Hot Topics
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Minnesota Christmas Tree Lights Up Nations Capitol
Click here to read more about the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Chippewa National Forest and the Reservation of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota.
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New Report: Sen. Frankens Health Reform Measure Sent Insurance Refunds To Consumers in Minnesota, Across the Country
A health care reform measure authored by U.S. Sen. Al Franken required insurers to rebate $330 million dollars to consumers in Minnesota and across the country this year. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken Presses White House on Keeping Renewable Fuel Standard & Biodiesel Industry Strong
Click here to read about Sen. Al Franken pressing a key White House official on the need to keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) strong to bolster investments in the biodiesel industry, spur job growth in our rural economies, and decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
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Resources and Information for Those Affected by Floods in Minnesota
Click here to read about resources available to those affected by recent floods from high rain fall in many areas of Minnesota.
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Winning Entries from Sen. Franken's 2014 MN Military Children's Poetry Contest
Click here to read the winning poems from Sen. Franken's 3rd Annual Minnesota Military Children's Poetry Contest. Students from across Minnesota submitted poems paying tribute to the men and women who have honorably served our country.
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Sen. Franken Excited Minnesota Will Host 2018 Super Bowl
Minnesota's winning bid to host the 2018 Super Bowl is exciting news, not only for the Twin Cities and the state of Minnesota, but also for the entire Midwest region.
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Sen. Frankens Remarks on the Passing of Former Congressman Jim Oberstar
Click here to watch Sen. Al Franken's remarks on the Senate floor on the passing of former Congressman Jim Oberstar.
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Sen. Franken's College Affordability Resource Nights
Navigating the process for paying for college can be incredibly complicated. From applying to schools, determining how much each school will cost, filling out the FAFSA, understanding financial aid packages, and then ultimately paying for post secondary education, the process can be confusing for parents and students.
As a result, Senator Franken's office is hosting ‘College Affordability Resource Nights' at schools around the state.
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Sen. Franken to Announce Federal Measure to Ensure No Minnesota Child is Denied School Lunch
On Monday, March 17, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) will announce his federal legislation to ensure that every student in Minnesota and across the country can receive school lunch each day. His legislation would allow Minnesota and other states to use the millions of dollars they spend to provide lunches on other educational needs.
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Recipes from the Fourth Annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Off
Click here to see the recipes from the fourth annual Minnesota Congressional Hotdish Off
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Information on Propane Shortage Assistance
Click here to find out more information on assistance to deal with the emergency propane shortage in Minnesota.
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Sen. Franken Vows to Keep Fighting for Struggling Families as Efforts to Extend Unemployment Insurance
Sen. Franken was proud to be part of a bipartisan effort to extend Unemployment Insurance for millions of people in Minnesota and across the country. Click here to read more.
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A Good Step Forward
This week, the Senate has taken up a long-term budget compromise. I think this is a good step forward. We can't keep lurching from budget crisis to budget crisis, and passing this budget bill means we shouldn't see another costly government shutdown.
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Getting Insurance through MNsure.org
As your U.S. Senator, one of my jobs is to ensure that the implementation of health reform works well for Minnesotans. Already, individuals and families throughout the state have already started applying for and enrolling in coverage through MNsure, Minnesota's new online marketplace for getting quality health insurance.
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Sen. Franken Seeks Young Minnesotans Interested in Attending a U.S. Military Service Academy
Sen. Al Franken's office is now accepting applications from young Minnesotans interested in attending one of the nation's four military service academies. Click here for new information on how to apply.
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Sen. Franken's Statement on the Shooting in Navy Yard in Washington, DC
Click here to read Sen. Franken's statement regarding the shooting at Navy Yard in Washington.
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Minnesota State Fair 2013: The Great Minnesota Get-Together
It's August, and that means it's time for the State Fair. The fair is one Sen. Franken's favorite times of the year, because it gives him the opportunity to meet with and talk to Minnesotans from across the state. Click here for more info on the fair and where to find Sen. Franken's booth.
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Al and Franni Franken Welcome Their First Grandchild
Sen. Al Franken and his wife Franni welcomed their first grandchild, Joseph Bryson Greenwald, who was born yesterday to proud parents Thomasin Franken and Brody Greenwald. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken's Energy Section of 2013 Farm Bill Passes Agriculture Committee
Sen. Al Franken introduced the energy legislation to be included in the 2013 Farm Bill, which includes several provisions expected to create jobs throughout Minnesota and the country. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken Announces Disaster Declaration for Southwest Minnesota Communities Impacted by April Ice Storm
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Rep. Tim Walz announced that the White House has approved federal assistance for southwest Minnesota communities impacted by the recent winter storm that caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure in the region.
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Sen. Franken's College Affordability Resource Nights
Key members of Sen. Franken's staff will be hosting "College Affordability Resource Nights" across Minnesota to help families understand their best options for paying for college. Click here for more information.
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Sen. Franken's Statement on the Ice Storm in Southwest Minnesota
Click here to read Sen. Franken's statement on the ice and heavy snow storm in Southwest Minnesota.
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Sen. Franken Says Approval of New Crystal Sugar Contract is Good News For Workers, Families, and Communities Across Red River Valley
U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) made the following statement today after union workers at American Crystal Sugar approved a new contract after a 20-month lockout.
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Third Annual Minnesota Delegation Hotdish Competition
Minnesota's Congressional Delegation came together for U.S. Sen. Al Franken's third annual hotdish competition. Rep. Walz's "Hermann the German Hotdish" took first place. Click here to see photos and get the recipes.
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Sen. Franken Presents WWII Veteran with Overdue Medal
On January 12, Sen. Franken presented Chester Hoeft of Princeton, MN with the Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal from the nation of France for his service to help liberate France during WWII.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on the Tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut
Click here to read Sen. Al Franken's statement in reaction to the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
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Consumer Alert: Medicare Open Enrollment Window
Medicare open enrollment is a brief time during the year when Medicare and Medicare Advantage subscribers can switch their plans and make sure that the plan they are enrolled in is the best one available.
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Sen. Franken and Geoffrey Canada Visit the Northside Achievement Zone
Sen. Franken recently joined children's education advocate Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children's Zone, during a visit to the Northside Achievement Zone in Minneapolis. Click here to read about their visit and to see photos.
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The Great Minnesota Get-Together
Click here to learn more about Sen. Franken's favorite things to do at the State Fair.
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Sen. Franken Talking Ag Policy with Minnesota Farmers
Click here to read about Sen. Franken's visit to Farmfest in Redwood County
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Resources and Information for Those Affected by Duluth Floods
Click here for resources for families and property owners affected by the flooding in Northeast Minnesota.
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Sen. Franken Questions Accretive, Fairview on Debt Collection Practices at Field Hearing
U.S. Senator Al Franken (right) listens as Charles Mooty, interim CEO of Fairview Health Services (left) and Greg Kazarian of Chicago-based Accretive Health, Inc. explain their debt collection and privacy policies.
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Sen. Franken Applauds Decision to Keep Rural Post Offices in Minnesota Open
Sen. Franken lauded the Postmaster General for abandoning his plan to close rural post offices in Minnesota.
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Sen. Franken Meets with Minnesota WWII Veterans on National Mall
Sen. Franken met with a group of Minnesota veterans on the National Mall to thank the group for their service to our country.
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Photos from Sen. Franken's Meeting with Officers from Minneapolis
This week, Sen. Franken was proud to meet with officers from the Minneapolis police department who had driven to Washington DC to commemorate the death of Officer Richard Crittenden who was killed in the line of duty.
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Sen. Franken's College Affordability Outreach Tour
Sen. Franken and his staff have been traveling around Minnesota talking to students, community leaders, and parents about the cost of college.
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Sen. Franken Applauds Dept. of Labor for Pulling Youth Farm Labor Regulation
Sen. Franken lauded the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to pull its proposed update to employment rules that would have applied to youth who work on family farms
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Sen. Franken Working to Make College More Affordable
Sen. Franken is working to make college more affordable and to make financial aid easier to understand for prospective students.
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Sen. Franken's Farm Bill Outreach Tour-Metro *update*
As the U.S. Senate begins work on the 2012 Farm Bill, Key members of Senator Al Franken's staff will hold a Farm Bill Outreach Tour in the metro area to update residents on the the impact of the Farm Bill and to hear their concerns.
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Sen. Franken Visit to Lewis and Clark Water Project
Last week, Sen. Franken went to southwest Minnesota to the Southern Sioux Falls Water Tower that is part of the ongoing Lewis & Clark water project. Sen. Franken has been fighting for funding for the Lewis & Clark water project for years.
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Two Years Later: The Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for Minnesota
The Affordable Care Act gives hardworking families in Minnesota the security they deserve. The new health care law forces insurance companies to play by the rules, prohibiting them from dropping your coverage if you get sick, billing you into bankruptcy because of an annual or lifetime limit, or, soon, discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition.
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Second Annual Minnesota Delegation Hotdish Competition
The Second Annual Hotdish-Off. Recipes below.
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Consumer Alert: Crop Insurance
It has been an especially dry year in Minnesota it is very important that farmers review and purchase crop insurance. For links to more resources click here.
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Sen. Franken Proudly Announces Tax Credit for Minnesota Businesses that Hire Veterans
Sen. Franken strongly supports a new tax credit is now available to Minnesota employers who hire veterans. The credit can be as high as $9,600 per veteran for for-profit employers or up to $6,240 for tax-exempt organizations.
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Sen. Franken Support the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012
Sen. Franken joined his colleagues at a press conference to support the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012.
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Sen. Franken's Farm Bill Outreach Tour *Updated*
As the Senate begins work on the 2012 Farm Bill, Key members of Sen. Franken's staff will hold a Farm Bill Outreach Tour in communities across Minnesota to update the farmers, ranchers, and agriculture officials on the status of the Farm Bill and to hear their concerns.
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Consumer Alert: Federal Mortgage Settlement
The Attorneys General of 49 states recently reached a $25 billion settlement deal with five of the largest banks to help homeowners and people who have lost their houses to foreclosure.
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Sen. Franken Introduces Bill to Combat Violence in Local Courtrooms
In response to the dramatic rise in local courthouse violence across the nation—including a shooting in December at the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais—U.S. Sen. Al Franken introduced the Local Courthouse Safety Act.
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Sen. Franken is Working with the Interior Department to Help Manage the Gray Wolf Population
Sen. Al Franken pressed U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for federal funding to help manage the gray wolf population in Minnesota. (Photo by Diane Hammond)
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Student Non-Discrimination Act Conference Call on GSA Day
On the first annual Gay Straight Alliance Day, Sen. Franken joined local GSA groups from accross the country to talk about his Student Non Discrimination Act.
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Visiting Rochester and Red Wing
Sen. Franken has been traveling around Minnesota on a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education tour, where he is visiting schools and businesses to emphasize the importance of STEM education as key to the state’s future competitiveness.
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Minnesota Receives Race to the Top Grant
Minnesota recently received a $45 million Race to the Top Grant to increase the number of low-income and disadvantaged children enrolled in early learning programs. Minnesota was one of nine states chosen to receive the grants out of the thirty-five that applied.
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Sen. Franken and Sen. Whitehouse's Colloquy on Climate Change
Sen. Franken and Sen. Whitehouse engaged in a colloquy on the senate floor to talk about climate change and the overwhelming science behind the theory of anthropogenic global warming.
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Sen. Franken Calls on Secretary. Sebelius to Explain the Science Behind Plan B Decision
Sen. Franken and thirteen other U.S. Senators wrote to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to express their disappointment with her recent decision not to make Plan B One-Step available over the counter, contrary to the recommendation of the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) recommendation.
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Sen. Franken Releases Report on Payroll Tax Cut Benefits for Minnesotans
Sen. Franken recently released a report showing the impact of the 2011 payroll tax cut. Last year, Congress passed the President's payroll tax cut bill which put about $1,100 back in the pocket of the average Minnesota family.
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Consumer Alert: Fake IRS Email Scam, So Don't Be Fooled
People have recently been receiving messages claiming to be from the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility that instructing them to acquire a new Employer Identification Number (EIN), do not be fooled.
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Sen. Franken Reforms No Child Left Behind
Sen. Franken scored a big win for teachers and students in Minnesota when he successfully incorporated four key provisions into the Senate bill to reform the federal "No Child Left Behind" law.
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Photos from Sen. Franken's Trip to the Iron Range
Sen. Franken recently visited the Iron Range to meet with officals and workers from Polymet, Mesabi Nugget, and Essar Steel to talk about thier plans for the future and to understand the current state of the Industry.
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Sens. Franken, Grassley (R-Iowa) Call for Investigation into "Stalking Apps"
Sen. Al Franken and Chuck Grassley led a bipartisan group of Senators in calling on key federal agencies for an investigation into mobile phone “stalking apps.”
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Sen. Franken Launches New Job-Creating Energy Efficiency Initiative
Sen. Franken brought together Minnesota energy businesses, researchers and advocates to meet with a top U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official to discuss the state’s leadership on renewable energy and explore its potential to create jobs and affect national energy policy.
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Consumer Alert: Medicare Open Enrollment Window
Medicare open enrollment is a brief time during the year when Medicare and Medicare Advantage subscribers can switch their plans and make sure that the plan they are enrolled in is the best one available.
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Sen. Franken Meeting with U.S. Hikers who were Jailed in Iran
Sen. Franken met with Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd the American hikers who were jailed in Iran for two years. Shourd was released in 2010 and Bauer and Fattal were finally released last month.
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Consumer Alert: Claim Your Retroactive Stop Loss Pay!
If you, or someone you know, had their military deployment involuntarily extended under the Stop Loss program between September 2001 and September 2011 then you are eligible for $500/month you were stop lossed.
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After Urging from Sens. Franken and Coons OnStar Reverses it's Privacy Policy
After learning that OnStar was changing their privacy policy to allow them to track people in their cars and sell people's information even after that person had canceled their subscription, Sens. Franken and Coons contacted OnStar to ask them to chance their position.
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Sen. Franken Congratulates Minnesota Principals of the Year
Last week, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) met with Efe Agbamu and Jeff Scherber to congratulate them on receiving the Minnesota Principal of the Year award.
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Sen. Franken Releases County-by-County Report on MN Bridges in Need of Repair
U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) released a report showing that more than one thousand Minnesota bridges - nearly one in ten across the state – are structurally deficient.
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Sen. Franken's Statement on the Release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal
Sen. Franken's statement on the long overdue release of the two U.S. hikers, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, who had been jailed in Iran on espionage charges for two years.
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Sen. Franken Receives Golden Triangle Award from National Farmers Union
For the second year in a row the National Farmers Union has honored Sen. Franken with their Golden Triangle award for his work on behalf of Minnesota farmers.
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Lifeline and Link-Up Awareness Week
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has annouced that this week is Lifeline Awareness Week.
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THE AMERICAN JOBS ACT: IMPACT FOR MINNESOTA
The economic security of the middle class has been under attack for decades. That’s why President Obama believes we need to do more than just recover from this economic crisis – we need to rebuild the economy the American way, based on balance, fairness, and the same set of rules for everyone from Wall Street to Main Street.
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Remembering the Victims of 9/11
On the tenth anniversary of September 11th Sen. Franken attended the Minnesota Remembers Memorial in Eden Prairie with firemen and other public safety repsponders.
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State Fair 2011: The Great Minnesota Get-Together
The 2011 Minnesota State Fair has come and gone. Sen. Franken was proud to participate, manning his booth and eating roast corn.
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Emergency Homeowner Loan Program
The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (EHLP) was set up under the Wall Street Reform bill. In the WSR bill $1 billion was set aside to help people who are in danger of losing their homes because they have lost their job or had a prohibitively expensive medical emergency.
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Consumer Alert: Foreclosure Assistance Scams
We're proud to announce a new feature here on our website: Consumer Alerts. Every so often something comes up that affects Minnesota consumers, and we want to provide additional information and tips so the public has the tools it needs to deal with these issues.
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Consumer Alert: Foreclosure Assistance Scams
Many Minnesota families are struggling with mortgage payments and worrying about the prospect of losing their homes. Unfortunately, scam artists are taking advantage of these fears and preying on anxious homeowners.
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Sen. Franken Says Stillwater Bridge Legislation Needs to Move Forward
Recently, at an Energy Committee hearing on Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s bill to construct a new Stillwater bridge, Sen. Franken said it’s time for the legislation to move forward.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on the Debt Ceiling Compromise
"I will vote for this package, because defaulting would have grave economic consequences for my Minnesota constituents."
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Sen. Franken: FCC and DOJ should Reject AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
Sen. Franken recently urged federal regulators to deny the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger because the deal would drive up prices for wireless customers and likely cost thousands of jobs.
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Sen. Franken's Statement on the Norway Attacks
Sen. Franken released the following statement on the attacks in Norway:
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After Sen. Franken Testimony, Surface Transportation Board Cuts Cost of Filing Complaints
Earlier this week the Surface Transportation Board (STB) cut the cost of filing a formal complaint against unfair anti-competitive railroad industry practices.
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Sen. Franken: Its Time to Repeal Federal Law Barring Same-Sex Marriage
Sen. Franken says he will work to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law that prevents federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allows states to refuse to acknowledge a same-sex marriage from another state.
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Sen. Franken Supports Richard Cordray to head the CFPB
On Monday, Sen. Franken announced his support of former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
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STEM Jobs Report
Today, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workers earn more than their non-STEM counterparts, have more job security, and are growing the American economy.
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Sen. Franken Brings Minnesota Art Exhibit to the Capitol
This week, thanks to Sen. Franken, the Minnesota-based exhibit "Homeless is My Address, Not My Name" will be on display in the Russell Senate Office Building's Rotunda.
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Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration - Disaster Loans Available for Individuals and Businesses
Recenlty, Minnesota received a the official disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration.
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Sen. Franken Tours Minneapolis Children's Hospital
On Saturday, Sen. Franken visited and toured the Minneapolis Children's Hospital where he met with patients, doctors, and administrators.
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Sen. Franken Joins Meals on Wheels
This past weekend Sen. Franken joined Meals on Wheels in Minneapolis to make deliveries to homebound individuals who cannot make it out of their houses.
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A Message of Hope from the United States Senate
Sen. Franken recently joined 12 of his Senate colleagues in a video for the It Gets Better Project, an internet campaign to reach out to LGBT youth to let them know that there are people who are fighting for them and that life gets better after high school.
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The Economic Effects of Medicaid Cuts
Sen. Franken joined the Chairman of Families USA, Ron Pollack, and Reps. Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison to talk about the new Families USA report that illustrates the devastating economic effect of the House Republicans Budget.
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Sens. Franken Introduces Bill to Protect Consumer Privacy on Mobile Devices
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law, introduced legislation that would require companies to receive express consent from users of mobile devices before sharing information about those users’ location with third parties.
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Fighting to Stop the Republican Bill to End Ethanol Support
Sen. Franken joined a bipartisan group of senators to successfully stop an effort to abruptly end federal support for ethanol production.
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Tornado Disaster Declaration
In response to a request from Governor Dayton and urging by Sens. Franken and Klobuchar, and Rep. Ellison, the U.S. Government issued a disaster declaration for Hennepin and Anoka Counties.
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Dayton's Bluff with Education Secretary Duncan
Sen. Franken hosted Education Secretary Arne Duncan at Dayton's Bluff Elementary School in St. Paul.
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Resources and Information for Those Affected by Minneapolis Tornado
The recent tornado that swept through Minneapolis has damaged thousands of homes and businesses in the city. Below are some resources for families and property owners affected by the storm.
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Visiting the Tornado Victims
Recently, Sen. Franken met with the victims of the tornadoes that stuck Minneapolis last month.
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Disaster Designation for North Minneapolis
This weekend, after surveying the damage done by the tornadoes, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken as well as Representative Ellison urged President Obama to expedite the disaster designation for the storm-damaged area.
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Lowering Insurance Costs and Improving Health Care
A new report shows that if Sen. Franken's Medical Loss Ratio, which was included in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) last year, had been in effect in 2010 consumers would have received $2 billion in rebates from health insurance companies.
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Helping Veterans with the VA
Sen. Franken's work with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on retroactive benefits has resulted in faster processing times and an improved "Fast Track" system.
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Statement On The Nomination Of Goodwin Liu
Yesterday, Sen. Franken went to the floor to speak in support of Professor Godwin Liu.
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Minnesota Job Resources
While the economy has begun to recover, unemployment is still far too high in Minnesota and across the country. Unfortunately, many Minnesotans don't know what resources are available to help them find jobs and rejoin the workforce, but they exist.