Dear Neighbors,
It’s been another busy week here in St. Paul. The first legislative deadline has passed, and the action is speeding up to make sure bills can continue through the process.
I had the opportunity to meet with several local leaders, teachers, students, business owners, and nurses this week to discuss education, rising costs, job opportunities, the environment, and community priorities.
Our district is one of the most active in the entire state, which I love because it allows me to listen and represent the priorities of you all here in St. Paul.
Legislative Update
Highlighted Legislation: Local Housing Bill
I’d like to take some time to highlight a bill that impacts local zoning laws and could impact the character of our 11 cities and all of Minnesota. House File 4009 is a bill authored by Representative Kraft (D-St. Louis Park) with the intent to address housing affordability. However, the bill author is trying to accomplish this by removing local control.
I hosted a town hall to discuss this very topic with our local leaders and community. After a great discussion, many phone calls, and emails, I voted no during the Housing Committee hearing. I was the only member from either party to do so because an increased density of up to 8 housing units per lot would cause strain on infrastructure needs, stormwater management, street parking limitations, and clean water issues. Further, the bill’s removal of local control takes away public input and fails to allow local officials the ability to maintain city character.
As a former city council member and planning chair, I know we need to address housing affordability with a balanced and reasonable approach. That is why I drafted two bills that would help, including a first-time homebuyer interest rate buy-down program (House File 4253). Additionally, I want to ensure that any additional restrictions to the state building code that would increase the cost of a house go through a stricter review. Because for every $1,000 increase in the price of a house, 3000 people are priced out of purchasing that home (House File 4435). Finally, I am authoring a bill this week that would provide a sales tax exemption on all materials used in the building of a new home under $465,000, which would bring almost $20,000 in savings on the purchase price of a home. These balanced solutions help address affordability, lack of inventory, and work to support Minnesota’s economy without taking away so much local control.
Other News
I just hosted my 16th town hall, where I had the opportunity to bring people together to discuss upcoming legislation and, more importantly, listen to the priorities of the district. One of those priorities was the increased need for infrastructure investment in our communities. Each of our 11 cities has unique needs that must be addressed. I am working hard on those needs and have authored bills to address some of them in Minnetonka Beach, Shorewood, Excelsior, Minnetrista, Long Lake, Orono, and Spring Park. Last session, we also secured $10.3 million for clean water in Mound. As this year’s session marches on, I will continue to work hard to be a strong representative of the needs of our communities.
Staying in Touch
Please continue to reach out with thoughts, ideas, and priorities by emailing me directly at rep.andrew.myers@house.mn.gov or calling me at 612-615-8444. Your voice has an impact and allows me to better address the priorities of you and your neighbors. Thank you and have a great week.