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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL)

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Legislative Update- February 22, 2021

Monday, February 22, 2021
   

 

Rep. Xiong

 

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a chance to enjoy the milder temperatures over the weekend. With the subzero temps lifting, there are several opportunities to enjoy Minnesota’s parks and trails, including our very own Bruce Vento Regional Trail. You can check out some of these to explore on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Trails website.

Our work continues in the House. Here’s an update on what we’ve been working on:


Minnesota launches new tool to connect all Minnesotans to COVID-19 vaccines 

Minnesotans can use a new tool to find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Click here to check out the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector.

Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to sign up for the Vaccine Connector, regardless of their current vaccine eligibility status. There is no cost and no requirement to have insurance or identification.

Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.  

 

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Legislation Update

Last Tuesday, the House Capital Investment Committee heard legislation that would authorize the sale of $300 million in appropriation bonds to assist private businesses with physical infrastructure redevelopment needs from the damage sustained during last year’s civil unrest. As a serving member of the committee, I was proud to vote in favor of the measure. This critical legislation is part of our ongoing conversation on racial healing and rebuilding our communities. Furthermore, we ought to be doing all we can to ensure our mom and pop shops, especially, can recover from the civil unrest and ongoing pandemic and emerge stronger than before

I’m pleased to share that two of my bills, one to provide funding to CLUES, and the other to Big Brothers Big Sisters, each received a public hearing in the Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy Committee last week. I have also authored legislation that would deliver more funding to the Minnesota Children’s Museum, and am happy to report that bill cleared its first committee stop in Legacy Finance last week.

On Thursday, I had a meeting with Dr. Neal Thao of Metropolitan State University, and House Higher Education Chair Connie Bernardy to discuss a new Hmong Studies program in the MNSCU system. No program currently exists in our public institutions that teaches history, culture, diaspora of the Hmong. I’m working on legislation to change that. Stay tuned!

I also had the opportunity last week to meet virtually with constituents to discuss two bills the National Kidney Foundation is supporting; one would prevent insurance  premium increases on kidney donors and the other would ensure paid leave for those donors as well.


Commerce Committee approves adult-use cannabis bill

For the first time in state history, a Minnesota House committee advanced a proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis. Read more from Minnesota Public Radio’s coverage here. The bill’s next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m. in the committee on Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy.

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Minnesotans kick off 2021 Driver’s Licenses for All legislation

Minnesotans and state lawmakers kicked off the 2021 initiative to provide driver’s licenses for all, regardless of immigration status. I support this legislation because it’s about ensuring dignity and safety for our hardworking immigrant neighbors who contribute to our local and state economy. Video of the press conference featuring Minnesotans’ personal stories is available here.


Keep in Touch

Please keep in touch, and never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance. I’m always happy to help when I can. My email address is rep.jay.xiong@house.mn and phone number is 651-296-4201.

Have a nice week, Eastsiders. Thank you for this awesome responsibility of representing you at the Capitol.

In solidarity,

Jay Xiong

State Representative

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