St. Paul, MN - Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released their budget forecast today, showing a projected $7.7 billion dollar surplus. Minnesota Housing Finance & Policy Chair, Rep. Alice Hausman and Vice-Chair, Rep. Michael Howard, released the following joint statement.
“The news from MMB indicates a strong Minnesota economy. Now is the time to help those who have been harmed by COVID and create a more prosperous Minnesota for everyone,” said Rep. Alice Hausman. “As we’ve seen, the need for available, affordable housing is great throughout the state and we should seize this moment to invest in providing a safe place for every Minnesotan to call home. Overall, due to past decisions made by the state legislature, and partnering with Governor Dayton and Governor Walz, we are in a strong position to provide help to those most in need. We can make historic investments in housing and assure a brighter future for everyone.”
“This significant budget surplus gives us the chance to build Minnesota back better with historic investments to create and preserve housing so renters and homeowners can achieve the dream of an affordable place they call home,” said Rep. Michael Howard. “The pandemic has only worsened a deepening housing crisis, which is a foundational challenge not only to family budgets but our state’s economic health, so we must ask ourselves: if not now, when?”