Legislative Update- February 9, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your February has been enjoyable. I’m looking forward to some snow and seeing the new Minnesota Department of Transportation snow plow fleet in action! Over 35,000 Minnesotans submitted their ideas and winners have been selected. Here is your Class of 2024 Minnesota MNDOT Snowplow Fleet. 

The 2024 legislative session begins on Monday, February 12 at noon. Although the work hasn’t stopped since we adjourned in May, I’m excited to be back at the Capitol to build on and continue to make progress for our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors.

A great way to stay updated on our work in the House is via the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services, which offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. You can also watch live hearings through the posted hearing on the calendar and recording hearings thru the individual committee links. If you are ever interested in coming to St. Paul and watching a hearing, you can reach out to our office about details or utilize this link to get some of your questions answered. 

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent Community Conversation in St. Louis Park. I’d love to connect with you to hear what your priorities are for this session at my next Community Conversation, which is Saturday, February 24 at Hopkins Library. 

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

New Child Tax Credit & Filing Assistance in Minnesota

With our nation leading Child Tax Credit, families will save up to $1,750 for each dependent. Democrats are aiming to cut child poverty by one third with this rebate. You can claim the tax credit by filing a 2023 income tax return. The $1,750 credit is for each child 17 years old and younger. For all tax filers, this credit begins to phase out at an income level of $35,000 and fully phases out at a maximum of $90,750 for a family with four children. Check out if you're eligible here: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit

Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new Child Tax Credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. I’ve been pursuing efforts to further study what a statewide free tax preparation program could look like in Minnesota. Currently, over 170 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15. You can find income requirements and qualifications for free tax preparation on the Child Tax Credit webpage. 

Please share this information with your friends, neighbors, and hold on to it when you’re filing for your taxes.

Minnesota Values Project Survey

Almost seven years ago, the Minnesota House DFL started the Minnesota Values Project (also known as MVP) as a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. Working together, we’ve strengthened our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans.

Through this project, we have facilitated hundreds of meaningful conversations with people across Minnesota about their priorities. We’re continuing this work and want to engage with as many Minnesotans as possible. Looking ahead to the 2024 legislative session, we’re looking to hear more perspectives and feedback from Minnesotans. As part of this effort, you’re invited to take the new Minnesota Values Project survey.

The survey only takes a few minutes, and as we build a shared vision for our state, your input is crucial in this process. We look forward to hearing from you. In addition to taking this survey, as always, don’t hesitate to contact me with your feedback or if I can ever be of assistance.

Connected to Community

I always enjoy opportunities to connect with our local school boards, city councils, and other community leaders to learn more about local needs. 

We had a great conversation at the Edina City Council work session on Wednesday evening. It is always wonderful to hear about all the work our amazing public servants are doing!

Thank you to the Association of Minnesota School Board Association and the Minnesota School Board Association for the breakfast, conversation, and the chance to see friends excited to talk about funding our public schools!

This year’s informative and creative State of the City Hopkins put on Wednesday evening included food from local restaurants and “Parks & Rec” characters delivering the highlights in city programs, services, and development projects. I especially loved Heidi Garrido as Leslie Knope.

I was glad to join the St Louis Park Mayor, City Council, and staff along with Rep. Larry Kraft, Senator Ron Latz at a recent city work session. It is always helpful to hear about legislative priorities and to partner with our cities to enhance our community!

I had the opportunity to meet with Edina school leaders at their Legislative Action breakfast! Superintendent Dr. Stacie Stanley kicked it off and handed it over to amazing students and schoolboard members to walk thru their priorities. Thank you all for your advocacy for public education in our community!

Yesterday evening, I served on an Education Panel in Shakopee with my colleague Rep. Brad Tabke and House Education Policy Chair Rep. Laurie Pryor to recap our historic education budget and to hear their thoughts on implementing changes and answering any questions they had. 

I was honored to have recently earned an award from the Minnesota School Psychologist Association. I am so incredibly grateful to the hard working school psychologists in our schools and doing so much for our students’ wellbeing and health!

Stay Connected

Please continue to contact me anytime with input, ideas, or questions at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.

Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina communities at the State Capitol.Have a great weekend!

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative