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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL)

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Legislative Update

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Rep. Xiong

Neighbors,

I want to invite you to join me and Environment & Natural Resources Committee Chair Rep. Rick Hansen for a Southeast Asian community conversation on understanding Chronic Waste Disease in deer with Dr. Peter Larsen from the University of Minnesota. We will also be joined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers to discuss DNR actions.

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Here's a quick update from the Capitol:

Minnesota's Budget Forecast

On Thursday we received our biannual economic forecast for the state. Minnesota is in a strong financial position, but the forecast highlights significant challenges we may face in the future, which could undermine our ability to provide good schools, good roads, and good health care for Minnesotans. We need to continue to invest in our people and our state so that we are setting up the next generation for a prosperous future. You can read more about the budget from MPR here. 

Hemp Conference in St. Cloud

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Hemp Association hosted a statewide conference and expo for Minnesotans to learn more about hemp and its potential uses. It was eye-opening to meet the growers and entrepreneurs driving this new industry. 

This year, the Minnesota House DFL delivered $100,000 per year to expand domestic and international marketing opportunities for farmers, including staffing to facilitate sales and new markets for Minnesota-grown industrial hemp. We also legalized possession of industrial hemp that is lawfully grown in another state and meets Minnesota and federal requirements. 

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Climate Action Caucus: Climate and Public Health

The new House DFL Minnesota Climate Action Caucus is committed to a progressive, comprehensive policy agenda. Since we formed the caucus, we have discussed the intersections of climate with housing, public health, and transportation.

On Wednesday, we hosted a conversation dedicated to public health. We listened to several sobering presentations about the health effects of climate change. Doctors, nurses, and public health experts across Minnesota are seeing intensified problems with asthma and allergies and higher rates of heat-related and tick-borne illnesses. These health threats disproportionately impact low-income people and communities of color.

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Visit our new website to learn more about the Climate Action Caucus! Here are details for our next meeting:

Environment and Climate Conversation

  • When: January 12th, 2020 2:00-3:30pm
  • Where: Location to-be-announced.
  • Who: Co-chaired by Rep. Acomb and Rep. Hansen

As always, please reach out with comments and questions for me!

Sincerely,

Rep. Jay Xiong 
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