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Affordable housing advocates saw a huge win this legislative session, securing $37.5 million for affordable housing in the bonding bill. However, our advocacy does not end when the legislative session ends.
This November, all 201 legislative seats will be on the ballot. Many legislators have retired, others are seeking other offices, and due to redistricting, legislative districts have been adjusted. The new district lines have allowed many brand new candidates to run, which is a great thing for advocacy.
There is a good chance there will be lots of new faces at the capitol in January, so developing relationships with each and every candidate before they may get there is vital. Not only are the relationships important, so is education of the candidates. Education is exactly what Twin Cities Habitat, our partners and advocates alike will be working on this summer.
How can you help us? Through the coming weeks and all the way until November, candidates will be out and about speaking with constituents like you. They may attend larger events like parades, but they may also be available in more intimate settings like a candidate forum or town hall and they will certainly be out door-knocking! When candidates go door knocking or hold forums or town halls, it is important that we ask where they stand on housing. Some may not have an answer and that is a great time to provide them with more information and let them know why supporting affordable housing is so important.
If you would like to know which candidates are running in your area and learn more about them, locate your legislative district and find the candidates online. You will notice many candidates have a website and contact information. E-mail/e-mail forms and calls are another great way to get the conversation about affordable housing going.
Please be aware that the work Twin Cities Habitat does is non-partisan. We do not endorse any party or candidate and our goal is to educate candidates from every party about affordable housing. If you need more information about affordable housing or are having trouble finding your candidates or their contact information, please contact us at advocate@tchabitat.org.
How are you educating your candidates about housing issues? Leave a comment below!
By Brittany Richardson, Advocacy Intern, Twin Cities Habitat
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