Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith and U.S. Representatives Budzinski, Nunn and Courtney Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help New Farmers Gain Access to Land
ST. PAUL — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), and Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced the New Producer Economic Security Act, a bipartisan bill to help bring the next generation into family farming. The bill addresses the issue of Minnesota’s aging farmer and rancher population by giving new farmers and ranchers the tools they need to succeed through grants, financial aid, and training. It ensures that the support goes where it is needed most. “The average age of a producer in the United States is 58, and in Minnesota it’s 57. To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to invest in the next generation of farmers,” said Senator Smith. “This is a matter of national security, food security, and the strength and vitality of rural America. This legislation would help remove barriers for new and beginning farmers as they try to start up their businesses.” The bill establishes a pilot program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to increase access to land, capital, and markets for new and beginning farmers in Minnesota. The program would help secure the domestic food system and strengthen Minnesota’s farm workforce by giving the next generation of farmers the tools they need to succeed. The bill is a meaningful opportunity to create lasting policy solutions to the out-of-reach opportunities for new and beginning family farms, ultimately jeopardizing our country’s future. “As a young, beginning farmer, I know all too well that the next generation of producers face significant barriers in accessing the land, capital, and markets we need
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Statement on Musk and Trump Administration Gutting Heating Assistance for Minnesotans During Severe Winter Weather
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement in response to the news that Elon Musk, DOGE and the Trump Administration have fired all federal workers charged with distributing funding and administering the Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps families pay utility bills when they need help making ends meet through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program. “Firing all the workers from the office that helps families keep their homes warm and safe through the winter is thoughtless and cruel. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are facing severe winter weather right now, and the need for heating assistance is greater than ever. Minnesota still hasn’t received all the federal funding it was promised to make sure everyone who is eligible for this assistance can receive it. 130,000 of our neighbors rely on this program. People will be left in limbo unless this Administration listens and reinstates these workers,” said Senator Smith.“I want answers. I fought for this funding for a reason, and I’m not just going to sit and watch it get ripped away from Minnesotans.” Senator Smith and Senator Klobuchar have long been champions of the LIHEAP program. They secured $112 million for Minnesota last year, an increase from years prior.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Investment for Utility Upgrades in Granite Falls
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced a grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to the city of Granite Falls, Minnesota, for electrical grid upgrades in support of local businesses. This grant will provide an updated utility infrastructure, providing businesses with reliable service during future natural disasters. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.9 million in local funds, is expected to create or retain 275 jobs, and generate $1 million in private investment. “A modernized power grid enables rural communities to keep pace with investment into local businesses,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to End Veteran Homelessness Nationwide
Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, introduced the Housing for All Veterans Act, legislation that would help bring an effective end to veteran homelessness. Minnesota is on the cusp of ending veteran homelessness, and nationwide levels of homelessness among former service members have been cut in half in the fifteen years since the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched the first-ever strategic plan to prevent and end the scourge of veteran homelessness in America. This legislation would help get us the rest of the way there and prevent veteran homelessness going forward. “We promise our veterans that we will take care of them after their service to our nation. But every day that we have
U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, Colleagues Press Postal Service for Details on How Facility Consolidation Could Impact On-Time Delivery of Mail-In Ballots
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) joined 17 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting information about how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plans to ensure the timely delivery of mail-in ballots throughout the ongoing 2024 election cycle and beyond. The request comes in light of USPS facility consolidations initiated under DeJoy, which have been temporarily paused following outcry from people all across the country as well as Congressional leaders. Through this process, USPS has greenlit the downgrading of 56 of 59 selected postal facilities nationwide — including in
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Representative Brad Finstad Announce Investment to Strengthen Southwest Minnesota Manufacturing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Brand Finstad (R-MN01) announced a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota to help address the growing demand for skilled workers in robotics, hydraulics, welding and machining training. The grant will go towards purchasing and outfitting a mobile mechatronics classroom and customized welding trailer to expand manufacturing workforce training at the college’s campuses in Lyon and Nobles counties. This EDA investment is expected to create and retain 250 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment, according to
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