 Here is an update from the Capitol. Protecting Low-Income SeniorsThis week, we heard stories from senior citizens living on fixed incomes in subsidized housing about how they are being priced out of their apartments. Currently, landlords base rental increases on the area median income, which is based on working people’s wages. For many senior citizens, income is fixed. That’s why I introduced legislation to change the formula by which rental increases are calculated for multifamily housing developments that receive a federal low-income house tax credit. In exchange for the tax credit, developers agree to designate a certain percentage of units for low-income tenants. You can view the bill testimony here. Haven 4 HeroesIf you have ever driven by the Historic state hospital in Anoka, you have likely seen Haven 4 Heroes, a non-profit that operates on the campus. For years, Haven for Heroes’ mission has been to provide a place of safety and refuge for Veterans and their family members who, for whatever reason, need assistance. This week I presented my bill to provide $500,000 to this phenomenal non-profit. The money would allow Haven for Heroes to restore the auditorium building at the historic state hospital and use it in support of their mission. You can view the presentation here. Protecting Kids OnlineIt’s undeniable that social media has massive impacts on our society, on our children, and in particular, our children's mental health, which isn't been a topic of great concern to members from both sides. This week I introduced legislation to prevent social media manipulation and put some guardrails on how social media affects kids. This bill imposes new prohibitions and requirements on social media platforms operating in Minnesota, based largely on legislative recommendations in the Minnesota Attorney General’s February 2024 report. You can view the bill hearing here. Debt Fairness ActMedical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds, causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt and help working and middle class families make ends meet.  Ensuring Reproductive Rights This week, the Minnesota House Commerce Committee approved my legislation to require health plans in Minnesota to provide coverage for abortions. In Minnesota, we believe in reproductive freedom, affordable healthcare, and that people should be able to use the health insurance they are paying for. But today, health insurance companies can pick and choose whether or not to cover abortion care, or under what circumstances they do cover care--it’s wrong. This bill is simple: it requires health insurance companies to include abortion coverage in their health plans. The bill requires abortion coverage without added costs to patients through co-insurance, cost-sharing, or deductibles. It would require coverage for all abortion care and related services. A video of the committee hearing is available here. MPCA Small Business Environmental Loan ProgramIf your small business is looking to reduce on-site air emissions, clean up contamination, or generate less waste be sure to apply for the MPCA Small Business Environmental Loan program. The program offers zero-interest loans up to $75,000 to tackle these high-impact projects. You can learn more and apply here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5513. It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Anoka families in St. Paul. Sincerely, Rep. Zack Stephenson Minnesota House of Representatives |