Minnesota Housing Partnership Candidate Questionnaire (supported by Homes for All)
Candidate responses in italics.
Name: Robert J. "Bob" Cardinal
City/Town: Saint Paul
Legislative District: 43A
Party: Republican
District Issues: How would you characterize the housing needs in your district, for both renters and for homeowners?
Lack of supply. Need more suitable housing.
Availability of Affordable Housing: More than 25% of households in Minnesota pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing, meaning they must sacrifice in other areas like food and medicine to make ends meet. What steps will you take to encourage the production of more affordable homes?
We need more affordable housing. Offer legislation to prioritize wage percentage to rental fees.
Workers: A full-time minimum wage worker cannot afford a one-bedroom apartment in any county in Minnesota — and many of the fastest growing jobs are in low-wage industries. What investments or policy would you champion to address the growing gap between what workers can afford and housing costs?
Tie wage to limits on housing. Property owners should receive relief on gap in mortgage commitments.
Homelessness: A lack of affordable housing options is one of the top reasons for homelessness, for individuals or families. What will you do to end homelessness in Minnesota?
Homelessness is the result of anxiety in the mental health of people who lack the skills to function in society. Support and sponsor legislation to address homelessness and needed additional housing for all homeless individuals.
Seniors and children: More than half of senior renters and more than 1 in 4 senior homeowners pay more than they can afford for housing. Meanwhile, children without stable, affordable housing have lower educational and health outcomes. What will you do to ensure housing policy and resources support Minnesota's seniors and students?
Concern #1 is housing. I will sponsor legislation to address this #1 concern. We should treat this #1 issue as an emergency demanding immediate action.
Racial Disparities: Minnesota's racial disparities in housing are among the worst in the nation, for renters and homeowners. For instance, 22 percent of Black households are homeowners, compared to 76 percent of white households. How will you reduce the racial homeownership gap and other disparities in housing for households of color?
Yes. Provide immediate legislation to counter this disparity.
Rental Stability: Rental assistance is proven to reduce homelessness, housing instability, and overcrowding, but 75% of residents who qualify for rental assistance do not receive this limited resource. What will you do to expand access to housing assistance to every household that needs it?
Provide immediate relief with following legislation such as tax credits. Allow needed housing expansion with minimum restrictions and red tape. Provide assistance to all whom lack assets to change housing situation.
Funding: We cannot meet our growing, statewide housing needs without significant additional resources. Will you support a dedicated source of funding for affordable housing? Why or why not?
Yes. I will support and sponsor legislation to fund for affordable housing.
