Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
WASHINGTON, [10.25.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced over $150 million in new funding for climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs in Minnesota. The investments are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers payments and other incentives to address climate change and achieve natural resource benefits. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. And Minnesota farmers and landowners’ participation rates are among the highest in the country,” said Klobuchar. “This critical funding will not only increase economic opportunities but will support agriculture and conservation efforts in our state.” “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.” Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. In return, participants receive rental payments and cost-share assistance. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to their local environment and economy. Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Smith has lead efforts to create and expand conservation programs, including CRP. In 2020, Senator Smith successfully pushed the USDA to increase CRP incentive payments and help more producers participate.
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith, Announce Significant Federal Funding to Help Minnesota Families and Seniors With Heating Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minn.), announced over $112 million in federal funding to help families and seniors pay for energy costs this winter. The funding was made possible in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith helped pass. “As Minnesota prepares for winter, families shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes or buying other necessities,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help families and seniors across our state pay their energy bills and keep their homes warm.” “As the temperature starts to drop in Minnesota, everyone should be able to heat their homes and stay warm,” said Senator Smith. “For low-income families, high energy prices can force an impossible choice between heating their homes and other essentials like rent, food, or medicine. I’m proud of our work to secure this funding, which will help families in Minnesota afford their heating costs and utility bills in the coming winter months.” The funding is issued through the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides families with payment assistance to support their home energy needs. LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather. Households can easily identify if they are eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us. Those interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327.
Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Support Farm Conservation Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/21/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently introduced legislation that would help farmers create and maintain plans to improve soil and water quality on farms in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith’s bill would also streamline coordination between two leading conservation programs in the Farm Bill. The Strengthening Our Investment in Land (SOIL) Stewardship Act would improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—which helps farmers create conservation plans to address natural resource concerns and improve soil and water quality—and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) aimed at making it possible for farmers to maintain their conservation systems. Through the SOIL Stewardship Act, family
Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Support Farm Conservation Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/21/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently introduced legislation that would help farmers create and maintain plans to improve soil and water quality on farms in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith’s bill would also streamline coordination between two leading conservation programs in the Farm Bill. The Strengthening Our Investment in Land (SOIL) Stewardship Act would improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—which helps farmers create conservation plans to address natural resource concerns and improve soil and water quality—and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) aimed at making it possible for farmers to maintain their conservation systems. Through the SOIL Stewardship Act, family
Sen. Tina Smith, Former MN Planned Parenthood Exec, Says Proposed Trump Reproductive Health Rule An “Affront to Women”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/22/18]—Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith released the following statement on President Trump’s proposal to place restrictions on federal family planning money, which would bar health care providers participating in the Title X program from exploring all of a woman’s health care options with patients in Minnesota and across the nation. “This proposed rule is an affront to women. Family planning is key to women’s economic opportunity, and I trust women and families to make their own decisions about their reproductive health care. Deciding whether or when to start a family has a big impact on other important life
Sens. Smith, Jones, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Rural Health Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/22/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith joined Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to introduce bipartisan legislation—the Rural Health Liaison Act—to better coordinate rural health resources across the federal government and improve health care delivery for Minnesotans and people across the country living in rural areas. The Rural Health Liaison Act would create a liaison within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other agencies on rural health issues. You can learn more about the bill by clicking here. “When I meet with farmers, and rural business and community
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