Legislative Update from Rep. Jay Xiong

Greetings Eastsiders, 

We are officially halfway through the 2023 legislative session, which means things at the Capitol are only gaining more momentum. Over the next few weeks, we will see even more committee hearings as we work to deliver for Minnesotans before the session concludes in May. Here is what has been going on this week, as well as updated parking rules from the City of Saint Paul. 

Saint Paul Declares 1-Sided Residential Streets Parking Ban

The City of Saint Paul has declared a 1-side parking ban, which went into effect on Friday, March 10. The residential street parking ban is needed due to the record snowfall this winter that has narrowed many residential streets. By implementing this parking restriction, we will hopefully get some relief from unplowed and ice-ridden side streets. 

For the next month, parking is not allowed on even-numbered sides of residential streets. In Saint Paul, the even-numbered side of the street is typically the south or east side of the street. Residents and visitors must park on the odd side of residential streets and follow all posted parking rules on main streets.  

The 1-sided parking ban will be in effect until April 15, or earlier if the city determines the street conditions allow the ban to be lifted. 

You can find a useful parking map at www.stpaul.gov/1sideparkingmap. 

Capital Investment for the Eastside

Last session, a bipartisan agreement was reached on the framework of legislation to invest in local jobs and projects throughout Minnesota, but like many important proposals, Republican leadership chose to walk away instead of completing this work.
 
Efforts to deliver on that legislation never stopped for DFLers, and now the Minnesota House has taken the first bipartisan step in finishing the business of 2022 by approving nearly $1.9 billion in investments for local jobs and projects throughout the state. 

Included in this bill is $38.7 million in capital investment for our Eastside projects, including funding for P.R.O.C.E.E.D., Listening House, Asian American Media Arts Center (FAWK), and more. 

 
These and other projects are crucial to communities throughout the state, and inflation is only causing them to go up higher in cost the longer we delay. This legislation requires a supermajority to pass, meaning the Senate, like the House, will need Republican support to get this funding over the finish line. 
 
I hope you will join me in calling on Senate Republicans to swiftly pass this legislation. We need to finish the work of 2022 so we can move on to the business of 2023. 

Indian Family Preservation Act

Last week, The Minnesota House passed a bill that would enhance child welfare protections under the 1985 Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, known as MIFPA. The legislation also affirms the state’s policy on Tribal-state relations, including the recognition of Tribes as sovereign nations and the recognition that Tribes have the inherent authority to determine their own jurisdiction for Indian child custody or child placement proceedings. 

This bill comes just in time, as there is uncertainty on the fate of the Indian Child Welfare Act, with the conservative-leaning US Supreme Court expected to rule on its constitutionality. This bill will ensure that Minnesota remains a place that respects tribal sovereignty. 

Constituent Corner

Last week, I welcomed many constituents and allies to the Capitol to meet and chat about issues important to them. Thank you to the folks from LiUNA, Clean Energy Day, P.R.O.C.E.E.D., the National Kidney Foundation, and members of the Progressive Baptist Church for coming.  

Keep in Touch

Please continue reaching out at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn.gov or simply reply to this email to get in touch!   

I appreciate your attention to these legislative updates. Have a good week.  

In Solidarity,  

Jay Xiong  

State Representative