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Neighbors and Friends,
This week, Governor Walz announced his infrastructure priorities and I’m pleased he has proposed $100 million to preserve and build affordable housing. You can read my statement here. The Housing Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair, will be hearing the governor’s bills in the coming weeks. You can follow committee action here.
In addition, Gov. Walz has recommended a $10 million investment to match a $31 million in federal funding for a second daily Amtrak train between the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, and Chicago, with stops in Red Wing and Winona. I am lead author of the funding bill for this route, which was heard in the Capital Investment Committee this week, along with two other freight rail and port bills. You can read my statement here and watch the committee here.
Meeting with Advocates
The legislature is holding meetings remotely, but our engagement with advocates and constituents is still very active. This week, I met with many ISAIAH representatives in a zoom call to discuss their support for Governor Walz’s budget. They call their campaign Fund our Futures.
I also took part in a Homeline webinar to discuss Minnesota legislative priorities in response to COVID-19 rental housing issues. Earlier this week, I was invited to speak to the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) about the need for adequate and affordable housing.
COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline
Anticipating more COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Minnesota, Governor Walz this week announced the strategy and next phases of vaccine distribution. Also announced was a plan to vaccinate 70% of all seniors by the end of March.
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