Legislative Update- May 30, 2020

Saturday, May 30, 2020



Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and yours staying well and safe.
I write today with a heavy heart and I am still struggling to find the right words to say. Words of hope, healing, and peace.
I will start with these: The killing of George Floyd simply should not have happened. He should be alive today. All Minnesotans deserve justice, no exceptions. The People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus members and I made a public statement that you can review here.






Yesterday, ex-Minneapolis Police officer Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with both murder and manslaughter. Charges against the other three officers are still being explored by prosecutors. This is one small, critical step toward justice. However, this isn’t an isolated case — this is structural racism. We have an unaccountable police system that is abusive and discriminatory and that has resulted in the senseless killings of people of color. The ongoing investigation and any future prosecution and possible conviction doesn’t end this. We need permanent, deep, systemic change. It will take all of us.

Executive and Local ActionOn Thursday, Governor Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard, along with State Patrol to help replace the Minneapolis Police Department in attempting to maintain order. Our east side community endured significant damage at various retailers at Sun Ray, White Bear Avenue, and many small businesses. Rep. Mahoney and I submitted a letter to Mayor Carter, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Grove, and Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Harrington yesterday urging allocation of immediate assistance and financial aid to assist with clean up and rebuilding.
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Commerce stands ready to assist business owners, property owners, and renters in our community that experienced property damage or loss. The Department of Commerce’s Consumer Services Center (CSC) can help consumers with questions, concerns, or complaints involving insurance claims. The CSC can help consumers understand their rights, work with their insurer to settle a claim, and help Minnesotans make informed insurance decisions. The CSC can be reached by phone at (651) 539-1600 or by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us. If you are unable to work because of the damage to your place of employment, you can apply for unemployment insurance here.  
A temporary curfew was scheduled from 8pm to 6am yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday). During the curfew, no one may travel on Minneapolis and Saint Paul streets or public places, except for first responders, members of the media, people going back and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and people experiencing homelessness.



Keep in TouchPlease let me know how I can be of assistance to you, your family, or your business during these difficult times.
It’s an honor to serve and represent our eastside neighborhoods at the state capitol.
In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative