Legislative Update- May 11, 2024

Greetings Eastsiders,

As the month of May gets underway, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I’m proud of the contributions Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made to our state, and this month, we celebrate our cultural heritage and history.

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday, on Hmong American Day in Minnesota? A month-long showcase at XIA Gallery in St. Paul will be underway and you’ll get to see the incredible talent of the rising tide of Hmong creatives. 

Program Location and Details:

XIA Gallery 422 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103 Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 Time: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

3 PM - 5 PM: Vendor Showcase & Exhibit Open (FREE)

5 PM - 9 PM: Ticketed Opening Ceremony (FREE)

• Community Performances
• Film Showcase
• Panel Discussion with Contributing Artists + Q&A

Drinks and refreshments available for purchase.

Many of the bills we write have the potential to make a positive impact on people's lives and are inspired by the stories shared by Minnesotans. One encounter that stands out is a personal visit from Gary and Faith, who have been residents of Eastside for a lifetime. Their dedicated efforts to help Hmong refugees resettle in the late 70s and early 80s are genuinely inspiring.

Here’s an update from the Capitol: 

We are working long hours and winding down the legislative session, as our May 20 required deadline to adjourn approaches. Currently, we are debating and passing policy solutions and supplemental budget bills that vitalize our neighborhoods on the Eastside and keep our state moving forward. As the chair of the House Workforce Development Finance Committee, I’d like to especially highlight the great work we’ve passed in this critical area for Minnesota.

Workforce Development Budget

Our committee invests $17 million to support businesses and organizations and strengthen Minnesota’s workforce. This jobs bill was crafted with input from Minnesotans who wrote letters, testified in committee, and shared their stories and needs. We listened to them, and are addressing their challenges.By empowering our workforce with new skills and opportunities, we're not just creating jobs, we're building a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all Minnesotans.

Here are the provisions I was honored to carry in our final Workforce Development Finance budget bill:

• Theater Mu - $300,000
• MN Zej Zog: iStrive Hmong Camp  - $240,000
• Karen Organization of Minnesota - $250,000
• Cypher Side Dance School - $100,000
• Hmong American Farmers Association - $100,000
• Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce - $1,000,000
• Summit Academy - $150,000
• PFund Foundation  - $2,000,000
• United Senior Lao-American - $50,000
• YWCA St. Paul - $450,000
• Minnesota Family Resiliency - $250,000
• Ka Joog - $50,000
• African Career, Education, and Resources, Inc. - $150,000
• Organization of Liberians in Minnesota - $150,000
• Equitable Development Action - $180,000
• Center for African Immigrants & Refugees Org  - $100,000
• HIRPHA International - $50,000
• Riverside Plaza - $750,000
• Brooklyn Center Workforce Center - $2,000,000
• Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence - $250,000
• Lake County Ambulance Service - $100,000
• Sabathani Community Center - $550,000.00
• Shakopee Chamber Foundation - $700,000.00
• Bolder Options - $200,000.00
• Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches - $200,000.00
• International Institute of Minnesota - $255,000.00
• City of Austin - $350,000.00
• Jobs Foundation - $200,000.00
• Hired - $280,000.00
• Equaspace - $100,000.00
• Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center - $1,000,000.00
• Change Starts with Community - $500,000.00
• African Immigrants Community Services - $1,000,000.00
• WomenVenture - $1,000,000.00
• MNSCU - $375,000.00
• InspireMSP - $75,000.00
• Ramsey County Workforce - $500,000.00
• Metro Youth Diversion - $700,000.00
• Duluth Public Schools - $174,000.00
• Consortium Hermantown and Proctor - $171,000.00
• Lake County Ambulance Service - $100,000

Our next step is to match up similiarities and sort minor differences with the Senate's version of their Workforce Development bill. These conference committees will meet next week to craft the compromise legislation.

Statehood Day

Today, May 11, 2024, Minnesota celebrates 166 years of statehood. The Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission early this year will become the official state emblems. This is a culmination of months of gathering input from and engaging with Minnesotans to find consensus on a flag and seal that represents the best of all of us.

Connected to Community

I had the privilege of meeting Charles Vue recently. He is a true leader in the Hmong community, dedicating his life to education and political organizing. His efforts encouraged countless Hmong and Minnesotans to engage in our democratic process. On this day, he brought Morgan Thao, a local business owner, to meet with me to explore support for entrepreneurs seeking economic assistance from the legislature.

Gun Violence Prevention

The House recently passed a slate of bills that will reduce gun violence in Minnesota and save lives. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and it's time that we take action to make Minnesota a safer place to live. Our bills require the safe storage of firearms, require the report of missing firearms, crack down on straw purchasing, and ban binary triggers. I’m proud to have voted for each one of these critical bills that will help prevent tragedy and save lives.

I want to express my appreciation to all the residents of the Eastside who have taken the time to speak with me. Your willingness to share your stories and insights has been invaluable in helping us understand the challenges facing our community. We must act now to ensure our neighborhoods' safety and our families' well-being. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all of us. Thank you once again for your support and dedication to this important cause.

Keep in Touch

Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime via email (rep.jay.xiong@house.mn.gov) or phone (651-296-4201) with questions or to let me know how I can help with anything. 

It’s an honor to represent you and our Eastside neighbors at the Capitol. Thank you for your input and ideas!

In solidarity,

Jay Xiong
State Representative