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Legislative Update- December 5, 2020

12/5/2020

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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and yours well and staying safe.
Here’s news from the State Capitol:
State Economic OutlookMinnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced new economic projections this week that show Minnesota is well positioned to provide immediate economic aid to workers and small businesses. It’s clearer than ever that the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the structural inequities of our political and economic systems. Billionaires and corporations are getting richer, but working families are living paycheck to paycheck. We need to do better in Minnesota, which is why House DFLers and the governor proposed a ‘bridge’ economic relief package until we can get more urgently needed federal aid.
Our proposal would:
  • Keep Small Businesses Afloat 
    • Provide direct aid to businesses through Business Assistance Program 
    • Waive State and regulatory fees for bars, restaurants, event centers, craft breweries, and more
    • Establish eviction moratorium so small businesses can stay in their locations
  • Support Workers Struggling to Get By
    • Extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks, helping as many as 100,000 workers whose benefits currently end late December
    • Provide a $500 one-time emergency payment to struggling families
  • Help Minnesota Families Put Food on the Table
    • Establish one-time grant to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities
    • Provide a tax credit for businesses that donate food that would otherwise spoil or be thrown away 
 
I am cautiously optimistic House and Senate Republicans will join us in passing a robust and comprehensive relief package as soon as possible. The next special session is slated to begin December 14 or earlier if an agreement can be reached.







Housing Assistance Available- Apply TodayThis week, Governor Walz highlighted efforts to support Minnesotans experiencing homelessness and ensure Minnesotans can afford to stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are encouraging Minnesotans who are behind on their rent, mortgage, or utility payments to apply for the Administration’s Housing Assistance Program by Monday, December 7, 2020.
Additionally, Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program received more than $106 million in federal funding to help income-eligible Minnesotans pay their heating bills this winter. Minnesotans should submit an application to the local service provider in their area. To find your local service provider, call 800-657-3710 or visit the Commerce Department’s Energy Assistance Program webpage.

Fresh Dinner Boxes AvailableA big thank you to the Sanneh Foundation, East Side Table and Southeast Community Organization for providing fresh dinner boxes to anyone who identifies as being low income. Each box contains about 10 pounds of fresh produce, meat, pantry staples and recipes for up to 12 people. Distribution will take place on every Wednesday afternoon in December.


Please wear a mask when picking up. Food is available until it runs out.
 

Unemployment InsuranceUnder the federal CARES Act, the federal government authorized (and paid for) 13 additional weeks in benefits for unemployed workers who exhaust their 26 weeks of state benefits. This is slated to expire at the end of the month, which is why it’s so important for us to take action on the state level immediately. Under Minnesota law, high school students, under most circumstances, are not able to receive standard benefits. I continue working to change that with my colleagues at the legislature. Please visit https://www.uimn.org/ to learn more about your options for unemployment insurance.
 

Preventative Action for At-Risk Asian YouthCurrently, there are no funded culturally and linguistically appropriate programs for At-Risk Southeast Asian Youth of recently arrived refugee families in Minnesota. In Saint Paul, many Karen and Karenni youth who are at-risk reside predominately in Frogtown, North End, Payne-Phalen, Dayton’s Bluff, the Greater Eastside and Battle Creek neighborhoods.
Do you have stories to share to help bring awareness to this important issue? Twelve St. Paul community members have teamed up with a variety of community organizations to mobilize and develop a program called AYO Asian Youth Outreach. You can learn more about how to get involved by emailing AYOminnesota@gmail.com.

 
 Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime to let me know how I can provide assistance at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or at 651-296-4201. I’m grateful for the opportunity to answer questions and be a resource if you need help.
Thank you for honor of serving our Eastside residents and families.
In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
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COVID-19 Resources for Eastsiders

11/20/2020

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Friday, November 20, 2020



Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re staying well and safe.
With COVID-19 cases spiking, hospitals full, healthcare worker shortages rampant, and Minnesota’s death toll passed 3,000, it’s essential we take united action together on combatting the spread. In response, Governor Walz is asking Minnesotans to hit pause on social activities, in-person gatherings, sports, and gyms- where we are seeing the largest rate of transmission- for four weeks.









Earlier this year, Congress approved the CARES Act to provide needed economic relief to Minnesotans. These dollars are being used to provide housing assistance to renters and homeowners, financial relief to child care providers and small businesses, as well as to purchase critical medical supplies and PPE for our front-line workers. The need for an additional robust pandemic response in Minnesota will continue well into 2021. I’ve joined my colleagues and the governor in urging quick approval of a new federal COVID relief package so that we can continue our efforts in Minnesota to combat the virus and help weather these economic storms.

Additional Resources for Eastsiders 
Up to $5000 from East Side Funders Group Small Business Covid-19 Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide COVID-19 relief grants to small businesses on the East Side of Saint Paul that have BIPOC ownership or a majority of BIPOC employees. See details and registration here.
 
Public Health Grant Program for Disability Services Providers created to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to people with disabilities and staff who support them. See details here.
 
UPDATED COVID-19 Waiver to Extend Eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance. Details found here.
 
Landlord Assistance: Landlords may be eligible to receive a one-time grant for up to $20,000 per rental unit for tenants missed payment.  To learn more about it, please visit here.
 
Safe at the Winter Farmers' Market Cost-Share Program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers’ markets operating in the winter months to purchase supplies to keep markets, vendors, and customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. See details here.
 
Youth and Young Adult Employment Community Conversation hosted by Ramsey County is an online community conversation about youth and young adult employment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Find details here.
 
Think Small has COVID-19 Resources and Information for Child Care Providers and Parents that can be found here. Information includes assistance with housing, schooling etc.
 
Under the Emergency Solutions Grant-COVID (ESG-CV) funds, Ramsey County, through Heading Home Ramsey (HHR), is soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) from providers who have experience in providing street outreach and/or rapid rehousing services to households experiencing homelessness in Ramsey County. More information on the website here and read the detailed Notice here.



FOOD  
Thanksgiving Food Distribution for everyone through the Union Gospel. Registration and details can be found here.
 
Ramsey County has a community resource page here that includes information about food, employment, technology and more.
 
Free home meal delivery available for people impacted by COVID-19. If you are a Ramsey County resident and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to have up to 21 prepared meals delivered to your home for free each week. Details can be found here.

Stay in TouchPromising news about an effective vaccine is encouraging, but public health experts and vaccine producers are telling us that widespread distribution will not happen until well into 2021. In the meantime, we should follow public health guidelines to protect one another: staying home when we can; wearing a mask; washing our hands frequently; distancing socially; and getting tested.  
Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime if you need help or have any questions at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201.
It’s an honor to serve you and our Eastside community at the State Capitol. My best wishes for a holiday filled with health and happiness.
Sincerely,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
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New Executive Action on COVID-19

11/13/2020

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New Executive Action on COVID-19
Friday, November 13, 2020



Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and yours staying well and warm. I’d like to extend a big thank you for allowing me to continue my work for the Eastside in the Minnesota House of Representatives for another two-year term. It’s an incredible honor to serve our neighborhoods at the State Capitol, and I’ll continue to fight for you and work with you to help us get through these challenging times.
Here’s an update from the Capitol:

New Executive Action on COVID-19Though the promising news of a viable vaccine gives us hope, we are currently facing critical care bed and health care worker shortages as Minnesota continues to see a surge in positive cases. This week Governor Walz announced new safety restrictions on bars, restaurants, and social gatherings. 




Bars and restaurants will have new capacity regulations, as well as a curfew starting today, and there will be a 10-person limit for indoor and outdoor social gatherings. For larger events, such as weddings and funerals, there is a 50-person limit starting on November 27, and a 25-person limit starting December 11. These new restrictions are far from ideal, especially for our local businesses that have been struggling since the onset of COVID-19 and the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd. These measures will help to ensure Minnesotans remain safe and healthy. It’s critical that we all do our part to follow public health and safety guidelines, including wearing masks in all indoor public settings and getting tested when sick.
Additional locations and different forms of COVID testing, like saliva testing, are now available in Minnesota. In Saint Paul, there’s free saliva testing site at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, adjacent to Saint Paul RiverCentre. Due to expected demand, testing will be available seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site.



Largest Bonding Bill in State History Signed into LawLast month, the Minnesota Legislature passed a robust and bipartisan Jobs & Local Projects and Critical Economic Development bill with investments in infrastructure and economic stimulus to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other items, the legislation contains $1.879 billion toward public assets such as higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, transportation, parks, trails, and funding for underserved communities.
I had the opportunity to work with House Capital Investment Vice-Chair Fue Lee to secure $30 million in the package dedicated to equity, which includes funding for projects important to people of color and Indigenous communities. Of note, the Hmong American Farmers’ Association will receive $ 2 million in equity bond funding for the first time. The bill also contains a new policy requiring diversity hiring goals and equal pay for state bond-funded projects.
I’m also pleased to announce we were able to finally secure funding to fix the Kellogg Street Bridge! The Wakan Tipi Center and Metro State University also received dedicated bond funding. Elsewhere in St. Paul, the bill funds the Como Park Zoo, the Humanities Center, the Playwrights’ Center, Victoria Theatre, the Hmong Plaza, and the Minnesota Museum of American Art.
We also secured $116 million in bonding for public housing rehabilitation and new housing infrastructure. A full list of projects included in the bill can be accessed here.

Special Sessions ContinueSince we adjourned the regular session at the end of May, the Minnesota Legislature has consistently met every thirty days to renew the Governor’s emergency peacetime orders. The peacetime state of emergency has allowed Governor Walz to open the state’s toolbox and take quick, decisive action to protect Minnesotans through the COVID-19 pandemic.
An extension will ensure that Minnesotans continue to receive much-needed support and relief as the situation continues to change. It’s deeply disappointing Republicans are willing to risk Minnesotans’ lives in order to “get back to normal.” While the pandemic has demanded sacrifices from all of us and people all over the world, it won’t go away just because we’d like it to. We need to be listening to public health experts, like my legislative colleague who is also a frontline doctor fighting the virus. She spoke yesterday about her firsthand experience in the ER and you can listen here.

Stay in TouchWith the election over, I can now return to regularly sending out these legislative updates, which you can subscribe to here is you haven’t already. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at rep.jay,xiong@house.mn or give my office a call at  (651) 296-4201. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance anytime I can.
Please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
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Release: Rep. Jay Xiong votes for House Jobs & Local Projects Legislation; funds key St. Paul infrastructure, equity investments

10/15/2020

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SAINT PAUL – Late yesterday, the Minnesota House passed a Jobs & Local Projects and Critical Economic Development bill with investments in infrastructure and economic stimulus to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other items, the legislation contains $1.879 billion toward public assets such as higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, roads and bridges, transit, parks, trails, and funding for underserved communities.


“Democrats in the Legislature have been working for a bipartisan and regionally-balanced local jobs and projects bill for the entire year,” said Rep. Xiong. “Thanks to the leadership and hard work of DFLers, equity for communities of color is being recognized as a core priority in state bonding. Our historically underserved communities need state resources not only get through the pandemic, but to come out stronger on the other side of it.”
Representative Xiong worked with House Capital Investment Vice-Chair Fue Lee to secure $30 million in the package dedicated to equity, which includes funding for projects important to people of color and Indigenous communities. Of note, the Hmong American Farmers’ Association will receive $ 2 million in equity bond funding for the first time. The bill also contains a new policy requiring diversity hiring goals and equal pay for state bond-funded projects.

Projects within Rep. Xiong’s St. Paul legislative district include the Kellogg Street Bridge, Wakan Tipi Center and Metro State University. Elsewhere in St. Paul, the bill funds the Como Park Zoo, the Humanities Center, the Playwrights’ Center, Victoria Theatre, the Hmong Plaza, and the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

The bill also contains $116 million in bonding for public housing rehabilitation and new housing infrastructure. A full list of projects included in the bill can be accessed here and the legislation itself can be accessed here.


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https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/news/15533/30563
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POCI Caucus Statement on the Shooting of Jacob Blake

8/26/2020

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020SAINT PAUL - The members of the Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus issued the following statement in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police:
“We know too well the immense pain Jacob Blake, his family, and his community are going through. We express our deepest sympathies and wish Mr. Blake a healthful recovery. 
“Recent reports show that while he has survived this vicious attack, he is paralyzed from the waist down, potentially permanently. These merciless shootings and the trauma they inflict upon our communities must stop. Mr. Blake’s children bore witness to this terrifying act in a scene all too familiar to that of the murder of Philando Castille. The trauma and pain they will carry with them for the rest of their lives is incalculable. The systematic murder and terrorizing of Black Americans must end.
“We unequivocally stand with Mr. Blake and his family. We demand justice for Jacob Blake. We demand that the officer at fault be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“While we made some significant changes in Minnesota, we know that much work remains to be done. We will not stop until people of color and Indigenous people are no longer forced to face the horror that Jacob Blake, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor have faced. We will continue our efforts to create state laws that bring accountability, greater humanity, and community-centered public safety – all with race equity – towards ending the unacceptable use of excessive force or killings of people of color and Indigenous people at the hands of our law enforcement entities.”
 
The People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) Caucus includes Reps. Jamie Becker-Finn (42B), Aisha Gomez (62B), Hodan Hassan (62A), Kaohly Her (64A), Mary Kunesh-Podein (41B), Fue Lee (59A), Alice Mann (56B), Carlos Mariani (65B), Rena Moran (65A), Mohamud Noor (60B), Ruth Richardson (52B), Samantha Vang (40B), Jay Xiong (67B), Tou Xiong (53B), and Sens. Melisa Franzen (49), Foung Hawj (67), Jeff Hayden (62), Bobby Joe Champion (59), and Patricia Torres Ray (63).
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POCI Caucus responds to Attorney General's efforts to stop drastic changes at the U.S. Postal Service

8/18/2020

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Tuesday, August 18, 2020ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Minnesota and several other states have filed a federal lawsuit challenging dramatic operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service that could undermine the state and national election in November. Members of the House People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus issued the following statement in response:
“We applaud Attorney General Ellison for his efforts to protect our democracy and the U.S. Postal Service. The Trump Administration is interfering with postal service operations for political gain. Their intent is to prevent people from voting by forcing Americans to choose between casting a ballot and putting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities at risk.
“In the wake of the passing of civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight for voting rights. Delaying mail service would further disenfranchise communities of color and low-income Minnesotans. The Trump Administration is trying to suppress our voices, but we will do everything in our power to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.”
The House People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) Caucus includes Reps. Jamie Becker-Finn (42B), Aisha Gomez (62B), Hodan Hassan (62A), Kaohly Her (64A), Mary Kunesh-Podein (41B), Fue Lee (59A), Alice Mann (56B), Carlos Mariani (65B), Rena Moran (65A), Mohamud Noor (60B), Ruth Richardson (52B), Samantha Vang (40B), Jay Xiong (67B), and Tou Xiong (53A).
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Release: Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus discusses legislative response to the murder of George Floyd

7/22/2020

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Tuesday, June 02, 2020St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus discussed legislative responses to the murder of George Floyd. The POCI Caucus intends to make police and criminal justice reform a top priority of the likely June special session and into the future.
“George Floyd’s death was due to a horrifying lack of humanity, and Minnesotans are far too familiar with the pain and trauma resulting from violence at the hands of law enforcement. This simply cannot be how policing works in our state,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Division. “I’m grateful to partner with a strong group of legislators – with my colleagues of color and those from Indigenous communities leading the way – who are committed to equity, justice, and accountability so Black Minnesotans can live with the inherent dignity every human being deserves.”
“For too long, people in my community have been told they will have to wait for the systemic changes necessary to ensure people of color can don’t have to live in fear of law enforcement,” said Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus. “They are tired of waiting for reform, tired of waiting for accountability, and tired of waiting for justice. George Floyd should be alive, and it’s time for all hands to come on deck and fundamentally change how police interact with Black men and boys.”
"The struggle for justice is not about black versus white, minority versus majority, or liberal versus conservative,” said Rep. Hodan Hassan (DFL - Minneapolis). “It is about right versus wrong and we all should be on the right side of this."
“For too long we have failed or ignored those who are suffering and have asked for our action,” said Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL - Minneapolis). “Institutional racism and injustice exist throughout our society, our economy and our laws, from our criminal justice system to our educational system to our housing to our public health. Now is the time to act.”
“While George Floyd’s killing was at the hands of four police individual police officers, structural racism and implicit bias have prevailed for generations, causing a great deal of trauma in our communities of color,” said Rep. Fue Lee (DFL – Minneapolis). “These proposals are the first step in addressing this trauma, and we will work together to make systemic changes so this violence stops happening in our communities.”
“For too long the voices and experiences of the Black community have been ignored,” said Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL - Mendota Heights). “Those closest to the pain must have their voices uplifted, their experiences amplified, and must be leading the change that our voices have been crying out for centuries.”
Legislation under consideration includes the following:
Reform the investigation and prosecution of officer-involved deaths and wrongful actions
  • Move primary investigation and prosecution of officer-involved deaths to the Attorney General’s Office 
  • Modify use-of-force laws to prevent wrongful deaths
  • Create a new crime for unjustified use of force that results in death or great bodily harm
  • Strengthen independence of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and design an alternative independent body to their jurisdiction
  • Conduct a review of Medical Examiners to ensure independence and timely action
  • Change civil liability statute of limitations for families of individuals killed by police 
Increase police accountability and transparency
  • Collect and centralize for public access, real-time data on deadly-force encounters
  • Establish law enforcement-citizen oversight councils to provide needed community involvement in policing 
  • Establish a Critical Incident Review process for officer-involved deaths to inform policy change and prevention 
Raise standards of conduct and support officer excellence
  • Change the laws governing agreements that impede discipline of officers seriously betraying the public trust 
  • Reform the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board to increase oversight of officer licensure and training 
  • Expand the POST Licensing Board with more public membership and racial diversity
  • Create a legal duty for officers to intervene in the wrongful use of force by fellow officers.
  • Create a POST Board Community Policing Rulemaking Council
  • Expand training in de-escalation, mental health crisis intervention, and responding to people with disabilities 
  • Prohibit use of “Bullet-Proof Warrior” style use of force training
  • Offer peer-to-peer counseling for peace officers and establish privacy-protections for officers in counseling 
Partner officers with the communities they serve
  • Create powerful incentives for officers to live in the communities they serve by lifting the state ban on local-residence requirements 
  • Provide new resources to increase diversity in police forces  
Repair and build community trust and create community-centered public safety
  • Provide state funding for programs for community-based intervenors and problem-solvers that can partner with local peace officers. 
  • Increase investment in community-based mental health and trauma-informed services  
  • Direct POST board to develop model policy on use of force in responding to peaceful protests 
Legislation that hasn’t already been introduced is still being drafted with bill language expected Friday evening. The House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Division will hold a hearing on the proposals next week. 


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The People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) Caucus includes Reps. Jamie Becker-Finn (42B), Aisha Gomez (62B), Hodan Hassan (62A), Kaohly Her (64A), Mary Kunesh-Podein (41B), Fue Lee (59A), Alice Mann (56B), Carlos Mariani (65B), Rena Moran (65A), Mohamud Noor (60B), Ruth Richardson (52B), Samantha Vang (40B), Jay Xiong (67B), Tou Xiong (53B), and Sens. Melisa Franzen (49), Foung Hawj (67), Jeff Hayden (62), Bobby Joe Champion (59), and Patricia Torres Ray (63).


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Legislative Update- July 14, 2020

7/14/2020

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Legislative Update- July 14, 2020
Tuesday, July 14, 2020



Dear Neighbors,
Today, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced a $100 million housing assistance program, the amount the House fought in the legislature, to help prevent evictions, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. The pandemic has hit families across the state hard. We hope this program will bring some relief to Minnesotans across the state who are struggling to afford their bills because of the pandemic. Applications are due by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. If you or anyone you know may need assistance, please apply here.
Additional funds may become available and may be awarded through either this application process or subsequent rounds.







Special Session 2.0The legislature gaveled in yesterday for our second special session of the year. The House DFL remains committed to completing unfinished business from the regular session — including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and safeguarding the health and well-being of Minnesotans, enacting meaningful legislation on racial justice and police accountability, passing a robust jobs & local projects or “bonding” bill that benefits our entire state, and rebuilding our Twin Cities communities that suffered property damage during civil unrest by passing the PROMISE Act.
Senate Republicans had no problems walking away from the work last month during our first special session. Unsurprisingly, they have adjourned temporarily until next Monday, but the House is meeting tonight, and we plan to continue our work around the clock until the Senate is ready to join us.

House Resolution Declaring Racism a Public Health CrisisA House committee today advanced a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, with a final vote on the House floor likely to occur Monday, July 20. The resolution states that racism is embedded in the foundation of America, beginning with chattel slavery in 1619, and that much of the Black experience in America has been endured under slavery and Jim Crow, which created preferential opportunities for white people while subjecting people of color to hardships and disadvantages in every area of life. Click here to download a copy. 

Last UpdateThis is my last update until after the election. Whether running or not, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage. I’m still available to meet via telephone, help with state-level problems, and discuss issues important to our community. Feel free to give my office a call at 651-296-4201 or email me anytime at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn.
In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
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POCI Caucus Response to Sen. Gazelka’s Comments on Special Session, Criminal Justice Reform

6/29/2020

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Monday, June 29, 2020People of Color and Indigenous Caucus
NEWS RELEASE
Minnesota House of Representatives
                                                                                                                       
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Olsen
thomas.olsen@house.mn
(952) 807-3738
 
June 9, 2020 
 
POCI Caucus Response to Sen. Gazelka’s Comments on Special Session, Criminal Justice Reform
 
SAINT PAUL - The members of the Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus issued the following statement in response to Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka’s comments regarding criminal justice reform and the upcoming special session:
 
“We express our extreme disappointment in Senator Gazelka’s comments during his June 5th media availability in which he stated criminal justice reform legislation will not be considered during the upcoming special session.
 
“Our proposed reforms in response to the death of Mr. George Floyd -- an act that has brought Minnesotans of all races and cultures together to express their refusal to accept that inhumanity and has shocked citizens across our nation and indeed, the world -- are the result of a great deal of work with numerous community members, reform experts, and multiple stakeholders both in and outside of law enforcement. These reforms are important, deeply needed and have been well researched and well thought out. 
 
“We believe Minnesotans want us to act boldly and with urgency. They also know better than to accept Sen. Gazelka’s disingenuous attempt to paint our collective desire for a better way to advance public safety as merely a ‘Minneapolis problem.’ They know this is a systemic issue that harms neighborhoods across our state and our country. We join our fellow Minnesotans in rejecting Sen. Gazelka’s obstruction to ending police brutality and impeding ways to create true change. 
 
“If criminal justice reform is not included in this special session, then we do not wish to have a special session at all. It is time to break down structural racism and fundamentally reshape how law enforcement interacts with our communities to ensure there can be accountability and justice. We can’t wait any longer.”
 
The People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) Caucus includes Reps. Jamie Becker-Finn (42B), Aisha Gomez (62B), Hodan Hassan (62A), Kaohly Her (64A), Mary Kunesh-Podein (41B), Fue Lee (59A), Alice Mann (56B), Carlos Mariani (65B), Rena Moran (65A), Mohamud Noor (60B), Ruth Richardson (52B), Samantha Vang (40B), Jay Xiong (67B), Tou Xiong (53B), and Sens. Melisa Franzen (49), Foung Hawj (67), Jeff Hayden (62), Bobby Joe Champion (59), and Patricia Torres Ray (63).
             
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Recent News for Rep. Jay Xiong
  • POCI Caucus Statement on the Shooting of Jacob Blake - (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)
  • POCI Caucus responds to Attorney General's efforts to stop drastic changes at the U.S. Postal Service - (Tuesday, August 18, 2020)
  • Legislative Update- July 14, 2020 - (Tuesday, July 14, 2020)
  • POCI Caucus Response to Sen. Gazelka’s Comments on Special Session, Criminal Justice Reform - (Monday, June 29, 2020)
  • Legislative Update- June 19, 2020 - (Friday, June 19, 2020)
  • Special Session Update - (Friday, June 12, 2020)
  • Legislative Update- June 5, 2020 - (Monday, June 08, 2020)
  • Release: Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus discusses legislative response to the murder of George Floyd - (Tuesday, June 02, 2020)
  • Legislative Update- May 30, 2020 - (Saturday, May 30, 2020)
  • Rep. Xiong and Mahoney Letter to the Governor - (Friday, May 29, 2020)

ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE
  • Historical Information
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Legislative Update- June 19, 2020

6/19/2020

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Friday, June 19, 2020



Dear Neighbors,
Early this morning, on Juneteenth, the Minnesota House passed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020, a package of legislation focused on reimagining and reforming public safety that was brought forward by the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus.
This is a crucial time in our state and Minnesotans are calling on us to do the hard work to enact meaningful reforms now. Without strong accountability measures, people in Black, Indigenous, and communities of color will continue to lack the justice they deserve. This is unacceptable, and we call on Senate Republicans to partner with us to seize this moment and deliver true public safety.
The legislation we passed includes the following:
 
Reclaiming Community OversightPutting power into the hands of the people and neighborhoods that police officers are sworn to serve and protect.
  • Retroactive Repeal of Statutes of Limitations (Vang)
  • Warrior Training Prohibited (Richardson)
  • Choke Hold Ban (Moran)
  • Duty to Intercede (Becker-Finn)
  • Police Residency Reform (Hassan)
  • Data Collection and Regulatory Reform/etc. (Mariani)
  • Arbitration Reform (Her)
  • Law Enforcement Oversight Council Reform (Gomez)
 
Reforming AccountabilityRestoring confidence and trust in the systems that are meant to provide justice for all Minnesotans.
  • Use of Force Reform (Moran)
  • Prosecutorial Reform (Becker-Finn)
  • Investigatory Reform (Mariani)
  • Cash Bail Reform (Noor)
 
Re-Imagining Public SafetyEnding the unacceptable culture that is responsible for the murder of George Floyd and far too many others who look like him.
  • Public Safety Peer Counseling Debriefing (Noor)
  • Police Officer Critical Incident Review (Kunesh-Podein)
  • Community Led Public Safety (Gomez)
  • Mental Health Training (Richardson)
  • Autism Training (Richardson)
  • Restore the Vote (Moran)
 






Also today, Governor Walz issued a proclamation to officially recognize June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in the State of Minnesota to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Governor Walz is also calling on the legislature to work with community to establish a state holiday recognizing Juneteenth.
My colleagues Rep. Ruth Richardson, Hodan Hassan and Mohamud Noor have offered a House Resolution that would recognize June 19 officially as Juneteenth.






We also passed the PROMISE (Providing Resources, Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs) Act. The legislation is a comprehensive plan to help businesses rebuild and recover, many of which are owned by Black Minnesotans, immigrants, and people of color. The goal is to preserve the unique character of the impacted commercial and cultural corridors, continue their position as a place for small businesses to emerge and develop, and to keep the community vision central to redevelopment. Specifically, the plan would:
  • Create a special panel to review cases and provide direct compensation to impacted individuals.
  • Create a partnership with cities and community organizations to create an immediate economic relief programs of $165 million for impacted businesses and organizations. I am the chief author of this provision.
  • Give local units of government flexibility and tools to prevent gentrification.
  • Direct the Minnesota Department of Commerce to assist business owners, and require insurance companies to notify the department of any rejected claims.
  • Help with the rising cost of leases for eligible residential and commercial properties.
  • Provide property and sales tax cuts for eligible properties as they rebuild.
  • Establish a “Metropolitan Area Redevelopment Corporation” to create a long-term plan for equity-driven redevelopment and transformation.
  • Establish a panel to review the decision making during the civil unrest by police, military, city, and state leaders.
I’m pleased the House moved swiftly on this very important initiative for our eastside neighborhoods.



Assistance for Small BusinessThe first bill we approved last Friday and has since been signed into law by the governor created a $62.5 million fund for small business grants. Businesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive grants up to $10,000 each. This is a significant initiative that will provide our local businesses with the assistance they need to stay afloat during these difficult times. Of the $62.5 million total, there are several carve-outs:
  • $18 million for micro-businesses with six or fewer full-time employees,
  • $10 million for minority-owned businesses,
  • $2.5 million for women-owned businesses,
  • $2.5 million for veteran-owned businesses, and
  • $2.5 million for ethnic malls with at least 25 vendors (e.g. Hmong Village). Individual grants can be up to $250,000 for each mall owner and must be used primarily for rent forgiveness for mall vendors.
To be eligible, the business must meet the following requirements:
  1. Have a permanent physical location in Minnesota, 
  2. Be owned by a permanent resident of Minnesota, 
  3. Be in good standing with the Secretary of State’s office and the Dept. of Revenue as of March 1, 2020, and 
  4. Demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants will be awarded by lottery and the funds will be evenly split in their allocation to Greater Minnesota and Metro-area businesses. Applications will be accepted during a 10-day period beginning on Tuesday, June 23, and lasting through Thursday, July 2. You can find more information on how to apply here. 

Additional Local Opportunities to Help the EastsideMany in our community are still struggling with food and basic supply security. If you are interested in making a donation, the following Give Minnesota fundraisers have been set up and are ready to receive monetary contributions:
https://www.givemn.org/story/Eastsidecommunity  
https://www.givemn.org/story/Supportourhighwood  
Southeast Community Organization has set up new healthcare product distribution site at the Shamrock Plaza Mosque. This is relatively new, and they’ve started to ask for donations.
Here’s what’s needed:
  • Soap
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Tampons/pads
  • Men and Women’s deodorant
  • Powder
  • Lotion
  • Baby needs – baby oil, powder, ointment
  • Diapers – all sizes
  • Infant Formula

Keep in TouchPlease don’t hesitate to reach out at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn with questions or input. I always appreciate helping when I can.
It’s an honor to represent out Eastside community at the Capitol.
In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
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