Latest Releases
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Investment in Grand Rapids Transit Project
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced over $9.3 million in federal funding to support a free, on-demand transit service in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The investment will be used to expand the current goMARTI (Minnesota’s Autonomous Regional Transit Initiative) vehicle fleet with electric vehicles and automated driving systems (ADS). The expanded fleet of vehicles will be wheelchair accessible and will expand service to communities that lack access to reliable, convenient transportation. “Investments in our transportation systems are a down-payment on the long-term economic success of our state and ensure Minnesotans can safely and reliably get to where they need to go,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help meet Grand Rapids’ growing transit needs and provide accessible, efficient, and modern transportation options for residents and visitors alike.” “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 Transit Subcommittee. “This funding will help modernize transit options around Grand Rapids with electric vehicles and new automated driving technology. It’s a big win for residents who have lacked access to affordable, modern, and accessible ways to get around.” The federal funding is made possible through the Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program, which awards grants to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith helped pass, amended and helped fund the program. These projects are intended to help
Senator Smith Reintroduces Bill to Address America’s Maternal Mortality Crisis
WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith introduced legislation to address America’s worsening maternal mortality crisis, which has a disproportionate impact on Black, Brown, Indigenous and all People of Color. The Data to Save Moms Act seeks to understand the root causes of this emergency by improving data collection on maternal mortality and morbidity. From 2018 to 2021, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. increased by 89%. The crisis is even more acute for Black, Native and Indigenous women, who are more than twice as likely to die due to a pregnancy-related complication as white women. “I do not think it’s radical to believe that everyone who gives birth should be able to access high-quality health care,” said Sen. Smith. “America’s increasing maternal mortality rate, and the disparities in maternal health outcomes for People of Color, is a national emergency. My legislation will identify the root causes of this problem so we can tackle them head on. This is about establishing maternal health justice—especially for People of Color.” “We are committed to addressing the underlying root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity and applaud Senator Tina Smith and Representative Sharice Davids for introducing the Data to Save Moms Act, which will improve data collection to advance equitable responses to the ongoing maternal health crisis,” said March of Dimes Sr. Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Stacey Y. Brayboy. “The staggering maternal mortality rates women, particularly for Black and Indigenous women of color, face in the nation is
Sen. Tina Smith: Farmers Shouldn’t Bear Burden of President Trump’s Tariff Increases
WASHINGTON [07/23/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) shared concerns with top officials in the Trump administration about the effects the President’s recent tariff increases will have on farmers in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith believes that the United States must take action to address trading practices that threaten U.S. jobs. However, she believe such actions must be done in a thoughtful, strategic way. In a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Sen. Smith—a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee—called for the Trump Administration to provide clear answers to farmers, ranchers, and the
Sen. Tina Smith’s Provisions to Improve Career and Technical Training Pass Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C [07/24/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that several provisions she authored to improve career and technical education passed a key hurdle with Senate passage Monday night. The bill would expand opportunities for young people who are looking for high-skill jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate Monday night. “Every student should be able to get the skills necessary to prepare for their future and create opportunity—but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to or has to go to a four-year college,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “This bipartisan bill
Sen. Tina Smith Condemns Trump Administration’s Damaging Changes to Family Planning Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/31/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) condemned a Trump Administration proposal that would make it harder for millions of women to access quality health care from providers they know and trust. Sen. Smith, along with 45 of her Senate colleagues, called on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to reverse course on the planned changes to the Title X family planning program and protect the care families need. “We are deeply concerned the Trump-Pence Administration’s proposed rule to update the Title X program includes a number of significant changes that run counter to Congress’s intent in establishing the
Sen. Tina Smith’s Priorities to Improve Career and Technical Training Become Law
WASHINGTON, D.C [07/31/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s (D-Minn.) priorities to expand workforce development were signed into law by the President today. After passing in both houses of Congress, several measures championed by Sen. Smith—aimed at helping Minnesotans and Americans get the training they need to land careers in high-demand fields—became law as part of bipartisan education legislation. “Not everyone wants to or has to go to a four-year college, but everyone should be able to get the skills necessary to lead their own lives and create opportunity for themselves and their families,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “My
English