Friends and neighbors, This week, the Governor released his proposal for a supplemental budget. Now, it’s up to the legislature to set that budget. Now, the Economic Development Committee, which I chair, is thoughtfully considering proposals to help small businesses grow, create opportunities for New Americans to thrive, and ensure our Minnesota economy is inclusive of everyone. Here’s the latest from the Capitol. Tightening Contract for Deed LawsThis week, my bill to tighten Contract for Deed laws was heard in the Commerce Committee and laid over for possible inclusion in the Commerce Policy Bill. Contract for 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 authored this 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. E-Waste RecyclingI am excited to support Rep. Athena Hollin’s e-waste bill, which I am a co-author on. Under HF 3566, all electronics would be considered hazardous waste, and recycling them would be free for everyone in the state. To cover the cost, a small fee (3.2%) would be added to the price of new electronics. Today, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world by a rate of 3-5% globally. Right now, we are only collecting about 20% of our electronic waste. Everything else is either incinerated, landfilled, or sits in our closets and basements. There just are not enough collection sites that are across the entire state of Minnesota. By recycling e-waste, we can create 1700 direct jobs, and get back on track for supplying metals for the energy transition. You can learn more and view the fact sheet on this bill here. 101 Environmental ProjectsIn the Minnesota House, we passed legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship, and thanks to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, even though the vast majority of us won’t win big playing the lottery, the proceeds from it ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.  The 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Bill includes funding for environmental education projects, climate change and natural resources research, clean water resources, invasive species response, conservation land acquisition, and habitat protection and restoration projects. A full list of projects can be found here. Keep in TouchThere 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 |