 Dear Neighbors, I hope you had a great Easter, Passover, and Ramadan celebrations last week. Legislators returned from our annual recess on Tuesday after observing these holidays, and with just over four weeks to go until adjournment, our “to do” list is hefty. On the House side, we’ve built our supplemental budget bills to dedicate investments in important priorities that allow us to meet the needs of Minnesota families, students, seniors, and small businesses. Currently, these bills are passing through the Ways & Means Committee and will be headed to the House floor as early as next week. After that, House and Senate conference committees will be appointed to reconcile differences within each budget area bill. Then the agreed upon conference committee reports will head to the House and Senate floors for final passage. Here's an update from this week’s activities at the Capitol: It was a busy first week back. I started the week with an educational forum with the MN Asian Pacific Council, floor session, attending an affordable housing rally, and meeting with constituents advocating for affordable and accessible healthcare. We had floor session on Thursday, a rally in the Rotunda with the MN Asian Pacific Council and a rally for the no-knock warrant bill.   Bring it Home Rally  MN Asian Pacific Council Day in the Rotunda Governor's State of the State AddressThis Sunday, April 24 at 6 p.m., Governor Tim Walz will deliver his annual State of the State address in person at the Capitol for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can tune in here, or watch live on TPT's PBS channel. #Local AngleHopkins’ Mainstreet Listed on National Register of Historic Places On Tuesday last week, the Hopkins’ Mainstreet was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was designated in January but kept under wraps until an outdoor celebration could be held downtown on Tuesday. The StarTribune covered this joyful event and you can read more here. St. Louis Park’s Arbor Day and Community Tree Planting Celebration Celebrate Earth Day locally on May 7th from 9:00 a.m.-noon, the City of St. Louis Park is partnering with Tree Trust to support our urban forest by planting trees throughout Texa-Tonka Park (2750 Virginia Ave. S.). Registration is required and the event is free. You can sign up and review more details here. Arbor Day Celebration is April 29 Join the City of Hopkins for tree planting at Valley Park on Friday, April 29, at 2 p.m. in celebration of Arbor Day. Light refreshments will be served.  More than a billion people in 190 countries celebrate Earth Day. Many of them use this opportunity to plant a tree, bike to work, or make lifestyle adjustments. These may seem like small changes, but together, they can make a big impact. As a legislator, that means supporting bills to address the climate crisis and preserve Minnesota’s environment and natural resources. We’re advancing legislation that contains about $850 million to combat climate change! Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with questions or input. Email is the quickest way to get in touch. Have a great weekend! Enjoy the sunshine on Saturday. Warmly,  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |