Latest Releases
Senators Tina Smith, Joni Ernst Push USDA to Allow More Milk Options in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.16.23] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the Department to continue allowing non-fat and low-fat flavored milk in schools. The letter is in response to a proposed rule from the USDA that could limit flavored milk options in schools. However, school nutritionists have reported that dairy in the school meals is often the only or one of the only ways that many children consume nutrients like calcium and protein. “Each day during the academic year, over 15.5 million kids receive breakfast and another 29.9 million take lunch at school,” wrote the Senators. “A decision to remove flavored milk from both of these meals for grades K-8 could have devastating effects on student’s consumption of essential nutrients and their ability to learn in the classroom. Studies show that when low-fat or fat-free flavored milk was removed from the cooler, milk consumption went down. Likewise, when these options were again provided, milk consumption rebounded. By offering children additional milk options, schools can encourage more dairy intake and work towards closing nutrition gaps.” “Flavored milks provide children with the same 13 essential nutrients as unflavored milk, including three of the four nutrients identified as dietary components of public health concern in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)—calcium, vitamin D and potassium,” said Dr. Michael Dykes, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “Americans know, and the data show, that when low-fat flavored
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on the Department of Justice’s Report on Policing Practices in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/16/23] — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s report detailing the results of their patterns and practices investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department: “I commend the Department of Justice for its thorough investigation into the patterns and practices of the Minneapolis Police Department. Following the tragic murder of George Floyd, and the violence and harm done to too many people at the hands of the MPD, I called on the Department of Justice to conduct this investigation. The findings released today enumerate in vivid and heartbreaking detail what members of this community have known for a long time, that the MPD has engaged in longstanding practices that deny people their rights under the Constitution and federal law, and has brought lasting and real harm to people. Nonetheless, it is shocking to see spelled out the discriminatory, violent and unaccountable behavior of MPD, especially toward Black and Native American people, and those living with behavioral disabilities. “Every Minnesotan deserves to be safe and protected by law enforcement in their community. Minneapolis has taken some initial steps in advancing reforms, and this investigation provides a template for the work ahead to remake MPD policies, supervision, training, and officer wellness programs so we have true accountability. I’m grateful for the city leaders, faith leaders, public safety and mental health providers, and all the community members who provided their experiences for this report. “I am also deeply aware of the challenges facing MPD officers, and
Sen. Tina Smith Pressing for Senate Hearing on Novartis Payments to Trump Lawyer Michael Cohen
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/17/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is calling for a full investigation of the payments Novartis made to President Trump’s personal attorney Michael Cohen and is asking the leaders of the Senate Health Committee to hold a hearing with the CEO of Novartis as the key witness. Sen. Smith expresses concern that the payments may have played a role in shaping the Trump Administration’s positions on issues affecting Novartis and other drug makers, including importation of cheaper drugs from abroad. You can read a copy of the letter Sen. Smith sent by clicking here. “Discovery of these payments comes at
Sen. Tina Smith Condemns Secretary DeVos Dismantling Protections Against Predatory Practices by For-Profit Colleges
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/25/18]—U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined 28 of her colleagues in condemning Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ dismantling of a crucial office designed to protect students against predatory practices by for-profit colleges. Tasked with investigating schools that cheat, mislead, or defraud students, recent media reports have indicated staff and resources of the Department of Education’s Student Aid Enforcement Unit are being systematically reduced by Secretary DeVos. This is occurring while Secretary DeVos has simultaneously hired former executives from for-profit colleges that were previously under investigation by the same unit. “It is critically important that the Department fulfill its mission to protect students in higher
Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Support Farm Conservation Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/21/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently introduced legislation that would help farmers create and maintain plans to improve soil and water quality on farms in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith’s bill would also streamline coordination between two leading conservation programs in the Farm Bill. The Strengthening Our Investment in Land (SOIL) Stewardship Act would improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—which helps farmers create conservation plans to address natural resource concerns and improve soil and water quality—and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) aimed at making it possible for farmers to maintain their conservation systems. Through the SOIL Stewardship Act, family
Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Support Farm Conservation Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/21/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently introduced legislation that would help farmers create and maintain plans to improve soil and water quality on farms in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith’s bill would also streamline coordination between two leading conservation programs in the Farm Bill. The Strengthening Our Investment in Land (SOIL) Stewardship Act would improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—which helps farmers create conservation plans to address natural resource concerns and improve soil and water quality—and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) aimed at making it possible for farmers to maintain their conservation systems. Through the SOIL Stewardship Act, family
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