Legislative Update- March 2, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Happy March! I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the first day of our Meteorological Spring (although it’s felt like spring for some time!). 

A big thank you to everyone who continues to turn out for our Community Conversations! Hearing from you and being able to connect in the community is the best part of this work. My next Community Conversations in March will be held on March 6th and March 9th. Here are the details below:

Our District 46 Team is also hosting a town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m . As always, this event is free, nonpartisan, and open to all constituents. I hope to see you there!

Budget Forecast Shows Minnesota is on the Right Path

On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget officials released a new economic budget forecast showing Minnesota’s economy is growing and our long-term budget outlook is stable. We are in a strong position to weather unforeseen challenges down the road.

We are growing the middle class through jobs with good pay, benefits, and working conditions, so Minnesotans can build better lives. Our economic outlook is a testament to the strength and resiliency of Minnesotans, and we will continue to manage our state’s finances in an effective, responsible manner while being responsive to challenges facing people and communities across the state.

Floor and Committee Action

This week, the House met on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to procedurally move bills from different committees and introduce new bills. You can find the new bill introductions here.

In the Education Finance Committee, which I chair, we heard a variety of bills to invest in our student and teacher success. We also heard a bill I am carrying to increase investments into the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR system), which we included in our education budget last year.

Presenting my legislation to support the BARR System in schools.

On Thursday, I was proud to stand with approximately 1,000 teachers in the Capitol Rotunda as they rallied for fair pensions. Minnesota teachers go above and beyond to shape a positive experience for our students when they’re learning and growing. They deserve a secure retirement and I look forward to continuing this conversation.

On Friday, I toured the Edina Early Childhood Center and visited with their Director, Leah Byrd, ECSE Director Emily Cory, and Anne Marie Leland who is the Director of Community Education & Strategic Partnerships. They are all doing incredible work serving our youngest learners, as well as the adults in the students' lives!

On Friday afternoon, Rep. Larry Kraft and I visited a HealthPartners dental clinic site. The coordinated care they have with HealthPartners physicians is an incredible model! Thank you Dr. David Louis, Dr. Arpana Narang, and Clinic Manager Kayla Johnson for the information and the visit.

Minnesota’s Presidential Primary

Minnesota’s Presidential Primary is  coming up on Tuesday, March 5 for our major political parties, and early voting is already open. Learn more, including your polling location, from the Secretary of State’s website.

Child Tax Credit Reminder

If you haven’t filed your 2023 taxes yet, don’t forget about claiming the new Minnesota Child Tax Credit! This is available to all Minnesotans, including those who file with ITIN numbers.

If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Small Business Environmental Zero-Interest Loan Program

Small businesses can reduce on-site air emissions, clean up contamination, or generate less waste by applying for the MPCA Small Business Environmental Loan program. The program offers zero-interest loans up to $75,000 to tackle these high-impact projects. You can learn more and apply here.

Connected to Community

This week, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet with several constituent groups, advocating on a variety of issues for their “Days on the Hill”. I met with our Fire Chiefs and officers from Hopkins and St. Louis Park to talk about their needs around safety and pensions. On Youth Day on the Hill, I met with the amazing students from the Future Farmers of America (FFA). And, I met with the student board from MyHealth who talked to me about banning flavored tobacco. There was a wonderful visit with a CPA from our community that talked about the need for more CPAs in the workforce. Finally, I had the chance to meet with a dentist from St. Louis Park for Dental Day on the Hill who talked about workforce needs and access to quality care.

These meetings are rewarding and I appreciate seeing familiar faces and meeting new neighbors at these events. 

Grateful for our Fire hometown heroes and all they do to keep us safe.

FFA Day at the Capitol.

Great visit with the student board of MyHealth to talk about banning flavored tobacco.

MNCPA Day at the Capitol.

Congrats, Edina Girls Hockey!

Kudos to the Edina Girls Hockey team for clinching the 2024 Championship for its fifth Class AA state title. This win is a reflection of your hard work and determination.

Keep in Touch

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

Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors at the State Capitol.

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative