Legislative Update- January 19, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe we're already two weeks into 2024. I hope the new year is off to a great start.

A new year means new opportunities to gather at one of my Community Conversations in our community! The first one was last Saturday at the Hopkins Public Library. Constituents from all parts of the district joined in a great discussion around a variety of education topics, healthcare access, needs of our veterans, and much more. All Hopkins, Edina, and St. Louis Park neighbors are welcome to attend any event they are interested in. Here are the upcoming dates and locations:

Hopkins Public Library:

• Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Edina Public Library:

• Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Wednesday, March 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

St. Louis Park Library:

• Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Saturday, March 9 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

New Laws

New laws also took effect at the beginning of the year. These include the historic investments we made in public schools and students, taking action to address gun violence, making significant progress in tackling climate change, enacting Paid Family and Medical Leave, providing free college for families earning under $80,000 a year, protecting reproductive freedom, and so much more.

Earned Sick and Safe Time is also a big win for workers across the state, especially for hourly workers who may not currently have access to paid sick time. This new law requires employers in Minnesota to provide employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, capped at 48 hours each year. An employee is anyone who works at least 80 hours in a year for an MN employer and is not an independent contractor.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has helpful information, including how sick time can be used here. 

2024 Session

The 2024 legislative session will get underway on February 12th. The latest state economic forecast shows a stable budget and an economy that continues to grow. We’re building a strong middle class together, and economic security for working families is critical to our Minnesota’s shared success. DFLers in the House, Senate, and Governor recognize Minnesotans continue to face rising costs for essentials like child care, food, housing, and health care. We are committed to addressing these needs and making life easier for folks. You can follow our work in committee or on the House Floor on the MInnesota House’s nonpartisan Public Information website.

Connected to Community 

At the end of December, I had the opportunity to tour the new addition of the St. Louis Park Emergency Program facility. Their mission is to strengthen the community by responding to the basic emergency needs of individuals and families. A big thank you to Derek Reise for the tour and for the incredible work you all do for our community!

It's been a wonderful opportunity to sub in our local public schools. Recently, I  subbed at Concord Elementary in the Edina school district. The substitute teacher shortage is definitely felt and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to see firsthand the work being done in the classroom and to see how our students’ academic, and social and emotional learning needs are being met. 

St. Louis Park’s new mayor, Nadia Mohamed, and I had a chance to connect with a group of wonderfully engaged St. Louis Park folks at The Elmwood. Thank you for all the great conversation!

On Tuesday morning, I was honored to be inducted into the Edina Morningside Rotary Club by President Dr. Afira Hassan and President-Elect Bocar Kane! Thank you to the club for the warm welcome. Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” is something that is close to my heart. Check out emrotary.org for more information about the club.

On Tuesday, I also joined Senator Alice Mann and Senator Ron Latz in welcoming the Senate Capital Investment Committee to Edina to hear about the city’s Grandview Crossroads project. Mayor Hovland, Fire Chief Slama, City Manager Scott Neil, and Engineering Director Chad Milner put together a great presentation!

On Friday morning, I attended the annual Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition's legslative breakfast. The Hopkins LAC is a group of parents, students, and school board members who help advocate for increased investments in Hopkins Public Schools. The delicious breakfast was served by Hopkins High School students who are part of the culinary ProStart team and students also spoke on the growing career and technical pathways the school has been developing over the years. Thank you to the school board, school administration and staff, and the parents for sharing their experiences and thoughts with the legislators who represent the Hopkins Schools!

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889 with questions, input, or if you need any assistance. Email is the quickest way to get in touch. 

Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors in St. Paul. 

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative