Dear Neighbors,
I hope you have been able to get outdoors and enjoy this early taste of spring! Our days are getting brighter both literally and figuratively. Minnesota was recently ranked 3rd in our ability to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine. At our current rate we should be able to vaccinate 70% of Minnesotans 65 years or older by the end of the month! With the new single dose vaccines now available, this pace will continue to speed up.
Renters Rights
This week my bill, HF 969, was heard in the Housing Finance and Policy Committee. This important bill would require landlords to follow the same debt collecting practices of debt collectors and prevent them using abusive practices to collect rent. This is just one more protection we can give renters to ensure that they are treated fairly. You can watch my presentation on the bill here.
Emergency Rent Assistance Available
If you have unpaid rent and low income you may qualify for Hennepin County rent and utility assistance. You can learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 19 at noon. This is an initial short-term program to get urgent help to households with high need. More help will be offered to even more households through a statewide rent assistance program that will open up later this month.
2021 Session Survey
As session progresses I would appreciate hearing from your thoughts on the most pressing issues we are working on at the Capitol. Complete the following survey to help me understand where I should focus my efforts for the rest of session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021mn40b.
Budget Forecast
The state budget officials announced a new economic forecast, highlighting a turnaround in our state budget outlook. This is good news, but the fact remains too many Minnesotans are still struggling as a result of the health and economic impacts from the pandemic. Those who were already struggling before the pandemic have experienced even greater hardship over the past year. We need to come together to invest in what Minnesotans value most – like excellent public schools, health care, and support for small businesses and families – to ensure we can all pull through this crisis.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn