Legislative Update- February 27, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the sunshine. It was a busy week at the Legislature. Here’s an update from the Minnesota House:

Twice each year, near the end of November and February, Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB) produces an economic budget ‘forecast’ for current and future bienniums. The announcement yesterday shows there is no longer an anticipated shortfall; the projected positive balance is due to higher revenue forecast, lower state spending, and an increased balance for the current fiscal year.

Republicans think we can cut our way out of our economic crisis, but Minnesotans need investments in their health care, education, and economic security. I’ll have this in mind as we work to balance our state’s budget.

Vaccine Update

on Thursday, Governor Tim Walz announced a plan to vaccinate 70 percent of Minnesotans 65 or older by the end of March. Following this, eligibility for the vaccine will expand based on underlying health conditions and risks of workplace exposure, like food processing plant workers.

Already the vaccine has proven incredibly effective in protecting our most vulnerable Minnesotans. In long-term care settings, deaths are down 97% from their November peak, and cases are down 89%. Demand continues to outpace the supply our state is receiving, but good news is coming soon with the expected approval of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine. If you sign up for Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector, you’ll receive a notification when you’re eligible and be connected with opportunities to receive the vaccine. In the meantime, while having plenty of reasons to be optimistic, it’s important to continue practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask around others, and getting a test if you feel you need one.

COVID-19 Testing

Testing remains a critical strategy for combatting COVID-19. Testing resources for kids and families can be found here. The campaign encourages teachers, coaches, students and more to get tested regularly every 2 weeks now until the end of the year. Read more from the Pioneer Press here.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t require employers to offer paid time off to bond with a new child, care for an aging parent, or seek treatment for a serious illness. I’m proud to co-author a bill to create a statewide Paid Family & Medical Leave program in Minnesota to provide workers with up to 12 weeks of time off while receiving a percentage of their regular wages to take care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves.

Combatting Price Gouging

Yesterday, the House Commerce Committee discussed a consumer protection measure that would prohibit price gouging of essential goods and services during a national or local emergency. The legislation would protect Minnesotans from exorbitant pricing of basic necessities, and enact a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per transaction on bad actors engaging in price gouging. While most businesses in Minnesota would never engage in this despicable behavior, those that would, should be held accountable.

Business Community Meeting

Saint Paul Police Department is hosting a workshop for business owners or operators in Saint Paul who are interested in enhancing the safety and security of their operations and staff. Please register at this link to receive details about the workshop or you can review workshop details on the Saint Paul Facebook page here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201 with input, ideas, or to let me know how I can help.

It’s an honor to serve our Eastside residents and families in the Minnesota House.

Have a great weekend.

In solidarity,

Jay Xiong

State Representative