Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you staying well. I continue to think of our friends in Hopkins’ sister city of Boryspil, Ukraine. Their hunger for a free democracy was inspirational when they visited here over a decade ago, and I’m praying for their safety.
A big thank you to everyone who attended our special 2.22.22 community conversation this week. It’s always great to see and hear from you.
Our final community conversation of this legislative session will take place on Wednesday, March 9th. I hope to see you on Zoom! Please RSVP to eric.petersen@house.mn to receive the details on joining us. We started our twice a month zoom conversations in September, and I value the discussions we have had. The conversation is not over, you can always contact me at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.
On Wednesday, March 2, I’m hosting along with Senator Latz and Representative Winkler a virtual town hall at 6:30 p.m. We’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the RSVP form here: https://bit.ly/d46th to receive the Zoom information 24 hours prior to the town hall. We will also stream the event live on Facebook. If you have any questions, please reach out to my Committee Legislative Assistant, Eric at eric.petersen@house.mn.
It’s been a busy week at the Minnesota Legislature. Our first committee deadline is March 25 to pass bills out of committee. Once the bills are out of committee, they will either move to the House floor on their own or as part of a package. On Monday, February 28, we will receive the new economic forecast from Minnesota Management and Budget. That will give us a clearer picture of what money has been carried forward from 2021 and what we can expect for our future two-year budget that will be set in 2023.
Tuesday nights are always busy getting ready for my four Committee Wednesdays! ?? #mnleg
Supporting our Frontline Workers
February 22 was School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. I am so grateful for the staff in our Hopkins and St. Louis Park communities who worked so hard to ensure our students had access to classroom materials and meals during distance learning. And, who continue to get our students to and from school safely.
This week, I was able to show my gratitude by voting to deliver $1,500 bonus checks for these frontline workers. The 667,000 eligible frontline workers include first responders, nurses, childcare providers, grocery store workers, and so many others who have sacrificed their health during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the nurses who cared for us to the meat packing plant workers who put food on our tables during the worst of the pandemic, we passed the frontline workers compensation bill yesterday in the House. Proud to vote yes with my colleagues! You can read more here.
Investing in our Hometown Heroes
This week, I presented legislation in the Public Safety Committee to make some clarifications to the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. This is the new initiative I was able to pass into law last year that provides $4 million to improve access to care, trauma resources, and funds to battle a cancer diagnosis for our dedicated firefighters. I'm proud to support our hometown heroes in these efforts.
Help with Heating Bills
The Minnesota Reformer recently highlighted how too many Minnesotans are struggling with the high costs of heating their homes this winter. No one deserves to be left in the cold, and if you or someone you know is behind on bills, help is available. The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program can assist with electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil or biofuel payments, as well as emergency fuel deliveries, and repair or replacement of broken heating systems. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. More information about shut off protection is available from the state Public Utilities Commission.
Redistricting
Based on the results of the 2020 Census, boundaries of voting districts were redrawn as they are every decade, and this week the new maps were released, reflecting new legislative and congressional districts. You can go to the Legislative Coordinating Commission website to see the new statewide map. You can also use the tool to place your address into the district finder to see how the new lines will affect you individually.
Connecting with Community
I’m always in awe of our incredible community and what our neighbors are championing. This week, I met with constituents with the Epilepsy Foundation, CPAs, and neighbors (including the amazing staff at Vail Place) advocating for strong mental health investments across the state.
Epilepsy Foundation
CPAs
Advocating for mental health
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with input or questions.
It’s an honor to represent our residents and families in the Minnesota House.
Have a great weekend!
Cheryl Youakim
State Representative