 Dear Neighbors, I hope this finds you and your family doing well, and I hope you get the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend! A big thank you and congratulations to everyone who ran for public office in our municipal elections in Hopkins and St. Louis Park on Tuesday. It’s never easy to put yourself out there and I’m proud of our community for stepping up with a commitment to keep our cities and school districts moving forward. A big thank you to all who attended our Community Conversation series last month! It was great to connect with all of you to hear what’s on your mind and to help answer questions about what’s going on at the legislature as we gear up for the 2022 session. You’re invited to join me for the next conversation on Zoom on Tuesday, November 9 from 6:30-8:00 p.m and Monday, November 22 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Please RSVP with my legislative assistant, Eric, at eric.petersen@house.mn or 651-296-9889 to receive the call-in information.  It’s been a busy fall connecting with neighbors and local community leaders across the state. Hearing and learning from you is the best part of representing our residents at the State Capitol.   Last week, I had a chance to visit with Scott & Hudson from Friends of the Boundary Waters in Ely. They gave us a tour of the waterways that would be affected by the proposed Twin Metals mine. I appreciated the information and their advocacy.   I recently attended a two- day training and consultation with representatives from Minnesota’s eleven tribal nations on Bois Fort Band of Chippewa lands. It was moving, humbling, and educational. Miigwech to the tribal leaders for your time and hospitality!   I was proud to have joined ISAIAH’s Hennepin County District 6 Climate Justice forum, with Hennepin County Commissioner LaTondresse to share more about what Hennepin County is doing to ensure we can all thrive. This means a future with a robust transportation system that reduces carbon emissions and pollution, advances racial justice, prioritizes affordable housing along transit corridors, and enhances our collective well-being.  I was honored to join Minnesota School Social Workers from across the state and receive the 2021 Legislator of the Year award with Senator Nick Frentz. The award recognizes my support for the profession of school social work and my legislation to expand third-party billing for health-related school social work services.   Last week I had the chance to tour the construction along the Southwest Light Rail Transit line. It was amazing to see the progress as the line is 50% completed. COVID-19 Vaccines Available for 5-11 Year Olds 5- to 11-year-old children are eligible to get vaccinated now that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has received federal approval. More than 1,100 providers are prepared to offer the vaccine to young Minnesotans, and most of them will start administering vaccines this week. A new webpage, mn.gov/vaxforkids, can help families find a provider and answer any questions they may have about the vaccine. Parents and guardians can also check if their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or pharmacy has appointments available or watch for vaccination clinics at schools and other community sites.  Hopkins’ Veterans Day ProgramSave the date! This Veterans Day, November 11, the city of Hopkins will honor our vets with a meal and “Salute our Vets” program from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Registration is required by November 8 and you can sign up here. Hennepin Homeownership Preservation ProgramResidents of Hennepin County who are behind in mortgage payments and other housing expenses can apply for the new Hennepin Homeownership Preservation Program (HHPP), which has been designed to provide support to homeowners. To determine if you are eligible for HHPP, please complete the eligibility form online. Alternatively, you may call 651-236-8952 for assistance. Click here to view FAQs for the program. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime with feedback or questions at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. The 2022 session will begin in hybrid operation, and email is the fastest way to get in touch. Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins and St. Louis Park families in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Have a great weekend! Take care,  Cheryl Youakim State Representative |