Release: House Education Finance Committee Chair Cheryl Youakim Awarded as a Champion of Literacy

Monday, October 23, 2023

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Representative Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins), chair of the House Education Finance Committee has been awarded a Champion of Literacy from the Reading Center Dyslexia Center. Rep. Youakim is being recognized for her leadership in including a $90 million investment in evidence-based literacy programming in Minnesota’s two-year state budget to help kids improve their reading skills.

“A crucial component of our education budget this year was the investment we made in evidence-based literacy programming and dedicated funding for schools to access curriculum and training for their teachers,” said Chair Youakim. “I thank the Reading Center’s advocacy in helping get this across the finish line for Minnesota students and families.”

The Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act’s objective is to have every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year beginning in kindergarten. It is also to support multilingual learners receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz in May of this year.