Habitat Advocacy and the Election Results

The political landscape has changed yet again. So, what do the election results mean for housing advocates? They will continue to do the same work that they always do. Housing is a statewide issue and that means working with both Republicans and Democrats to ensure that it remains a top issue at the legislature. Both parties have been extremely supportive in the past and advocates expect the same to be true this session.

This election does not just bring a new majority; there are also a lot of new faces. Housing advocates want to focus on these new members. New members are often anxious to get to work between the time of the election and January, when session begins. This interim period is a great time to meet with them, develop a rapport and talk about housing and that is exactly what housing advocates plan to do during this time. Legislative Ambassadors at Habitat have already started contacting and meeting with their elected officials to let them know that they are a resource.  Educating these members early allows them to go into the legislative session knowledgeable about housing.

But there are other factors that play into the political landscape as well, like a projected budget deficit. New Senate majority leader, Tom Bakk, has made it very clear that tackling this deficit and talking about the economy will be priorities this session.  Advocates are aware of the deficit issue and will keep this in mind as they put together their asks.

“We remain cautiously optimistic about the election results and what it means for housing. We look forward to working hard together again with the new legislative leadership and all of the advocates who helped with the bonding victory last year,” explains Julie Johnson, Policy and Outreach Coordinator from the Minnesota Housing Partnership.