Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Tribal Leaders Announce Tribal Public Safety Projects
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, announced funding for seven public safety initiatives for four Minnesota Tribes. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation received federal funding ranging between $450,000 and $900,000 for various Tribal programs aimed at increasing Tribal capacity to respond to violent crime, opioid abuse, and assist victims. Projects will be tailored to each Tribe’s unique needs, from expanding Tribal Courts’ capacities for home visits and supervision, to hiring staff to investigate child abuse and neglect cases, to onboarding personnel who coordinate resources to help those dealing with opioid addiction. Tribal leadership in Minnesota have long advocated for greater federal assistance for Tribal public safety efforts to respond to the opioid epidemic and violent crime. “Tribal leaders have been consistently clear that they need more support from the federal government to combat the opioid epidemic and prosecute crimes on their lands, and we have a trust responsibility to assist Tribal governments to keep their people safe,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Tribes know best how to reduce crime and substance abuse on their lands. These grants are directly supporting Tribally-driven solutions to these challenges.” “This grant is crucial in enhancing our ability to respond to the opioid epidemic. By bringing on additional staff, we will improve our efforts to connect those affected by addiction with the resources they need for recovery. Our goal is to reduce
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Staples Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Staples Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $838,242 to construct a new 9,600 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Staples Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Wadena County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Staples Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards building an aircraft storage facility to ensure all planes are safely stored and secured.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###
After Push from U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Biden Administration To End Canadian Land-Crossing Restrictions in Early November
WASHINGTON D.C. [10/13/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said the Biden Administration plans to lift Canadian land-border restrictions in November is good news for Northern Minnesota businesses and communities that depend on Canadian travelers to thrive. The announcement comes two weeks after Sen. Smith pressed both Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to end the restrictions on non-essential land travel from Canada to the United States because the restrictions have had a catastrophic economic impact on northern border communities. The Senator said the restrictions have also created confusion because despite the land-border restrictions, Canadians have been able to travel by air to the United States for several months. Canada has allowed vaccinated
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, John Hoeven Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize October as National Co-op Month
MINNESOTA [10/6/21]— U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate October 2021 as National Co-op Month. Their resolution recognizes the co-op business model for its contributions to the economy, the jobs it creates and its positive impacts on local communities. The Senators said that co-ops can be found in almost every economic sector throughout the United States, and that during the current pandemic many co-ops have taken additional steps to serve their member-owners and communities. “In 1948 Minnesota became the first state to issue a Co-op Month proclamation,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m once again honored to help continue our state’s tradition
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Mike Braun Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill To Address Big Pharma Ploy that Keeps Drug Prices High for Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/4/21]— U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to address a big pharma ploy that prevents access to affordable prescription drugs for millions of people across the country. The Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act—which was the first piece of Senate legislation introduced by Sen. Smith in 2018—addresses an anti-competitive prescription drug practice called “parking.” “Parking” occurs when a brand name manufacturer agrees not to sue the first company that submits an application to create a generic version of that drug—a so-called “first filer”—as long as the generic company agrees to delay bringing that generic drug
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Press Biden Administration to End Canadian Land-Crossing Restrictions
WASHINGTON D.C. [09/29/21]—U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are strongly urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to end Canadian land-border restrictions that are devastating businesses and communities that depend on Canadian travelers. This month, the United States extended restrictions on nonessential land travel from Canada to the United States until October 21. The Senators, in a letter Tuesday to Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas, said that the restrictions are having a catastrophic economic impact on northern border communities. They are also creating confusion because despite the land-border restrictions, Canadians have been able to travel by air to the United States for months. Canada has allowed vaccinated Americans to enter over
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