The legislative session came to a conclusion around midnight Sunday, producing a tax bill and supplemental budget spending, while leaving a comprehensive transportation bill and capital improvements (bonding) bill lost in the final moments of the session. Given the broad agreement on the need for transportation and bonding for infrastructure, it’s possible that Governor Dayton will call a special session to reconsider those two items, and BATC will be there if he does.
For BATC and the homebuilding industry, the 2016 session was a success. Our three goals going into the session:
- To defend the industry against threatening legislation. This goal was achieved. We did not take any hits below the industry waterline.
- Elevate BATC and the homebuilding industry. We found victory in elevating our industry and strengthening our relationships with legislators and caucus leadership. These relationships are the centerpiece of legislative decision-making and this session leaves no doubt that BATC and its Housing First efforts continue to elevate our industry. Moreover, we are now sought out regularly by legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle on major issues, setting the stage for continued success.
- Seek opportunities to initiate proactive housing affordability concepts. Our common-sense proposal to require a 10-day notice prior to a housing moratorium cleared the GOP-controlled house floor twice in bi-partisan votes, but in the final 24 hours of session ran into insurmountable opposition from the Senate.
We will continue to monitor the possibility of a special session, but attention is quickly turning to the November elections. BATC has been conducting research, building election infrastructure, and fundraising for several months. The research being conducted will form the basis of strong and effective industry messaging.
Session Wrap-Up in the News
MinnPost >>
KSTP >>
Pioneer Press >>
