ST. PAUL, Minn. — Yesterday, the Minnesota Senate passed Senate File 3596 – a proposal to provide $40 million in emergency rental and utility assistance to counties and tribal governments through the Local Homeless Prevention Aid program. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 35-32.
If passed by the Minnesota House and signed by the Governor, households that are at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines that have outstanding rent obligations, are at risk of housing instability of homelessness, and have experienced financial hardship after August 31, 2025 would be eligible for assistance.
This proposal comes as a response to actions by the federal government – including ‘Operation Metro Surge,’ increased costs of essential goods due to tariffs, and cuts to food, energy, healthcare, and housing assistance from the federal government – which have pushed struggling Minnesota families to the brink of homelessness.
Following the vote, Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester) released the following statement:
“In Minnesota, we help our neighbors when they’re in need. The actions of our federal government have impacted our state in devastating ways. Whether it’s the cost of gas, groceries, housing, or healthcare – the price of every essential need is on the rise. That’s why we’re trying to help struggling families with these stresses and keep our neighbors in their homes.
“While President Trump is focused on his new ballroom, starting new wars overseas, and giving his billionaire buddies tax breaks – Minnesota DFL-ers are focused on putting working families first. Minnesotans from Albert Lea to International Falls – DFL-ers, Republicans, Independents, and everyone in between – have been struggling because of the federal government’s policies. I hope to see the House pass this into law.”
###
