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Dear Neighbors,
I hope you were able to enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving holiday and have had a chance to enjoy the sunny weather.
I’m pleased to share that I’ve been appointed by the House Speaker to serve as the incoming Property and Local Tax Division Chair for the 2021 session. I’m looking forward to this new opportunity. I served on the Property Tax and Local Government Division during my first four years in the legislature and have served the last two years on the Tax Committee. I will utilize those combined experiences, my nine years of experience on the Hopkins City Council, and your input to ensure our system is fair, equitable, and transparent. This new role doesn’t mean I’ll be taking a back seat on education issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the opportunity gap in our schools and how much our K-12 system drives our state’s economy, and I will continue working and partnering in earnest with our House education leaders.
You can read more about the committee chair appointments here.
Minnesota Budget Forecast
Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced the November Economic Forecast, projecting a $641 million surplus for the current budget cycle, while a deficit of $1.273 billion is projected for the 2022-2023 biennium beginning July 1. These projections mean that Minnesota is well positioned to provide immediate relief to help our frontline workers and family businesses as we await more aid from the federal government. The federal government approved sweeping economic assistance last spring, but it is well known that corporations, billionaires, and well-connected individuals received a disproportionate share of those benefits. We have to do better in Minnesota; we need to provide support so that we can all weather the storm of COVID-19 together.
Economic Relief Negotiations Ongoing
Bipartisan negotiations continue in the State House and Senate on a relief package and I’m cautiously optimistic we can find an agreement in time for the next special session, which is slated to begin on or around December 14. As 2020 is drawing to a close, Minnesota families are counting on us to deliver the aid they need to pay their mortgages, rent, and other bills. I’ll keep fighting for the relief Minnesotans need and deserve.
Let’s Stay Connected
Staying in touch and hearing directly from you about the issues you find important drive my work for our Hopkins and St. Louis Park communities. Your safety and health are my priority, which is why next legislative session I’ll be hosting my library community conversations online using the platform Zoom. If you’re interested in hosting a community conversation, having me join an online neighborhood meeting, business forum, or school group, please feel free to email me directly at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn and we can set something up.
You’re also welcome to follow me for additional updates on my official Facebook page. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, or to let me know how I can help at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. Because we will be starting the session remotely due to COVID, e-mail is the best way to contact me. It’s an honor to serve you and your family at the Minnesota Legislature.
Be well,
Cheryl Youakim
State Representative
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