Dear Neighbors,
This week has been especially busy at the Capitol as we work to catch up on delays from last week's snow storm. Aside from catching up on committee work, the budget forecast which we’ll use to craft our budget bills was released. The outlook is very positive, especially as this is the first year where we fully account for inflation in the forecast. I'll keep you updated as the legislature begins to shift our focus to deciding budget matters. You can read more on it here.
Here are updates on some of what I’ve been up to recently.
1. Transportation Town Hall - See you There!
- Tomorrow from 10 – 11:30 am I will host a Transportation Town Hall with House Transportation Chair Frank Hornstein at the Mary Ann Young Center in Blaine
- As we approach the midpoint of session and start to solidify budgets, I’d like to meet with the community to discuss some of the major developments of session, and transportation/Highway 65 in particular.
- If you would like to submit a question ahead of time, please RSVP here. I look forward to seeing you there!
2. Manufactured Home Rent Bill - Standing up for Renters
- Wednesday I was joined by manufactured housing residents to present a bill that will benefit the many residents of manufactured housing in my district by preventing unreasonable rent increases we have seen in parks across the country.
- Manufactured home parks offer some of the most affordable housing options across our state. My bill will ensure this remains the case.
- You can watch my presentation of this bill here.
3. DFL Housing Plan - Making Housing Affordable for All
- This week DFL lawmakers from the House and Senate announced our housing plan. In all we hope to invest over $3 billion to make housing more affordable in every corner of Minnesota.
- It’s no secret that across the nation housing affordability is a major issue, which is the root cause of many other issues we are currently facing. A safe, stable and affordable home is critical to having a successful and fulfilling life.
- Ultimately it is our goal to end child homelessness in Minnesota and we believe this investment, if maintained, will get us there by 2030. I believe investments in housing are one of the best ways we can utilize the budget surplus to leave a legacy that will benefit Minnesota well into the future.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-2907. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris, District 32B
507 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155