Legislative Update: March 18, 2021

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Dear Neighbors,

This week, the devastating shooting of the victims in Atlanta, Georgia reached across the nation with a call to recognize and fight back against the rising hatred and violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), immigrants, and international citizens. The pandemic has amplified racist rhetoric and harmed thousands of community members in the past year. We can no longer stand by and witness violence rooted in racism and misogyny. Standing in solidarity means speaking out against hate, and taking tangible action to support and protect our neighbors.  

State Representative Tou Xiong gave a powerful speech yesterday to address the struggles of the AAPI community in response to the events in Georgia. You can tune in to watch his speech here. 

LEGISLATIVE SURVEY:  I want to hear from you!

It’s an honor to serve our community at the State Capitol. The legislative session began January 5th. I’d like your feedback on the issues that we are discussing this year.

As your Representative, I am committed to ensuring that the State of Minnesota supports all residents as we recover and rebuild from COVID-19. I am focused on policies that will increase access to affordable health care, ensure public safety, work for quality education, expand protections for workers, and create targeted job training and workforce development to ensure economic opportunity and security for all.

If you’d like, please complete and return this survey. Feel free to get in touch with me anytime. I appreciate hearing from you!

Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council

The Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council for the Department of Human Services was established to advise the commissioner on reducing racial and ethnic disparities in Minnesota. Currently, the council is set to expire on June 30, 2022. 

My legislation (House File 388) to extend the expiration date and clarify compensation language, was recently heard in the State Government Finance and Elections Committee and advanced to be scheduled for a hearing in the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. 

Racial and ethnic disparities in Minnesota are an ongoing challenge that requires leadership, especially in light of the heightened targeting and violence towards both Black and Asian communities all across the country. 

OPINION EXCHANGE: Cities' Small Businesses Deserve State Aid, Too

State Representative Fue Lee and I recently joined together to write commentary on the responsibility to take care of our communities in response to unrest and the suffering of local businesses. I am extremely proud of the resilience and leadership the Minneapolis and Saint Paul small businesses have demonstrated in the past year and will continue to advocate on their behalf. 

Read the Star Tribune article here. 

Reduced COVID-19 Restrictions in MN 

Beginning March 15, Minnesotans can safely gather with more friends and loved ones and do more to support small businesses harmed the most by COVID-19. Governor Walz and public health officials say restrictions can be eased because Minnesotans are following public health guidelines, hospitalizations are falling, and the state is weeks ahead of schedule on vaccinations. Nearly 1.2 million Minnesotans and more than 70 percent of seniors have gotten a shot. Click here to watch Gov. Walz’s news conference announcing the changes, or click here to read coverage from the Star Tribune. 

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

Since taking effect last July, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has reported that 465 Minnesotans have obtained access to life-saving insulin thanks to the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act.

This is one small, but significant step forward in our efforts to make life saving medication affordable to anyone who needs it. It’s also a tangible example of what we can do for people when we work together on bipartisan solutions for Minnesotans.

If you or anyone you know might need an urgent need of a 30-day supply of affordable insulin, please visit MNinsulin.org where you can see if you qualify, download the application, and learn how to apply today.

Emergency Rent Assistance Deadline: March 19

Households with unpaid rent and low incomes may qualify for help paying for rent and utility bills. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 19 at noon.

Learn more and apply now

Rent is still due during the State of Minnesota’s evictions moratorium. You can’t be evicted for not paying rent under Governor Walz’s executive order, but this order may be lifted soon and you will be at risk of eviction if you have unpaid rent. Don’t wait to apply for help.

The is an initial short-term program to get urgent help to households with high need. More help will be offered to even more households through a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.

Thank you for the honor of representing our district 60B residents and families in the Minnesota House! Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have about the state of our legislature.

Sincerely,

Mohamud Noor

State Representative