Minnesota lawmakers offering different approaches to affordable housing struggle

(St. Paul, MN) -- State lawmakers are offering different approaches to Minnesotans struggling to find affordable housing.

Senate Republicans are focusing on a 50-million dollar proposal to help Minnesotans buy homes. Democrats are proposing legislation that includes nearly two-billion dollars for a combination of homebuyer and rental assistance.

The Democratic proposals also include programs to preserve and repair existing affordable housing. The housing debate highlights a partisan divide over how to use the state's nearly nine-point-three billion dollar projected budget surplus.