 Dear Neighbors, I hope you’ve had a good week. The pace is increasing at the Capitol as committees work into the evenings and hold additional hearings to wrap up bills ahead of our first major deadline March 25. As a reminder, the first deadline means that all policy bills must pass through their committees of jurisdiction in either the House or the Senate. For the second deadline, on April 1, a policy bill must pass through the other body. Third deadline is on April 8, when all budget bills must make their way through the committee process and into the House Ways & Means Committee. The next few weeks will be full of long committee hearings, late hours, and lots of caffeine. This week, I met with teachers across the metro on the challenges they and their students are facing in the classroom. We discussed their concerns; large class sizes, need for mental health supports with school psychologists and school counselors, more staffing, more social workers and nurses, ESPs who deserve to be paid a living wage, and much more. Their passion to teach our kids is incredible! I am grateful they shared their experiences and the stories of their colleagues.  Committee ActionIn the Property Tax Division, we have been busy hearing bills regarding property tax cuts that will reach every corner of the state. In committee, we have discussed bills to adjust the property tax deferral process for seniors, increase the senior exemption, increase the homestead property tax exclusion, boost the property tax refund program, as well as the targeted property tax refund. Together, these bills will help young professional just starting out in the workforce or a family who is trying to make ends meet with rising childcare cost or school loans. The cuts would provide relief to someone who may be trying to downsize and facing a crazy housing market or a senior trying to age in place. Next Wednesday will be the last day our committee meets to hear new bills before we put our division report together to send to the full House Tax Committee. The Minnesota House Session Daily news covered our last committee hearing here. Floor ActionThis week, the Minnesota House approved a bill allowing the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a temporary staffing pool for long-term care facilities and other facilities and programs experiencing an emergency staffing crisis. The bill also allows DHS and the Minnesota Department of Health to reinstate a series of waivers to provide flexibility and remove barriers toward delivering services. We are experiencing a critical workforce shortage in the areas of care where the most vulnerable rely on services. I was glad to support our workers in long-term care and other facilities who need assistance to care for our older loved ones or neighbors with disabilities. Women’s History MonthAs we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, I thought you might be interested reviewing a few of the bills we are working on to improve the lives of women across the state: Help Report Potholes The warmer weather and melting snow are unfortunately, the perfect combination for potholes. If you notice a pothole or street needing a repair, the city of Hopkins is asking residents to visit hopkinsmn.com and click “Report a Pothole” in the Quick Links box at the bottom of the page or call Public Works at 952-939-1382. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. I appreciate your input and questions! Email is the quickest way to get in touch. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance. Thank you for the honor of serving our residents and families in St. Paul. Have a great weekend!  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative (46B) |