 Dear Neighbors, I hope this finds you well! We wrapped up our budget work this week on the House Floor, passing Jobs & Labor, Human Services, Pensions, Commerce, Judiciary & Public Safety, Tax, and Health budget bills. We also passed significant standalone bills with bipartisan support including increased warehouse worker safety, skilled worker safety at refineries, legislation to replace aging lead pipes across the state, and adult-use cannabis legalization. Our next phase of the legislative session will be conference committee work. House Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Diedzic will each appoint 3-5 members of the House and Senate respectively to iron out differences within each version of a budget bill. As the chair of the House Education Finance Committee, I’m excited to move forward with this process next week to deliver a strong final product for Minnesota students and schools. Our House Education Finance and Policy Conference Committee team includes myself, Rep. Laurie Pryor, Rep. Mary Frances Clardy, Rep. Josiah Hill, and Rep. Ron Kresha. Solidifying and Celebrating Self AutonomyThis week, Governor Walz signed three bills into law, all of them making Minnesota a more welcoming, science-following, rights-protecting state. The Legislature banned conversion therapy, protected access to abortion, and made Minnesota safe for those seeking gender-affirming care. These new laws proudly celebrate everyone for who they are and I’m so proud of the groundwork my colleagues have laid to make Minnesota a welcoming place for all.  Important Medicaid InformationDuring the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, annual renewals for our public health programs – MinnesotaCare and Medicaid – paused. In less than two weeks, on May 11, the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency is ending and those on MinnesotaCare or Medicaid will need to update their information to determine their ongoing eligibility. If someone is no longer eligible for coverage under Medicaid, they should be able to get low-cost health insurance through the federal and state insurance marketplaces. You can watch a short video here for more information.  I loved the energy at the Capitol this week! I had a chance to visit constituents with Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota School Psychologist Association, and a Moms Demand Action rally. Thank you all for supporting our kids to make sure they are healthy, they are housed, and they are safe! I rounded out the week meeting with folks here advocating for the Democracy for All bill, from Unidos here to talk about access to healthcare, to share the good work that the St. Paul Promise Neighborhood is doing, and teachers here to talk about funding schools and pension reform.      Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889 with questions or input. I appreciate hearing from you! Email is the quickest way to get in touch. Thank you for the honor of serving our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors at the State Capitol. Have a great weekend!  Cheryl Youakim
State Representative |