St. Paul, Minn. – The Housing Finance and Policy Division, chaired by Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul), met remotely today to hear HF 4541. The bill allocates $100 million to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to assist thousands of Minnesota renters with their monthly payments. In addition, the funding will be used to help Minnesotans pay utility bills and property taxes, and help homeowners pay their mortgages.
“Housing security is one of many critical needs during this unprecedented time,” said Rep. Hausman. “The House proposal to assist renters and homeowners is necessary to lessen the effects the pandemic will have on stable housing and will ease the burden of those who have lost income related to the consequences of COVID-19.”
"Financial uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is going to make it increasingly difficult for some Minnesotans to 'stay home' as they struggle to afford the roof over their head," said Rep. Howard. "The need for rental and housing assistance has brought together a broad coalition across the housing spectrum, and it's important Senate Republicans join us at the table to deliver this urgently-needed relief."
The House proposal has broad support, ranging from the Homes for All Coalition, representing 250 Minnesota housing organizations, to the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, which represents property management companies throughout the state.
Testifiers included Attorney General Keith Ellison, who spoke about protecting tenants from forced removal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this consensus, Minnesota Senate Republicans are blocking the measure, insisting on only one-third of the funding and the ability for landlords to evict their unemployed tenants, leaving them with nowhere to go.
Our national leaders have already approved an eviction moratorium in the CARES Act that prohibits evictions on a substantial share of Minnesota properties through September. It makes sense for the state of Minnesota to match up with the national directive and avoid confusing landlords, renters and the courts.
“We urge Senate Republicans to join the effort to ensure stable housing for all Minnesotans,” said Rep. Hausman. “This won’t solve every housing problem, but it is a good start and helps resolve an immediate need.”
The bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee for consideration.
A recording of the hearing will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.
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