Hello Neighbors,
It has been a whirlwind week with the state budget forecast coming out, as well as a variety of meetings in the district. I was thankful to spend last Sunday afternoon with the duty crew at the St. Louis Park Fire Department. Their work in community engagement, fire prevention, emergency response, as well as fighting fires is extremely professional and greatly appreciated!
I also had a chance to tour Oxford Village in Hopkins. This is a Project for Pride in Living (PPL) development that includes supports for the families that live there. PPL does incredible work in our community.
I would like to thank the Hopkins Police Chief, the Hopkins City Manager, and the St. Louis Park Police Chief for meeting with me. I am looking forward to a police department ride-along in both communities in the next month.
Last Saturday, my husband and I joined a few of my colleagues and close to 1,000 people in Hastings to show our support for transgender youth. The rally was organized by community members after the child of outgoing school board member Kelsey Waits was targeted during a recent school board election. I stand firmly behind our LGBTQ+ friends, neighbors, and family.
Historic Positive Budget Balance
Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)’s budget forecast shows a projected positive fund balance of $7.7 billion. This estimate is based off the “extraordinary growth” in income, consumer spending, and corporate profits. It’s important to keep in mind that of the $7.7 billion projected surplus, $3.1 billion is one time money, and $4.3 billion is projected as ongoing. We know Minnesotans are still hurting from COVID-19, and still facing an uncertain future. With this surplus, now is the time to make strategic investments to address the urgent needs and challenges facing working families, frontline workers, students, and small businesses as we expand economic opportunity and build a stronger future for everyone. You can read more about our budget forecast here.
Last Community Conversation of the Year- December 15
I hope you can join me for the last community conversation of 2021, next Wednesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. We’ll gather on Zoom, and you can RSVP with my legislative assistant, Eric, at Eric.Petersen@House.mn to receive the information to join. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind and which investments you think we should make in our people and state.
Keep in Touch
Please stay safe with the with the anticipated snowstorm! Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime if I can be of assistance at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889.
I hope to see you online Wednesday!
Be well,
Cheryl Youakim
State Representative