 Dear Neighbors, We’re in the final stretch of the 2022 legislative session with our constitutionally required date to adjourn set for May 22 at midnight. On Monday, Governor Walz, House Speaker Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Miller announced an end of session budget framework. It contains $4 billion in investments, $4 billion to lower costs and cut taxes, and $4 billion to save in budget reserves in case of future economic uncertainty. House and Senate conference committees are working through the weekend to resolve differences within each version of a budget bill. As the Property Tax Division Chair, I am one of the five House members serving on the Tax Conference Committee along with five Senate members. We received our budget target late last week and began our work on Monday. We are very close to wrapping up the agreement. As the conference committees finish, the compromise language moves to both the House and Senate floors for an up or down vote. Amendments are not allowed on conference committee reports, but there can be a lot of discussion on the reports. Traditionally, the Tax Conference Committee Report is the last one to leave the House floor and proceed to the Senate. It's very possible I'll be presenting the property tax portion of the report at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night. Only time will tell. As I mentioned in last week’s update, you can learn the latest on progress being made by the conference committees here. Earlier this week, the governor signed legislation I chief authored to aid consumers and strengthen Minnesota’s salvage title statutes, making the system work better for all. The bill is the work of the Salvage Title Task Force that I served on. Under the bill, dealers would be required to inform potential buyers of known past damage and modifications of other disclosure requirements. It will ensure proper transparency and disclosure when previously damaged vehicles are bought and sold. Higher Education Supplemental Budget Passes in the HouseToday, the House passed the conference committee report, our final agreement on higher education supplemental funding. The all-women House conference committee team worked hard to compromise on how to invest $20 million in our post-secondary students and institutions. The final bill includes student-centered initiatives to go toward improvements to student affordability, equity, well-being, and research. You can read more details about the bipartisan bill here. Liquor Bill We also passed today the compromise conference committee report on liquor law updates. I’m glad we’re helping Minnesota craft breweries and distilleries grow and thrive by modernizing our state’s liquor laws. Under the compromise bill, breweries under 7,500 barrels per year will be able to sell up to 128oz per person per day for off-site consumption (six and four packs to go). It also frees the “Growler Cap” and will allow all breweries in the state to sell beer directly to consumers. Additionally, our distillers will have the option of selling their spirits in a larger bottle directly to customers. You can read more details about the compromise legislation here. #LocalAngleStop by the Hopkins Police Department tomorrow, May 21 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on your way to or from Mainstreet Day Arts & Craft Festival for the HPD Open House! Everyone is welcome.  Join the Hopkins Race & Equity Initiative for a Town Hall Forum on Race and Education on Tuesday, May 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Eisenhower Community Center in the theater. You can find more information here.  Mark your calendar! The City of St. Louis Park is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on June 19, noon – 4 p.m. at the ROC. Enjoy music from live music, shopping & delicious food. Keynote speech by Imani Jackson, executive chef & owner of Chopped and Served.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. Email is the quickest way to get in touch. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you at the State Capitol. Enjoy the Spring weather!  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |