Legislative Update- March 6, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you and your family doing well. Spring is just around the corner and we have much to look forward to; Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccines arrived this week in Minnesota; Minnesota now ranks third in the nation for vaccination; and 58% of Minnesotans over the age of 65 have received at least their first dose. We’re making good progress, but I continue to urge the Minnesota Department of Health to do all they can to quicken the process.

Here’s an update from the State Capitol:

New proposal provides jobless benefits for hourly school employees

Legislation has been introduced to provide Unemployment Insurance benefits to school bus drivers, cafeteria, paraprofessionals, and other hourly school employees. These Minnesotans have gone above and beyond to care for Minnesota kids. These heroic individuals, whose jobs were interrupted through no fault of their own, deserve access to unemployment benefits. KARE11 has the story here. 

Eliminating Statute of Limitation on Sex Offenses

This week, we heard powerful and emotional testimonies in the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Finance and Reform in support of eliminating the statute of limitation on sex offenses. I support HF 1121, which is being authored by my colleague Rep. Athena Hollins of St. Paul. For many survivors of sexual assault, it can take years to come forward to report the crime due to a variety of reasons; many of which are deeply personal. Minnesota survivors deserve justice and I will continue to advocate for this bill’s passage.

PROMISE ACT & Rebuilding our Cities

On Thursday, I joined my Twin Cities colleagues to announce our renewed efforts to repair and rebuild our damaged businesses and buildings.  In addition to the Providing Resources, Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act, my colleague Representative Fue Lee of Minneapolis offered a separate proposal to authorize the use of redevelopment appropriation bonds for damaged and destroyed businesses. Our businesses have struggled enough over the past year with the pandemic. I continue to urge all of my colleagues outside of the metro to support this crucial economic development measure for our Midway and Eastside neighborhoods. Click here for coverage from KARE11. 

Adult-use cannabis approved by Workforce and Business Development Committee 

The proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis continues to advance in the Minnesota House. On Wednesday, the Workforce and Business Development Committee became the latest committee to approve the bill, and with Republican support for the first time this year. Click here for coverage from KAAL or click here to watch a video replay of the entire hearing. 

Virtual Visit with the Como Zoo

On Wednesday, we heard legislation in the Legacy Finance Committee to expand investments to our St. Paul treasure, the Como Zoo. A couple of the zoo’s residents shared compelling testimony in support of this measure.

Connecting with Community

I had the opportunity to meet with Eastside students this week who are attending Metropolitan State University. It was great to connect with these champions of equity in higher education.

I was also fortunate to have had the chance to meet with advocates from the ACLU and disability community for their ‘Days on the Hill’. I look forward to partnering with them to carry future legislation. Stay tuned!

Constituents also made their voices heard on the importance of clean water in our state and communities. Thank you to all of the Eastsiders who take the time to share with me your priorities, thoughts, and input, on any and all issues important to you and our community.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime for assistance, to share questions, or input at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201.

It’s an honor to fight for Eastsiders at the State Capitol.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend.

In solidarity,

Jay Xiong

State Representative