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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Jay Xiong

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Greetings Eastsiders,     

It has been another big week at the Capitol. Things are moving fast at the legislature. In our third week, we have held several hearings and moved many legislations out of committee and to the floor for votes.  Thank you to those who have visited or reached out to share their thoughts with me. 

 

Paid Family Leave

This week, we heard and passed the Paid Family & Medical Leave bill led by Representative Ruth Richardson in the House Workforce Development Committee. 

I am proud to be a co-author of HF 2, which will ensure paid family and medical leave for Minnesotans. Currently, some Minnesotans are eligible for paid family leave through their employer, but many can only receive unpaid leave.  

It should not be a choice between looking after someone you love or losing another source of income in the household. I remember how many resources it took to take care of my father when he had a debilitating stroke that forced him into early retirement and created a surprise financial strain on my family. 

 

Catalytic Converter Bill

Another important bill we are working on is HF 30, which deals with catalytic converter theft that is rampant across the state. We have heard from constituents far and wide: this is an issue in need of legislative attention now that a GOP Senate cannot stand in the way like they did last session. This is a priority for the DFL Caucus, and a personal priority to me, as I have been a victim of catalytic converter theft twice. I know firsthand how being a victim of this crime takes big tolls, both financially and mentally.  

This bill adds additional requirements that scrap metal dealers must follow when purchasing catalytic converters, including a requirement that any catalytic converter be marked with an identifying number connecting it to the vehicle from which it was taken. This will allow a better tracking system for catalytic converters. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized possession or purchase of a catalytic converter. The bill has passed its committee hearing in Commerce – and even had law enforcement present to testify in support. It is heading to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee next week. You can track the House bill here by subscribing it in “Add HF 30 to MyBills”. 

 

POCI and MAP Caucus Priorities

I want to highlight two caucuses I am a part of, the POCI (People of Color and Indigenous) Caucus, and the MAP (Minnesota Asian Pacific) Caucus. Both caucuses recently announced their legislative priorities for the session. You can watch the POCI Caucus press conference here, and the MAP Caucus press conference here

The legislative agenda of the POCI Caucus focuses on:  

  • Education
  • Equity in Economic Development
  • Public Safety and Justice Reform
  • Health Equity

The POCI Caucus is focused on ensuring the policies pursued in the legislature are presented with an equity lens that addresses the needs of traditionally under-resourced and underinvested communities in Minnesota.  

Xiong

I also joined my Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus colleagues this week to outline our legislative priorities, which includes bills to include ethnic studies in the Minnesota curriculum and provide capacity-building grants for culturally specific nonprofits. Our students deserve the opportunity to receive a world-class education, and includes a well-rounded curriculum with an accurate portrayal of our global history.  

Other MAP Caucus priorities include: 

  • Anti-Hate Crime Bill
  • English learner programming funding increase
  • AAPI Veterans Bill
MAP

 

#WomenLifeFreedom

This week, I joined Council Member Mitra Jalali and the people of Iran who are bravely fighting for basic human rights in solidarity. I want to thank Councilwoman Jalali and all who came to the capitol for the rally for standing up for women’s rights.  

free Iran

100% By 2040

The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Scientists know climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health. Minnesota has long been a leader in clean energy, but partisan gridlock in recent years has hindered attempts to combat climate change. DFLers are committed to taking action and on Thursday, we voted to pass the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. 

 

Update on Pig’s Eye Landfill Taskforce

I am happy to share an update on the Pig’s Eye Taskforce with you. After some bumps in the road related to hiring, I have been informed that the task force is close to finding its Pig’s Eye Task Force Coordinator. While this process comes to a close, the team has been preparing to kick off the task force as soon as the proper folks are positioned to serve. I will keep you updated as I hear more.   

 

Keep in Touch

Please continue reaching out at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn.gov or simply reply to this email to get in touch!   

I appreciate your attention to these legislative updates. Have a good week.  

In Solidarity,  

Jay Xiong  

State Representative  

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