Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, speaks while accepting Housing First Minnesota's Legislator of the Year Award during the group's recent annual Building Industry Gala at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake.
ST. PAUL - State Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, has earned his second Legislator of the Year Award from Housing First Minnesota in recognition of his efforts to make home ownership affordable in Minnesota.
Specifically, HFM said the honor recognizes Mekeland for his "efforts in promoting housing affordability and homeownership opportunities for everyone, everywhere."
In a release announcing Mekeland's honor, HFM indicated "This year marks the second time that Mekeland has received Housing First Minnesota’s Legislator of the Year award, first earning the award in 2020. As a member of the House Labor Committee, Mekeland shared numerous concerns and challenged legislation that would have been detrimental to the industry. By day, Mekeland serves as a general contractor helping homeowners."
As a legislator, Mekeland consistently pushes back against regulatory policies he deems excessive and likely to unnecessarily increase costs of home ownership even further at a time many Minnesotans already are struggling with affordability or are altogether priced out of the market.
"I am proud of the work I have done to call out bad policies we continue seeing the House majority propose," Mekeland said. "So many of these bad ideas are completely detached from reality. With my background in building, it's clear to see a number of my colleagues across the aisle are oblivious to the fact their pet projects are putting home ownership out of reach for many Minnesotans. Interest rates are rising, median home prices are up, and their unnecessary regulations are adding thousands of dollars to the cost of a home.
"I am grateful for this award, will keep working to defeat ill-advised policies and look forward to the day we start actually making improvements that will get a grip on housing costs in our state so more Minnesotans can achieve home ownership if they choose to do so."
Mekeland received his award during HFM’s recent annual Building Industry Gala at Mystic Lake Center. The event celebrates the housing industry and recognizes industry members for their excellence in building and remodeling homes for Minnesotans.
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