Legislative Update- July 8, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. We’ve been through a lot in the past few weeks. Many of you have reached out to me with your thoughts on the gun violence epidemic, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and many other important issues. While I am thankful for the gun violence prevention package that passed at the federal level, the tragic events in Highland Park in Chicago remind us we have more work to do. I also remain hopeful about the work we are doing at the state level with our joint House and Senate Reproductive Caucus.

As a reminder, during an election year, legislators must stop proactively contacting constituents in accordance to state law. The last update I will send out until the New Year will be July 22nd. I am still free to answer your emails, calls, or respond to concerns you may have. Please continue to share your thoughts with me via email or by phone.

Here’s an update on some news from the legislature:

Hemp THC Legal in Minnesota as of 7/1

As you’ve likely heard, low-dose THC edibles and drinks are legal under new legislation that came into effect on July 1, as detailed in this Star Tribune article. This legislation is a step towards the safe regulation of THC products in MN.

Before this legislation was signed into law, Minnesota had little to no regulatory framework around products containing THC derived from hemp. Products targeting youth quickly proliferated across the state, often with colorful advertising/packaging and candy-like products with non-childproofed containers. I’m glad the new law adds necessary guardrails to protect youths. Just today, the author of the law announced next steps. These include:

• Creating a state licensure program
• Implement improved taxation
• Potential to create separate regulatory authority city by city or to further define current agency roles

I’ll be sure to keep you posted on developments as they continue.

New Bonuses Available for
Post-911 Era Veterans 

As a result of legislation we passed this session, the application window opened yesterday for veterans who served in the post-9/11 era to receive bonuses for their service.

Bonus amounts under the bill will be $600 for those who did not serve in the Afghanistan or Iraq campaigns, $1,200 for those who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, and $2,000 for Gold Star families of veterans serving in Afghanistan or Iraq who died as a direct result of their service.

Applications are open until June 30, 2024, or until the funding we approved has been exhausted. Learn more here.

Hopkins’ 88th Raspberry Festival

A reminder that Hopkins’ 88th Raspberry Festival will take place July 13-17. More information can be found here.

Summer Music in the Park

The City of St. Louis Park is partnering with the St. Louis Park Rotary Club to bring you the Summer Concert Series. All performances are free and filled with amazing talent! Concerts are held at Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater, 3700 Monterey Drive, unless noted otherwise on the city’s website. Check out the schedule of events here.

The Hopkins Center for the Arts and Mill City Sound are sponsoring the 2022 Sunset Series on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Downtown Park, 40 Ninth Avenue S, Hopkins. Bring a chair and some friends! Rain location announced by 3:00 p.m. day of concert. The schedule of events can be found 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.

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative