Legislative Update: Public Safety, Local Environment, Climate

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you staying well and healthy. It’s been a busy month before session, and I’ve been doing a lot of work on the Public Safety Innovation Package and local environment legislation, as well as preparation work for session with our POCI Caucus. I’ll detail news on these topics and share some state resources with you below.

The Public Safety Innovation Package

It’s no secret that in this time of economic uncertainty and social instability, Minnesota is also facing a rise in crime. Like the wave in the 90’s, every time that you look at a major media publication, you can find some statement from conservative-minded leaders meant to stoke fear.

It’s my belief that we need to move past the fear to realize the actual solutions for Minnesotans. I’m a co-author of the Public Safety Innovation Package, which would put $100 million of our state’s $7.7 billion surplus this year into local law enforcement, community crime prevention services, and other, non-partisan researched, solutions. This bill will be introduced at the beginning of session. I’ll be updating you throughout this process, and I hope that leaders within the Senate are willing to partner on this important proposal.

Frazier StarTribune Op-Ed

Cleaning Up Pig's Eye

Pig’s Eye landfill is the largest unpermitted dump in Minnesota and a source of several contaminants, including PFAS, that have leaked into nearby lakes and rivers. While some cleanup has been conducted at the site, much more work is needed to address this threat to our environment and Minnesotans’ health.  

This week, the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee met to discuss the Pig’s Eye landfill and related issues. I'm drafting a bill that would bring city, county, state, and federal agencies together and establish a commission to explore options for cleaning up Pig’s Eye landfill. You can read KARE 11’s coverage of the hearing here and the Star Tribune’s coverage here. I'll keep you updated as this proposal moves through the legislative process.

Video of 1/18 House Environment Cmte

2022 Minnesota Climate Action Plan

As a member of the House Climate Action Caucus, I’m excited to let you know about the 2022 Minnesota Climate Action Plan that was announced this week.

This plan is a science-based approach meant to address the climate crisis, lower energy costs, and create jobs and economic opportunity while ensuring that our state is a great place to live and work for current and future generations of Minnesotans. It’s a $1 billion ask of our $7.7 billion surplus, and it’s an investment that will only make things cheaper for us down the line.

Video of Climate Caucus Presser

COVID-19 Update

As the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread across the country and our state, health care workers continue to plead with folks to get vaccinated, boosted, wear a mask, and stay home when you’re not feeling well.

Last week, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee held a remote hearing to discuss COVID-19’s status in Minnesota, including the Omicron variant and the pandemic’s impact on health care. Omicron is highly infectious, doubling every day-and-a-half to three days and as a result, health care system capacity continues to face pressure. Statewide test positivity is currently at 19.8%, the highest ever reported during the pandemic.

We’re all tired as we reach the grim milestone of nearly two years since the pandemic began, but it’s critical we do our part to keep each other safe, and to protect hospital infrastructure and capacity. Thank you for all you continue to do to show our dedicated frontline workers we care.

Speaking of our frontline workers, Minnesota is suffering with an emergency shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants. With a goal of 1,000 new CNA enrollees by the end of the month, the Office of Higher Education has launched a program to fund new students. Start a new career as a nursing assistant today and make a direct impact in your community. Free tuition, books, uniform, and exam. Learn more and find a program near you here.

With the continued spread of Omicron, the Biden Administration just announced that every home in the US is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests, delivered to your door. I ordered the tests just yesterday, and it only took a couple of minutes. Order here.

Video of 1/13 House Health Cmte

Energy Assistance Program

As weather in Minnesota dips to sub-zero temperatures, the Minnesota Department of Commerce encourages Minnesotans to conserve energy and improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses. I thought that now is a good time to remind our neighbors that you can apply to receive an EAP grant to help heat your home. 

Actions that homeowners and renters can take immediately to reduce energy costs are explained in Commerce’s video: 12 Energy Saving Tips.

Commerce Energy Assistance Page

Stay in Touch

Thank you so much for the time that you took to read this e-update. Let me know if they're helpful, or if there's more that you'd like to see included. As always, feel free to contact me at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn. I hope that you all have a great week!

In solidarity,

Jay Xiong

State Representative