Legislative Update: Stay Connected!

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Dear Neighbors, 

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather and perhaps will enjoy reading my legislative report. If you have not received it in your mail, you can access it online via my Facebook.

First Indigenous Regent for UMN

Our House Higher Education Committee frequently discussed the importance of having Indigenous representation on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, a board that often makes decisions affecting Native students and the sovereign tribes in Minnesota. This week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the appointment of Tadd Johnson to the board, making him the first Indigenous regent in state history.

This historic appointment is made possible by the continued advocacy of tribes and community members across the state to see representation at every level. Congrats, Regent Johnson!

Frontline Worker Pay

The deadline for frontline workers to apply for a bonus for their work during the height of the pandemic is TODAY, 7/22 AT 5 P.M. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. Thank you to all who helped our society keep going at a critical time. Make sure to apply if you are eligible and spread the word to friends and family.

March for Reproductive Justice

On Sunday, thousands of Minnesotans gathered in Saint Paul for the March for Abortion Access. Following the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, Minnesota will still play a key role in providing safe and legal abortion care to women in this state and those from other states seeking this medical procedure.

Last week, a state court ruling struck down many of Minnesota’s abortion restrictions, including the 24 hour abortion waiting period. The district court held these unnecessary restrictions violated the rights provided in the Minnesota Constitution. Women facing a difficult decision about their own healthcare shouldn’t have to struggle to get the care they need.

It’s clear Minnesotans will not allow politicians to interfere in health decisions between women and their doctor and I will continue working to maintain the protections Minnesota has implemented.

The Fight to Clean Up Pig’s Eye

Earlier this month, I brought together leaders and staff from all of our local elected offices to check-in about the Pig’s Eye Task Force bill. We spoke about next steps, and strategized on how to develop a work plan, how to work with the Governor, and stakeholders. Governor Tim Walz has been very supportive of this legislation and we will have a bill ceremonial signing soon (TBD). For more information on this work, feel free to contact my office.

Hometown Heroes Assistance Program Update

As a result of the bipartisan Hometown Heroes Assistance Program we passed into law, we’re already seeing an immense impact on firefighters' lives across the state – with free health and wellness resources to protect our hometown heroes and their families.

You or a firefighter you know can access these free benefits and support today. Learn more about the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program here.

COVID-19 Update

With the uptick of the new COVID-19 variants, I wanted to share that free at-home COVID-19 tests are available to order here. 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). Even with vaccinations readily available, testing remains an important step to slowing the spread and keeping others safe.

Communicating during the legislative interim

Today marks the 60-day deadline from the end of the legislative session, therefore, state law dictates this will be my last update until after the election. During an election period, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications because it might create an unfair advantage for incumbents.

I will continue to help with the state-level problems and discuss important issues in our community, so if you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or can call my office at 651-296-4201.

As always, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here.

Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates.

That said, this is my last legislative update, but I hope to see many of you at public events including National Night Out this August.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.

In solidarity,

Jay