As of this morning, lawmakers have released budget proposals affecting the Homes for All and Prosperity for All campaigns. These proposals show what’s on the table–but our work is far from done! Over the coming weeks, the Senate, House, and Governor’s office will be negotiating final budget agreements that will be signed into law by the Governor. We’re still at a point where anything can change, for better or for worse. Let’s take a look at what’s on the table (so far).
Here’s what we know about MFIP:
- [highlight color=”yellow”]The Senate included a $100/mo. increase for MFIP cash assistance in its budget proposal. If it’s included in the final budget agreement, this will be the first MFIP boost since 1986, helping thousands of families across the state.[/highlight]
- The House made no changes to MFIP in its budget proposal.
- Governor Dayton included a $100/mo. boost in his supplemental budget released in March.
Read more: For Minnesota’s future, lawmakers should invest in our social safety net now (MinnPost), Could there be a raise even more overdue? Why yes (Star Tribune), Minnesota may boost cash grants for low-income families (AP/Pioneer Press)
Here’s what we know about Homes for All priorities:
- The Senate included a $27.64M increase for housing and homeless services in its budget proposal
- The House included an $8.7M cut for affordable housing development and $7M increase in DHS homeless services (including $2M in one-time funding for the Homeless Youth Act) in its budget proposal
- Governor Dayton included a $23.68M increase for housing and homeless services in his budget proposal
You can see a detailed outline of each proposal here.
Here’s what we know, period:
The budget affects thousands of striving Minnesotans across the state. Raising your voice at the State Capitol, in person, by letter, email, or phone call makes a huge difference. Progress for lasting change is possible because of you. Your advocacy is still needed. Can you spend 30 minutes advocating at the Capitol? Please contact Atom Robinson for advocacy opportunities and information: atom@mnhomelesscoalition.org. Be sure to subscribe to our action alert list for breaking news and updates.
Thank you for all you do to help ensure every Minnesotan has a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.
– The whole MCH team