 Greetings Eastsiders, It’s hard to believe November is upon us! I hope you had a good Halloween. November 1st marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the rich heritage and culture our native neighbors have brought and continue to contribute to our state and community.  The legislative session isn’t set to begin until February 12, 2024, but the work continues, most recently, in Southeastern Minnesota on the statewide Capital Investment Tour. Over two days last month, the committee stopped in Eagan, Apple Valley, Dundas, Faribault, Waseca, Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester, Lewiston, Winona, Altura, Zumbrota, and South Saint Paul. The committee heard presentations on projects for proposed state investment, vying for inclusion in the 2024 Capital Investment bill next session. Several of these included wastewater treatment facility updates to ensure clean drinking water for residents. A stop at Whitewater State Park included a request to improve access to parks and trails for Minnesotans living with disabilities.  Whitewater State Park The Minnesota Academics for the Deaf and Blind + in Faribault are hoping to expand their therapeutic pool for students in wheelchairs so more than one student can receive their muscle therapy at a time.  Therapy pool at the Minnesota Academies of Deaf & Blind + Overall, several great projects are under consideration for 2024, and as House DFLers, we’re prioritizing ALL portions of the state, no matter the zip code, because Minnesota is a better place to live in when all our communities can thrive.  The Capital Investment Committee visits Winona State University Resources for Eastside Small BusinessesThe Small Business Resource Connection is an opportunity we funded at the legislature for the public to meet with organizations in the Twin Cities that provide technical assistance to small businesses. This is a way to provide direct assistance to small business owners so they can tap into this network of resources. As a result, a series of workshops will be held. The next one closest to our community is on November 8th. Here are the details: Wednesday, November 8th 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. (program from 2 – 2:30) CareerForce – Midway
540 Fairview Ave. N #103
St. Paul MN 55104 Minnesota’s New Employer Reasonable Accommodation FundEmployer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. These could include specialized software, captioning services, special equipment, and more.  GET READY Info SessionsThe Promise Act grant and loan applications will be available in early 2024 to support underserved small businesses located in specific corridors and neighborhoods of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Fall sessions have just wrapped up, but additional sessions are being planned. You or anyone you know who may be interested can sign up to receive updates on their website. You can also contact one of the partner organizations (Neighborhood Development Center or Helping BIPOC Entrepreneurs Succeed) that are helping organize these efforts.  I’m glad we secured these funds via the committee I chair, Workforce Development Finance and Policy, to make these types of opportunities available to small businesses and workers. Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime with questions, or input, or to let me know how I can help at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4201. It’s an honor to represent our Eastside neighbors in the capital city. In solidarity, Jay Xiong State Representative |