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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jerry Newton (DFL)

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Legislative Update - March 24, 2016

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, I presented House File 2565 to the House State Government Finance Committee. The bill provides $100,000 to the Department of Veterans Affairs specifically to be used as a rent subsidy for homeless veterans, veterans in crisis and their families who would be housed in one of 38 units at the Anoka Cottages, perhaps better known as the old state hospital in Anoka.

Common Bond, the organization that created 100 units of housing for homeless veterans and veterans in crisis on the Upper Post of Fort Snelling, has agreed to rehabilitate three of the cottages to create the 38 one, two and three bedroom units of long term transitional housing. Funding for the project would be provided by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Occupants would pay rent in an amount equal to 1/3 of their income. Because most of the individuals and families will have little income, the $200 in rental subsidy would help them use their remaining income for food and other essentials.

Anoka County has one of the largest veteran communities in the state. Some of these veterans are homeless and many others are experiencing problems relating to PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). With the cooperation of the Anoka County Board and the strong support of the Anoka City Council, we are hopeful that we will be able to provide decent housing for them until they get back fully on their feet.

Earlier this week I presented House File 2444 to the House Veterans Affairs Division. It also passed unanimously. HF 2444 provides a complete exclusion from all fees, registration costs and related taxes for vehicles and watercraft for any veteran with a 100% service-connected disability. The Minnesota Department of Transportation, which receives these fees and taxes, was supportive of the bill, given the fact that we have less than 7,000 fully disabled veterans who would qualify, and many of them no longer drive or use watercraft.

This Easter weekend, I hope you find time to embrace family and friends, and give thanks for the many blessings we share, and the peace this time of year brings. Have a Happy Easter!

Sincerely,

Jerry Newton

State Representative