 Dear Neighbors, Wednesday evening, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman announced a bipartisan power-sharing agreement in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The agreement stipulates that Republicans will govern as a majority until we return to a 67-67 tie, which we expect following the March 11th special election in Roseville. At that point, all committees will have equal representation from both parties with co-chairs leading – precisely what we've insisted on for weeks. I’m looking forward to continuing committee work as the DFL Lead for the Education Finance Committee with GOP Chair Ron Kresha and look forward to the work as co-chair when or if we return to a 67-67 tie. While the agreement allows GOP Leader Lisa Demuth to serve as Speaker of the House for the full biennium with some DFL checks and balances, Democrats secured our biggest goal - a power-sharing agreement that ensures Rep. Brad Tabke can serve the term to which he was elected. The agreement also prevents Republicans from throwing out an election in the future; a victory for democracy and the people of Minnesota. I’m pleased to report that the 2025 session properly and lawfully got underway on Thursday, February 6. I’ve been working hard in our district over the past few weeks, and I’m excited to bring that work back to the State Capitol. Additionally, I had the opportunity this week to interview with KSTP regarding President Trump’s anticipated Executive Order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Minnesota receives $1.9 billion dollars a month from the U.S. Department of Education in the areas of special education, Title I, student grants in higher education, as well as grants directly to schools and other educational organizations. We also receive roughly 60% of the funds for Universal Meals from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This impending Executive Order joins a long list of harmful orders coming from President Trump. Here’s a look at what I’ve been working on for our communities: On Monday, I spent the day working on legislation, meeting with Executive Director Josiah Litant from the P-20 Education Partnership going over their annual report, and talking with Zeke Jackson with People from PSEO on some of their priorities for their upcoming session. You can find the P-20 report here.  I had a full day of meetings on Tuesday, but a highlight was with Carolyn Berger, a constituent who is licensed in mental health and is a professor at the University of Minnesota teaching our future school and community counselors. We discussed the investment we made to increase our school support professionals staffing (school counselors, nurses, & psychologists). It has helped with the pipeline of folks working in our schools, but we need to do more! It was great to have our college intern, Abbey, sit in and participate.  Thank you, OutFront Minnesota, for hosting Wednesday’s conversation on how we can support creating a learning environment where students can be the best versions of themselves. We need to make sure our students feel safe and supported in our schools and our communities.  I also had meetings on Wednesday with the Minnesota Multi-Unit Housing Association on tenant notification, Coalition for Children with Disabilities on their legislative agenda, and the Minnesota Association of Independent Schools regarding non-public pupil aid. My meeting with RESOLVE to discuss the need for insurance to cover infertility was very meaningful and personal to my family and many friends in our communities. A big thank you to Lindsey for sharing your personal story!  Thursday, before session started, Rep. Larry Kraft, Rep. Alex Falconer, and I had a chance to visit with Children’s First in St. Louis Park. This amazing organization is part of Education Partnership Coalition, a broader group of communities across the state, providing a variety of services to help our students and their families be successful. Children’s First’s was accepted as a member in the StriveTogether Cradle to Career National Network to focus on data-informed ways to close the race and poverty gaps for our students' academic success.  Friday started out with an annual reginoal breakfast with the Municipal Legislative Commission and leaders across the metro area. It was fun to catch up with Mayor Hovland who moderated the discussion and Edina City staff. It was also full of meetings with our education finance team including non-partisan staff, co-chairs, and with members working on education bills. I also had the chance to meet with an amazing Hopkins High School student, Dallas Downy, who is participating in Three Sixty Capitol Reporting Workshop who wanted to interview me regarding special education funding.  I hope to see you at my Community Conversation at the Hopkins Library tomorrow, Saturday, February 8 from noon – 1:30 pm. This will be my third Community Conversation this year with three more to come.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889 with questions or to let me know how I can provide assistance. It’s an honor to represent our St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Edina neighbors at the State Capitol. Have a great weekend,  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |