Latest Releases
Senator Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Financial Stability for College Students Faced With Unexpected Emergencies
Washington [5.1.23] – This week, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced legislation to ensure college students are able to stay enrolled in school in the face of unexpected emergencies. For many students, paying for college requires carefully balancing student loan debts, jobs, and studies, which can be easily derailed by an unexpected costly event. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act would provide financial stability for students struggling to manage a sudden death in the family, car repair, medical bill or any number of financial emergencies that too often force students to drop out of school. The bill was introduced in the House by Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY 25). “The cost of college is a precarious balancing act for many students, and that’s when everything is going ‘right,’” said Senator Smith. “This bill would help provide financial stability for students facing a death in the family, steep medical bills, or any number of unexpected emergencies that too often force them to drop out of school.” “Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Congressman Morelle. “Unfortunately, unexpected financial emergencies like a vehicle breaking down or the sudden loss of a job can derail years of dedicated work, preventing young people from completing their coursework or even causing them to drop out. That’s not right—which is why I am proud to partner with Senator Smith to introduce this important legislation and ensure students have the support and resources necessary to reach their
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Metro Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Project
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured more than $239 million in federal funding for the Metro Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Project. These resources are provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and made possible by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was enacted in 2021 and championed by Klobuchar and Smith. Specifically, this investment will support the design and construction of this bus rapid transit line connecting downtown St. Paul to eastern Twin Cities suburbs. “Investments in public transit make it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations, while reducing traffic congestion and pollution,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will support the Metro Gold Line Bus project, helping construct bus-only lanes and providing more reliable transit service between downtown St. Paul and the eastern suburbs. I’ll keep pushing for resources to ensure public transit is safe and reliable for all Minnesotans.” “Each day, transit systems connect Minnesotans to their jobs, schools, grocery stores and countless other opportunities – all while reducing traffic congestion and pollution,” said Smith, Chair of the Senate Transportation Subcommittee. “The METRO Gold Line will help connect people across the region to jobs, housing options and other key destinations. After years of talking about it, I’m thrilled to announce this project is on its way to serving Minnesotans. I worked hard to deliver on this project and look forward to working with local leaders to support more public transportation projects
Sen. Tina Smith Calls for Senate Health Committee Hearing on Negative Consequences of Family Separation on Children
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/21/2018]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) called on leaders of the Senate Health Committee—on which she serves—to hold a hearing in order to better understand the negative health effects of the Trump Administration’s disgraceful zero tolerance immigration policy on separated children and their families. “Although the administration has said that they will stop separating families, we must hold them to this promise and ensure that the more than 2,300 children who have already been separated are safely reunited with their families and receive the care they need as soon as possible,” wrote Sen. Smith in her letter to Chairman
Sens. Smith, Warren Press Secretary Azar for More Answers on Inadequate Plan to Reduce Drug Prices
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/2018]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alexander Azar for more answers following their exchanges with him during a recent Senate Health Committee hearing. You can read a copy of the full list of questions Sens. Smith and Warren sent to Mr. Azar today here. Sens. Smith and Warren urge Secretary Azar to provide details about what President Trump meant when he said drug companies would voluntarily reduce prices, the number of meetings that administration officials have had with drug manufacturers to discuss voluntary reductions, and how the administration will
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Remains Skeptical of EPA’s Proposed Targets for Ethanol, Other Renewable Fuels to be Blended into Nation’s Fuel Supply in 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said she is skeptical of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the amount of corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels the agency says will be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply in 2019. Sen. Smith, who has pressed for expanded use of renewables, said the EPA-announced target of 19.88 billion gallons—required under the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)—does not specify how refiners will make up for the gallons lost from controversial EPA-granted waivers. Earlier this year, the agency granted a “financial hardship” waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn,
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Harmful Travel Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court—in a 5-4 decision—upheld President Trump’s discriminatory travel ban. “Next week, our nation will celebrate the anniversary of our independence—a time when we reflect on the laws, history, and diverse groups of people who make up America. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court goes against the founding principles of our nation and defies our core beliefs,” said Sen. Smith. “This is not who we have been, and it’s not who we should be. We must keep working to help all people demand respect, freedom and dignity in
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