Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Applauds Biden-Harris Administration’s New Rule to Strengthen Mental Health Parity
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Tuesday released the following statement on the Biden-Harris administration’s recent actions to boost private insurance coverage for mental health care for 175 million Americans. Even though it’s already law that insurance companies must cover mental health as they do physical health, many don’t comply, and insured Americans are nearly four times as likely go out-of-network and pay higher fees for mental health care than for physical health care. “We need to treat mental health with the same urgency we treat physical health, and that means making sure everyone has access to the care they need,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris Administration taking significant steps to hold health insurers accountable when they violate mental health parity requirements. Whether it’s treatment for a substance-use disorder or depression, mental health care is health care, and Americans should be able to access quality, affordable treatment. This rule brings us closer to the goal of ensuring Americans are getting coverage from their insurer when they need it.” This rule strengthens the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act by reinforcing the law’s purpose to remove barriers for anyone seeking coverage from their insurer for mental health treatment services. The landmark law is named after former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, who was instrumental in its passage in 2008. Senator Smith remains committed to carrying on Senator Wellstone’s legacy and has been
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Historic Expansions of Clean Energy Across Rural Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-Minn.), announced historic funding for clean, reliable and low-cost energy across rural Minnesota. Three rural electric cooperatives with operations in the state will receive funding to deploy clean energy or make energy efficiency improvements. More cooperatives are expected to receive funding in the coming months. Minnesota’s electric cooperatives provide electricity to nearly one-third of the state. Senator Smith was instrumental in securing this funding for rural electric co-ops through her work on the clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. The three cooperatives selected that operate in Minnesota are: “The clean energy transition is here, and we can either lead or follow. I want Minnesota to lead, and with this announcement, we will,” said Senator Smith. “With this investment, cooperatives can unleash clean energy in a way that works best for their communities. This will fight climate change. This will lower energy costs. And this will strengthen our energy security and resilience by ensuring our rural communities continue to have safe, reliable and clean, American-made energy for years to come.” “Domestically produced renewable power strengthens our energy independence and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These Empowering Rural America Program grants will lower rural energy costs, create good paying jobs, and support renewable energy projects in Minnesota and across the country.” “Dairyland Power Cooperative is honored to receive this New ERA award, which provides Dairyland and our member cooperatives with a tremendous opportunity to continue making vital investments in essential clean energy resources,” said
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Local Projects Benefiting Mankato Area
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Southern Minnesota. These projects will help boost the local economy through expanded workforce development programs and modernize the region’s energy infrastructure with more clean, efficient renewable energy projects. “This federal funding will have a real impact in Mankato and surrounding areas. From investing in renewable energy to improving access workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with leaders from across the region to
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting Duluth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Duluth. These projects will make necessary infrastructure improvements to the historic Aerial Lift Bridge and bolster the city’s public safety by modernizing the Duluth Police Department’s automated 9-1-1 emergency response system. “This federal funding will have a real impact for Duluth. From helping revitalize the historic Aerial Lift Bridge to strengthening the city’s 9-1-1 emergency response system, this funding will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with Mayor Larson and other
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting the Twin Cities and Surrounding Areas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. These projects will help improve the region’s infrastructure, provide resources for law enforcement and other emergency responders, expand access to broadband, and increase workforce development opportunities. “This federal funding will have a real impact in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to broadband and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting Rochester and Southeast Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. These projects will help improve the region’s infrastructure, provide resources for law enforcement and other emergency responders, expand access to broadband, and increase workforce development opportunities. “This federal funding will have a real impact for Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to broadband and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with leaders from
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