Let the Session Begin! — January 28, 2014
February 25th is opening day of the 2014 Minnesota Legislature. Members of the House and Senate will have much to debate as Governor Dayton has used the term “un–session” to describe a legislative process he hopes will do away with outdated, or unpopular, state laws. Given the short duration of the session and the looming political pressures of the fall election, it is sure to be a challenging, fast-paced two and a half months.
Clare Housing’s legislative goals in 2014 are to:
- Ensure adequate funding for affordable housing
- Ensure our model of service and care is preserved
- Ensure a wide range of housing options for people living with HIV/AIDS
- Ensure adequate funding and policies that support prevention, education, and services.
To accomplish these goals, we are supporting three important initiatives during the 2014 session.
Caucus to End HIV Stigma – February 4!
I encourage you to consider participating in your local caucus to help us raise awareness for ending HIV in Minnesota. Minnesota’s political parties will be conducting precinct caucuses on February 4 and this is your opportunity to help us ensure that ending HIV is a priority among lawmakers. The Minnesota AIDS project has drafted two resolutions that you can submit to increase HIV prevention and to support comprehensive sex education. Please visit Minnesota AIDS project website and Sign Up here! Also, mark your calendars to attend AIDS Action Day on April 1 at the State Capital.
100 Million Bonding Request for Affordable Housing
Earlier this month, Governor Dayton released his bonding bill proposal which included $50 million for affordable housing. This is a record breaking amount for affordable housing. Please consider sending the Governor a note to thank him for his commitment to affordable housing and for Clare Housing in particular, helping ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota can have a safe and affordable place they can call home.
Even with the Governor’s proposal, our work is not yet done. We need to ensure that our members of the Minnesota Legislature support this budget proposal and seriously consider the Homes for All Campaign’s request for $100 million. Please visit the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless for additional information, details and opportunities to participate in this important conversation.
Ensuring Choice in Housing
Over the past year, Clare Housing has been leading a diverse coalition of tenants, advocates, individuals, and providers who share the fundamental belief that all people, including people with disabilities should have meaningful choice in quality housing. As a coalition, we believe that no one should be forced to choose between deciding “where they live, with whom, and in what type of housing” and receiving the supports that help them live successfully in the community.
This year, Clare Housing will again work with the Coalition to repeal Minnesota Statue 256B.492. This well-intentioned but untenable “no more than four or 25% statutory limitation” denies people with disabilities the government funded home and community based services they are entitled to and require. Over the next several weeks we will work hard with the State and other stakeholders to repeal this legislation and identify a solution that serves to increase housing options and maximizes meaningful choice in quality housing.
It’s going to be a busy few months for Clare Housing as we gear up for the opening of the Legislation Session. Please check for updates on Facebook and our Legislative Priorities website page for updates and future Calls for Action. Together, we will ensure that funding for prevention, education, supportive services and affordable housing remain a priority in Minnesota.