Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding Available for Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs
WASHINGTON [2.22.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced new funding is available for voluntary, incentive-based climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs. The funding is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass last year. “Our farmers should have the tools and resources they need to conserve and improve soil, strengthen water quality, and preserve wildlife habitat,” said Klobuchar. “By providing Minnesota farmers with better access to critical, voluntary conservation programs, these investments will boost productivity and increase economic opportunities for our agricultural communities while protecting the environment.” “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. I encourage eligible Minnesota famers to apply.” The Inflation Reduction Act provided an additional $19.5 billion over five years for climate smart agriculture through several of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) conservation programs. These voluntary programs are implemented through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and allow farmers and forest landowners to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. The NRCS is making $850 million available in fiscal year 2023 for its popular conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). These investments
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Coordination Between HHS and Urban Indian Organizations
WASHINGTON, [02.21.23] – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would help federal programs – from substance use treatment to Medicare and Medicaid – meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities and improve care. The Urban Indian Health Confer Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to confer with urban Indian organizations regarding health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban areas – a critical step that will improve care for Indigenous communities and create parity between urban Indian organizations (UIOs) and other components of the Indian Health System. “American Indian and Alaska Native people living in urban areas deserve an active voice in the policies that affect them,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “The bipartisan Urban Indian Health Confer Act will help give them one by facilitating the open and free exchange of information and opinions between federal agencies and urban Indian organizations. It is a critical step towards creating parity within the Indian Health System.” “Urban Indian Organizations play a critical role in providing health care services to Indian Country,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin. “It is essential that the Department of Health and Human Services consult with these UIOs to improve patient access to high-quality, affordable, and consistent care. I’m proud to represent a state home to the second-largest Indian population, many of whom will benefit from this bill. Thank you to Senator Smith for joining me on
Senator Tina Smith Helps Bipartisan Conservation Bill Move Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/02/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said that a bipartisan measure that she helped push through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today will invest in protecting and enhancing important Minnesota land and water resources. The bill, which Sen. Smith cosponsored, would permanently authorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has invested millions of dollars in Minnesota in the past several decades. The bill is now expected to move to the full Senate. You can watch a video from today’s hearing of Sen. Smith highlighting the importance of the LWCF to Minnesota here. “In Minnesota,
Klobuchar, Smith Recognize the Tenth Anniversary of the Enactment of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) introduced a resolution recognizing the tenth anniversary of the enactment of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The MHPAEA ensures that health insurance companies don’t impose less favorable limitations on mental health or substance abuse use disorder benefits than on medical or surgical benefits, and in so doing greatly expanded Americans’ access to treatment for mental illness. “Paul Wellstone was a crusader, an inspiration and a friend. He was a passionate champion for those suffering from mental illness, always fighting for better care,
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: Year-Round Sale of E-15 Fuel Will Help Farm Economy in Minnesota, Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/09/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said her continued push to jump-start the beleaguered farm economy by expanding the use of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply is now bearing fruit, as the Trump Administration has responded to her call to allow year-round sales of E-15 gasoline. Earlier this month, Sen. Smith, in a letter to the President and his top farm and trade officials, pushed the Administration to take several steps to help farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and across the country who have been hit hard by years of low
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Seeks Young Minnesotans Interested In Attending a U.S. Service Academy
MINNESOTA [10/15/18]—U.S. Sen. Tina Smith’s (D-Minn.) office is now accepting applications from young Minnesotans interested in attending one of the nation’s four service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. In order to attend a service academy, candidates must be nominated by a member of Congress, or other applicable nominating source. Applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, October 26. “As Senator, I am proud to be able to nominate talented Minnesotans to our four U.S. Service Academies, where they can prepare to be future leaders in our nation’s military,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m happy to assist
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