Legislative Update from Rep. Hodan Hassan

Neighbors,  

The 2024 legislative session kicked off last week, and we've hit the ground running.  

This year’s session is bittersweet, as it will be my last in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I have decided to not seek re-election this fall. Serving my community in the Minnesota House has been a great honor, and I’m incredibly proud of the work we did to better the lives of my community and all of Minnesota. However, my work for you will not end here; I will continue to advocate for transformational change for my community wherever life takes me next. But for now, I will be passing the torch onto the next generation of leaders and I am looking forward to spending more time with my daughter.  

My term as your State Representative does not end until January of 2025, so please continue reaching out if there is anything I can do for you. 

Tightening Contract for Deed Laws

Contract to deed is a method of home purchasing where buyers contract a deal with a seller, where the buyer holds an equitable title and the seller maintains the deed to a property while payments are being made. Deed contracts can be a great option for families wanting to own a home who have trouble accessing capital like a mortgage to support the purchase, but as the contract for deed laws currently stand, there are too many holes that allow bad actors to take advantage of vulnerable buyers, fattening their pockets while leaving families without a place to live or any of the equity they put into the home.  

That’s why I have introduced legislation to right the wrongs perpetuated by the insufficient protections awarded to buyers of contract for deed agreements. This bill will tighten up the gaps and loopholes, stop predatory sellers looking to profit off of buyers without actually selling their property, and empower buyers with stronger rights when utilizing this path to homeownership. Deed contracts, when done correctly, can be a vital tool for building generation wealth, and this bill will help more families – especially families of color -- do just that.  

Grants and Loans Available Through the Promise Act

Last session, I fought to pass the Promise Act in the Minnesota House, investing millions into our community’s small businesses. This grant and low-interest loan program is highly accessible to small businesses in South Minneapolis. $27 million in grants for businesses along Lake Street and parts of South Minneapolis. The program also allocates around $30 million in low-interest loans to be awarded over the next two years across eligible areas of the state.  

Learn more and get ready for applications to open at https://mnpromiseact.org. 

Supporting Black Maternal Health

As a member of the Black Maternal Health caucus, I’m incredibly proud of the work we accomplished last session to lift up and improve outcomes for Black women and moms. Things like Paid Family and Medical Leave will have a profound impact on our communities, and I’m excited to continue working on the caucus’ legislative priorities. On March 8th, International Women’s Day, I’ll be speaking at Isuroon's International Women’s Day Virtual Conference. You can register for my presentation on pushing for change as part of the Black Maternal Health Caucus here.  

Insulin Prices Capped

Democrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years.  

Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. 

You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here.

Murdered & Missing Indigenous Relatives Day of Remembrance

Last week, we honored Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives Day of Remembrance. I encourage you to check out the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, a first-in-the-nation office we established in 2021. 

MMIR specialty license plates are now available. Fees paid by drivers who obtain a plate will be put into the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag reward fund. To order license plates online or find an office to purchase them in-person, visit drive.mn.gov. 

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