Dear Neighbors,
The legislative session adjourned Monday as required by the Minnesota Constitution. Per the constitution, we needed to take action on all bills before midnight on Sunday. House members worked around the clock to resolve our differences and craft bills that would be able to pass in both the House and Senate and be signed into law by Governor Walz. While we were able to pass supplemental budgets for veterans and agriculture, smaller policy bills for HHS and Commerce, as well as some individual policy bills, there are important items still left on the table.
Earlier this month, Speaker Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Miller, and Governor Walz signed an agreement on a budget framework for the end of session: $4 billion in tax cuts; $4 billion in investments; and $4 billion on the bottom line, in case of a future economic downturn. As the House Property Tax Chair, I am personally frustrated that an extremely good bipartisan tax bill is still waiting in the wings. You can watch the bipartisan press conference that we held on Saturday to reveal what was included in the compromise bill.
After a tax deal was negotiated and finalized, ready for passage, the Senate went back on their word to agree with the overall budget framework and time ran out. Regardless of your politics, when you give someone your word and sign an agreement, you honor that agreement. Integrity matters to Minnesotans. It is my hope that Governor Walz is able to work with leadership on an agreement that will bring us into special session to finish those agreed upon bills.
Other budget items on the “to-do” list are transportation; long-term care; health and human services; public safety; state government finance; higher education; housing; and workforce development. While I’m not holding my breath, I remain cautiously optimistic that the GOP Senate will agree to come to the table and finish the job Minnesotans elected us to do. All of this work will need to be completed as soon as possible.
Tragedy in Buffalo and Uvalde
There are no words to express the profound grief and pain with ten people in Buffalo brutally killed, three people injured, and a surrounding community forever changed, all motivated by senseless hate. As reports continue to be released, it’s alleged the suspect published a 180-page document that repeats a series of white supremacist ideologies and racist conspiracy theories referred to as the “Great Replacement” as justification for a premeditated plan to search out Black people and murder them.
In 2020, the Minnesota House became the first legislative body in the nation to declare racism a public health crisis with the passage of House Resolution One creating the House Committee of Racial Justice.
And then Tuesday our hearts were broken again when in Uvalde, Texas there was a horrific school shooting of 19 children and two teachers. This is the second deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. Words cannot express the grief we all feel for the families of those precious children and their two teachers. We must work swiftly together now to save more lives.
In 2020, the Minnesota House passed common-sense background checks and red flag laws. The Senate wouldn’t even hold a hearing. We must act because our children deserve a future without this senseless and preventable violence.
Update on Frontline Worker Bonus Pay
The application process is expected to open June 8 through July 22, 2022. These dates are subject to change. Learn more at https://frontlinepay.mn.gov.
St. Louis Park Watermain Break
Last weekend fifty-six of our neighbors in St. Louis Park experienced a major watermain break and damage to their homes. I have personally experienced a sewer backup in my own home and understand how difficult it can be. The City of St. Louis Park has created a dedicated website for affected residents to find up to date information.
As your state representative, I wanted 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 which will put you into the main phone tree. You should select “insurance” and you will be navigated to a Consumer Services Center staff members who will assist you.
- Commerce has tips for residential property owners and renters on how to file an insurance claim on the agency’s website.
- 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, this is probably more information than is needed in this case, but we send this packet of information out following natural disasters. There is 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.
Memorial Day
On Monday, May 31 we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country as a member of our armed services. Here is the information for the Hopkins Memorial Day event and for the St. Louis Park Memorial Day event.
It’s been a tough week. Please take care of yourself and take a moment to enjoy the weather and time with family this weekend if you’re able. Don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with questions at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
Cheryl Youakim
State Representative
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