 Dear Neighbors, I hope this finds you well. I’m deeply saddened to say that a special session seems less and less likely. Republicans have decided to walk away at a time when Minnesotans were counting on us to reduce costs, invest in our people, improve public safety, and strengthen education. Without legislative action, the quality of education in our state will decline. School districts across the state will be forced to increase classroom sizes, lay off teachers and staff, and reduce mental health resources and services for students. Every child deserves a world-class education, and we can’t afford to see students fall even further behind after two years of learning loss. In a divided government, Minnesotans expect lawmakers from both parties to work together to get things done, but Senate Republicans have said “no” to critical funding Minnesota needs for nursing homes, education, public safety, infrastructure, middle-class tax cuts, and more.  July 22nd Deadline to Apply for Frontline Worker BonusWorkers who were on the frontline of the pandemic have another month to apply for a bonus of up to $750. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. We all are very appreciative of those who put themselves in harm’s way and encourage them to apply if eligible and to spread the word to friends and family. Post 9/11 Veterans Can Now Apply for BonusThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country. The 2022 Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill including funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries. Learn more here.  JuneteenthJuneteenth (6/19, this Sunday) is a day to reflect on the legacy of slavery and anti-Black racism in our country, as well as a day of action and change-making. I hope that we all can observe Juneteenth in ways that advance justice. It’s not just about our past, it’s about our future. We’re still working to dismantle racist systems. A century after emancipation, our Black communities still face tremendous barriers. Let’s support equitable education, healthcare, housing, and environmental justice. Addressing harmful disparities is important for the success of everyone in our community. Looking for something to do this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth? Stop by the Sun Ray Library Garden in our district to spend some time in the community; Saturday from 12:00-3:00pm. COVID-19 Vaccine Available for Children SoonOn Wednesday this week, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s health care providers will be ready to vaccinate children 6 months and older against COVID-19 after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel voted to recommend vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for that age group. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) must first issue vaccination recommendations, which could happen this weekend. Following CDC’s recommendations, the federal government will then ship vaccine doses to providers in Minnesota. Federal officials expect the first doses to arrive in the state early next week, if the vaccine is authorized this weekend. When the vaccines are available, families can do the following to find shots: - Contact your or your child’s primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Use the state’s Find Vaccine Locations to find vaccine providers near you.
- Parents can also visit mn.gov/vaxforkids for more information.
- Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at other community locations around Minnesota.
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Also, a reminder Americans over 50 and those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised can receive a second COVID-19 booster shot. More COVID-19 updates are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website, or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Governor Walz Announces Effective End to Veteran Homelessness in St. Louis CountyThis week, Governor Tim Walz announced that the St. Louis County Continuum of Care (CoC) has effectively ended veteran homelessness in partnership with the United State Interagency Council on Homelessness, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Governor Walz also issued a proclamation recognizing the St. Louis County CoC for its hard work and for building the appropriate partnerships to ensure that any Veteran experiencing homelessness in the region will quickly get the support they need to obtain permanent housing. Achieving an effective end to homelessness for veterans does not mean there will never be another homeless veteran. Rather, it means that systems are now in place so efforts can focus largely on prevention, and that when homelessness does occur, the response is rapid, making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. This is something to celebrate, though I am fighting to make this possible for every part of the state, for everyone. We should adequately invest in our housing and homelessness services so no one falls through the cracks. $300 Million to Fight the Opioid EpidemicGovernor Tim Walz held a ceremonial bill signing this week with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, legislators, and advocates for a bipartisan $300 million opioid response bill, which I supported. The funding, the result of a multi-state lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, will be used by communities across the state for opioid education, treatment, prevention, and recovery. “While the damage caused by the opioid crisis cannot be undone, especially in Native and Black communities, this is a step in the right direction to help us move forward as a state,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “To all those living with and suffering from this disease: You are not alone on this journey. We support you, and we’re not stopping here.”  Keep in TouchPlease keep in touch with questions and comments you have; I’m always happy to help. You can reach me via email at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn. Enjoy a great Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend. In solidarity, Jay Xiong State Representative |