Friends and neighbors,
Ramadan Mubarak. To all who celebrate, I wish you a blessed ?month of Ramadan.
There have been many exciting developments over the past few weeks here at the Capitol. Here’s the news about what we’ve been working on.
Housing
Last week, the House last week passed HF 1440 to provide Emergency Funds to Minnesota's Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. With the rising cost of rent and the expiration of COVID protections and resources, many families are in need. This funding will help families who are on the verge of losing their homes to keep a roof over their heads while they get back on their feet.
That’s not all we’re doing to help combat the housing crisis we are currently experiencing. One of the bills I introduced this week would establish a first-time homebuyer home purchase financing program to would provide up to $5,000 in financial assistance to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. The assistance would be used to cover the down payment and closing costs on a home, as well as provide counseling and financial education to first-time homebuyers.
I also introduced legislation to provide funding to Urban Homeworks, an organization that is helping to provide affordable housing.
Protecting Reproductive Rights for Everyone
Earlier this week, the Minnesota House voted to pass legislation to protect reproductive freedom for Minnesotans and people across the country coming to Minnesota in need of access to the full range of reproductive health care options. Once law, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act will guarantee out-of-state subpoenas, and court orders for records related to reproductive care cannot be weaponized for prosecution where such care is considered a crime.
Earlier this session, we established a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions on reproductive care. However, many other states are passing or operating under laws that make it difficult or impossible to access reproductive healthcare, including every one of our bordering states. These laws can include criminal penalties for providers and patients, as well as restrictions on the types of care that can be provided. Because of this, we’re making sure that Minnesota laws are explicit about protections for both health professionals and patients. We will not allow other states to persecute people for simply seeking or providing reproductive healthcare.
Making Minnesota a Trans Refuge State
Early this morning after a long night on the Floor, we voted to pass legislation with similar protections for our trans neighbors. With the passage of the Trans Refuge bill, we made Minnesota an island of refuge for the trans community, who continue to face obscene levels of discrimination across the country. With our neighbors from the East, West, and South also threatening the lives and well-being of our trans neighbors, Minnesota will remain a safe place for those seeking gender-affirming care without fear of criminal penalty in states that have stripped these human rights.
Keep in Touch
There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon this session, so be sure to follow my Facebook page and Instagram page for timely updates.
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback with me throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.hodan.hassan@house.mn.gov. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Elijah, at 651-296-1761 or via email at elijah.henderson@house.mn.gov.
I am incredibly honored to get to work for you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me with this honor.
In solidarity,
Rep. Hodan Hassan