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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Gunther (R)

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REP. GUNTHER CO-AUTHORS WORKFORCE HOUSING LEGISLATION

Thursday, April 14, 2016

ST. PAUL – In order to expand workforce housing in Greater Minnesota and help employers attract more workers, State Representative Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) is co-authoring legislation that would help rural employees and their families find more affordable homes.

 

"For years we have been hearing from local companies that want to expand their workforce but can't because those employees wouldn't be able to find an affordable place to live," Gunther said. "This is positive legislation not only for job providers but also those looking to fulfill the American dream by owning a home."

 

The bill Gunther is co-authoring would form a community-based statewide initiative to double the number of current homeownership opportunities for working Minnesotans. It would create a program through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to fund grants that would be awarded to nonprofits and cooperatives, allowing them to help create more single-family housing.

 

"We need to create more opportunities for working households," Gunther said. "And by narrowing the focus to homeownership rather than rental housing, not as much public investment will be needed. It's my hope that we can address this issue before session ends and provide these needed opportunities to our rural Minnesota workforce."