JRLC 2022 Legislative Agenda
Sacred Communities/Tiny House Legislation
The JRLC supports exploring numerous options to address the homeless crisis in our state. Minnesota law does not currently allow tiny houses as permanent housing unless they have running water with a bathroom and kitchen. Some faith communities want to create small tiny house communities with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, with each unit having a compostable toilet. The JRLC supports a very limited change in Minnesota law to allow places of worship or non-profits to allow these sacred communities.
Child Care Assistance
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low- and moderate-income families with child care costs so they can work or go to school. It is the state’s largest program serving infants and toddlers. Minnesota needs to increase the reimbursement rates for providers and to fund the program adequately to eliminate the current waiting list of 700 families. Minnesota is currently out of compliance with federal requirements regarding reimbursement rates.
Emergency Shelter
80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties lack necessary emergency shelter beds. The need continues to rise. JRLC supports significant bonding to create emergency shelter.
Affordable Housing
Across Minnesota, communities need more affordable housing. 20% of Minnesota rental households are severely cost-burdened, spending 50% or more of their household income for housing. JRLC advocates for a substantial investment in affordable housing as part of our bonding bill.
Addressing Gambling Expansion
As advocates for gambling expansion push to create easy access to sports betting, daily fantasy sports and other online gambling, the JRLC supports limits on access to online gambling and adequate support those dealing with gambling addiction and their families.
2022 Legislative Issue Briefs
JRLC 2022 Issue Briefs are developed for advocates to share with state legislators, and to use as background information and key talking points for legislative visits and communication. In addition to the information presented here, your stories, faith-based values and experiences are essential to communicate to lawmakers during visits, in emails and phone calls. Your voice and values aligned with the JRLC legislative priorities are a credible resource for lawmakers.