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Neighbors and Friends,
We are saddened at the death of yet another Black man at the hands of police. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Daunte Wright and all who are grieving. We want justice for the victim, and we want all Minnesotans to live in safe communities where they make it home at the end of the day.
Two Budget Bills Approved
Thursday night, the Minnesota House approved the Omnibus Housing Bill, which funds a variety of programs aimed at helping create more affordable housing, and provisions to ensure Minnesotans are safely and stably housed. All session, the committee, which I chair, heard personal stories of those affected by housing insecurity and homelessness. There are persistent and difficult challenges related to housing, but if this measure becomes law, it will be a big step in helping all Minnesotans have a safe place to call home.
Minnesota has one of the largest disparities in ownership rates between white and people of color and Indigenous households. This budget will help close the racial homeownership gap through investments in programs with proven track records of increasing our housing supply, connecting more people with ownership opportunities, and preparing first time buyers for a successful homeownership experience.
You can watch debate on the bill here and read my news release here.
You can learn more about the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, review our agenda, and view past meetings on the House website committee page.
On Thursday, we also passed the Omnibus Legacy Bill, which invests in protecting and enhancing Minnesota's outdoor heritage, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails. Minnesotans are proud of our beautiful outdoors, clean water, and arts and culture. Investing in these priorities will benefit current and future generations. Since 2010, the Legacy Amendment has generated more than $3.65 billion for initiatives that benefit people and communities across Minnesota. This legislation builds on that success and takes important steps to address racial and cultural inequalities and ensure that these funds benefit all Minnesotans.
Most of our legislative work has moved to House floor. We are voting on our budget bills this week and next, which leaves about three weeks for the House and Senate to work out compromises and pass the final budget before our adjournment on May 17. You can follow the daily legislative schedules and read up on all the activity here.
Today, it is expected we will be on the House floor for several hours, taking up the Transportation and State Government bills. You can watch along here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
The expanded categories continue to provide access to more Minnesotans seeking a vaccine.
If you haven’t received your vaccination, Take a look at Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or check with your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine.
You can learn the most recent statistics on who is getting vaccinating and other key data by clicking on this link.
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Staying Connected
Also, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.
I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email to rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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