Minneapolis and St. Paul Voters to Legislature: Take Action To Help Address Rent Crisis, Don’t Erase Our Votes

SAINT PAUL – Ahead of a Senate hearing on a bill that would ban rent stabilization in Minnesota and invalidate the votes of tens of thousands of Minneapolis and St. Paul voters, the organizations listed below released the following statement calling in support of democracy and addressing lack of rent affordability, not undermining voters: 

“In November, tens of thousands of voters in St. Paul and Minneapolis voted to address the rent crisis facing so many of our families. St. Paul passed a rent stabilization policy and Minneapolis voted to allow the process to begin, with neither vote particularly close. Both cities were clear indications of the desire of Minnesotans across race, zip code and wealth to address our urgent housing crisis that has been overlooked for too long. 

“Instead of expanding this fight and working to address housing issues facing families across the state, Senate Republicans are attempting to block progress and roll back democratic votes in order to help the businesses and out of state real estate investors who have caused our housing crisis by putting their own profits over people to get even richer. This is wrong. In Minnesota, we have record voter turnout because we believe that voting matters. We know that our democratic process is the foundation for us to shape our communities and future together. Attacking democracy by overturning election results is wrong in every way, shape, and form. And make no mistake: if this bill were to pass, it would undermine the democratic process of tens of thousands of Minnesota voters. 

“We call for the Senate to stop these attacks on the democratic process and instead work to fund housing so families aren’t faced with outlandish costs just to have a safe, dignifying, and affordable place to live.”

Signed By:

Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia 
SEIU Healthcare Minnesota
ISAIAH 
Faith in Minnesota
Jewish Community Action
Unidos Minnesota
SEIU Local 26
SEIU Minnesota State Council
SEIU Local 284
Housing Justice Center
West Side Community Organization
Minnesota Youth Collective
TakeAction Minnesota 
The Alliance 
Indigenous Roots
Victoria Theater Arts Center
Midway Rise Up
Cultural Wellness Center
African Career, Education and Resource Inc (ACER)
CTUL (Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha)