Latest Releases
Senators Tina Smith, Joni Ernst Push USDA to Allow More Milk Options in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.16.23] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the Department to continue allowing non-fat and low-fat flavored milk in schools. The letter is in response to a proposed rule from the USDA that could limit flavored milk options in schools. However, school nutritionists have reported that dairy in the school meals is often the only or one of the only ways that many children consume nutrients like calcium and protein. “Each day during the academic year, over 15.5 million kids receive breakfast and another 29.9 million take lunch at school,” wrote the Senators. “A decision to remove flavored milk from both of these meals for grades K-8 could have devastating effects on student’s consumption of essential nutrients and their ability to learn in the classroom. Studies show that when low-fat or fat-free flavored milk was removed from the cooler, milk consumption went down. Likewise, when these options were again provided, milk consumption rebounded. By offering children additional milk options, schools can encourage more dairy intake and work towards closing nutrition gaps.” “Flavored milks provide children with the same 13 essential nutrients as unflavored milk, including three of the four nutrients identified as dietary components of public health concern in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)—calcium, vitamin D and potassium,” said Dr. Michael Dykes, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “Americans know, and the data show, that when low-fat flavored
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on the Department of Justice’s Report on Policing Practices in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/16/23] — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s report detailing the results of their patterns and practices investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department: “I commend the Department of Justice for its thorough investigation into the patterns and practices of the Minneapolis Police Department. Following the tragic murder of George Floyd, and the violence and harm done to too many people at the hands of the MPD, I called on the Department of Justice to conduct this investigation. The findings released today enumerate in vivid and heartbreaking detail what members of this community have known for a long time, that the MPD has engaged in longstanding practices that deny people their rights under the Constitution and federal law, and has brought lasting and real harm to people. Nonetheless, it is shocking to see spelled out the discriminatory, violent and unaccountable behavior of MPD, especially toward Black and Native American people, and those living with behavioral disabilities. “Every Minnesotan deserves to be safe and protected by law enforcement in their community. Minneapolis has taken some initial steps in advancing reforms, and this investigation provides a template for the work ahead to remake MPD policies, supervision, training, and officer wellness programs so we have true accountability. I’m grateful for the city leaders, faith leaders, public safety and mental health providers, and all the community members who provided their experiences for this report. “I am also deeply aware of the challenges facing MPD officers, and
Sen. Tina Smith Takes Stand for Minnesota Travelers Abandoned in Mexico by Sun Country Airlines
Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith took a stand for the Minnesota travelers who were effectively abandoned by Eagan-based Sun Country Airlines after the company cancelled return flights to the Twin Cities during the weekend snowstorm but failed to rebook or adequately refund the passengers. In a letter to the Department of Transportation sent today, she called on federal transportation officials to look into Sun Country’s failures and to explain what is being done to ensure that airline cancellation policies protect travelers. She also criticized Sun Country for how it mishandled the rebooking and refunding of passengers who have been forced
Klobuchar, Smith Demand Answers from Sun Country After Airline Cancels Flights and Strands Passengers in Mexico
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to Sun Country Airlines CEO Jude Bricker to demand answers from the company after the airline cancelled flights from Los Cabos and Mazatlán, Mexico to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) due to severe weather, leaving approximately 250 passengers in a foreign country without flight options. Because these flights were the last of the season, Sun Country consumers in Mexico had no alternative travel options. Consumers were forced to purchase last-minute, one-way tickets through alternative airlines in order to return to Minnesota. While consumers were compensated for the
Senator Tina Smith to Host 8th Annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition
On Wednesday, April 25, Senator Tina Smith will host the eighth annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition. Sen. Smith is taking up the helm of Al Franken’s annual hotdish-off to determine which Minnesota Congressional Delegation member makes the best hotdish—a dish similar to what other states call a casserole, but indisputably better. Sen. Smith will be joined by the entire Minnesota congressional delegation: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Reps. Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Rick Nolan, Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer, and Jason Lewis. Sam Brodey of the publication MinnPost will host the event and give opening remarks. “I’m continuing Senator Franken’s tradition
Sen. Tina Smith Exploring Legislation to Prevent Another Sun Country Airlines Fiasco
Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced she is exploring a legislative fix to prevent another Sun Country Airlines fiasco. Over the weekend, the Eagan-based airline stranded travelers in Mexico and around the country, leaving them to rebook new flights on their own and deal with insufficient refunds. “Sun Country stranded thousands of travelers around the country and in Mexico, leaving them to rebook on their own and front the money—hundreds, even thousands of dollars—for hotels and car rentals and other unforeseen costs. This type of confusion isn’t just bad business. It’s deeply unfair to Minnesota families. I’ve already asked Sun
English