As Minnesotans struggle with housing costs, legislators present vastly different plans to help

State leaders offered dramatically different visions this week for helping Minnesotans struggling with rising housing costs and the short supply of homes and rental properties.

Senate Republicans proposed adding $50 million to the state's current two-year budget to help people become homeowners, while House Democrats' housing bill includes nearly five times that sum for a mix of homebuyer and renter assistance, as well as programs to preserve and repair existing affordable housing.

"Minnesota faced a housing crisis before the pandemic and some of those challenges have only worsened," said Rep. Mike Howard, DFL-Richfield, noting that housing-related spending across all House bills amounts to $2 billion over three years. "This bill and the historic commitment we're making will help tens of thousands of Minnesotans afford their home, from renters to homeowners."

https://www.startribune.com/as-minnesotans-struggle-with-housing-costs-legislators-present-vastly-different-plans-to-help/600163138/