Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith, Finstad, Craig Urge Treasury Department to Issue Clean Fuel Production Credit Guidance to Increase U.S. Production of Biofuels
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in urging the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue timely guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to give farmers, blenders, retailers, and fuel users certainty and the time needed to make additional clean fuel projects a reality. The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit consolidates and replaces several fuel-related credits currently scheduled to expire at the end of the year. While 45Z was written to increase the domestic production of clean, homegrown biofuels, guidance is still needed from the Treasury on how farmers and renewable fuel producers can participate in this new market. “The 45Z credit should be leveraged to provide a forward-looking, technology-neutral market signal to increase our country’s production capacity for low-carbon, domestic renewable fuels and for existing biofuel production to invest in decarbonization,” the lawmakers wrote. “Lack of regulatory certainty is already putting thriving businesses at risk as fuel producers are unable to make important business decisions regarding their fuel.” “If properly implemented, this credit can fully mobilize the biofuel industry, growing our domestic manufacturing base, creating jobs, diversifying the U.S. energy portfolio, adding value to crops grown by American farmers, and offering consumers better, more affordable, and lower carbon options at the fuel pump and in the skies,” the lawmakers concluded. Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Secretary Yellen: We write today to request that the Treasury
U.S Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Funding to Improve Bus Infrastructure in Southeastern Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen bus and transportation infrastructure in Southern Minnesota. One hundred and seventeen communities across the country are getting grants from the DOT thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation passed by President Biden in 2021 that has delivered infrastructure upgrades to nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will receive $6,282,400 tobuild two new transit facilities in Austin and Waseca. This project will help improve efficiency and enhance reliable transportation services for rural communities in Southern Minnesota. The grant is distributed by the Federal Transit Administration and is part of the Facility Improvements in Rural Minnesota for Sustainable Transit (FIRST) program. “Each day, transit systems connect Minnesotans to their jobs, schools, grocery stores and countless other opportunities – all while reducing traffic congestion and pollution,” said Senator Smith. “But for many people, especially those in rural areas, safe, reliable public transportation is hard to find. This funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver faster, safer, and more energy efficient transportation to communities in Southeastern Minnesota.” “Investments in public transit reduce traffic and make it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will go towards creating the modern, efficient public transit system families in Southeastern Minnesota need to reliably get around.” ###
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Nearly $1 Million Federal Grant to Provide Free Textbooks to Teaching Students at Minnesota Colleges
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/14/2021]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that a nearly $1 million grant will provide free textbooks to students studying teacher education at colleges and universities across Minnesota. The $978,332 grant has been awarded to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to support students at Southwest Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, Normandale Community College, Century College, and St. Cloud Technical and Community College. The grant aims to diversify the teacher workforce pipeline in Minnesota through eliminating textbook costs and lowering the cost of a teaching degree. The free textbooks will cut costs for all students, but will especially help economically disadvantaged students who may otherwise have trouble affording college and finishing their degree. “As we emerge
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Celebrates Senate Passage of Her Legislation to Commemorate Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday in Senate Floor Speech
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6/16/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) celebrated the Senate passage of legislation to commemorate Juneteenth as a federal holiday during a Senate floor speech. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act–led by Sen. Smith and her colleagues Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas)–passed the Senate unanimously yesterday afternoon. The measure now moves to the House, where it is expected to be taken up and passed soon, before being sent to the President to be signed into law. You can access video of Sen. Smith’s remarks here. “Juneteenth,” observed on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is also known as Emancipation
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Legislation to Commemorate Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday Signed into Law by President Biden
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6/17/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) was at the White House to witness President Biden sign into law her legislation to commemorate Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act—led by Sen. Smith and her colleagues Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas)—passed the Senate unanimously on Tuesday. The identical House measure, led by U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), passed yesterday. “The end of slavery in the United States is a critical milestone in our country’s history,” said Sen. Smith. “I fought to make Juneteenth a federal holiday because it’s important to mark it as a day of celebration, reflection, and rededication to the cause of racial justice in this country. “I am
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Senate Republicans Blocking January 6 Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. [5/28/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked legislation to create a commission to investigate the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. “It’s hard to believe that, after standing together in a safe room calling our loved ones to say we were safe, so many Republicans would now deny the American people transparency and truth. This proposed commission is bipartisan and balanced—35 Republican members of the House supported it. This should not be a hard choice. Mitch McConnell and much of his caucus are choosing to coddle Trump instead of finding the answers that the Capitol Police,
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