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Dear Neighbors,
The sub-zero temperatures we continue to experience emphasize the need for a safe and warm place to call home - something far too many Minnesotans go without. Our state is experiencing a housing crisis, and this week in the House Capital Investment Committee, we started the conversation on how our legislative work can play a part in addressing housing insecurity in Minnesota.
Joined by members of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee and the Preventing Homelessness Division, we learned about our unique opportunity to invest in Housing Infrastructure Bonds to leverage state investment for additional funds for new housing units and preservation. My family came to the United States after living in a refugee camp and found our first home through Minneapolis Public Housing. This experience has shaped my view that the basis for a healthy and productive life is grounded in access to a safe and secure home. All Minnesotans deserve a roof over their heads, and we’ll better reach that goal by robustly investing in the bonding options available to us.
You can watch our hearing on Minnesota’s housing crisis here.
An Increasingly Diverse Legislature
Yesterday, two of my fellow members of the Minnesota Asian Pacific (MAP) Caucus, Rep. Kaohly Her and Rep. Tou Xiong, came together to discuss Asian Pacific Minnesotan experiences during COVID, our collective legislative priorities, and a high level overview of key decisions the Legislature will take up this legislative session. Thank you to the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans for hosting the virtual event, which you can watch here.
Earlier this week, my colleagues in the United Black Legislative Caucus announced their priorities aimed at addressing racial disparities in economic opportunity, housing, education, health and human services, public safety, transportation, and environmental justice. You can watch their announcement here.
For an illuminating look at the disparities in our state I encourage you to read the House Select Committee on Racial Justice’s report on racial justice in MN, here. I also encourage you to read our People of Color and Indigenous Caucus’ statement on Black History Month.
District 59 Virtual Town Hall
Shout out to everyone that hopped on for our district’s virtual town hall yesterday! We had a lot of great conversations and we were joined by some special guests from the Minnesota Legislature. If you weren’t able to join us, you can still watch the recording or our town hall below:
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