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Political quagmire over housing bill could jeopardize USDA program that helps thousands
By Star Tribune
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
The language, written by Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota and Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, would save a rural housing program that offers rental subsidies to thousands of Minnesotans.
Key takeaway Mike Rounds of South Dakota, would save a rural housing program that offers rental subsidies to thousands of Minnesotans.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The fate of a rural housing program that provides rental subsidies to thousands of Minnesotans hangs in the balance as a political dispute over a housing bill unfolds. This program is crucial for many residents in Hennepin County, where Minneapolis is located, as it helps make housing more affordable in areas where costs can be prohibitively high. The effort by Sen. Tina Smith to preserve the program is particularly significant for the local community, given the existing challenges in maintaining affordable housing options in the Twin Cities area. As the situation plays out, Minneapolis residents should watch for potential impacts on local housing initiatives and the broader implications for affordable housing in the region. The program's future could have far-reaching consequences for the city's most vulnerable populations, making a resolution to the political impasse essential for ensuring continued access to affordable housing.
About this story
Original reporting by Star Tribune . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Star Tribune ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The language, written by Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota and Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, would save a rural housing program that offers rental subsidies to thousands of Minnesotans.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Star Tribune and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Star Tribune. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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