The 2018 Legislative Session promises to be one for the record books, and it hasn’t even gaveled in yet. On Tuesday, February 20 the Minnesota Legislature will begin with many issues that the body will need to address before the constitutionally-mandated adjournment of May 21.
First, you may remember that the legislative branch and Gov. Dayton had a summer battle over the constitutionality of Dayton’s line-item veto of legislative funding at the end of the 2017 legislative session. The fight went all the way to the Supreme Court, where the ruling came down more in favor of the Governor. Leaders of all legislative caucuses have indicated the first item of business is to send him a new legislative funding bill and the Governor has indicated that he will sign it.
Next, comes an additional constitutional question of holding two elected offices at once. When U.S. Senator Al Franken resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, Gov. Dayton appointed then Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to fill Franken’s spot. The Minnesota constitution states that the most recent Minnesota Senate President shall become Lieutenant Governor if a vacancy occurs. Enter Senator Michelle Fischbach of Paynesville. With a one seat, Republican majority, Republicans and Democrats are at odds over Fischbach having the authority to maintain her Senate seat, while serving as Lieutenant Governor. Expect the courts to have a say in this matter.
Finally, Congress and President Trump passed and signed into law a fairly large bill in December in tax reform. The Minnesota legislature and Governor will now have to discuss what the state should conform to. Expect this to be the number one issue this session.
All of these issues and more will be addressed in the coming months. Your Housing First Minnesota advocacy team will be present and active as the session progresses, as we once again team up with the Minnesota REALTORS with the second go-around of the Minnesota Homeownership Initiative.
Here are the housing industry priorities for the 2018 Legislative Session:
How can YOU get involved?
- Text HOUSINGFIRST to 52886. There are a handful of opportunities throughout session that we activate our grassroots network. We’ll make it as turnkey as possible for you to contact your legislators in supporting of housing initiatives.
- Come to Housing Day at the Capitol! Join housing industry leaders from across the state as we advocate on behalf of the industry. We are once again teaming up with the Minnesota REALTORS to create one of the biggest days in St. Paul. Register here.
- Follow our updates. Catch all the action by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to our blog. And finally email us! with any questions or suggestions.
