MHP Connect

Session Scoop: The final hours

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Created: Friday, 17 May 2019 14:21

Written by Elizabeth Glidden and Libby Murphy, MHP Policy Team

We are in the final countdown of the last hours of session. Work has slowed as lawmakers and the public wait for more information on budget negotiations. 

A budget deal must be reached by the House, Senate, and Governor - and passed by both legislative bodies - before midnight May 20 to avoid a special session. 

The Senate Finance Committee moved an amended bill to its floor Thursday evening that would fund state government in the event of continued stalemate past June 30, the deadline for a state government budget to be approved. No such bill has moved in the House.

Housing advocates continue to monitor the conference committees for housing finance, housing policy, taxes, and health and human services. Advocates have continued to push lawmakers for action on housing this session, with final messages focused on securing bonds for housing, increased funds for shelter, and an affordable housing tax credit.

Thank you for your work this session; we continue to fight for affordable housing resources!

Follow us on Twitter to stay in-the-loop!

Session Scoop: Thanks for your advocacy on the #HousingTaxCredit!

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Created: Friday, 26 April 2019 14:19

Written by Elizabeth Glidden and Libby Murphy, MHP Policy Team

With only three weeks left in the legislative session, long hours and marathon floor sessions have become the norm. 

Housing advocacy efforts continue at full speed. Thank you to all who responded to our campaign to send messages to lawmakers in support of the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404/HF1156). Together, we sent almost 650 messages! With more than 157,000 impressions on Facebook, the effort helped bring major visibility to a proven tool to address our housing need! 

The Senate Tax omnibus bill was released this week, and it did not include the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404). However, the bill did include funds for affordable homeownership, an effort endorsed by Homes for All coalition. The measure directs annual growth in the mortgage registry and deed taxes – up to $4 million annually – to an affordable home ownership program. The Senate bill also adjusted the classification rate for 4d properties to 0.25 percent.

Read more: Session Scoop: Thanks for your advocacy on the #HousingTaxCredit!

Tell lawmakers to pass housing bonds

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Created: Monday, 20 May 2019 12:41

Written by Andy Birkey

Session Scoop: Gearing up for conference committees

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Created: Friday, 26 April 2019 15:25

Written by Elizabeth Glidden & Libby Murphy, MHP Policy Team

With only three weeks left in the legislative session, long hours and marathon floor sessions have become the norm. 

Housing advocacy efforts continue at full speed. Thank you to all who responded to our campaign to send messages to lawmakers in support of the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404/HF1156). Together, we sent almost 650 messages! With more than 157,000 impressions on Facebook, the effort helped bring major visibility to a proven tool to address our housing need! 

Photo: In a recent meeting organized by Rice County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director and HRA Chair for the City of Northfield Dayna Norvold, MHP Director of Strategic Initiatives & Policy Elizabeth Glidden (right) met with Northfield leaders including Housing Coordinator Janine Atchison (left) to discuss data from MHP's State of the State's Housing report and the benefits of Local Housing Trust Funds. Thanks to attendees for engaging with the presentation including Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell and Northfield City Council Member Suzie Nakasian!

The Senate Tax omnibus bill was released this week, and it did not include the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404). However, the bill did include funds for affordable homeownership, an effort endorsed by Homes for All coalition. The measure directs annual growth in the mortgage registry and deed taxes – up to $4 million annually – to an affordable home ownership program. The Senate bill also adjusted the classification rate for 4d properties to 0.25 percent. 

Read more: Session Scoop: Gearing up for conference committees