Minnesota Housing Project (MHP) applauds the historic housing investment in Governor Walz’s budget, summarized today. Notably, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor acknowledge what MHP knows to be true: that by investing in the continuum of affordable housing, as the Governor said, “the state is taking action to address the complex health and safety needs of Minnesotans in every neighborhood across the state.”
MHP Executive Director Anne Mavity responds to the budget announcement with kudos for the Governor for proposing the greatest investment in housing by the state ever. The Walz administration understands that home is the foundation of Minnesotans’ ability to thrive and succeed, and MHP appreciates this significant milestone for proposed investments. MHP and other housing advocates continue to champion $2 billion in annual appropriations as the level needed to truly address the crisis on an ongoing basis.
“Minnesotans are facing unprecedented challenges in all aspects of their lives because we have been drastically underinvesting in the basic need of housing for decades–spending just 0.3% of the state general fund budget on housing programs,” says Executive Director Anne Mavity.
Additionally, as the Governor notes, historic investments in housing are possible this year because of a one-time surplus. In light of that, we also need to ensure sustainable, predictable, and ongoing funding for this basic need. In order to secure our future, we need bold investments now, and years to come.