Rep. Jordan proposes council to represent Central and Eastern European Minnesotans

Representative Jordan introduced House File 4364 on April 9, 2026, proposing creation of an Eastern and Central European ethnic council to advise state agencies and connect Minnesotans of those ancestries to public programs and workforce opportunities.

The measure, described by Jordan as modeled after Minnesota's existing ethnic advisory councils, would provide an official channel for community input and support for refugees and displaced people, including services for Ukrainian arrivals. McCullough Magitz, coalition lead for the initiative, testified the proposal represents —communities 450,000 strong— and asked lawmakers to support a $700,000 annual appropriation to stand up the council.

Supporters told the committee the council would promote workforce development, immigrant entrepreneurship, cultural understanding in public services and trauma-informed refugee supports. Julia Miller, who identified herself as a public-sector workforce-development professional and a new American from Albania, said the council would help community members —better navigate public systems and opportunities— and connect their skills to Minnesota employers.

Committee members expressed broad support in principle but noted the bill missed the legislative deadline and currently contains no enacted funding. Co-chair Nash and others emphasized the idea merits further work to secure appropriation and clear statutory language before it advances.

The presentation was an informal hearing; no committee vote was taken on the measure during this session. The committee will retain the record for future consideration and members encouraged additional stakeholder engagement and drafting to address funding and technical issues.