Minnesota U.S Senator Tina Smith (D) and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter speaking out on Monday after the federal government cut grant money for low income housing.
Just six months ago, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Vista Village Apartments in St. Paul $3.8 million for improvements to the nearly 50-year old building for its low-income residents.
Now, Sen. Smith says the funds haven't been revoked but are being permanently frozen.
"When the federal government makes a commitment, it should live up to that commitment, and that is what this is all about," Smith says.
Mayor Carter says making up for the funds lost in the meantime will be difficult.
"The Trump administration's actions are not accidental missteps," Carter explained. "Withholding nearly $4 million for necessary maintenance, upgrades, and repairs is deliberate. And it's cruel.
Resident Lisa Bennett says the decision leaves her and other residents in limbo, waiting longer for crucial repairs.
"Everything just needs an upgrade, really, really bad," says Bennett. "That's pretty much all I have to say. I just hope we get this grant back and maintenance can do what they need to do to fix our building up. Because we have to live here."
Vista Village was the only Minnesota housing project of its kind to receive funding from the federal government in 2025.
