St. Paul, MINN. — Nearly two months into Operation Metro Surge, Minnesotans across the state are experiencing significant economic hardships related to the hostile occupation of our communities. Businesses have closed, workers are unable to go to work safely, and families have lost breadwinners. The result has been a significant increase in renters who are falling behind on rent with further potential harm on the horizon if immigration officials continue to occupy our state.
Representative Michael Howard, Co-Chair of the House Housing Committee, and Senator Lindsey Port, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, are releasing an action plan that includes recommendations that all levels of government can take to prevent an eviction crisis. Their plan calls on President Trump to End Operation Metro Surge, while also proposing $50 million in emergency rental assistance and state policy changes to make it easier for renters to make rent and avoid eviction – a win-win for renters and landlords. In addition, they are supporting locally-driven solutions already making a difference to keep Minnesotans safe and stable in their homes.
“Donald Trump and ICE agents have created a moral catastrophe, but also an economic catastrophe that is hurting businesses, families, and renters,” said Rep. Howard. “Minnesotans are stepping up to support their neighbors and every level of government should act with that same urgency to keep Minnesotans safe and stable in their homes.”
While the full economic damage of the Operation Metro Surge is difficult to calculate, there are signs that the prolonged occupation is already having a significant impact on renters. According to the Greater Twin Cities United Way, in the first week of this year requests for rental assistance or eviction prevention was up 65% statewide.
"Our communities have experienced immense chaos and upheaval during this occupation. What we need is stability and safety,” said Sen. Port. “No Minnesotan should lose their home because they cannot safely go to work due to the actions of the federal government."
Housing Stability Action Plan
FEDERAL LEVEL
Call on President Trump to End Operation Metro Surge
The clearest way to stop an eviction crisis is for President Trump to End Operation Metro Surge. The economic instability facing Minnesota renters is the direct result of the federal government’s hostile occupation of our state.
STATE LEVEL
Provide $50 Million in Emergency Rental Assistance
Urgent passage of $50 million in easily accessible emergency rental assistance to keep tenants in their homes, stabilize rental properties, and prevent further economic hardship in communities across the state.
Give Tenants Additional Time to seek Rental Assistance
Extend Minnesota’s pre-eviction notice to 30 days to allow renters more time to access rental assistance (Current law requires a 14-day pre-eviction notice).
Provide Flexibility for Tenants to Avoid Eviction by Accessing Community Rental Assistance
Currently, Minnesotans have an avenue to avoid eviction with a guaranteed letter of rental assistance from either a government entity or non-profit administering a government rental assistance program. A modification in law would allow community-based organizations operating rental assistance programs to also provide a guaranteed letter of assistance.
Temporarily Transition Evictions Court Proceedings to Virtual
During COVID, eviction proceedings rightly transitioned to virtual in the interest of public safety. For that reason, we are urging all District Courts to provide an option for tenants to hold their eviction proceedings in a virtual setting. Many courts have already taken this action, but notably the 4th District Court in Hennepin County has not.
LOCAL LEVEL
Support Locally-Driven Solutions to Keep Minnesotans Safe and Stable
Many municipalities are taking action to provide additional funding to local rental assistance programs and to enact policies, such as local pre-eviction notice extension ordinances. Knowing that the legislative session doesn’t begin until February 17, we are urging municipalities to use their available tools to help keep renters safe and stable in their homes.
Encourage Minnesotans and Businesses to Continue to Support their Neighbors
We encourage Minnesotans, national partners, and supporters across the country to donate at StandWithMinnesota.Org to support the organizations throughout the state providing local rental assistance.
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