Rep. Jay Xiong

Maddy summaryHF 2183 appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a grant to Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES). The funds must support short-term job training, workforce readiness, financial capability, and employment services for low-income unemployed or underemployed individuals, particularly in high-demand fields. At least half of the funding must be used for programs in greater Minnesota. This is a one-time appropriation for CLUES to address economic disparities, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHF 2055 allows the city of St. Paul to issue on-sale alcoholic beverage licenses to the Science Museum of Minnesota (at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard) and the Union Depot (at 214 Fourth Street East), removing standard zoning restrictions and distance requirements from schools or churches. The bill amends Minnesota law to specifically authorize these venues to sell alcohol daily on their premises. This change directly affects the two organizations by enabling them to serve alcoholic beverages during regular operations. The policy modifies existing liquor licensing rules to grant these specific exemptions without altering broader state alcohol regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 2220 prohibits Minnesota state agencies from charging parking fees to state employees at facilities owned or operated by the state. It directly affects all state employees who park on state property, whether working or with manager approval for personal use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 16B.04 and 16B.58) to require free parking, removing all fees, fines, or penalties for eligible employees. This change applies to all state parking lots managed under the Department of Administration, ensuring employees receive a free parking permit.

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.

Maddy summaryHF 2069 creates new Minnesota license plates specifically for veterans of each U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). Eligible veterans who meet existing criteria (including having discharge papers) can apply for a free plate featuring "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem. The plates must be the same size as standard plates for the vehicle type (e.g., motorcycle) and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same veteran for a $5 fee. This bill, effective January 1, 2026, expands Minnesota’s existing veterans' plate program by adding branch-specific designs.

Maddy summaryHF 2141 allocates $400,000 from Minnesota's general fund for a one-time grant to the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), a nonprofit community organization. The funds will cover the renovation, construction, and equipping of OLM's Brooklyn Park community center. This grant enables OLM to provide culturally relevant programs and services to Liberian community members in the northwest suburbs. The appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned, per state funding rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2124 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. The grant funds security services at cultural events in Ramsey County and enables peace officers to participate in culturally informed community engagement activities. This is a one-time appropriation specifically for event safety and community outreach, not for general law enforcement operations. The bill directly affects Ramsey County residents attending cultural events and the Sheriff's Office in delivering these targeted services.

Maddy summaryHF 2144 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program under Minnesota Statutes § 462A.204, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects families in Minnesota at risk of homelessness by providing funding for prevention and assistance services. Key provisions include directing the Housing Finance Agency to administer the program using these allocated funds. This is a funding bill with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing budget resources for an existing state program.

Maddy summaryHF 119 allocates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support the Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota. The funding covers museum programming, library services, and educational classes focused on Hmong Minnesotan history, culture, and folk arts. This directly benefits the Hmong community by preserving and sharing their heritage through public outreach. The Minnesota Humanities Center will administer these grants to the cultural center.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $238,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $238,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to support the Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats program. The funds will help Building Strong Communities connect National Guard members, military reservists, active duty personnel, and veterans to construction industry apprenticeships and career training through the Department of Labor and Industry. The program must not discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or gender. It directly affects military-connected individuals seeking careers in building and construction trades.