Legislative Update - January 24, 2020

Minnesota House DFL sent this bulletin at 01/24/2020 02:30 PM CST

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Alice Hausman State Representative Email Banner

Neighbors and Friends,

In just over two weeks, the 2020 legislative session will convene. I’ve been meeting with constituents and groups at the Capitol and in our community to discuss session priorities.

Save Saturday, February 8 on your calendar for the Senate District 66 Town Hall at Falcon Heights City Hall. Join Sen. Marty, Rep. Lesch and me from 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. for a discussion of the upcoming legislative session, convening on February 11.

Here is more from the Capitol:

Climate Action Caucus on Higher Education

The Climate Action Caucus met this morning at the Capitol to hear about the efforts of higher education institutions on agriculture and climate change, renewable energy research, and other related topics. Several students also spoke about what they want from the legislature and how they can make changes on their own campuses.

Housing Finance and Policy Division meeting

This week, I called a meeting of the committee I chair to hear about housing issues facing refugees. Housing shortages and inadequacies create challenges for many new Minnesotans who may have fled situations that put them at grave risk in their home countries. Many arrive in Minnesota with little support but with a strong desire to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Our committee received an overview from community groups and faith organizations who work with refugees and heard about the great need to secure stable housing for our new neighbors.

We have known for a long time that there is a shortage of affordable housing throughout Minnesota. We have made some progress, but there is so much more to do. We will be working on solutions this legislative session to ensure all Minnesotans have stable, safe housing.

In other housing-related news, the Star Tribune published an article this week on funds Ramsey and Hennepin Counties are investing in naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). This is really a step forward to provide housing to those who need it the most.

Homeless Count

The annual count to determine how many Minnesotans are without stable, permanent shelter took place this week. Police, community leaders and others believe the count will show an increase from last year. This further enforces the need for additional housing in all areas of our state. MPR broadcast a news story this week on the count.

REAL ID

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. Minnesota is currently in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, but beginning October 1, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or another form of acceptable ID to fly within the U.S. or enter federal facilities. You can learn more here.

Tax Filing Season opens

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has announced that the Individual Income Tax filing season begins on Monday, January 27. To find more information, click here.

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During the legislative interim, you can contact me at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.

Sincerely,

Alice