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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL)

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Legislative Update- May 15, 2020

Friday, May 15, 2020

Rep. Youakim

 

Dear Neighbors,

We’re in the home stretch of the 2020 legislative session and will be working over the weekend to tie up loose ends on various House and Senate bills. Tomorrow, the House will be taking up our Jobs and Local Projects, or “bonding” bill, which contains $2.524 billion in renovations, repairs, and replacement of public assets like higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, correctional facilities, roads and bridges, parks and trails, municipal buildings and more. I’m pleased to report the bill includes $4.5 million in funding to expand St. Louis Park’s Perspectives Family Center infrastructure in order to better serve the region. You can read my full statement on the inclusion of this project here.

 

Jobs and Local Projects Plan - May 15

 

Governor Announces Gradual Reopen; Cautions Minnesotans to Continue Social Distancing

As a result of your many sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Minnesota was able to increase hospital capacity and prepare for the peak of the virus. Per Governor Walz’s recent executive order this week, we are now beginning to safely and gradually ‘turn the dial’ to reopen our economy while continuing to follow public health guidelines.

Beginning Monday, May 18th, retail stores and main street businesses can reopen if they create a safety plan for workers and patrons, and operate at 50 percent capacity, and Minnesotans can gather with friends and family in groups of 10 or less with safe social distancing practices in place. In addition, Minnesota will soon finalize guidance on how to safely reopen bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons as soon as June 1st. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends continued social distancing of six feet, wearing a mask in public, thoroughly washing your hands, and limiting unnecessary travel.

Click here for more information about what this means for you, your family, and your business.

#StaySafeMN

Governor Announces Education Priorities Related to CARES Act Funding

Through the CARES Act, Minnesota will receive $48 million in Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds and anticipates receiving $43 million in the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds.

The Governor and Lt. Governor asked that GEER dollars be used to:

  • Prioritizing technology for K-12 students to assist their learning.
  • Summer school programming for students who need additional support over the summer months.
  • Wrap-around supports like those students would receive in a full-service community school.
  • A portion of the GEER funds will also support students in higher education including critical technology needs of students, Minnesota Tribal Colleges, and strengthening equity in education through targeted support of teacher preparation programs and postsecondary faculty.

You can read more about the Walz/Flanagan Administration’s priorities related to education and child care here.

 

Keep in Touch

As the session comes to a close, the quickest way to get a hold of me is via email at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn. Please feel free to call at 651-296-9889, but know it will be a couple of days before I am able to return your call. I appreciate hearing from you, so please never hesitate to contact me anytime.

Be safe and be well.

Cheryl Youakim
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