 Dear neighbors, With so many constituent meetings, hearings, and press conferences, I’m excited to take a moment away to write you this e-update about the week.  Frontline Worker Pay passes the House FloorThe good news is that on February 24 the Minnesota House--with a unanimous DFL vote—passed House File 2900, which puts forward $1 billion in frontline worker bonuses. The bill will put up to $1,500 into the pockets of first responders, nurses, child care providers, janitors and so many others who sacrificed their health. The DFL proposal includes the following occupations in the definition of a frontline worker: 1) long-term care and home care; 2) health; 3) emergency responders; 4) public health, social service, and regulatory service; 5) courts and corrections; 6) child care; 7) public schools, including charter schools, state schools, and higher education; 8) food service, including production, processing, preparation, sale, and delivery; 9) retail, including sales, fulfillment, distribution, and delivery; 10) temporary shelters and hotels; 11) building services, including maintenance, janitorial, and security; 12) public transit; 13) ground and air transportation services; 14) manufacturing; and 15) vocational rehabilitation. Thank you to all of the essential workers who took time out of their day to watch us pass the bill off of the House floor. Now we need to push the Senate to act. Watch the floor debate here.  Patients Before ProfitsMonday, Feb. 14, members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) came together to meet with legislative officials. Nurses highlighted legislative priorities including the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act, which would address the nurse retention and short-staffing crisis to ensure quality patient care. I was happy to hear their stories and discuss the need for legislative action to put patients before profits.  African Economic Development SolutionsMy proposal to invest in the African Economic Development Solutions program was heard in the House Workforce committee on Monday. It creates a revolving loan program focused on new African immigrant businesses, enhancing our community and creating jobs. I was grateful for the expert testimony of Dr. Abraham Dalu, Gene Gelgelu, and Idris Mohamed. Watch the hearing here: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hjvid/92/895366 Bring it Home, MNI was happy to meet with constituents this week to talk about Housing legislation. They shared their support of Bring it Home, MN, a proposal that would help many in our community with rent. We need a long-term solution to address the deep and abiding racial and economic inequities families face in every corner of our state. I agree with them, and am grateful for their advocacy.  Bonding Bills for our CommunityWednesday’s Workforce committee was Capital Investment Day. The committee heard 10+ bills that invested in small projects in targeted communities. Three of those bills were mine - I presented proposals for investment into Wakan Tipi, the Black Arts Center, and Conway. Wakan Tipi, if you haven’t heard of it, is an incredible program within the Lower Phalen Creek Project to preserve the Wakan Tipi petroglyph cave as a Dakota sacred site and as a historical and educational resource. Wakan Tipi means “Dwelling Place of the Sacred” in the Dakota language. The Black Arts Center is a proposal for our community, as a space for the 30,000 Feet non-profit that offers free art, technology, and social justice programs to keep Black youth out of prison and lead them toward successful careers. “Not only will it provide the organization with a permanent, one-of-a-kind space in the community, but it will also elevate the quality of their work. It will create a space for students to produce art that sparks dialogue and allows the organization to hire social workers to meet the needs of youth and families.” The Conway Community Rec Center is a thriving public space in our community that offers free youth programming, and serves as a safe space for children to spend their time outside of school. We love the community center, and I’m happy to advocate for them at the Capitol. Energy AssistanceIt’s cold out there, and heat is getting pricey. I wanted to remind you all about Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program. If you struggle to pay your energy bills, find out more here.  Update on Pig's EyeThe Pig’s Eye Landfill equity task force bill has now been introduced as HF 3627. I’m grateful to already have 13 co-authors in support. Next, we’ll plan for a hearing in the Environment Committee. Stay in TouchPlease don’t hesitate to reach out anytime for assistance, questions, or to share input at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201. In solidarity, Jay Xiong State Representative |