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.
I hope this email finds you staying well and enjoying the cooler temperatures and the leaves changing. Fall also brings elections season. Here is your quick reminder that there are local elections coming up on November 7th in many of our communities. You can find out about your local election here.
This fall has also brought devastating news from across the globe, with the terrible loss of life in the Jewish and Palestinian communities. As the conflict in the Middle East grows between Israel and Hamas, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims who have lost their lives or those of their loved ones. I pray for those struggling for peace, safety, and the ability to live with dignity in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. I believe that we are at our best when we try to see the humanity in one another. As a state legislature, we do not influence federal policy. But, I personally continue to support peace efforts in the region, a return of hostages, and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
We’ve also seen loss of life here with the recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. It’s clear that thoughts and prayers are not enough; we need strong public policy to help put an end to senseless gun violence. I’m proud of the work we’ve done here in Minnesota in passing the Red Flag law and universal criminal background checks, but we still have more work to do.
As we all follow news around the world and country, I thought I’d give you a local update from the our community and what has been going on in September and October:
Tribal-State Relations Training
Lining up with Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday October 9, members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, the Minnesota Senate, and folks from state agencies participated in Tribal-State Relations Training on Wednesday, October 11th and Thursday, October 12th.
The training’s goal was to educate legislators and other attendees – including leadership within the executive branch – about American Indian tribal governments, histories, cultures, and traditions, and to help state leadership work more effectively with tribal governments and American Indians. Attendees learned about the history of federal Indian policy; the unique relationship between tribal, state, and federal governments; ways in which differences can be resolved through understanding, mediation, agreements, and partnerships; issues which the state of Minnesota and the tribes in Minnesota may differ on, and how work of the Legislature interconnects with the tribal nations.
Driver’s Licenses for All
On October 1, Driver’s License for All went into effect. Not only will this law make it easier for Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina families to navigate every-day life, but it will make our roads safer by discouraging driving without a license or proper insurance.
The ability to earn a driver’s license was a right previously held by all Minnesotans – regardless of immigration status – until it was removed 20 years ago. Under DFL leadership, restoring the right to earn a driver’s license was one of our top priorities, and we delivered for our neighbors so they can safely pick up their kids from school, buy groceries or medications, get to work, and so much more. I’ve been a longtime supporter of this measure and it’s been rewarding to be a part of the bipartisan coalition that has worked so hard to see this become a reality. More information about how to schedule a written or behind-the-wheel test, including requirements needed, can be found here.
Minnesota Historic Tax Credit
I was also excited to have celebrated the multi-year advocacy effort of the Minnesota Historic tax Credit. As the chief House author of this legislation for many years, the MN HTC program is necessary in the financing of rehabilitating historic buildings across Minnesota. Projects are moving forward that will create new opportunities for housing, entrepreneurship, and tourism, while also creating local jobs and the construction trades.
High School Page Program Seeking Applicants
Applications are open for the High School Page Program with the Minnesota House of Representatives! High School juniors are invited to apply for a weeklong learning opportunity at the state capitol to work directly with state representatives on committees and during proceedings on the House Floor. Applications are due November 22nd. Please feel free to share this with your networks and any high school junior who may be interested in participating. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.
Connected to Community
Hopkins/Minnetonka Fire and Police Chili Cook-Off
I had a wonderful time at the Hopkins/Minnetonka Fire and Police Department chili cook-off last month! Delicious chili, an opportunity to get caught up with friends, and to the ICA food-shelf. Hopkins Fire Department won the local chef’s 1st place award with their brisket chili!
Visit to Groves Learning Organization
In September, Rep. Larry Kraft and I visited Groves Learning Organization (formerly Groves Academy) in St. Louis Park. We discussed the investments the legislature delivered via the Read Act, and to see their recent repair to a portion of their building. The Groves Learning Organization has been a leader in working with students in all areas of literacy and those who experience learning challenges.
Kid Zone Visit
I had the opportunity to tour Kid Zone early childhood center with Director Marcy Dearking and board member Jamie Holm. Kid Zone is a wonderful asset to our community. Thank you for all you do for our kids!
Visit to Rise on 7 and Rise Early Learning Center
I am very excited for this new addition to St. Louis Park. Common Bond worked with housing advocates and other stakeholders to develop affordable housing on the former Prince of Peace Lutheran Church site just south of Knollwood Mall. They have also partnered with Rise Early Learning Center to create an affordable childcare opportunity to those in the building and the surrounding community. Combining affordable housing with affordable childcare for our families is something that is needed and I would like to see expand across the state.
Normandale Visit
I had the opportunity to visit Normandale Community College and hear about the programs they have in place to increase the number of students going into the teaching profession. College President Dr. Joyce Esther and her team are doing incredible work, especially in the area of increasing future teachers of color and indigenous teachers for our classrooms.
Speaking to students at the Humphrey and Macalester
Thank you to former Senator and now Professor Steve Kelley for the invitation to speak to his Education Law and Policy class at the Humphrey Institute on Public Policy. I was joined by former schoolboard member Andrea Cuene. The questions the students asked brings me hope for our future leaders in public policy.
I would also like to thank Professor Lesley Lavery for inviting me to speak to her class on education politics and policy. I was on a panel with Principal Timothy Williams and Principal Sarah Lightner from two St. Paul Public Schools. Students had thoughtful and provoking questions on school funding and the role of the state and the local elected officials.
Edina Schools Tour
I was excited to recently share the morning with Edina Superintendent Stacie Stanley, School Board Members, the Legislative Action Committee touring Cornelia Elementary, Southview Middle School, and the Edina High School hearing about great initiatives they’re working on.
Governor Walz visits Eisenhower Elementary
Governor Walz even visited Eisenhower Elementary in Hopkins this year to kick off a statewide tour highlighting investments made in pre-K this past session. Because of increased investments, 9,000 children will attend pre-K that would not have otherwise, saving families money and expanding access to early childhood education. Without this funding, Eisenhower Elementary would have lost many of their pre-k seats.
MyHealth Visit
I also met with the MyHealth student board stuff to learn more about the outreach they are doing with their peers on access to mental health, reducing vaping, and access to reproductive care. MyHealth, which is now located in Hopkins, has been a clinical program that for over 50 years providing comprehensive, preventative, and youth-centered medical care.
Edina Morningside Rotary
Thank you to the AM Edina Rotary and Peter Williams for the warm welcome late last month! Joseph Haj, the Guthrie’s Artistic Director, was an inspiring speaker who talked about how theater saved his life and how it helps us to interact with the world around us. The arts has the awesome power to bring humanity together. This month, I also attended a meeting where local lawyer and motivational speaker Ellie Krug presented. She spoke very personally about the struggle our transgender community members face when it comes to equal rights in employment, healthcare access, and in many of our communities in general.
Minnesota School Social Workers Association Legislator of the Year Award
Earlier this fall, I was honored to have received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Minnesota School Social Workers Association. This year, in large part due to MSSWA’s advocacy, the legislature was able to expand access to federal funds for our school social workers who are doing incredibly important work with our students. We know students cannot learn if their mental health and physical needs are unmet; I am grateful to have received this distinguished award.
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. I thank the Reading Center’s advocacy in helping get this across the finish line for Minnesota students and families. And a special thank you to Rep. Heather Edelson for being a steadfast champion for this important piece of legislation.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime with input, questions, or ideas 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.
Thank you to the Edina LWV for hosting a candidate forum for SD46B & SD46. There were great questions and conversations that mirror what I am hearing when I talk to folks at their doors. Check out the forum here https://youtu.be/1oExWscJv6k.
I hope you’ve had a good week. It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through June!
Here’s an update from the Capitol:
On Wednesday this week, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s health care providers will be ready to vaccinate children 6 months and older against COVID-19 after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel voted to recommend vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for that age group.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) must first issue vaccination recommendations, which could happen this weekend. Following CDC’s recommendations, the federal government will then ship vaccine doses to providers in Minnesota. Federal officials expect the first doses to arrive in the state early next week, if the vaccine is authorized this weekend.
When the vaccines are available, families can do the following to find shots:
Contact your or your child’s primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at other community locations around Minnesota.
Hometown Heroes Assistance Program Continues
Thanks to the advocacy of firefighters across the state and Minnesota Fire Initiative, this year the legislature passed a bill to extend the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. This is a bipartisan program to provide free access to emotional trauma resources, up to $20,000 from critical illness insurance policies, and ongoing health and wellness training, including evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. This week, the Governor held a ceremonial bill signing event to celebrate its passage.
Our dedicated firefighters work hard every day to keep us safe and risk their own health and safety while they’re taking care of us. I’m glad we’re continuing to prioritize our firefighters’ physical and mental health with this initiative.
Juneteenth Event at Parktacular
A reminder about St. Louis Park’s Juneteenth celebration this Sunday, June 19th. Enjoy local food and business vendors and live music from noon- 4:00 p.m. Check out more details of the event here.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with questions or input. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.
I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy our gorgeous start to June.
Here’s quick update from the Capitol:
Frontline Worker Bonus Pay Application is Open
This week on Wednesday, the online application system for frontline worker bonus pay was launched. It’s important to note that applications are not accepted on first come first serve basis; \workers will have until July 22 to apply. Over 200,000 applications have already been submitted. If you’re having any difficulties applying, please try first using a desktop device. You’re always welcome to contact me at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn if you have questions or need assistance.
Visit www.frontlinepay.mn.gov to see if you’re eligible and sign up to receive important updates.
Summer Events in the Community Save the Dates!
St. Louis Park’s Parktacular event kicks off next weekend running June 18 through the 19th. You can find the event information here.
Hopkins’ 88th Raspberry Festival will take place July 13-17. More information regarding the Grand Parade, how to nominate a Grand Marshal, and more can be found here.
Update on St. Louis Park Watermain Break
A few weeks ago, several of our St. Louis Park neighbors experienced a major watermain break and damage to their homes. I continue to be in touch with the City of St. Louis Park on their mitigation strategies to provide relief for homeowners. In the meantime, the City has created a dedicated website for affected residents to find up to date information.
As your state legislator, I want to make sure you have the state resources below that are available to you:
The Department of Commerce provides a Consumer Services Center that can assist homeowners, business owners and renters with insurance questions, claims and complaints. The best contact number is 651-539-1600. You should select “insurance” and you will be navigated to a Consumer Services Center staff members who will assist you.
Consumers who want to file a complaint about their insurer or if they feel like they’ve had a claim inappropriately denied can also file a complaint on the agency’s website.
Lastly, the department has a Disaster Response Guide, which contains information about flood insurance and sewer backups on pages seven and 8. It also has contact information for major insurers and tips for rebuilding once property owners get to that stage.
Free Park Entry this Saturday
Admission to state parks and recreation areas is free tomorrow! If you’d like to use this opportunity to explore a new spot, check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ ParkFinder tool. It has information about all 75 state parks and can help you find places with certain kinds of trails or facilities.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with questions or to let me know how I can be of assistance.
It’s an honor to represent you and our neighbors at the State Capitol.
I hope this finds you well. Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and after the week we’ve had, it doesn’t feel like we need a reminder. Gun violence is an epidemic we need to address, and I continue to advocate for common sense gun safety laws in Minnesota, like red flag laws and criminal background checks to name a few. Your advocacy and input for a safer state is critical. Please continue to have conversations with our neighbors, your state legislator, city elected officials, school board members, and members of Congress to demand the change we all deserve.
I #WearOrange today to support common sense gun violence prevention legislation. And to remember those who we’ve lost to gun violence. Our children don’t have to live in a country where there are more mass shootings than days on the calendar.
Here at the State Capitol, negotiations continue to establish parameters around a special session to complete our work. So far, Senate Republicans have been unwilling to come back to the table to deliver a tax bill, along with the $4 billion in investments that they agreed to weeks leading up to the end of session. I am encouraged House Speaker Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Miller, and Governor Walz are meeting today to discuss the possibilities.
June 11-Free State Park Entry Day
Save the date! All of Minnesota’s state parks have free entry next Saturday, June 11. Four times a year, and each season, a date for free entry is established. This is one of my favorite times of the year to get out and enjoy Minnesota’s gorgeous trails and natural environment. Click here to learn more and find a park to explore.
Congrats, Graduates!
Congratulations to all the 2022 graduates graduating from high school this year. I wish you much happiness on this special occasion. A special shout-out to the students from Hopkins and St. Louis Park schools as you celebrate your achievement!
You are entering into a period of life that offers you more freedom and opportunity than you have had before, but this also means facing a world of change and sometimes uncertainty. The challenge of meeting your new responsibilities can be rewarding and exciting. It is important to remember that you can make a difference in our world. Your potential is unlimited. My best wishes on one of life’s greatest milestones.
Community Visits
Friday, I had the chance to take a tour of Groves Learning Academy in St. Louis Park. It was great to learn a bit more about their mission around literacy and meeting students where they are in our community and beyond!
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with questions or input. Email is the quickest way to get in touch. During the interim I would love to tour your business or meet with your community organization. Please reach out if you would like to get something on the calendar.
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