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Jay Xiong 67B
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Legislative Update: January 23, 2021

1/23/2021

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Dear Neighbors,
 
This was an exciting and hopeful week for our country as we celebrated the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This new administration has significant challenges to face, but it’s already refreshing to see that they’re approaching these issues in a way that’s grounded in truth, transparency, compassion, and inclusiveness. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration and helping to build back better for our state and community.
 

 
Here's an update from the State Capitol:
 
Democracy for the People Act Announced in the House
On Thursday, my House colleagues introduced a legislative package called the Democracy for the People Act, which aims to build a strong, inclusive democracy that works for Minnesotans of every race, region, political party, and generation. Highlights of the package include: ensuring state and local elections officials can access the critical federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds they need for election security and infrastructure; establishing automatic voter registration (with an opt out option); providing ballots in multiple languages; and closing dark money loopholes. You can read more about the Democracy for the People Act here.
 
GRAPHIC
 
Efforts to Dismantle Systemic Racism
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I had the opportunity to join Hmong leaders early this week to speak with Rebecca Lucero, who is the Commissioner of Human Rights for the State of Minnesota about today's race challenges and how the state can address discrimination. You can view our conversation here.
 
More specifically on the legislative level, I believe we can work toward positive change in addressing systemic racism by closing opportunity gaps in our schools. One way we can do this is by having more Black, Indigenous, and teachers of color in our classrooms, so our educators are more reflective and representative of our student populations, especially on the Eastside. This is why I’ve co-sponsored legislation that would make critical investments dedicated to the training and hiring of BIPOC teachers.
 
The Boys and Girls Club is also an excellent resource for our St. Paul neighborhoods. I’ll be chief-authoring legislation to allocate funding that allows them to continue their mission providing excellent programming for our youth.
 
Committee Work
This week, in the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Finance and Reform Committee, we examined how the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board has begun to implement some measures within the police reform legislation the Legislature passed in the July 2020 special session. You can read more about what we learned from this Session Daily story, a nonpartisan publication from our House Office of Public Information.
 
Next week, in the Capital Investment Committee, we’ll be focusing on the economic impacts of racism in our communities, how capital investment projects have historically contributed to that, and how we can also use these projects to address this issue. 
 
Investing in local projects that focus on equity was something the committee was able to do last year and I’m excited to build upon that work.
 
Meeting with Advocacy Groups
It was great to meet with the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance this week, which is the largest coalition of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation organizations in the state. These outdoor activities have a rich history in Minnesota, and I’m glad to support their work. You can learn more about the MOHA here.
 
I also met with Minnesota-AFL-CIO, the Minnesota Nurses Association, and Minnesota Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to discuss the importance of worker access to emergency paid sick leave. This is a priority bill that’s been included in the House DFL’s COVID-19 support legislative package that we rolled out last week. I’m hopeful it will move quickly through the committee process.
 
Keystone XL Pipeline Halted
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden cancelled the cross-border permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, effectively halting its development. This is great news for our nation's environment, Indigenous rights, and landowners located along the pipeline’s route, which is why I was proud to sign on to a letter of support to the administration. You can read our letter here.
 
Keep in Touch
I appreciate hearing from you! Please never hesitate to reach out with what’s on your mind or how I can help. You can reach me via email at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or by telephone at 651-296-4201.
 
It’s an honor to serve our Eastside residents and families!
 
Enjoy the snow this weekend.
 
In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
 
 
 
 
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​Legislative Update- January 16, 2021

1/16/2021

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Saturday, January 16, 2021

Dear Neighbors, I’m pleased to share that this week, Governor Walz announced that the Minnesota Department of Revenue has issued $67.3 million in COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to 3,891 eligible businesses in Minnesota. The relief payments were part of the bipartisan legislation the Legislature passed in December to help restaurants, bars, gyms, and bowling centers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation also delivers direct funding to all of Minnesota’s 87 counties to set up local grant relief programs. Businesses that did not receive a COVID-19 Business Relief Payment but think they meet the program criteria can contact the department. An online inquiry process will be available beginning Tuesday, January 19, and will remain open through Friday, February 5. An additional round of payments will be made after that date for business that qualify. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like assistance.
Visiting with our Eastside Mom and Pop Eateries Thanks to the actions Minnesotans have taken over the past month, COVID-19 cases in our state are trending downward. As a result, several restrictions were relaxed earlier this week, including the reopening of indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. I had the opportunity to visit with some of our mom and pop eateries on the Eastside this week to hear about their concerns and additional needs to stay afloat. Our businesses are relying on healthy patrons and strong consumer confidence to get through and recover from these challenging times. It’s critical we protect each other, and the progress we’ve made in slowing the spread of the virus. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and get tested if you’re feeling sick. You can find more information about Minnesota’s response to COVID-19 at staysafe.mn.gov.
House DFL Announces First Priorities   House DFL leaders and legislators announced our first priorities for the 2021 legislative session. We introduced legislation to protect the health, safety, and economic security of Minnesotans during the pandemic and ensure that they can thrive after it ends. Other priority bills would provide financial assistance to Minnesotans who are struggling, strengthen worker protections, improve safety within long-term care settings, deliver services for those without shelter, and support students.


Locally, I met with St. Paul Public Schools Superintendent Joe Gothard to discuss goals for 2021 that can best help meet the education needs of our Eastside students who have been struggling and do not have the same resources as suburban and exurban communities in the state. Keeping our students safe is key and I support families’ decisions related to how education is delivered to their children in a way that allows safe learning to continue.
Meeting with Local Advocates While working remotely can have its challenges, it also provides enhanced opportunities to connect with folks to learn about the good work they’re doing for our community and state. This week I met with community leaders belonging to the Coalition of Asian American Leaders. Like many other Minnesotans, the pandemic has impacted our Asian American Pacific Islander community hard. We know inequities have been exacerbated in this pandemic and I’m working with stakeholders and these leaders and others to tackle disparities facing the Eastside. I also connected with organizers from Better Futures Minnesota, a nonprofit organization aiming to help connect folks to good jobs, a safe home, health care and other services. I’m working on drafting future legislation with them; stay tuned on our progress. Once introduced, you can find the bills I’ve drafted here. Another opportunity I participated in was a meeting with the Minnesota Department of Corrections to discuss juvenile justice reform. In particular, I’m looking forward to a holistic approach with meaningful policies that provide alternatives that help keep youth out of trouble.
Vaccine Distribution Update As COVID-19 continues to impact us, there is light is at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine now being distributed in phases, starting with health care workers and long-term care residents. This week, the state of Minnesota launched a new COVID-19 Data Dashboard to provide a more visual and user-friendly way to view key vaccination data for our state. The dashboard includes information on the number of vaccine doses allocated to the state by the federal government, the number shipped to Minnesota providers, and the number ultimately administered to Minnesotans. The data will be updated daily at 11:00 a.m.



Keep in Touch Please contact me anytime with feedback or questions at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide any assistance if you need it. Stay safe and well this weekend, Eastsiders. In solidarity, Jay Xiong State Representative

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Legislative Update- January 9, 2021

1/9/2021

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Legislative Update- January 9, 2021
Saturday, January 09, 2021



Dear Neighbors,
The deadly rioting we all witnessed at our nation’s Capitol this week was a travesty. Sadly, in many ways, we have all anticipated that this day was coming after multiple incitements of violence and words of encouragement to engage in domestic terrorism from President Trump.  
Despite the harrowing display of disunity and insurrection, I am hopeful for our country's future. What ugly actions unfolded today indeed do not reflect the better angels of our nation's soul. And we are a resilient people. We have led the world out of two world wars and have sprung from the ashes of our own civil war a better nation than was founded. There are far more beautiful, strong and committed leaders who are determined to help shape our country's future in more meaningful ways and through more hopeful futures. I cannot be prouder than to stand with a crop of legislators in our state who are not just dedicated to that future, but also better reflect what our communities look like. We can't wait to hit the ground running to uplift all of Minnesota here in St. Paul and all across the state.







COVID-19 Guidance: Dials TurningThis week, Governor Tim Walz announced that certain restrictions on various activities and businesses will be relaxed starting Monday, January 11. The governor pointed to improvements in several metrics, including case counts and hospital capacity, as well as the distribution of the vaccine. The changes include the following:
  • Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
  • Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain nine- feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
  • Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
  • Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
  • Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
  • Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.






With vaccine administration already underway (over 100,000 Minnesotans have received the initial dose), we can finally see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. However, it’s still critically important we continue to follow public health guidelines by masking up, washing our hands frequently, maintaining a safe distance from others, avoiding large groups and gatherings, getting tested if we feel sick, and staying home when we can.

Committee AssignmentsI’m pleased to share I’ll be serving on the following committees this biennium: Capital Investment; Legacy Finance; and Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance & Policy . I’ll also be serving as the vice chair of the newly established Workforce and Business Development Finance & Policy Committee. In this new role, I will fiercely advocate for statewide strategies, such as the PROMISE Act, to help our Eastside businesses rebuild as they continue to struggle from the civil unrest last summer.

Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201 with input or questions. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide any assistance needed.
If you know of anyone in our Eastside community who may be interested in receiving these email newsletters please share this link with you neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
Thank you for the honor of serving you in the Minnesota House.
In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative
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