Dear Neighbors,
House Passes COVID Economic Security Act
Last week, the House passed HF 1507, a critical bill that will provide economic support for small businesses, fund broadband and telemedicine expansions, $100 million in housing assistance, and increase pay for personal care assistants.
We are particularly proud of the loans and grants for small businesses across the state. We know that our API community has been disproportionately affected and have been unable to access some of the first funding resources. We heard your concerns and fought for you, the bill includes $10,000,000 specifically for minority owned businesses. These funds are designed to specifically aid the small mom and pop stores that form the backbone of our communities. Overall this bill provides over $50 million in funding for small local businesses to ensure they can make it through this crisis and help our economy recover.
Personal care attendants have deserved fairer compensation for years now. They take care of our loved ones and their services are more needed than ever now. We have to take bold action in standing up for the workers who are supporting us through this crisis. They have earned our support through years of hard work and devotion to their profession.
Please contact your Senators for their support in passing this bill.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
It is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, to commemorate this month we are hosting a town hall on Saturday, May 30th from 10-12pm on Facebook live. Please join us for updates and to answer any questions you may have.
Hmong Special Guerilla Units Memorial Day
May 14th is Hmong Special Guerilla Units Memorial Day. Last year the Legislature passed into law an act remembering our Hmong veterans who fought alongside US soldiers during the Secret War. Every year the Hmong community comes together to remember our fallen soldiers at the Hmong Veterans Memorial. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 this event has been cancelled, but we encourage you to pay respects in a personal/socially distant manner.
Session Nearing End
We are on the last stretch of session until Monday, May 18th. This week we’ll be working to pass a series of important bills to help Minnesotans get through this pandemic. Please keep an eye out for another upcoming update on what we’ve done this session.
Stand Above Hate and Retaliation
Recently we’ve seen a video surface of two teens attacking an Asian woman waiting at a light rail stop. Shortly after, we see another video of someone who claims to be a Hmong man attack a black bystander in response to this incident. We condemn and do not tolerate any crimes or violence against a person of any color. While we are experiencing a rise in hate and bias incidents in Minnesota, we must not lose sight of standing together to defeat our racist structures. Unity, not violence, is the answer in uplifting all our communities.
Xenophobia and racism targeting Asian Americans and Asian people have no place in society and do nothing to prevent viruses and other illnesses from spreading. In fact, these actions only impair our abilities to work together as a community at a crucial time. Infectious diseases can only be fought through solidarity and cooperation, rather than anxiety, stigmatization, and hostility. If you or someone you know faces discrimination you can call the new discrimination hotline at 1-833-454-0148, run by the MN Department of Human Rights. You can also submit an online form.
Additional COVID-19 Information
There is a regularly updated website established if you are concerned you contracted COVID-19 or unaware of next steps if you are sick. For all up to date information on COVID-19 and information on testing locations please visit mn.gov/covid19/.
Representative Samantha Vang (DFL – Brooklyn Park) is chair of the MAP Caucus. She can be reached at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or 651-296-3709. The other MAP Caucus members include Assistant Majority Leader Fue Lee (DFL - Minneapolis), Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL- St. Paul), Rep. Tou Xiong (DFL - Maplewood), Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL- St. Paul), and Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL - St. Paul).