Dear Neighbors,
I hope the summer has been treating you well. I want to update you on a few things that have been going on both at the Capitol and across the state:
Special Session
Governor Dayton and legislative leaders met on Friday to discuss a possible special session. While a special session seemed all but dead when talks broke up weeks ago, the leaders seemed much more positive after their Friday meeting. While there are still details to be worked out, they set a tentative target date for the third week of August to hold a special session. I’m hopeful they will be able to reach compromise and we can get the important work of state government completed.
New Laws on July 1st
July 1 is the start of Minnesota’s Fiscal Year. As a result, many state programs will receive continued funding or increases for vital state services. Also taking effect July 1 is a new law that provides three Minnesotans compensation from the state for being wrongly incarcerated. This results from the "Imprisonment and Exoneration Remedies Act," enacted in 2014, which created a compensation process for cases where a person was exonerated of a felony for which they were wrongfully incarcerated. I was proud to co-author the bill.
A summary of selected new laws that take effect July 1, 2016, can be accessed at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/0716nlrelease.pdf
A complete summary of all laws passed by the 2016 Legislature is available online from the House Public Information Services Office at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/newlaws/#/search/2016
League of Minnesota Cities “Legislator of Distinction”
The League of Minnesota Cities recently recognized me and Senator Latz as “Legislators of Distinction” for our work with our local governments. As a former city councilmember, I understand the issues our local governments face and bring that voice to the Capitol. I am so very honored to receive the League of Minnesota Cities’s recognition once again this year.
As a state legislator, I pride myself not only on being your voice, but making sure all levels of government are working together to fix problems and provide better services for you. You can read a Sun Sailor story about our award here: League of Minnesota Cities honors Youakim and Latz.
This will be my last update until after the November elections. There is a state law that prohibits a legislator from using state resources to proactively send out information to constituents. I still, however, can respond to e-mails, letters or phone calls sent to me by constituents. I can also attend any community events or tour your business or organization and would be very happy to.
So please, don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues, questions, concerns or events.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Youakim