South Hennepin News

Sen. Bruce Anderson made a presentation before the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance committee regarding SF 3009 as he proposed a motion that Wright County Community Action (WCCA) receive supplemental funding, according to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.

WCCA has been receiving funding from Minnesota Housing and Finance and is responsible for providing counseling, education and training services to homeowners.

In the past, the WCCA saw its support cut by 41.4% despite registering outstanding ratings through a scoring tool that is mandatory for every organization that receives funding.

Relying on high scores to secure more funding was deemed irrelevant after it was established that organizations with lower scores were granted more funding compared to those with a higher or identical score to WCCA.

Inadequate notice was provided to WCCA regarding the funding cuts. If Anderson’s bill passes, it will guarantee anyone who seeks home buying, or foreclosure education receives it since WCCA will remain open.

Anderson has been vocal throughout the process and has spoken firmly on the dangers of funding cuts.

"I am disappointed by the lack of consistency, clarity, communication and budget cuts from MHFA, which necessitated this supplementary grant to keep WCCA running,” Anderson said. “WCCA and other agencies have proven themselves, followed the specified criteria, and were still penalized. We will review MHFA’s process to correct this unfortunate cut in funding and hold them accountable to allocate sufficient funding in the future."

He continued to speak on the use of funding.

"Funding should correlate with the awarded scores, determined by a reliable and transparent rating system," Anderson said. "If MHFA has altered their requirements, we will ensure they make their changes clear, so agencies know what they will be graded on to receive the funding they need for future budgeting years.”

Anderson has labeled the bill as the "savior" and a fight against underfunding.