Sen. Foung Hawj

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of $44.66 million in housing infrastructure bonds specifically for the St. Paul Port Authority's "The Heights" housing development project. It requires that all bond proceeds be used for housing meeting income limits defined in Minnesota law, unless the Port Authority designates the project for a specific affordability purpose. The bill also establishes annual funding transfers from the general fund to cover debt service payments for these bonds over multiple years (2015-2044), with varying annual amounts depending on the bond series. The direct beneficiary is the St. Paul Port Authority for its designated housing development.

Maddy summarySF 2657 extends the expiration date of St. Paul's local sales tax from December 31, 2042, to December 31, 2060. This tax funds specific city projects approved by voters, such as infrastructure improvements. The bill directly affects St. Paul residents who pay this sales tax and benefit from the funded projects. The key provision amends existing law to delay the tax's expiration by 18 years, allowing continued funding for approved projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support events celebrating 50 years of Southeast Asian communities in Minnesota. It directs the commissioner of administration to provide subgrants through Visit Saint Paul to community organizations representing these groups. Organizations receiving funds must provide a 10% match and use the money for events between May 1 and December 31, 2025 (with reimbursement available for events through June 30, 2025). The bill directly supports Southeast Asian community organizations in hosting commemorative activities during this milestone year.

Maddy summarySF 2656 appropriates $300,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the city of St. Paul for a mural and statue honoring Tou Ger Xiong at Lake Phalen's Tou Ger Xiong Island. The bill directs the city to design and construct this public artwork, which will commemorate Tou Ger Xiong's contributions to the community. The funding is allocated for fiscal year 2026 and comes from an existing state fund dedicated to cultural projects. This bill directly affects the city of St. Paul by providing state resources for a specific memorial project.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $350,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide a grant to the United Hmong Family organization. The funding directly supports the organization's dance and arts programming for the Hmong community in Minnesota. The grant will cover costs related to cultural events, performances, and other artistic activities. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy changes or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $28.18 million from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for the state's Community Grant Program in fiscal year 2026. The funds will support local community projects focused on environmental conservation, natural resource management, and outdoor recreation. This one-time appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, and directly affects communities applying for grants under the program established by Minnesota Statutes section 116X.03. The bill does not create new policy but allocates specific funding for existing grant programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund a grant for Siengkane Lao MN. The grant will support a Southeast Asian music festival on St. Paul's East Side. The bill directly affects Siengkane Lao MN, a community organization, and the Southeast Asian community in St. Paul through this cultural event. The key provision is the specific funding allocation for this festival, with no other policy changes described in the bill text.

Maddy summarySF 2407 modifies tax increment financing (TIF) rules for St. Paul's Ford Site Redevelopment District. It allows the city to waive receiving tax increments for the first four years or until 2023 taxes, whichever occurs first. If waived, the district's certification date for time limits is adjusted to January 2 of the year the first increment is received. The bill extends the period for using tax increments from five to ten years and the subsequent use period from five to eleven years for this specific district.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of natural resources. The funds will be granted to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat to promote shooting sports specifically for persons with disabilities and host a dedicated shooting day event. The legislation directly supports organizations providing accessible recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Minnesota. It does not change existing laws but provides targeted funding for a specific program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA), a new body with seven commissioners appointed by the county board. It expands the existing Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to have all the powers of the RCEDA, including economic development and housing/redevelopment authority under Minnesota law. The bill allows Ramsey County to exercise city-level powers for these purposes within its entire territory, treating the county board as a city council and the county chair as a mayor for these functions. The changes take effect after Ramsey County complies with specific administrative procedures under state law.