Response to $17.6 billion surplus: Minnesotans deserve home
In the midst of an ongoing and deepening housing crisis, Minnesota announced a $17.6 billion surplus today. While there are many worthwhile initiatives clamoring for investment, none is more central to the health, well-being, prosperity, and future of Minnesota families and communities than home. More than 40 nonprofits across the state are calling for Governor Walz and legislative leaders to prioritize passing and funding Bring it Home, Minnesota rent support this year.
On the same day as the state affirms there are ample resources to alleviate our housing crisis, 550,000 Minnesotans are paying more than they can afford in rent. Renters in every corner of the state are cost-burdened and making unthinkable choices between paying to keep a roof over their head and covering other basic necessities. Bring it Home, Minnesota will provide rent support to all renters who make 50% of the area median income or less (about $36,000 a year statewide) and ensure they don’t pay more than 30% of their income toward rent. By creating a fully funded voucher initiative, elected officials can alleviate tight budgets, free up opportunity for families and communities, and effectively end homelessness as we know it at its source.
This transformational solution will cost a fraction of the available $17.6 billion in resources. Rent support is a proven solution that reduces poverty and strengthens communities. The expertise and endorsement of 40+ housing and social services nonprofits affirms that Bring it Home, Minnesota rent support is a key component to any equitable, strong future for Minnesota.
The question isn’t whether Bring it Home, Minnesota is needed or if it will work – we know it is, and we know it will. The question is if our elected officials will fund home like the priority it is.
