Dear Neighbors,
Across the state and across the country, we’re seeing incredible organization by our working class. For too long, those in power have prioritized profits and left workers without benefits, a quality of life, and often, a voice. I’m inspired by groups that have organized this week, including Minneapolis and St. Paul educators and school staff, parents and community advocates for trans kids, disability advocacy groups, union members from MAPE, and BIPOC groups that are constantly at the front of all of the change made in the cities. I’ll talk more about my week on the hill below:
Thank you SPPS educators and administrators!
I was relieved and glad to be informed that the Saint Paul Public Schools had reached a tentative contract agreement with the Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE). In these unprecedented circumstances, we must stand even more united in the face of challenges and difficulties, which we all face together. I am grateful for the leadership of the school district and the teachers union for coming together to work through tough problems collaboratively, while ensuring our students continue to get a world class education.
Disability Day on the Hill
I met with disability advocates this week to talk about their support for proposals that would help pay and retain Direct Support Professionals and to adjust the Disability Waiver Rate System to keep up with inflation.
During these trying times, our frontline workers in the disability community have been and continue to be vital. We need to understand the challenges of being underpaid and overworked. They shouldn’t be in this fight alone, and I’ll stand with disability advocates to ensure better pay, better conditions, and more care.
Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood
Earlier this week, I met with leaders from the Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood, an education partnership that helps children in our area go to college and achieve career success. We discuss their work and support for the investment that keeps their organization going, HF 2658, of which I’m a co-author. Our children are our future and we need to put them first. This program is great because it’s by the neighborhood, for the neighborhood, and produces real, tangible outcomes for children in our area. I was born and raised in the Rondo neighborhood, so I’m proud to champion this legislation.
Homeless Day on the Hill
This week, it was great to meet neighbors and advocates from the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless to talk about legislative needs important to them in the effort to make sure every Minnesotan has a safe and dignified place to call home. I let them know that I am a co-author of several of the legislations they support. HF322 seeks $9 million for Transitional Housing funds for temporary housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. HF3090 seeks $100 million in shelter capital resources that will create or preserve over 2,000 shelter beds. HF3294 seeks $95 million over the next 3 years for the Emergency Services Program that allows organizations and local communities to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness. And HF3234 which seeks $500 million in bonds to develop affordable homes to rehab and expand housing options.
Capital Investment Projects for Eastside
Thursday morning, we heard my legislation for the port authority to clean up the contaminated Hillcrest land and turn it into a development site with affordable housing, low barrier to entry living wage jobs, parks and the goal of being a carbon-free community.
I also had a hearing yesterday morning on my bonding bill for the Progressive Center for Education and Economic Development (PRO.C.E.E.D.), which will provide a place for Eastside youth to engage S.T.E.M. camps and activities, building go-carts, engaging in Lego robotic competitions, gaming programming, and building and flying drones. It will also provide spaces for community youth to get tutored young adults from area colleges as well as community members. The gymnasium will house team sports (i.e., basketball, volleyball, soccer, etc.), which is of critical importance. The complex will have 5 classrooms, a computer lab/workforce center, a walking track, a workout center, and a permanent place for the food shelf. Lastly, it will house a health clinic to address the tragic health disparities (primary care, infant mortality, a youth mental health crisis, etc.).
MAPE Day on the Hill
Nearly 200 people participated in more than 100 meetings with their state legislators this week as part of MAPE’s first-ever virtual lobby week. I was happy to meet with union members from our district. We’re better when we make sure that our workers are cared for.
Support Small Business
On Thursday, I presented my proposal to increase state contracts for small businesses in the State Government Committee. This legislation will help ma and pa businesses owned by women, persons with a substantial physical disability, BIPOC communities, veterans, and businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas succeed and positively impact Minnesota communities
Keep in Touch
Don’t hesitate to contact me anytime at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201 if you need assistance.
It’s an honor to serve our Eastside neighborhoods at the State Capitol.
In Solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative