From housingminnesota at mhponline.org Thu May 6 08:49:40 2004 From: housingminnesota at mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Thu May 6 09:45:56 2004 Subject: [HousingMinnesota Bulletin] Vol 3, Issue 9 05-06-04 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A160600A6393@mhpserver.mhponline.org> HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! The Bulletin May 6, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 9 Distributed bi-weekly, this bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, publications, and upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast of important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items you'd like included in future issues. The Bulletin is also available online at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements State Legislative Update All major legislation remains up in the air as the 2004 session draws to a close. The Minnesota Constitution requires that the legislature meet no later than May 17th this year. However, the Senate has announced they may adjourn later this week if the House does not agree on a plan to conference their supplemental budget bills. The sticking point on the supplemental budget bills is that the Senate has shaped its budget solution to the $160 million 05 budget deficit in one omnibus bill, while the House breaks their supplemental budget into smaller omnibus budget bills. The major legislation has passed off the floor of the respective legislative bodies, with the exception of the Senate's bonding bill, which is expected to go to the floor Thur. May 6th. However, no conference committees have been set to resolve the dramatic differences between the budget and tax omnibus bills. For HousingMinnesota's side-by-side comparison of the governor, House, and Senate positions on affordable housing issues Click here to download the Housing Legislation Update in .pdf format Status of HousingMinnesota's Legislative Agenda and Emerging Issues -Bonding for permanent supportive housing The governor requested $20 million in bonding to kick off his plan to end long-term homelessness as part of his total request for $760 million in bonding. The House did not provide for that request in their$680 million bonding bill (HF 2991), which passed off the floor on April 29th. The Senate funds the governor's full request of $20 million in their $888 million bonding bill (SF 3057), which passed two Senate committees May 4th and will go to the Senate floor May 6th. An editorial published May 4th by the Star Tribune makes the argument for the governor and Senate to fight for these much-needed housing resources. You may view the editorial on the Star Tribune website at www.startribune.com . (Look for our action alert on the bonding bill in the next week as conference committees are formed!) -Emergency Services and Transitional Housing funding HousingMinnesota, along with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, introduced a bill to provide an additional $1 million for the emergency services program (funding for shelters) and $1.7 million for transitional housing operations to make up for budget cuts to these programs last year. The Senate provides $750,000 for transitional housing in their supplemental budget bill (HF 2028); the House provides $250,000 for transitional housing in their supplemental budget bill (HF 3090); and the governor recommended no change in the budget for these programs. Although both increases in funding are one-time only, it is a positive sign that both bodies are considering a partial restoration in these funds when cuts are being made in most other parts of the budget. -Tax relief for affordable rental housing HousingMinnesota has worked with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to provide language to the Senate Tax committee to remedy the problems faced by income and rent restricted properties that are experiencing significant increases in their property taxes. The Senate omnibus tax bill (SF 2302) includes HousingMinnesota's recommendation to reinstate the separate class rate for a more narrow definition of formerly class 4d properties and would reduce the class rate on these properties from the current 1.25% to .55%. A second and preferred method of tax relief was provided by the MHFA. It provides that properties with affordable housing income/rent restrictions on at least 75% of their units could apply for a different assessment approach that would account for the restrictions on their properties. The House omnibus tax bill (HF 2540) does not include tax relief for affordable rental property. -Oppose the MFIP/housing penalty **ACTION REQUESTED!** Under current law participants in our state's welfare to work program, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), are penalized by $50 if they also receive federal rental assistance. The House Health and Human Services budget bill (HF 1681) would increase this penalty to $200. The Senate's budget bill (HF 2028) seeks to repeal the penalty altogether. The governor does not seek a change to the current $50 penalty. HousingMinnesota opposes any increase to the MFIP/housing penalty and we support the effort to repeal the penalty. Studies have shown that families working their way out of poverty will have much better success if they have stable housing. The St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Mankato Free Press recently published editorials in opposition to the MFIP/housing penalty. The Pioneer Press editorial is posted on our web site with permission: Saint Paul Pioneer Press Editorial "House Bill Will Hurt Welfare Reform Efforts" April 19, 2004 Take action by clicking on the current action alert on our web site at www.housingminnesota.org . -Cuts to Minnesota Housing Finance Agency funding Budget cuts have been proposed by the governor, House, and Senate to help balance the anticipated $160 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2005. The governor proposed a base cut to MHFA of $628,000 for 05 and a $1.256 million cut for the next biennium (1.8% base cut); the House proposed a cut of $628,000 for 2005 only (one-time cut); and the Senate proposed a base cut of $1.047 million for 05 and a $2.094 million cut for the next biennium (3% base cut). All the proposed cuts are meant to be taken from administration, and not through cuts to programs. MHFA has testified that they could cover the proposed $628,000 cut in 05 without cutting programs by shifting agency resources, but since all general fund appropriations go to fund programs, they would have to look at program cuts if base funding were cut in the future. Federal Legislation **ACTION REQUESTED!** Section 8 vouchers at risk! "In FY 2004, Congressional appropriations for HUD included full funding for all existing Section 8 vouchers in the United States. Congress made an additional appropriation of $1 billion in FY 2004 to protect all families with Section 8 vouchers. Clearly, Congress intended that all existing vouchers would be covered in FY 2004. A new HUD ruling contradicts the Congressional intent and retroactively eliminates funding to support many families across the United States. * On April 22, HUD notified voucher administrators that it will fund Section 8 vouchers only at August 1, 2003 levels, adjusted for inflation. * HUD approved, but is refusing to release inflation adjustment funds. * In the notice, HUD blamed Congress for the changes, saying they better control the increasing costs of vouchers. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN THE 30-YEAR HISTORY OF SECTION 8 VOUCHER PROGRAM THAT EXISTING VOUCHERS WILL BE CUT." Source: NLIHC Take action to preserve this critical housing resource! Visit our web site for the current action alert: www.housingminnesota.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading/Resources Hmong Refugee Resettlement Final Report Released The official report from Ramsey County and the Saint Paul Mayoral Assessment Team is now available on Ramsey County's website. http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/thailand/index.asp Copies of this report can be obtained from the website, or emailing chs.reception9@co.ramsey.mn.us or by calling 651-266-4429. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events Various dates and times Hennepin County Seeks Input on Budget May 10, 2004: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Ridgedale Library Community Room, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka May 10, 2004: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Bloomington Armory, 3300 W 98th Street, Bloomington May 11, 2004: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Public Works Transportation Facility, 1600 Perry Drive, Medina May 11, 2004: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, St. Louis Park Community Center, 3700 Monterrey Drive, St. Louis Park May 12, 2004: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm, Division of Indian Work, 1001 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis May 13, 2004: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Maple Grove Junior High Cafeteria, 7000 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove All Hennepin County citizens are invited. (source: HousingLink/Minnesota AIDS Project) May 11-13 Financial Management Training: Ensuring Compliance with Federal Financial Requirements Radisson Hotel Roseville, 2540 N. Cleveland Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. This training will provide attendees with an overview of financial compliance rules for federal housing and community development programs. Participants will gain an understanding of the financial management reporting and audit requirements for funding received from federal departments like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Click here to download a brochure and training materials. May 13 HousingLink 101: How to Help People With Housing Needs 1:30-3:30pm, Ridgedale Library, Minnetonka. The 2-hour HousingLink 101 class: provides a basic overview of housing options, including an overview of public housing and Section 8; explains how you can access and use HousingLink's resources to help clients; provides an overview of HousingLink. To register for HousingLink 101, call 612-520-9234 or email info@housinglink.org . Please include your name, any other attendees' names, an organization name, mailing address and phone number. Registration deadline is May 7, 2004. For larger groups, contact HousingLink about hosting a workshop on-site. For more information and updates about future HousingLink 101s, visit http://www.housinglink.org/HL101.htm . May 13 State Planning to Prevent and End Homelessness Audio conference featuring MHFA Commissioner Timothy Marx 3:00-4:00pm. The Leadership to End Homelessness Audio Conference Series will focus on the growing role of state interagency councils and state action plans in preventing and ending homelessness. Featured guests will include U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Commissioner Timothy Marx. This will include a discussion period, in which questions will be accepted from participants, following the featured presentations. Participation is available by phone and over the web. For more information, contact Brian Varrieur at (202) 638-1526, ext. 106, or bvarrieur@naeh.org or visit http://www.endhomelessness.org/audio . (source: HousingLink) May 17 Greater Minnesota Housing Need Forum: The Importance of Stable, Affordable Housing for Families with Children Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN. The goals of this forum are: to learn the compelling economic and social benefits of increasing housing opportunities for families with children; hear about successful housing programs designed specifically to serve children; develop new partnerships and strategies to better meet the housing needs of children in your communities; and explore practical marketing and outreach techniques for your housing projects. To view and download registration materials and detailed event information, visit Greater Minnesota Housing Fund on the web: www.gmhf.com . For questions or to register: lkozak@gmhf.com ; 800-277-2258, ext. 108; 651-221-1997, ext. 108. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin?? Archived issues are available online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel Callanan , Policy Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org . -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 28775 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://mapnp.Geeks.ORG/pipermail/mhp-bulletin/attachments/20040506/d80a3654/attachment.bin From housingminnesota at mhponline.org Thu May 20 14:21:20 2004 From: housingminnesota at mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Thu May 20 15:18:00 2004 Subject: HousingMinnesota Bulletin Volume 3, Issue 10 - May 20, 2004 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A160600A6AA8@mhpserver.mhponline.org> HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! The Bulletin May 20, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 10 Distributed bi-weekly, this bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, publications, and upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast of important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items you'd like included in future issues. The Bulletin is also available online at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements 2004 State Legislative Session Wrap-up Affordable Housing Supporters Disappointed in Session Outcomes Despite the unprecedented energy and collaboration around some key housing issues this session, the HousingMinnesota legislative agenda was caught in the web of Capitol politics. HousingMinnesota set out at the beginning of the legislative session with four priorities: 1) pass the $20 million bonding request for supportive housing; 2) provide property tax relief for affordable rental properties; 3) provide additional funding to homeless shelters and transitional housing; and 4) improve tax increment financing for affordable housing. All four of HousingMinnesota's initiatives were well positioned within several omnibus bills, but when negotiations stalled on the budget, the other omnibus bills floundered as well. The legislature adjourned early Sunday morning with all major issues left on the table-the budget was left unbalanced, the bonding bill had still not passed the Senate falling short of the two Republican votes needed to pass the bill, and the omnibus tax bills were not reconciled through a conference committee process. On Monday, May 17th Governor Pawlenty unilaterally balanced the $160 million deficit by tapping into the the Healthcare Access Fund ($110 million), canceling some previous bonding projects ($18 million), increasing tax compliance ($13 million) and by making administrative cuts to state agencies ($17 million). The governor has left open the possibility of calling a special session to address unfinished business under the condition that the legislature propose and reach agreement on a budget solution. If a special session is called, all of our priorities could be back on the table. While politics are an underlying hazard of every legislative session, people experiencing homelessness and those in need of affordable housing paid a very high price this session. * As many as 530 households experiencing long-term homelessness will have to wait another year before the $20 million in bonding could be used to build permanent roofs over their heads. * Affordable apartments experiencing double digit, and in some cases triple digit, increases in property taxes will not receive tax relief and will be forced to raise rents, defer maintenance, or seek funding from the state and other sources to maintain their financial stability. * Homeless shelters and transitional housing providers will face another year with inadequate funding, forcing them to turn away as many as 1,000 people on a given night. **Action Needed** Contact legislative leaders and the governor and urge them to come back to the table in a Special Session to resolve their unfinished business! People experiencing homelessness and those unable to afford their homes cannot wait another year for key legislation to pass! Urge leaders and the governor to pass the bonding bill with $20 million for supportive housing . Urge leaders and the govenor to pass a tax bill that provides property tax relief for affordable housing . Click here to take action. Looking Forward HousingMinnesota thanks every supporter that took the time to contact or meet with policymakers. Your participation helped elevate housing issues to high priority status for many legislators on all parts of the political spectrum. This is a critical victory for housing supporters! The value of laying this groundwork will be far-reaching as HousingMinnesota supporters work this summer and fall to educate political candidates and begin to set our legislative agenda for next year. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading/Resources "Facts on Fair Housing" The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has produced several new fact sheets designed to help fight housing discrimination against people with mental disabilities. These easy-to-understand materials provide useful information on integrated housing for people with mental illnesses, handling Fair Housing Act disability claims in the context of an imminent eviction, the burden of proof in fair housing cases and the illegality of so-called "independent living" requirements. http://movingideas.c.topica.com/maab7Dpaa5OZLb44rDNb/ Metro Trend Watch, 2004 "This research project looks at five critical issues in which today's trends will influence the well-being of the Twin Cities metro area for years to come: A good start in life; Success in school; Affordable housing; Economic opportunities; and, Safety from crime. These five issues offer genuine opportunities for action. These are issues in which local efforts can make a real difference. The purpose is not just to see what is happening, but to choose how to get involved." View the report at http://www.metrotrendwatch.org Minnesota Public Radio does story on loss of Section 8 "As many as 2,000 poor people in Minnesota risk losing their housing by this summer. The federal Housing and Urban Development agency has cut the money it spends on a rental assistance program called Section 8. Federal officials say they're following Congress' order to cap a program whose costs are increasing 30 percent a year. The reduction is causing local housing officials to scramble for ways to avoid forcing people out of their homes." Read and listen to the story in its entirety at: http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/05/14_olsond_hud/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events May 24 Southeast Minnesota Cares Meeting 6:30-8:00pm, Rochester Government Center/City Hall, 201 4th Street SE, Room #2A-B, Rochester. Southeast Minnesota Cares is an informal group of citizens concerned about the impact that program and service cuts are having on our community and quality of life. They will be discussing and deciding on future actions and possible forums organized by SE MN Cares members. All SE MN Cares events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Matt Ryg, 800-728-8919 ext. 121 or mryg@mhponline.org . May 25 Community Meeting on Housing and the 2004 Legislative Session 6:00-7:30pm, Ag Center, 415 South Grove Street, Blue Earth. Moderator Curtis Brown, Director of the City of Blue Earth Housing and Redevelopment Authority will welcome the community, state legislators and esteemed panelists. Panelists and Representatives will speak about the housing issues in the 2004 legislative session; "Just for You: Home Buyers Classes; Partners for Affordable Housing Home Stretch Classes"; demographic data of the South Central Region, its housing burden, and the evolving needs of the next 10 years; and local and regional projects connected to statewide housing initiatives. For more information, contact Matt Ryg, 800-728-8919 ext. 121 or mryg@mhponline.org . May 25 Saint Cloud Housing Forum 6:30-8:00pm, St. Cloud City Hall, 400 2nd Street South, St. Cloud. Local elected officials, business leaders, service providers, and community members are invited to attend this important discussion on the current status of housing in the St. Cloud area. For more information, contact Tom Goldstein, 800-728-8919 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org . May 27 Moorhead/Clay County Forum: Housing and the 2004 Legislative Session 6:30-8:00pm, Moorhead City Hall, 500 Center Avenue, Moorhead. Local elected officials, business leaders, service providers, and community members are invited to attend this important discussion on the current status of housing in the Moorhead and Clay County area. For more information, contact Tom Goldstein, 800-728-8919 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org . June 2 Wilder Foundation Perspective Series: What a Difference an Address Makes 7:30-8:30am, Four Points Sheraton (Midway), I-94 & Hamline Avenue, St. Paul, $10. People well beyond Minnesota look Wilder's homelessness research as an essential reference. As our Governor moves ahead to end long-term homelessness, hear from Wilder staff about who's actually in that population and what it takes to help them stabilize their lives. Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.wilder.org . Various Dates Get to Know Us Tours 2004: More Than Housing June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9 and December 14, 4:00-5:00pm, Jackson Street Village, 1497 Jackson Street North, St. Paul. Discover what Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is doing to provide supportive Housing for families, single adults and the elderly. For more information about the tours or to register, call Marni Harper at 651-642-2099 or email her at mkh@wilder.org . Space is limited. June 17 The Hmong Odyssey 7:30-8:30am, Four Points Sheraton (Midway), I-94 & Hamline Avenue, St. Paul, $10. As St. Paul prepares to receive a new wave of Hmong immigrants, meet former refugees who have already traveled the path from Laos to Minnesota and know what it takes to build a new life here, learn from Wilder staff who work daily with Hmong Americans to heal the scars of trauma and loss, and find out what is being done to help our new arrivals become engaged members of our community. Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.wilder.org . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin?? Archived issues are available online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel Callanan , Policy Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org . -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 24312 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://mapnp.Geeks.ORG/pipermail/mhp-bulletin/attachments/20040520/beac59d9/attachment.bin