Legislative Update- June 11, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I’d like to start this week’s newsletter off by congratulating all the Hopkins and St. Louis Park students who are graduating this year. You have much to be very proud of, especially since so many of you experienced unprecedented challenges over the past year. I am sure the lessons you have learned inside and outside the classroom will serve you well in the future. I wish you all the best.  

Working groups continue to meet to find compromise on various components of the state budget. In my role as the House Property Taxes Chair, I have been working with House and Senate members serving on both the Property Taxes and Taxes Committees to balance this area of the budget. The House DFL position is and has always been to prioritize working families, our small businesses, and those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. We’re making slow but steady progress in anticipation of our upcoming special session on June 14 at noon. You can tune in to special session on Monday here. In between our meetings, I have been out and about in the district and in our neighboring communities, learning about the good work local advocates have been delivering for our neighbors. 

It was great to catch up with Derek Burrows Reise, the Executive Director at STEP Food Shelf in St. Louis Park. You can learn more about how you can help our St. Louis Park neighbors in need here.

I also had the opportunity to tour TowerLight Child Care Center & Senior Center in St. Louis Park to see firsthand the excellent care they provide to our families with their intergenerational programming.

Yesterday I joined House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, and other legislative colleges on a visit to the Northside Achievement Zone in North Minneapolis. It was heartening to have Democrats and Republicans present to hear directly from the organization and their families about their response to COVID-19, the civil unrest, and the services they are providing to children and families. Learn more about the Northside Achievement Zone here.

This morning, I attended the virtual monthly Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce Issues & Insights Legislative Meeting. We had a robust conversation on the state budget and what we are focused on delivering for Minnesota main street businesses recovering from the pandemic.

Vaccine Pop Up Clinic at MSP Airport

The State of Minnesota is launching a second temporary pop-up vaccination site at the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Vaccinations will be open to the public and travelers 18 years of age and older. They will be administered at Terminal 2 outside of security seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Terminal 2 pop-up joins the state’s other MSP Airport temporary vaccine site in Terminal 1, which launched Saturday, June 5. The Terminal 1 location is inside security and is administering the vaccine to travelers as well.

Participants do not need a boarding pass to access the vaccine at the Terminal 2 location. The Terminal 1 vaccine event remains open for travelers catching a flight or arriving at MSP Airport. Minnesotans are encouraged to walk in or make an appointment via the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, by calling 833-431-2053, or by making an appointment online here.

Minnesota State Parks - Free Admission Day

This Saturday, June 12, Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas will offer free admission. There are several just a quick drive from the Twin Cities. A map of all of the state parks is available here; if you’re interested in learning more about one of them, just click on the name for more information.

These parks are some of Minnesota’s greatest natural resources, which is why I am supporting legislation to ensure that they are adequately funded. Our family has built many fond memories camping and hiking in our State Parks. Let me know if you take advantage of the free admission day, I would love to hear about which park you went to!

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime with questions or input at  rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. Although the Capitol is now officially back open to the public, email is the quickest way I can be reached.

Thank you for the honor of representing our St. Louis Park and Hopkins residents in the Minnesota House of Representatives!

Be well,

Cheryl Youakim

State Representative