Sen. Xiong

Senator Tou Xiong Responds to Bloomberg Documentary Featuring Minnesota PFAS Ban

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On November 9, Bloomberg Investigates released the documentary – The Poison in Us All, which features compelling accounts of the harmful impacts per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have on our bodies and the environment. The documentary details the 2023 passage of “Amara’s Law”, in which the DFL Majority acted to protect our communities against these toxic substances. In the first two weeks since its release, the documentary has been viewed more than three million times. 

Minnesota Senate POCI Caucus Voices Support for Tennessee Lawmakers Expelled After Gun Reform Protest

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Thursday, April 6, Tennessee’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to expel two Black lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson—just failing to oust a third representative, Gloria Johnson, by one vote—a week after the three Democrats led a gun reform protest in the chamber. This follows yet another mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville that left three 9-year-olds and three adults dead.

Members of Senate POCI Caucus Praise Historic Passage of Restore the Vote and Drivers Licenses for All

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – In a victory for the rights and dignity of tens of thousands of Minnesotans, the Senate passed legislation Tuesday to Restore the Vote for formerly incarcerated people and then passed legislation early Wednesday morning to allow Driver’s Licenses for All Minnesotans regardless of immigration status. The legislation, HF 28 and HF 4, passed by votes of 35-30 and 34-31 respectively.

Student Loan Advocate Bill Passes Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Tuesday, Senator Tou Xiong (DFL-Maplewood) presented and testified in support of his bill to create a student loan advocate role in the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The bill, SF 998, funds the new office and outlines the duties of the advocate, who would help to resolve complaints from borrowers, provide information on borrowers’ rights and responsibilities, and make public reports and recommendations, among other responsibilities.