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
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Senate Democrats Urge DeVos to Listen to Students and Survivors of Sexual Assault, Start Over on Title IX Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/04/2019]–U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined her colleagues—led by Senate Education Committee ranking member Senator Patty Murray(D-Wash.)—in urging Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to rescind proposed Title IX changes and to instead draft a rule that truly addresses sexual assault in schools, colleges, and universities in Minnesota and across the country. Since Secretary DeVos announced her proposed rule, students, survivors, advocates, and colleges around the country have fiercely opposed her proposal, which would weaken protections for students and allow schools to shirk their responsibility to keep students safe. “We urge you to listen to students, schools, and survivors across this country,” the Senators wrote. “Clearly, harassment and assault are
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/05/2019]—This evening, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address. “I grew up with my mom always saying something that I think a lot of other Americans heard growing up—that ‘actions speak louder than words.’ We heard the President bring up bipartisanship tonight, and wouldn’t it be great if he lives up to his words,” said Sen. Smith. “His actions need to match what he shared with all of us, and one place I hope we can gain bipartisan support is my bill to help federal contract workers get
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Continues Fight to Lower Prescription Drug Prices By Backing Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Generics to Market
Senator Says Bipartisan Legislation Would Combat Brand-Name Pharmaceutical Companies Unfairly Blocking Lower-Cost Generic Drugs WASHINGTON, D.C [02/06/2019]—This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) continued one of her top health care priorities—lowering the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs—by supporting bipartisan legislation led by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to stop brand-name pharmaceutical companies from blocking lower-cost generic drugs to market. The Creating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act, which is also supported by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), would deter pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace. “The amount of money that Americans pay for medications
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Senate Colleagues Fight to Increase Fairness and Transparency in Lending Practices
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/06/19]—Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) took steps to improve data collection and deter discrimination in mortgage lending. The Home Loan Quality Transparency Act would reinstate key reporting mortgage lending data reporting requirements that were repealed last year over the objections of Sen. Smith and many consumer and civil rights advocates. The new legislation to reinstate lending transparency was introduced by Sen. Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and cosponsored by Sen. Smith. “I believe that when we have an opportunity to make our communities more inclusive, strengthen transparency, and make sure banks and lenders are playing by the rules, we should take it,” said Sen. Smith. “This legislation strengthens a key tool for
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