MHP Connect

Session Scoop: Bills, bills, bills before deadline #1

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Created: Friday, 08 March 2019 10:54

Written by Elizabeth Glidden and Libby Murphy, MHP Policy Team

Hello from the Capitol! The ninth week of session has been busy with hearings, as lawmakers rush to meet the first deadline of the legislative session. By March 15, bills that haven’t gotten the green light from a committee in its house of origin won’t move forward, with the exception of certain committees to which these deadlines don't apply.

Good news! An MHP-championed measure to create a state match for Local Housing Trust Funds (SF 1961) was introduced in the Senate. Thank you to Chief Author Senator Andrew Lang (R-17/Olivia)! 

Past hearings

House 

The Housing Finance and Policy Division heard several important housing-related bills including one that would make apartment leases easier to understand (HF 495). Another bill addresses evictions and eviction case court records (HF 1511).  

On March 6, the House Health and Human Services Finance Division hearda proposal to raise the monthly cash benefit for families in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), supported by Homes for All. The MFIP funding level has not changed since 1986. A companion bill awaits a hearing in the Senate.

Read more: Session Scoop: Bills, bills, bills before deadline #1

Celebrating Rick Goodemann

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Created: Friday, 08 March 2019 10:23

Written by Anne Mavity, Executive Director

We are celebrating the contributions of Rick Goodemann, a long-time MHP board member and the recently retired 30-year President of Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, even while we mourn his untimely death. Rick passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019.

Rick has been a force for affordable housing and rural communities. While Rick is no longer with us, we know that his work will continue to positively impact Minnesotans well into the future, including the 9,000 families that have safe and affordable housing today, created through his efforts and determination at Southwest MHP.

Rick founded Southwest MHP in 1992 and served as CEO until January of 2019. He worked tirelessly to carry out the organization’s mission to “create thriving places to live, grow and work in partnership with communities.” Southwest MHP has positively impacted communities across Southwest Minnesota with projects like Solace Apartments in St. Peter, which provides affordable homes with supportive services for people at high risk of homelessness who have mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.

Read more: Celebrating Rick Goodemann

Join us in welcoming new staff!

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Created: Thursday, 07 March 2019 15:49

Written by Laura Proescholdt

MHP is excited to welcome three new staff members! Our new Director of Communications and Research is Andy Birkey, an award-winning journalist and experienced communications professional formerly with the Minnesota AIDS Project (now JustUs Health). Tyrone Grandstrand and Cole St. Arnold joined our Community Development Team in January, bringing a wealth of knowledge around community development, planning, leadership, and more.

“We’re so pleased Andy, Tyrone, and Cole are part of our team,” said Executive Director Anne Mavity. “Their energy and passion for this work is infectious. They bring deep expertise and exciting ideas that I know will propel MHP forward and make us a stronger, more effective organization.”

From left: Tyrone, Andy, and Cole

Read more: Join us in welcoming new staff!

MN Housing Tax Credit to leverage private dollars for urgent shortage of affordable homes

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Created: Friday, 01 March 2019 14:03

Written by Laura Proescholdt

The MN #HousingTaxCredit (HF 1156) was heard in the House Taxes Committee this week. We're so grateful to our testifiers (pictured right and quoted below) for making a strong case for the bill, endorsed by more than 70 organizations statewide! Read on for a press release on the legislation.

Like many Minnesota communities, there are few places affordable to people filling essential jobs in Savage – from teachers and childcare providers, to grocery store workers and more. 

“To be successful, we need more affordable housing,” Savage Mayor Janet Williams said. “We need another tool in our toolbox.” 

Statewide, there’s a growing consensus that affordable housing is essential to economic growth, addressing racial disparities, and ensuring families can make ends meet. Minnesotans are ready for solutions. That’s why Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-55A) has authored House File 1156 establishing the Minnesota Housing Tax Credit. The measure would provide a tax credit to community members or businesses who contribute to affordable housing development. 

Read more: MN Housing Tax Credit to leverage private dollars for urgent shortage of affordable homes