Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Smith, Lummis Defend Homeowners Against Predatory Home Buyers
WASHINGTON. D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General recommending that state attorneys general take steps to protect homeowners from predatory home-buying practices. Senators Smith and Lummis were concerned by allegations that some franchises of HomeVestors of America, commonly recognized by their advertising catchphrase, “We Buy Ugly Houses,” were targeting elderly and ill homeowners. “Home equity represents more than a quarter of all household wealth in our country and we are deeply troubled by schemes that are all too eager to pilfer it,” wrote the Senators. “We appreciate the dedication of the National Association of Attorneys General to safeguarding consumers and respectfully request that you continue work to put a stop to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, and ensure that HomeVestors and other similar firms are not allowed to take advantage of our nation’s most vulnerable homeowners. Americans work hard to build equity in their homes and should be protected from those seeking to reap the benefits of their investments.” The letter details alarming and misleading practices wherein some franchisees allegedly targeted vulnerable homeowners and communities, deceived and coerced homeowners to close sales, and employed complex legal maneuvers to prevent their victims from backing out of sales despite unfair conditions. The letter recommends that state attorneys general inform consumers, undertake a coordinated response to the repeated complaints, and advocate for tools that empower homeowners. Earlier this week, Senator Smith raised the allegations with the Director
Senator Tina Smith Continues Fight to Improve Mental Health Services for Students
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.9.23] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) continued her fight to improve mental health access for students by reintroducing legislation to strengthen school-based mental health services for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Mental Health Services for Students Act would help schools partner with local mental health providers to establish on-site mental health services for students. It would also provide training for school personnel on how to recognize, assist and refer students who may need mental health support. The legislation is co-led by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). “Providing mental health services health to students at school—where they spend a significant portion of their time—helps them thrive,” said Senator Smith. “It removes many barriers to access, such as trying to figure out how to leave school in the middle of the day, and promotes behavioral health equity.” “Kids spend most of their week at school, so it’s not surprising that their teachers are often the first to recognize they might be struggling,” said Senator Murphy. “This legislation would give schools the resources they need to identify students going through a tough time and connect them to the care they need. The alarms about the youth mental health crisis have been sounding for a very long time, and we need to continue investing in the solutions we know work.” “Nevada
Klobuchar, Smith Urge Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Restore Full Federal Funding for MinnesotaCare
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith strongly urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restore the full amount of federal funding that has been cut from MinnesotaCare over the past year. Minnesota, New York, and HHS have recently reached an agreement about a lawsuit regarding cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments. Under the agreement, HHS will develop a new system for providing federal funding for Basic Health Programs (BHP) like MinnesotaCare. In the letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, the senators called for full funding for
Sens. Tina Smith, Thom Tillis Lead Bipartisan Introduction of Bill to Support Health Care for “Atomic Veterans”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/11/18]—U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have introduced a bipartisan measure to support health care benefits for “Atomic Veterans” who were exposed to harmful radiation when they cleaned up nuclear testing sites during the late 1970s. The Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act would allow veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll on the Marshall Islands to receive the same healthcare and benefits given to other servicemembers who were involved in active nuclear tests. From 1946 to 1958 the U.S. military conducted more than 40 nuclear tests in the Islands, but the
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on President’s Prescription Drug Address
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/11/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith released the following statement after President Trump delivered an address focused on prescription drug prices. “When I meet with everyone from farmers, to small business owners, to families—they tell me about the high cost of health care, including the high cost of prescription drugs. I’ve heard from a young mother whose cancer medications cost $20,000 a month, and from seniors in Minnesota who are forced to choose between food and medicine. This is just wrong,” said Sen. Smith. “Today, the President said we need to bring down prescription drug prices and address ‘pay-for-delay’—the Big Pharma
Sen. Tina Smith Helps Introduce Bill to Make Sure Veteran, Minority, and Immigrant Farmers Have Access to USDA Services
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith helped introduce legislation to make sure producers from diverse backgrounds—including veteran and immigrant farmers—are able to access services through a vital Department of Agriculture (USDA) program. The Assist Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2018 would ensure the USDA’s Outreach to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program continues through the end of the current Farm Bill, and would strengthen the program by making it a more efficient resource for veteran, minority population, and immigrant farmers and ranchers. You can learn more about the bill and access a list of supporting organizations here. “We
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