 Dear Neighbors, I hope you had a wonderful holiday and have been enjoying our nice spring weather. Legislators have returned from the spring recess and we’re back at it, moving legislation forward, having budget bills go through their final committee stop, and passing them on the Floor. On a personal note, we had a family wedding last weekend, and our son Gannon got married to his best friend Cassidy Coats! It was a wonderful celebration and we could not be happier for this couple who is beautiful inside and out!  I sit on the House Ways and Means Committee and we have been busy this week hearing all of the larger finance bills before they hit the House floor. While I have spent the majority of this week either in committee or on the House floor, I had the chance to meet with Pat Renner from St. Louis Park on Thursday. Thank you, Pat, for advocating for our environment and the House Agriculture bill's provisions that are moving through the process.  Thursday, it was my turn to present the House K-12 Education Finance Budget in its final committee stop in Ways and Means Committee before it heads to the House floor for a vote. You can watch a recap of our discussion here. I’m pleased to share it passed out of the committee and will be on the House floor next week. Here’s a look at the larger budget bills that we passed off of the House floor so far: 2023 Legacy BudgetIn 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment because all of us want our state to be a great place to live, work, and play. On Wednesday, the House passed legislation investing over $820 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. While I’m disappointed this was a party-line vote, I’m glad Democrats are taking action to protect our precious natural resources. With investments in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, the 2023 Legacy Budget Bill will make our state a better place to live for current and future generations, including by expanding free parks days and arts and cultural education programs. DFLers are expanding opportunities so all communities can access Legacy funding.  House Higher Education BudgetOn Wednesday, we also passed our proposed Higher Education budget. With declining enrollment across higher education, we’re providing a record increase in investment for Minnesota’s colleges and universities. Our budget prioritizes a higher education system that is accessible, affordable, and will effectively build the skilled workforce Minnesota deserves. Whether it’s a tuition freeze across the Minnesota State system, addressing the U of M’s tuition shortfall, investing in our tribal colleges, or ensuring today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs, our Higher Education budget is crucial making Minnesota an Education State.  Democracy for the People ActThursday, the House passed the Democracy for the People Act, which seeks to protect and strengthen the freedom to vote and reduce the influence of dark money and corporations in our politics. It ensures that our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state. The bill protects voters and thousands of local election officials and volunteers from harassment and intimidation. It also removes barriers and improves access to the ballot, reduces the power of corporations and wealthy interests that are distorting our elections, and empowers Minnesotans.  Protecting Public Health Care Coverage  Each year, Minnesotans enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare must have their eligibility reviewed to verify they still qualify for coverage. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this renewal process was paused, and Minnesotans enrolled in these programs maintained continuous health care coverage. This spring, when the federal health emergency ends, the standard renewal process will resume. If you’re among the 1.5 million Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, make sure your current contact information is on file, especially if you’ve moved in the last three years. Visit mn.gov/dhs/mycontactinfo or call (800) 657-3672 to update your address, phone number, and email address. Also, be on the lookout for official information and instructions about how to renew your coverage, and be prepared with some documentation when it’s time to renew. Learn more at mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage. National Prescription Drug Takeback Day Next Saturday, April 22nd, is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That is dangerous and often tragic. That's why it is so important for all of us to clean out our medicine cabinets and turn in - safely and anonymously – unused prescription drugs. You can drop off your unused prescription drugs at the St. Louis Park Police Department (3105 Raleigh Ave. S., St. Louis Park, MN 55416).  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime with input, or questions or to let me know how I can be of assistance. I can be reached at 651-296-9889 or rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov to get in touch. With the fluid nature of our work on the Floor, email is the quickest way to connect. Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors in St. Paul. Have a great weekend,  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |