Legislative Update- June 24, 2022

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Dear Neighbors,

Although we knew of the U.S. Supreme Court’s intention to overturn Roe V. Wade, the 6-3 decision today to remove an American’s right to an abortion is staggering. Also today, the Supreme Court struck down a New York law that placed strict restrictions on carrying concealed firearms in public for self-defense, loosening a critical safeguard to help prevent more gun violence on the streets.

While these are undoubtedly devastating developments in our country, now is the time to organize, mobilize, and engage with elected officials at all levels in Minnesota. All of us deserve the freedom to live healthy, safe lives, and we must continue this fight, together.

It is equally as disappointing that the ruling indicates the current Court's willingness to attack our right to contraception, as well as the right for people to marry who they love. As we celebrate Pride this weekend, it is important to remember that Minnesotans rejected the divisive constitutional amendment in 2012. I will continue to stand with our LBGTQ+ community and their rights to marry who they love.

Update from the Capitol

As you may have heard, the Senate Republican majority has decided to walk away from negotiations with the House and Governor. In divided government, Minnesotans expect lawmakers from both parties to work together to get things done, but the Senate has chosen to block the critical investments (they agreed to) for Minnesota’s nursing homes, education, public safety, infrastructure, middle-class tax cuts, and more.

To say this is frustrating is an understatement. As the House Property Tax Chair, I worked hard with Democrats and Republicans to find a compromise on a historic bill that would cut taxes, eliminate the tax on social security, provide rebates and credits for young families, renters, and folks with disabilities, and more. At a time when Minnesotans need more money back in their pockets, my colleagues across the aisle opted to gamble with election year politics, instead of delivering solutions. It is deeply disappointing and I will continue to push for a special session to complete the good work we started during the legislative session.

This week, Governor Walz announced renewed efforts to deliver state stimulus checks of $1,000 for individual filers and $2,0000 for joint filers to help with the rising costs this summer. I would love to hear your thoughts on that proposal.

Improving Mental Health Services

During the final days of the legislative session, the House and Senate developed and passed a bipartisan bill to improve mental health services. The bill, which Gov. Walz signed into law, contained funding to increase hospital capacity, train new mental health care professionals, and expand the use of mobile crisis services. It won’t solve every problem with our mental health care system, but this legislation will help more Minnesotans get the care they need.

COVID Vaccines Available for Young Children

On Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved two COVID-19 vaccines for children who are six months old or older. Both vaccines were carefully studied and help protect children from severe disease, hospitalization, and death. They’re administered in smaller doses and packaged differently than vaccines that are available for older children and adults.

More than 300 providers in Minnesota are offering vaccines to children between six months and five years of age, including pediatricians, pharmacies, community clinics, and more. Parents and guardians can use the Vaccine Locator Map to find providers in their area. More information about COVID vaccines for children is available at mn.gov/vaxforkids.

Post 9/11 Veterans Can Now Apply for Bonus

Minnesota has a long history of approving service bonuses to our Veterans who served in the United States’ wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism.

This year, we passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill including funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. I am honored to support this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries. Learn more here. Applications are due by June 30.

Catalytic Converter Marking Event 

A catalytic converter theft deterrent marking event has been scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St., St. Louis Park. Vehicles will be put on a vehicle lift and the catalytic converter will be etched and spray painted by a mechanic. Each participant will receive a window sticker stating the car has a marked catalytic converter.

The City of Saint Louis Park is asking interested residents to first complete an event interest form which will be available on June 29 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Those that complete the interest form will be placed into a lottery drawing, where 72 residents will be selected at random to attend the event. If you are chosen through the lottery drawing, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to select a time slot to attend the event. If you are not selected, we encourage you to apply for future marking events, which we will continue to share through our website and other communication channels.

The city’s Things to Do page is where you’ll need to fill out the interest form starting at 9 a.m. June 29.

Twin Cities Pride 

This month and every month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ Minnesotans that make our state a better place to be. People are happier when they can truly, unapologetically be who they are. I’ll always stand with our LGBTQ+ neighbors to make sure they can live the quality of life we all deserve. Twin Cities Pride is happening this weekend. It is also my husband Jacques’ and I 30th Anniversary! As we celebrate our time together, I will recommit to protecting everyone’s freedom to marry who they love. Check out the schedule of Pride events taking place 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. Thank you for the honor of serving our residents and families at the State Capitol.

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative