Legislative Update - The Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative

Dear Neighbors, 

It was a big week for Housing at the State Capitol. Alongside legislators from both sides of the aisle, and the broadest group of advocates across the housing spectrum I have ever seen, we introduced the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative, a comprehensive legislative plan to bolster the state’s “missing middle” housing supply (homes ranging in size from duplexes to courtyard apartments) and provide more affordable family homes.

With over 600,000 Minnesotans paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs, this solution is sorely needed. Though we passed a historic $1 billion investment to spark more development of affordable homes, the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative will allow the state to address the root barriers that continue to prevent construction of the kinds of homes that Minnesotans want, but right now can’t find.

I spoke to the obstacles Minnesotans are facing during our press conference on this topic, which you can watch here.

We’ve already passed the core of this proposal, House File 4009, out of our Housing Committee, and we’re gaining momentum. 

We’ve got a big coalition behind this movement - Nonprofit and for-profit housing advocates, realtors, workers, climate and environmental justice advocates, faith-based leaders, and everyday Minnesotans - and we’re going to need all of them in order to make this statewide change to how we view housing in our state. This year is the year.

You can read more about the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative in MinnPost’s coverage on our work this week here.

Electric Vehicle Rebates

Last session DFLers passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023, are eligible. Applications are now live, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.

Your Yard Can BEE The Change

Minnesota residents can now apply for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.

Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding. Find more information here. 

Stay Connected

As the legislative session begins to take shape, now is the best time to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas you have for our work in the Minnesota House. You can also schedule a meeting and stop by in person, like the folks from UNIDOS who joined me this week to discuss bills supporting climate, equity, healthcare and worker rights.

Always feel free to email me at rep.michael.howard@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-7158.

You can also stay up to date by following my official Facebook page, subscribing to these regular email updates if you haven’t already, and checking my legislative webpage for the latest information from my office. 

In partnership, 

Michael Howard