Minnesota’s economy is in incredible shape during a term that saw Minnesota’s state-level Democrats make smart decisions about money and finance. A 2024 report finds that, after a number of years under Democratic leadership, Minnesota ranks second in economic opportunity, ranks fourth in infrastructure, and ranks fifth as the best overall state to live in. In short, Minnesota’s Democrats upheld their promise to deliver a strong economy.

Yet that isn’t the whole story: despite the strength of the economy overall, many Minnesotans and their families are experiencing an affordability crisis because inflation has made housing and food particularly expensive.  Minnesota Democrats are aware of this crisis, and they have responded by pushing housing policies that encourage mid-range housing sizes and prices that most Minnesotans can afford.  For example, Minnesota Dem and House Speaker Melissa Hortman recently denied passage of a bill that would have revoked zoning control from local government. The question of new construction is who will benefit, Hortman pointed out in a recent article in the Minnesota Reformer. “Will it actually increase the supply of affordable housing or will it just allow developers to build more high value homes in certain high value areas?” she said, adding that preserving local control, Hortman will encourage the affordable housing that many folks need. 

These moves follow on the Democrats’ earmarking of $1 billion to create affordable housing in Minnesota in 2023. That legislation encourages developers to build affordable apartments, increases help for first-home purchases, particularly for low- and moderate-income Minnesotans, and improves rental assistance and homelessness safeguards. All these moves create more affordable housing for Minnesotan homebuyers and renters.

Minnesota Democrats have also expanded assistance to those with food insecurity. This includes giving more aid to food banks and passing bills aimed at expanding SNAP benefits for children and the vulnerable.  Minnesota Democrats have supported a national push to have President Joe Biden investigate price-fixing by grocery store chains. All of these measures by Minnesota Democrats have increased food security for Minnesotans and helped tackle the rising price of food.

This election season, remember that Democrats right here in Minnesota and across the nation have fought for affordable housing and food prices for the average Minnesotan. This season, be a Democratic voter.