Dear Neighbor,
I hope summer has been treating you well. We all know summer in Minnesota is truly something special. No matter our differences, we come together to enjoy everything our state and our communities have to offer. I hope you can get out and enjoy some time with family and friends, and get to know our neighbors.
Night to Unite / National Night Out
Tuesday, August 7th, is Minnesota Night to Unite and National Night Out. These events are held the first Tuesday in August in neighborhoods across the country to celebrate a commitment to our safe communities. I will be out of town with my family during that week for some family time with my parents. But, I hope that you take the chance to get out and spend some time with your neighbors. Information on how to reserve your street for the event can be found here for Hopkins and here for St. Louis Park.
Property Tax and Renters Credit
I want to remind everyone to apply for a property tax refund or renters credit before it’s too late. Many Minnesotans qualify for this refund but too many also forget to file!
The deadline to file for a property tax refund is August 15th. Take a few minutes and apply for your refund online at the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Refund website.
New IDs
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety just released updated designs for driver’s licenses and ID cards. The redesigned cards will be available in August at all driver’s license service centers in Minnesota at the same cost as the old cards.
Here are a few helpful things to know. You do not need to replace your current driver’s license or ID card, unless the card is expiring, or you need to change your address or name. Minnesotans will be able to use their current license and ID card until the expiration date on the card. Minnesotans whose application or renewal is processed after August 6, 2018 will receive the new look card. Minnesotans whose driver’s licenses or identification cards expire before October 2018 should plan to renew their cards as they normally would.
If you want to see some of the new features and the new look designs click here.
New Laws
While Governor Dayton was forced to veto most of the things passed this year, several new laws went into effect on July 1st and in a few days on August 1st. The new laws on July 1st included licensing for athletic trainers, changes to the Taconite Economic Development Fund, adjustments to the legislative budget office, and personal claims against the state. Some additional laws which will go into effect on August 1st and include transporting agricultural commodities, child care, community food shelves, the state’s “move over law,” service animals, sex trafficking and the so-called “Safe Seniors Act.” You can read more about the new July 1st laws here and the new August 1st laws here.
Last Update
This is my last update until after the election. Whether running or not, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage. While I won’t be able to send out these updates for a while, you can still follow me on Facebook here and on Twitter @CLYouakim.
I’m still available to meet, help with state level problems, and discuss issues important to our community. So feel free to shoot me an e-mail at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or give my office a call at 651-296-9889 anytime.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve Hopkins and St. Louis Park at the State Capitol. My top priority is to ensure the things our community values are at the forefront in the discussions that we have at the Capitol. By working together we can build a better future for all Minnesotans. That includes making health care accessible and affordable; guaranteeing our kids have a first-class education; making higher education and job training a reality for Minnesotans; fully funding our transportation system and keeping our communities safe.
Have a fantastic summer!
Cheryl