July Update from Rep. Youakim

Dear Neighbors,

One month after being assassinated in their home, we remain heartbroken and horrified by the loss of Melissa and Mark Hortman.

Melissa was our friend, our leader, and a champion for Minnesotans. Mark was by her side supporting her every step of the way. These two extraordinary people are missed by so many, and we're so grateful to Minnesotans and the nation for your sympathy and support over the past month.

We continue to hold Melissa and Mark's children, families, friends, and loved ones in our hearts, and we continue to keep John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman in our thoughts as they recover and heal.

Political violence has no place in this country. We must resolve our differences peacefully, never through violence. The attacks on DFL legislators one month ago have shaken us to our core, but they have not shaken our resolve to build a state that works better for everyone. Whether it's at the State Capitol or in our communities, we will keep serving the people of Minnesota and keep working hard to build the future that Melissa and Mark Hortman believed in.

Federal Budget Law

While the White House calls it the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” there’s nothing beautiful about slashing health care, food support, clean energy investments and removing supports from millions of Americans.

The new law makes the largest health care cut in U.S. history, slashing $900 billion from Medicaid. One in four Minnesotans rely on Medicaid, including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. These cuts could strip coverage from 250,000 Minnesotans and cost our state $500 million annually in lost federal funding. These cuts will threaten the stability of hospitals and nursing homes already under financial strain. The bill also defunds Planned Parenthood, a vital provider of cancer screenings, birth control, and preventive care.

It cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which more than 440,000 Minnesotans use to feed their families. With nine million food shelf visits last year alone, our hunger relief network can’t absorb these additional burdens.

Minnesota has committed to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, but this bill undercuts that effort by eliminating clean energy tax credits. As a result, our state stands to lose 13,000 jobs and $7.8 billion in green energy investment by 2030. Utility bills could rise by over 10% by 2029.

All of these cuts are to pay for $1.3 trillion in tax cuts. Meanwhile, because the vast majority of able-bodied adults receiving benefits are already working, new “work requirements” will just add unnecessary paperwork for counties and providers.

Bottom line is that this bill raises costs, reduces care, and undermines Minnesota’s future. I’ll keep you updated as we fight back.

Education Funding

Recently, the Trump Administration announced that they will be withholding a portion of federal funding that congress appropriated toward our state public schools in their last budget cycle. Minnesota stands to lose $74 million dollars in federal investments. This funding, due to our state on July 1, is dedicated to students in our schools who need academic intervention, are struggling, have disabilities, are English language learners,  receive academic support after school, and are part of adult basic education in our communities. 

Currently, the Minnesota Department of Education is trying to work through the Federal Department of Education to find out when they will release the funds. And thankfully, Attorney General Keith Elison has joined 22 other states' attorneys generals in a lawsuit requiring the release of the congressionally appropriated funds. The Minnesota Reformer has an article that does a deep dive that you can read here.

New Laws Taking Effect

On July 1, our new state budget took effect, along with the majority of the new policies lawmakers enacted this past session. As with all of this year’s successful legislation, these new laws are the product of bipartisan compromise. While there are certainly components of the budget I wish did more to benefit working families, there are still plenty of new commonsense policies and investments to be proud of. 

Highlights include required access to free water at ticketed events of 100 or more people, protections for children who appear in online media, and assistance for homeowners and tenants when dealing with HOAs.

Minnesota Public Radio provided a brief overview of some of these laws and more, but if you’d like a deep dive of what’s been implemented, you can read a nonpartisan summary of all the new laws here. 

Among new laws that take effect next month on Aug. 1, 2025, in Minnesota are those pertaining to restorative justice confidentiality, service dogs, and stronger DWI reform and enforcement. This information can be accessed here.

2025 MN E-Bike Rebate: Applications Open July 30

Good news! Minnesota's e-bike rebate program returns this summer with updated income-based eligibility and disability qualifications. The application window runs July 30 at 11 a.m. through August 7 at 2 p.m.

Who qualifies: Minnesotans with 2024 income under $78K (married filing jointly), $62K (head of household), or $41K (other filers), plus individuals receiving SSDI, MA-EPD, SSI, or disability waiver services.

Requirements: Must be 15+ years old, full-year MN resident for 2023-2025, filed MN tax returns in 2023-2024, and not claimed as a dependent in 2024.

Applications open through the MN Department of Revenue's online portal. Submit only one application per person—duplicates will be deleted. Sign up for the official rebate email list for updates.

Thank you, Hopkins!

A big thank you to all the volunteers and community members who made Raspberry Festival another success this year! It was nice having a couple kids and their partners home to celebrate!

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889 with questions or to let me know how I can help.

Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative