Blog Post: What’s on the ballot in St. Paul this year?
By Grace Seifert, State and Federal Policy Intern
Like Minneapolis, people living in St. Paul have a chance to vote on whether the city can or cannot control rent increases
Ballot Questions in St. Paul:
Question 1: is “Should the City adopt the proposed Ordinance limiting rent increases?”
The ordinance was written by a coalition of advocacy groups called Housing Equity Now Saint Paul (HENS). The ordinance limits rent increases to no more than 3 percent in a 12-month period. This would be the case regardless of whether occupants change. This means that landlords cannot increase rent more than 3 percent in a year even if there are new occupants.
The “Yes” Vote argues,
- For price controls in the future.
- Controlling rent prices will make costs more fixed and easier to understand for people living in the city.
- Price controls help low-income renters who need stable and consistent rent.
The “No” Vote argues,
- Against limiting rent increases.
- The rent control will create lower quality housing because landlords will not be able to cover the inflation costs of maintenance and equipment upgrades.
- ·No other city in the nation has implemented a rent control measure as extensive as the St. Paul proposal. This means that the city does not know the consequences of rent control.
If voters approve the ordinance, the city of St. Paul already has a plan ready for implementation. City leaders would be responsible for moving forward with the plan.
Updates from Washington D.C.
From American Association of People with Disabilities:
In Their Own Words: Why Recipients and Providers of Home Care Say Congress Must Act
“Christopher’s story was one of about 2,500 stories shared last week during a 24-hour vigil on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Advocates organized the vigil to push for once-in a-generation federal funding for home and community-based services (HCBS).” Read More
Noteworthy News & Resources
From Our Team:
Building an Arc For All:
The Arc Minnesota wants members of the disability community at the center of our work to redesign programs and services statewide.
We want to learn about what is important to you. When you take our survey, you’re helping to co-create an Arc for All by directly impacting how our programs and services are designed.
With your help and feedback, we will build an Arc for all Minnesotans who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.
Capitol Building Access
MN House of Representatives Announcement
Speaker, Melissa Hortman, announced last week that because of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the House will continue remote and hybrid operations through the end of the 2022 regular session. In addition, the State Office Building will remain closed to the public.
MN Senate – Operations Update
The Minnesota Capitol is open to the public. The Minnesota Senate will have remote and in-person options for testifying in committees. Floor activity is still to be determined. More information will follow on protocols and procedures.
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