Neighbors,
Minnesota women deserve equal rights in all aspects of life. All Minnesotans should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender. That’s why on Thursday, the legislature approved the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) ballot question to let Minnesotans decide whether or not to give everyone full equality under our Constitution. The Republican-controlled Senate is now responsible for determining whether voters will have that opportunity in 2020.
I want to thank my friend Kathleen Murphy and constituent Patty MacDonald, for fighting for this issue. I also want to thank Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein for championing equality and carrying this bill. I was proud to join my colleagues in voting yes on H.F. 13.
Visiting Minnesotans Where they Are
Last Friday in I had the chance to go to St. Cloud for a field hearing to talk about economic challenges and the workforce shortage in St. Cloud. Economic challenges go far beyond paychecks. It’s about job training, access to affordable housing, and transportation. As we heard in committee, it’s also about child care shortages, supporting our schools and our teachers, and early childhood education. I want to thank all the members of the Somali community who came to speak out about child care shortages, an issue prevalent in communities all across Minnesota.
Constituent Shout-Out
I had a visit from an amazing group of leaders from Harding High School this week. They came as part of a Youth Energy Summit to advocate for the Green New Deal. Keep up the good fight!
I hope you have a great weekend! Stay safe during our (hopefully) last big snow storm. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jay Xiong