 Dear Neighbors, I want to thank everyone who has reached out regarding the need for legislative action in the wake of last week’s tragedy at Annunciation Church. I share your passion for sensible gun violence protection legislation, and I am eager to take action. Before I was a House member, I was a Committee Administrator for the Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee right after the Sandy Hook tragedy. We heard multiple proposals, but the legislature was unable to get any substantial legislation passed due to partisan gridlock. When we had a DFL trifecta in the 2023-24 session, we were able to pass Universal Background Checks and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag Laws). As the Chair of the House Education Finance Committee, I successfully ushered through increased funding for school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses, as well as other wrap-around services for our students. Building that support system and investing in our students’ mental health are just some ways we can prevent the outcome of what we saw at the Annunciation School. All that being said, we still have work to do. Along with other community leaders, I joined the Mom’s Demand Action’s press conference calling for further action around assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. Our caucus is all too familiar with tragedies like these that have happened in all of our communities. It also hit very close to home at the beginning of the summer with the murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman as well as the attack on John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman. Every Minnesotan deserves to feel safe in our public spaces whether it be our schools, places of worship, their work, a movie theater, in a local park, or anywhere in our communities. If Governor Walz’s calls for a special session to get to work on this, I hope our colleagues across the aisle are willing to consider sensible gun violence prevention solutions. That requires our Republican colleagues to join us in earnest to protect our kids. But rest assured, no matter if its in special session, the 2026 regular session, or beyond, we will continue to push legislation forward that keeps our kids and our communities safe from gun violence. Resources for Families During the School Year The Minnesota Department of Education announced the opening of a broadly inclusive application for families in need of educational benefits.  Completing just one form unlocks resources for families such as summer grocery benefits, utility discounts, and test fee waivers. The required income for these programs has also been increased. Families can apply anytime during the school year. You can learn more and apply here. In the Community Thank you to Edina Police Chief Milburn and Fire Chief Slama for the meeting to catch up on the city’s public safety initiatives!  I also meet with Edina Schoolboard Chair Garbers and Superintendent Bittner to hear how the first week of school went and ways we can partner. We had so much fun, we forgot to take a picture! I rounded out the week meeting Americorp Executive Director Quandrud to hear about all of their amazing program initiatives. The 7th Annual St. Louis Park Art Fair is here! Come celebrate community and shop local artist and maker booths. There will also be a variety of events and activities for the whole family. You can learn more here. If you’re interested in volunteering for the event, you can sign up here. Keep in TouchPlease always feel free to reach out to me with questions or input 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 neighbors at the State Capitol. Have a great week!  Cheryl Youakim State Representative |