Eastside Improvements

I want to thank all the Eastsiders who came to our town hall meeting this week, and everyone who has been engaged and active in the legislative session. We can’t lead without your input, and I appreciate each and every one of you that has taken the time to share your concerns, ideas and questions. At this week’s town hall we discussed housing, the opioid crisis, health care, cannabis legalization, drivers’ licenses for all, and how the legislature can continue to work to improve peoples’ lives. Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and Assistant Majority Leader Hodan Hassan joined me to talk about our Minnesota Values and making sure the legislature reflects those values.
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Infrastructure 
Over 10 thousand commuters cross the Kellogg Bridge every day. Like all our infrastructure, people rely on it to get to work and to be part of the community, and it connects Eastsiders with downtown St. Paul. But all bridges need repairs. I’m excited to announce that I’ve introduced a bill to provide appropriate and much-needed funding to fix the bridge.

Battle Creek
This week I met with representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Chair of the Environment Committee, Rep. Rick Hansen, to discuss solutions to and the impact of the Pig’s Eye landfill – the committee will hold a legislative hearing this session on-site.

Sick and Safe Time
Yesterday in the Labor Committee we passed an earned sick and safe time bill, and I will keep you updated on the bill’s progress. I’m proud to work with chief author Rep. John Lesch to pass this legislation to allow Minnesotans the chance to take time off to care for loved ones when unexpected events get in the way of work schedules. People should be able to care for their families without sacrificing a paycheck, or fearing they won’t be able to afford the heating and medical bills.

Cannabis
Wednesday was “End Prohibition Cannabis Day on the Hill,” and I met with Rep. Mike Freiberg, Rep. Lien and activists who came from around the state to discuss efforts to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. I am a proud co-author of a bill (yes, bill number 420) that would legalize cannabis for people who are 21+ so we can begin to regulate, tax, and expunge the records of people who have been convicted of using marijuana.

I hope you’re having a great weekend. If you need anything, reach out to me at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201.