blatnik Bridge is integral to helping transport Minnesota goods for export to global markets. “For over 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has connected commuters, businesses, and communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but it’s in serious need of a replacement,” said Klobuchar. “The significant federal grant we secured for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project will bolster safety and reliability for the thousands of people who use this bridge every day.” “The Blatnik Bridge is not only an essential connector for commuters in the Upper Midwest region—our national economy depends on this Bridge to deliver goods and services and for proper functioning of national supply chains,” said Smith. “Without this funding, the Blatnik Bridge would soon become unsafe, and thanks to President Biden and Minnesota Democrats in Congress, we finally have the necessary resources to make the bridge safer, more reliable, and more efficient.” “This is big news for Minnesota. This investment will make it possible for Minnesota and Wisconsin to rebuild a critical connection between our states that will foster regional economic growth, strengthen our national supply
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Urges Regulators to Protect Key Data Used For Community Planning, Fighting Discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/25/2019]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—who has been holding meetings to discuss the need for affordable housing across Minnesota—and her Democratic Senate Banking Committee colleagues are demanding that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) continues to collect vital information designed to determine whether financial institutions are serving the housing needs of their communities, identifying possible discriminatory lending and enforcing antidiscrimination laws. The CFPB has proposed to end the collection of some Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data that is currently collected on home mortgages. This data is one of the primary tools to measure trends and disparities in mortgage
In Wake of Difficult Weather, U.S. Senator Tina Smith Encourages Minnesota Farmers Experiencing Harvest Delays to Contact Crop Insurance Agents
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/25/19]— U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is encouraging Minnesota farmers participating in federal crop insurance to request more time to harvest after extremely wet and snowy conditions this fall forced many to experience delays. “It’s absolutely critical that we do everything we can to support farmers who’ve been facing bad weather, trade uncertainty and low commodity prices,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “If you are a farmer with crop insurance, I urge you to contact your insurance agent to request more time to harvest. And I’ll keep working to bring stability and predictability to Minnesota Ag.”
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith & Susan Collins: Bipartisan Resolution Recognizes October as National Principals Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/25/2019]—U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine)—both members of the Senate Education Committee—are pleased that their bipartisan resolution declaring October 2019 as National Principals Month passed the Senate. This resolution recognizes the important role principals play in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. “School principals are community builders, academic leaders, facility managers and so much more,” said Sen. Smith. “They’re responsible for creating school environments where every child can succeed, and where teachers and faculty can get the support they need to educate students and help shape them into future leaders. We need to do all we can to
Senators Collins, Smith Praise Unanimous Senate Passage of Their Resolution Celebrating Afterschool Programs
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) praised the unanimous Senate passage last night of their resolution recognizing Lights on Afterschool, a celebration of afterschool programs nationwide. “Afterschool programs provide an enriching environment for students once the school day has ended,” said Senator Collins. “By engaging young people in academic and physical activities, these programs enhance students’ education and help promote healthy habits. In addition, afterschool programs provide parents with peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe and structured setting.” “Engaging students in after school activities can give kids the chance to keep learning
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