Latest Releases
Senator Smith Reintroduces Legislation to Provide Free Emergency Insulin on Rx Companies’ Dime
WASHINGTON [5.11.23] – This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) reintroduced legislation to hold insulin manufacturers accountable for excessive increases in the price of life-sustaining insulin. The Emergency Access to Insulin Act would provide emergency access to insulin for people in Minnesota and across the country who can’t afford the skyrocketing price of the drug that they need to stay alive. “Over a million people are rationing their insulin so they can afford it. And sometimes, they are paying with their lives,” said Sen. Smith. “This bill will allow states to set up a program to provide insulin on an emergency basis, put insulin manufacturers on the hook by requiring them to foot the bill for these programs, hold these manufacturers accountable for gouging the price of insulin, and promote market competition to drive down the price of insulin. This bill holds the right people accountable. To the greedy practice of wielding market power to continually increase prices and make billions off a drug that has been around for over a century, this bill says—no more. This is about providing Minnesotans and Americans with the insulin they need to survive.” “We’ve seen firsthand over the last several months that the pressure we’ve put on drug companies to lower insulin costs is working, and today’s bill is the next step in our fight to make insulin affordable for every American who needs it,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m grateful to Rep. Phillips and Sen. Smith for their partnership on this important issue.”
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce New Regional Food Business Center to Support Farmers in Minnesota
WASHINGTON [5.10.23] – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced the creation of a new Regional Food Business Center in Minnesota that will help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources. The new center, which will be located in Staples, MN, is made possible by the American Rescue Plan, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass. “Our farmers are an essential part of the fabric of our state. We need to make sure they have the necessary resources to continue to feed and fuel the world,” said Klobuchar. “The new Regional Food Business Center will provide critical support to help farmers expand their businesses and reach new markets.” “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy and I want to make sure our farmers have every opportunity to sell their products and stay competitive,” said Smith. “This new Regional Food Business Center will provide tailored guidance for farmers while helping them grow their business and access new markets. It will be a great resource made possible by the American Rescue Plan and I encourage Minnesota farmers to take advantage of it.” As part of the American Rescue Plan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced funding for 12 Regional Food Business Centers, including the North Central location in Staples, MN. The Region Five Development Commission was selected to lead the North Central location, which will serve Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. The Regional Food Business Centers will
Sen. Tina Smith Sworn in to Serve Minnesota in US Senate
U.S. Senator Tina Smith was sworn in to serve the state of Minnesota in the United States Senate. Photos of the ceremonial swearing-in are attached and you can watch video here. “Every time I talk about Minnesota I feel incredible pride—in our communities and community leaders, in hard-working families, in farmers and businesses, and in all the women, men, and children who call our great state their home,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m thinking about all of those people—and the weight of this seat, which carries a long progressive legacy that I intend to uphold—as I begin representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. “I want to thank everybody who joined me today, including my husband Archie, our sons Mason
Sen. Tina Smith Fights for Minnesota in First Weekend as U.S. Senator
Back in Washington after a productive trip home to Minnesota, U.S. Senator Tina Smith said she plans to take what she learned from her first weekend as Senator and use it to continue fighting for Minnesota’s priorities. Over the weekend, Sen. Smith made several stops—which you can read more about here—on her way from the metro area to Duluth and the Iron Range and back. “What a great first weekend as Senator,” said Sen. Smith. “The stops I made, and meetings I held, and Minnesotans I met really drove home what a big, diverse, welcoming state Minnesota is. I’m excited to hit the ground
Sen. Tina Smith Throws Support Behind Proposal to Restore Net Neutrality
U.S. Senator Tina Smith backed a Senate effort to restore the national net neutrality protections that were recently gutted by President Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC). “Net neutrality is the basic—but important—principle that what we read, view, and watch on the internet is free and open to everybody,” said Sen. Smith. “And that principle has long allowed for the internet to be a pillar of innovation that powers our modern economy. Tearing up net neutrality gives giant internet service providers the ability to pick and choose how Minnesota families, schools, and businesses use the internet. We can’t let that happen, which is why I’m backing the effort to restore the net neutrality protections that millions
Sen. Tina Smith Named to Key Senate Committees Tuesday
After being named to several key Senate committees, U.S. Senator Tina Smith vowed to use the posts to work on the most-pressing issues facing Minnesotans. Sen. Smith will start serving immediately on the following committees: The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs “It’s an honor to serve Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, and I’m excited that my new committee assignments will allow me to work on issues that touch every community in our state,” said Sen.
English