MHP Connect

Contact legislative leadership to ensure they prioritize housing in committee budgets!

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Created: Thursday, 21 February 2019 16:35

Written by Laura Proescholdt

We’re excited to see that Governor Walz’s budget highlights housing as a critical issue facing Minnesota. He’s giving Minnesota's housing crisis the increased attention it demands. But we know that we must do more to meet the housing needs of students, families, employers, and communities across Minnesota. 

Join the Homes for All coalition in reaching out to legislative leadership, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) and Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), to urge them to invest in services that prevent and address homelessness and set budget targets that prioritize housing in committees considering taxes, housing, and health & human services.

Contact information:

• Senate Majority Leader, Paul E. Gazelka (09, R): 651-296-4875 or online contact form
• Speaker of the House, Melissa Hortman (36B, DFL): 651-296-4280 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Read more: Contact legislative leadership to ensure they prioritize housing in committee budgets!

Session Scoop: Picking up the pace post-Governor's budget

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Created: Friday, 22 February 2019 10:46

Written by Elizabeth Glidden and Libby Murphy, MHP Policy Team

Week 7 of the legislative session is complete, and the pace of the legislature is picking up. The Governor's budget was released February 19, identifying the Governor's priorities and starting the debate among lawmakers as to what priorities will make it to the finish line. 

With the first legislative session deadline for hearing bills fast approaching on March 15, committees in the House and Senate are picking up the pace for hearing bills that will be laid over for consideration. This coming week, a slew of housing bills will be heard in Senate and House committees. Bills to increase the Challenge fund, Homework Starts with Home, homeownership opportunities, and more will be heard, with details below. 

Come and show your support! The Tax Credit Contribution Fund for Affordable Housing (HF 1156) will be heard in the House Taxes Committee on Wednesday, February 27 at 8am in Rm 5 of the State Office Building. Email Elizabeth if you can attend. 

Please join us at the Capitol and let lawmakers know you support affordable homes for Minnesota families!

Read more: Session Scoop: Picking up the pace post-Governor's budget

Session Scoop: Bills to watch, new deadlines, and more

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Created: Friday, 15 February 2019 09:47

Written by Elizabeth Glidden and Libby Murphy, MHP Policy Team

The sixth week of the legislative session was a flurry of activity, as bills were finalized and introduced in order to meet the March 15 deadline for hearing bills in committee. 

The Homes for All Coalition package bills have been introduced, including the bill with appropriations requests for programs overseen by Minnesota Housing. MHP has introduced bills for the Tax Credit Contribution Fund for Affordable Housing and the state match for Local Housing Trust Funds. 

Right: MHP Deputy Policy Director Libby Murphy drops the House Tax Credit Contribution Fund bill into the Hopper

All eyes are on the Governor’s office, as Governor Walz will release his budget no later than February 19. 

Anticipation is also building for the February forecast for state revenues – and it looks like it will not be as positive as reported in December.  The January report from Minnesota Management and Budget states that for fiscal year 2019, year to date receipts are now $12.805 billion, $374 million (2.8 percent) less than forecasted. The forecast will impact the Governor’s budget and budget targets set for committees in the House and Senate.

Read more: Session Scoop: Bills to watch, new deadlines, and more

New report examines Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program

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Created: Friday, 15 February 2019 09:52

Written by Elizabeth Glidden, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Policy

On February 8, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a report on the Economic Development and Housing Challenge (EDHC) Program, administered by Minnesota Housing (MHFA). 

EDHC provides grant or loan funding for affordable rental housing developments that support economic development activities. Funds provide support for acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of permanent rental housing, with a minimum of four units. The Legislature appropriated an average of $9.3 million in base funding to the program each year between fiscal years 2012 and 2019.

Read more: New report examines Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program