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The legislative session gets underway at noon on Tuesday, February 11.
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Mental health issues addressed in Housing hearing
On Thursday, the committee I chair held a hearing to specifically address the impact mental health conditions can have on those seeking secure and stable housing. Individuals, non-profits, faith groups and advocates presented overviews to the Housing Finance and Policy Division on this important and difficult issue.
Among the testifiers were Anne McInerny and Claire Jordon from St. Paul schools, who spoke about the intersection of mental health and housing challenges. Former rep. Mindy Greiling was instrumental in shaping the hearing agenda.
MICAH legislative breakfast
The Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) held their legislative breakfast event this week. I was asked to speak on the panel to address affordable housing needs and priorities for the 2020 session. The discussion was broad and dealt with many complex issues we will face this session.
2020 Census
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the country, including everyone in Minnesota.
The 2020 Census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. Census results determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as how funds are spent on roads, schools and hospitals. Click here to download a fact sheet with more information, or here to watch a short video.
You can help your community by applying for one of thousands of temporary census jobs, many which pay up to $22 per hour.
Minnesota Individual Income Tax filing season opened this week
The state and federal individual income tax filing season began on Monday. More information on filing, free tax help, direct deposit and tracking your refund can be found here from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
MHPA and Met Council to form nation’s first Regional Moving to Work Agency
A new partnership has been announced between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) to form a first-in-the-nation Regional Moving to Work (MTW) agency to make it easier for families with housing vouchers to live where they wish in the Twin Cities metro.
Presidential primary voting has begun
Voting has begun for the 2020 presidential primary. This vote is separate from the February 25th precinct caucuses, which are held to conduct internal party business. You can find out more about the presidential primary here.
House of Representatives
Committee schedules, bill tracking, floor sessions and other relevant information can be found on the House of Representatives website. This is a great resource to keep track of all things legislative during session and the interim.
In addition, if you are able to take time to tour the fully restored Capitol building, you will experience one of the most beautiful structures in Minnesota. Make a day out of visiting the Capitol and sitting in on a committee hearing or floor session.
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You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn,
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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