Dear Neighbors,    

Thank you for your interest and engagement in the work that happens at the Capitol. A number of measures we passed in 2023 are now available, and we celebrated other bills that took time and dedication to achieve. I look forward to working with administrative officials and community members to ensure that our work is implemented appropriately. 

First Generation Down Payment Assistance – Live! 

Earlier this summer, both Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency opened their applications for first generation down payment assistance. The program will help thousands of first-time home buyers whose parents have never owned a home before or lost it in foreclosure. Both programs offer forgivable loans and assistance up to $32,000 that can be layered with other programs. I hope you or someone you know will take advantage of these opportunities towards homeownership. 

• MMCDC First Generation Down Payment Assistance.  

• MHFA First Generation Homebuyer Loan Program.  

Housing Needs 

The following organizations can offer help if you need more housing support. Please reach out to them if needed. 

Housing and Utilities Support 

• Minnesota Housing Partnership 
• Minnesota Housing  
• Gas and Electric Bill Assistance 

Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionately Act

This month we had a ceremonial bill signing for the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionately Act. This law will support families who may need extra help with housing, food, or a job, to ensure that their families can stay together. The purpose of the law is to ensure that child welfare workers fully assess the situation they are seeing with a family and provide resources before suggesting removal. Child removal is one of the worst things that can happen to a family, and we should be working to prevent it.  

The law also provides resources for families that might be struggling in areas often related to poverty. We look forward to the law being first implemented in Hennepin and Ramsey counties starting in 2025. Then the data from those counties after two years will be shared with the remaining 85 counties so that they can begin to follow the law. 

Mill City Town Hall  

Thank you for joining me, the Mill City Commons and Senator Champion for a Town Hall event.  

Your participation and thoughtful questions made for a productive conversation on the issues important to our community. We appreciate you taking the time to be there. 

Stay tuned for updates on future events and opportunities to get involved. If you would like to host an event with your legislative representatives, please reach out to our office. 

Supporting Small Businesses 

Over these past two years the legislature invested in multiple resources to support small businesses. Below are some opportunities that may be of interest. 

Micro Grant Program 

The Micro Grant Program assists Minnesota-based certified small businesses in increasing their business capacity by providing financial assistance for eligible business expenses. Through expanding their capacity and industry expertise, small businesses can compete more effectively on Minnesota Department of Transportation contracts. 

Applications re-open in September 2024. Sign up for MnDOT Civil Rights updates here. 

Resources 

• Grants for Nonprofits through Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation 
• Minnesota Recreation and Park Association 
• Startup and Small Business Resources 

Tree Planting and Green Space in Minnesota 

Though we were unsuccessful in getting state resources for trees completed this year, there is support from the federal government for tree planting programs across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded over $33 million to fund tree-planting projects across the state, part of a national $1.13 billion investment in 2023. Trees are vital for Minnesota's environment, cleaning our air, and preventing erosion. All Minnesotans, regardless of location, deserve the benefits of a healthy environment with access to trees and green spaces. 

Read this article to find out which organizations around our state received funding.  

Accessibility for All at State Parks 

Thanks to the dedicated disability justice organizers in our state, all-terrain track chairs are now available at 13 Minnesota State Parks. Track chairs are all-terrain, electric-powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs. 

Track chairs are available year-round in some locations, and seasonally in others. To reserve a chair, call the park you plan to visit.  

Legislative Assistant 

Shamat Abraha 

[email protected] 

651-296-7189