MHP Connect

Congress reaches FY19 spending deal

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Created: Friday, 15 February 2019 09:54

Written by Laura Proescholdt

Just days before the February 15 deadline, Congress has reached a final deal to fund the federal government for the remainder of FY19. Reports indicate President Trump will sign the bill.  

Highlights include: 

• $1.5 billion in new resources in FY19 for key HUD programs including tenant-based rental assistance, project-based rental assistance, and homeless assistance grants. 
• Sufficient funding to renew contracts with properties that provide affordable housing to seniors (Section 202) and people with disabilities (Section 811). 
• $100 million in competitive grants to Native American communities to spur affordable housing construction and preservation. 

Read more from NLIHC. 

Thank you for contacting your members of Congress and asking for a spending bill that fully funds critical housing programs. Your advocacy is important!

Minnesota Housing board January meeting includes federal shutdown updates and what’s ahead in 2019

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Created: Friday, 15 February 2019 11:09

Written by Laura Proescholdt

At the January 2019 Minnesota Housing board meeting, board members heard from the newly appointed Commissioner, considered federal shutdown impacts, and discussed what’s ahead for Minnesota Housing in 2019.

Remarks from Commissioner Ho

Newly appointed Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho kicked off the meeting by sharing her appreciation for Minnesota Housing’s talented, mission-driven staff. Ho shared that as she settles into her new role, she’s taking deep dives on Minnesota Housing’s budget and bond markets to learn about how the agency allocates bonds and tax credits. She also noted that she wants to better understand risk management and mortgage credit. Ho said that while her position is externally facing, she is committed to having a strong understanding of the agency’s programs.

Read more: Minnesota Housing board January meeting includes federal shutdown updates and what’s ahead in 2019

Help prevent another shutdown! Join a Tweetstorm to #FullyFundHousing

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Created: Tuesday, 12 February 2019 10:54

Written by Laura Proescholdt

Contains content cross-posted from NLIHC

Join NLIHC and the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding for a tweet storm on February 13 from 2-3pm CT to urge Congress to avoid another government shutdown and fully fund affordable housing and community development programs. Use #FullyFundHousing in you tweets and tag your member of Congress.

Not on Twitter? Use this time to spread this important message on other social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Background

President Trump announced on January 25 an agreement to temporarily reopen the federal government for three weeks — ending our nation’s longest shutdown in history — giving legislators time to negotiate a larger spending deal and border security. The short-term funding bill expires on February 15. If Congress and the White House fail to reach a deal by then, the government will again shut down, further undermining the short-term operations and long-term viability of our nation’s affordable housing and community development programs.

You can help prevent another shutdown! 

Join the Tweetstorm on Wednesday to call for clean, full-year spending bills that #FullyFundHousing.

Read more: Help prevent another shutdown! Join a Tweetstorm to #FullyFundHousing

Session Scoop: Anticipating the Governor's budget

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Created: Thursday, 31 January 2019 15:32

Written by Elizabeth Glidden, MHP Director of Strategic Initiatives & Policy

Week four of the legislative session was a little quieter than normal, due to the extreme weather conditions.

We are preparing to receive the Governor’s budget in mid-February and the February budget forecast from Minnesota Management and Budget.

Because this is the first year of the biennium, Governor Walz is required to recommend a two-year state operating budget to the Legislature by February 19, 2019. He has started to make public statements about what may be included in his budget, including a recent announcement that he plans to increase local government aid by $30 million.

In the last week of February, Minnesota Management and Budget will release the February Budget and Economic Forecast. 

You can learn more about state budgeting and budget process with these resources:

• The State Budget Process
• Budget Forecasts, Surpluses and Deficits
• Minnesota Governor's Proposed Biennial Operating Budget

Read more: Session Scoop: Anticipating the Governor's budget