Curfew Tonight at 7 pm

Dear Neighbors, 

Today we mourn the death of yet another Black man, Daunte Wright, at the hands of law enforcement. My thoughts are with the Wright family, and with all the Black Minnesotans who are experiencing relived trauma and continual grief. Our actions as legislators, community members, and neighbors must speak louder than our words. We must continue to build on the police accountability reform we started last year to protect BIPOC lives. When will Senate Republicans join us in not only acknowledging the need for change- but by putting forward overdue accountability measures that would keep us all safer? Everyone deserves to be safe in their community, no matter where they live or what they look like. You can read the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus’ statement here.

As a result of the civil unrest that broke out yesterday, Mayor Carter is putting into effect a curfew beginning tonight at 7 pm until 6 am tomorrow. Fire and medical personnel, and members of the news media, as well as other persons authorized by the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, or Minnesota National Guard, are exempt from the curfew. Individuals traveling directly to and from work, seeking emergency care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness are also exempt. 

Capital Investment Bill Released

Yesterday, the House Capital Investment Committee released their proposal for the 2021 Capital Investment Bill. Building off of the success of the equity components in the 2020 Jobs & Local Projects and Critical Economic Development Bill, this legislation invests nearly $15 million in projects that support Black, Indigenous, and communities of color throughout the state. Among other equity-focused projects, the bill’s investments include clinics, food banks, and centers dedicated to economic development, the arts, and youth mental health and wellness. I’m proud to share a number of my bills have been included in this package. These would fund:

• Wakan Tipi Lower Phalen Creek: construction of Indigenous center
• 30K Feet Black Arts Center: building of new arts center for Black community on Eastside
• Funny Asian Women Kollective Arts Center: investments in building arts center on Eastside addressing systemic issues through comedy and performance
• African Economic Development Solutions: constructing cultural hub for African community including museum, community center, and local entrepreneurs
• Latino Economic Development Center
• Eastside Freedom Library

Legislation Update

Over the recess, I was busy working every day to finalize legislation for our Eastside community. I met with Legacy, Public Safety, and Workforce Development Committees to urge passage of my bills appropriating critical funds to:

• The Boys and Girls Club,
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters,
• YWCA,
• Hmong Museum,
• Legacy funding for veteran war stories,
• Workforce funding to Horn of Africa for Somali youth in tech,
• Arts and cultural funding for Karen, Lao and Thai community
• Workforce development funds to CLUES latinx community,
• Capital funds for Hillcrest redevelopment on Eastside,
• Legacy funds for MN Children’s Museum

I have also been in talks with the Minnesota Department of Health regarding my vaccine equity bill. As I’ve mentioned in my previous update, this legislation I’m co-authoring includes the hiring of an equity vaccine director, and movement of a mobile vaccine program to communities being left behind. I continue to advocate for these important bills that would help positively impact Eastsiders.

House DFL leaders, legislators highlight budget bills

House DFL leaders and legislators met with reporters to discuss tax, education, labor, and workforce budgets bills last Monday, and the public safety budget bill on Thursday. House Democrats are calling for significant ongoing investments in education and want to prioritize economic assistance to those most impacted by COVID-19 — paid for by asking big corporations and the wealthiest to pay their fair share.

The House DFL’s public safety and criminal justice reform budget is based on our shared value that all Minnesotans deserve safe communities and a fair justice system. In the shadow of the trial of Derek Chauvin, House DFLers are putting forward a plan that funds law enforcement, improves police accountability, and listens to the victims of sex crimes. This is the type of public safety Minnesotans actually want. Click here for coverage from Forum News Service. 

Democrats have bill to fix intoxication loophole for sexual assault

On Wednesday last week, Rep. Keller Moller held a bipartisan press conference urging swift adoption of legislation to update Minnesota’s criminal sexual conduct statutes to address barriers that prevent survivors from receiving justice. The push follows a recent Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that when prosecuting a sexual assault case, “mentally incapacitated” doesn’t include a person who became intoxicated after voluntarily consuming alcohol. Click here for coverage from WCCO. 

Minnesota has administered more than three million vaccine doses

Last Thursday, Minnesota met a new milestone when it passed more than three million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered. The milestone comes exactly three weeks after the state announced two million doses administered on March 18. The state announced the first million doses administered on February 19.

Minnesota continues to lead the nation in doses administered and has also steadily moved into the top ten states for people with complete series administered per 100,000. As of Thursday’s vaccine report, 1,900,248 Minnesotans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 1,247,045 Minnesotans have completed the vaccine series. Click here to visit Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector and find a vaccination provider near you. 

Connecting with Community

Last week, I met with community leaders from Coalition of Asian American Leaders to talk about ethnic studies programming in our school system. I’m proud to support this legislation. It’s important for us to know our neighbors and understand the rich and diverse ethnic backgrounds within the community.

I also met with St. Paul Youth Council regarding a potential community recreation center on Rice Street. I was inspired by their call to action. We need more youth leaders engaged like this! I’m proud to support this project led by my colleague Rep. Hollins.

Keep in Touch

Contact me anytime with questions, input, or to let me know how I can help, at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201.

Stay safe and mask up, even if you have already been vaccinated.

It’s an honor to serve our Eastside neighbors at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jay Xiong

State Representative