Housing Day at the Capitol Finds Bipartisan Support for Housing Solutions
Yesterday, Housing First Minnesota joined forces with the Minnesota Realtors® to host the annual Housing Day at the Capitol, attended by almost 200 builders, remodelers, trade partners, and Realtors. With physical access still limited at the Capitol, members instead went to the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Paul to hear from legislative leaders from all four caucuses in a panel hosted by Blois Olson of Fluence Media.
There was bipartisan support that the housing supply issue is the top priority in addressing Minnesota’s housing needs.
“Our country was built on property rights. We need to get government out of the way and allow builders to build,” stated Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, Senator Rich Draheim (R, Madison Lake).
Senator Kari Dziedzic (DFL, Minneapolis) added, “We need housing across the spectrum, and we need housing across the spectrum everywhere.”
Additionally, Representatives Jim Nash (R, Waconia) and Steve Elkins (DFL, Bloomington) both agreed that municipal governments receive their authorities from the state government and that it was time to address zoning laws.
As we enter March and important legislative committee deadlines draw near, the Minnesota legislature continues to discuss the many housing inventory and affordability issues throughout the state. There are several pieces of legislation that would have major impacts on your business and homeownership opportunities.
It is more important than ever that we join together as a collective voice for housing.
As you well know, over the past year our housing market has only gotten tighter and less affordable for many Minnesota families. Just ask any potential homebuyer that is looking for a house. It is incredibly difficult right now.
Emails and calls from constituents really make a difference. We are asking you to take just two minutes to encourage your state legislators to do no harm to housing and to support initiatives that address affordability and availability of homes.
Thank you for the support of your industry!
