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

HOUSING BILLS TO WATCH

HF282 (Noor)/SF239 (Eichorn): This bill modifies manufactured and modular home provisions, and received a hearing in the House Jobs and Economic Development Finance Division on Thursday, January 31.

GET ENGAGED

Join MHP for regular legislative update calls! Starting with our first call on Friday, February 8 at 10 a.m., join MHP’s policy team every other Friday at 10 a.m. to stay in-the-loop and share suggestions on how to move our agenda forward. Dial 800-220-9875 and enter 24167074 to join the call. Questions? Contact Elizabeth Glidden.

Attend upcoming hearings! On Monday, February 4, 2019, at 3:00 pm, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance will host a rescheduled presentation from MHFA on its 2019 Affordable Housing Plan, 2018 Project Funding Selections, and Cost Containment. The meeting will be held in Room 1150 of the Minnesota Senate Bldg. This Wednesday, the House Housing Finance and Policy Division hearing will focus on public housing issues. Listen in at 8 a.m. in Room 200 of the State Office Building.

Advocate at an upcoming Day on the Hill! MN NAHRO, the Minnesota chapter of an organization that advocates for public housing authorities, will host a Day on the Hill on February 6. Find out more and view other upcoming Days on the Hill through our email newsletter!