 Dear Neighbors, I hope are all enjoying the start of April and the promise of warmer weather to come. It's been another action-packed week at the Capitol filled with committee hearings and bill presentations as the Legislature works to meet our second major policy deadline. You can watch a quick video clip for a refresher on how these deadlines drive our work at the Capitol. Here’s an update from St. Paul: Property Tax Division Report Earns Bipartisan Support This week, House Property Tax Division advanced a groundbreaking package of property tax cuts- some of the most significant in 20 years-on a strong bipartisan vote of 10-3. We lower costs for homeowners, renters, seniors, and provide significant aid to local governments in order for them to meet their citizen’s needs. I’m also proud to share that the package delivers ongoing investments in our communities across the state, provides flexibility for our municipalities, and will put money back into Minnesotans pockets at a time when they need it the most. You can read more about the legislation from the nonpartisan office House Public Information here. Floor ActionThis week, I had the opportunity to meet with AFSCME members from across the state to thank them for all they do. On Monday, the House passed with bipartisan support, several bills to support workers who are the backbone of our economy. I was glad to vote yes on legislation ratifying the 2020-21 public employee labor contracts. These are the hardworking folks who plow our snow, ensure our drinking water is safe, and overall, have kept our state going amid a deadly global pandemic. It was an honor to serve on the Subcommittee for Employee Relations (SER) charged with vetting the contracts that are then put into the piece of legislation we passed on Monday. On Monday, we also approved legislation to protect and empower Minnesota’s warehouse workers and to address practices that have led to high injury rates at Amazon facilities.  Lastly, the House also approved legislation to require Minnesota employers to provide workers Earned Sick and Safe Time. The legislation would ensure, at a minimum, one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year. The time can be used to attend to physical and mental health needs – including illness, injury, or a doctor’s appointment – for workers and their family members. Nearly 900,000 Minnesota workers, including two-thirds of workers in the lowest wage positions, lack access to paid time off. At a time of sickness, injury or emergency, everyone should be able to take care of themselves or a family member. The pandemic demonstrated the urgent need for this proposal, which allows employees to earn time off. This is a matter of worker dignity and necessity. The House passed this same legislation last session, but it did not go anywhere in the Senate. It’s time this important measure becomes law.  On Thursday, we passed a conference committee report that would reauthorize the Minnesota Premium Security Plan, otherwise known as ‘reinsurance’ for five years and fund it at $890 million for three years. I acknowledge this is a band-aid approach and that we need to move toward a more affordable health care system. But as we continue to work toward sustainable and long-term solutions for comprehensive health care coverage, it was necessary to pass to make sure Minnesotans’ premiums don’t rise out of control. Two policy requirements on insurance plans that were included in the bill: First, plans must cover post-natal visits at three weeks, 12 weeks and when recommended by health care providers between those times. And second, it would require plans include a flat rate co-pay drug benefit, thereby allowing people to spread out a co-pay for very expensive drugs over the year, rather than immediately pay up to their deductible. You can read more about the bill here. Community Spotlight Check out this Star Tribune story that features some of our St. Louis Park Middle School students who participate in UPLIFT Legal Institute for Teens, a nonprofit mock trial program. St. Louis Park Accepting 2021 Human Rights Award nominations The city is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Human Rights Award. The Human Rights Award recognizes individuals, groups, organizations or businesses that have made an outstanding contribution toward uplifting human rights, justice, equity, and inclusion in the community. This award also seeks out those who have fostered increased understanding and cooperation between people of different backgrounds in St. Louis Park. If you would like to nominate an individual, group, organization or business, review the award guidelines and complete the online nomination form by April 18, 2022. Hopkins' Free Brush Pick Up & Drop OffThe City of Hopkins will be picking up brush free of charge for residential garbage customers the same day as your garbage day on the week of April 4-14. No call-in is required for the free pick-up. Find more information about brush pick-up. The free brush and yard waste drop-off site will open for the season on Monday, April 4. Hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only brush and yard waste generated by Hopkins residential garbage customers will be accepted. Driver’s licenses will be checked to verify eligibility. Find more information about the drop-off site. Women’s Final Four returns to Minneapolis The Women’s Final Four returns to Minneapolis and we have a local connection! Paige Bueckers, the University of Connecticut point guard and reigning national player of the year, was born and raised in the Twin Cities. The Hopkins High School alum is one of the most followed athletes in college sports. #HopkinsProud Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with questions or input. I appreciate hearing from you! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Warmly,  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |