Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Legislative Update from Rep. Cheryl Youakim Dear Neighbors, Last week, legislators took a brief spring recess to observe Passover and Easter, but the work hasn’t stopped. Next Friday, April 17, is third deadline which requires all budget bills to pass out of their individual committees and into the Ways and Means Committee. We set the two-year state budget last session and there has been no supplemental budget targets set this year. If a committee wants to consider putting together a supplemental budget this session, they have to find the cuts within their jurisdiction to cover it. My co-chair has had no appetite to have that discussion together. And unfortunately, I’m not sure how serious my colleagues across the aisle are in getting anything done. While we passed a handful of technical bills off of the House floor on Thursday, the remainder of our House floor time this week has been the GOP pulling bills out of the committee process and onto the House floor for surprise votes. Whether it was their attempt on Tuesday to distract from the Iran War by discussing which students can play high school sports or discussing bills that have no path forward, my colleagues across the aisle swing from cruel to unserious. It is especially disappointing when those same colleagues shut down bills that could truly help those struggling right now like a $50 million bill to help small business owners struggling from the impacts of Operation Metro Surge. Or a $40 million bill to keep folks in their homes. It is time to get serious and stop playing games. Democrats are committed to helping Minnesotans afford their lives and thrive. We want to see kids have the opportunity to grow up here. We’re fighting for legislation that lowers some of the highest costs for families: health care, child care, groceries, housing, and energy. Gun violence prevention continues to be at the top of mind, as well as making sure our cities and counties have the tools they need to provide services to their residents. Highlights from Committee this WeekThe House Education Finance Committee only met once this week due to our GOP colleagues turning a brief floor session into 2+ hours discussing which student athletes can participate in high school sports. We missed getting to discuss a bill that would prevent special education cuts. On Thursday, when I had the gavel, we had a thoughtful discussion on teacher pay and access to affordable health insurance for our school districts who have been facing rising costs. Under Co-Chair Gomez's leadership in the House Taxes Committee this week, members heard proposals to expand the child tax credit alongside potential funding mechanisms — including broadening the net investment income tax and imposing a 1% tax on equity holdings exceeding $10 million. On Thursday, we heard legislation, HF 4841, which would raise Hennepin County sales tax revenue to permanently fund the Hennepin County Medical Center. While the details of the legislation continue to be worked on, it's imperative we find a bipartisan solution to save HCMC, the number one trauma center serving our entire state. It is my hope that any increase in the sales tax would be temporary and that we would find a statewide solution for this important statewide asset. When Co-Chair Davids held the gavel, we heard a bill on expanding the sustainable aviation fuel credit, as well as a handful of bills on exempting different types of businesses from a variety of taxes. Minnesota Values Project SurveyGroceries, rent, healthcare, childcare costs are all adding up. As we're seeing the consequences of the Trump administration’s federal budget emerge in Minnesota, I'd like to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out this survey: surveymonkey.com/r/MVP2026Survey Connected to CommunityConstituent meetings are winding down with five weeks left in the session. I was grateful to meet with Linda Sandvig from Beacon Interfaith hear about the work they are doing on affordable housing and the important role supportive housing plays in stabilizing lives.  High school students Edhita (Edina) and Jonathan (Eagan) shared the opportunity that HOSA has provided them in their school districts to explore the medical professional field while in High School. Edhita is thinking of going into surgical medicine and Jonathan into epidemiology.  I also met with a group of teachers on a statewide teacher health insurance pool as well as teacher pay. Additionally, two neighbors were at the Capitol with the Carpenters Union to talk about the need for us to pass a bonding bill and the importance of investments in building out our housing supply. These workers take care of us (our students and our important infrastructure), we need to take care of them.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889 with input or questions. 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 weekend,  Rep. Cheryl Youakim
46B – Hopkins, Edina, & St. Louis Park |