St. Paul, Minn. – Today, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the appointment of Representative Jay Xiong (DFL – Saint Paul) as chair of the Workforce Development Finance Committee for the next legislative session.
Rep. Xiong issued the following statement:
“I am proud to announce that today I am going to be the new chair of the Workforce Development Committee in the coming legislative session. The ability to connect people with jobs and systems is right in my wheelhouse. The ability to cocreate a future where we can find meaningful work for all Minnesotans is dear to my lived experience as someone who comes from the immigrant and refugee and poverty experience.
“On this committee, for four years, I have had the honor to work with esteemed colleagues such as former State Representative Tim Mahoney. As vice-chair of this same body, I have had the honor to serve under the leadership of Representative Mohamud Noor. Before this, I had the privilege of working in this sector with Hennepin County as well. I am excited to hit the ground running.
“I have already carried many bills that shepherd in the great work of this committee; from legislation funding youth programs and BIPOC organizations to workforce development projects for organizations in greater Minnesota, this is a policy area that touches everyone directly. I’ve helped carry legislation to fund important partners in the community that improve workforce and economic development such as the YWCA, 30,000 Feet, The Boys & Girls Club, and Big Brothers & Big Sisters. I am incredibly proud of the work I’ve done to establish the Task Force on Eliminating Subminimum Wages that fights hard for equitable payment policies for our most vulnerable constituents with disabilities.
“I am honored to serve the east side of Saint Paul and I will proudly hold the gavel to bring in new ideas and innovation around moving all Minnesotans forward with great opportunities for everyone.”
The full committee structure and list of chairs are available here. The complete committee roster will be announced in the coming weeks. The 2023 legislative session convenes in Saint Paul on January 3 at noon.