I hope this finds you well and that you’ve had a chance to explore our state’s gorgeous fall colors. Nature is healing and with everything going on in the world, it’s a good time to take a break from the news and get outside for a brisk walk.
Our family had two wonderful family events this summer, two of our children having weddings! At the end of July, our youngest son Jacob married Kayli in a beautiful ceremony in Stillwater. It was truly a family affair; Jacques performed the ceremony, I did the centerpieces, and Kayli’s folks helped with the slideshow. It has been great getting to know Kayli’s family and seeing the incredible group of friends that they have surrounded themselves with.
In September, our daughter Madeline married Anna in an incredible destination location wedding in France. These two amazing women did a ton of organizing to put a beautiful and magical ceremony together. Madeline and Anna’s brothers performed at the ceremony, provided the music, and were part of the wedding party. We were so thankful to all the family who made the trip across the ocean to celebrate including Anna’s incredible family, both Jacques’ and my parents, and all of Madeline and Anna’s friends.
Although state legislators have no control over federal budget decisions, as we enter the third week of a federal government shutdown, I’m working with state agencies to track the impact on Minnesotans, particularly the thousands of federal employees that no longer have paychecks. I have also been closely tracking the changes at the U.S. Department of Education and the impacts including the firing of most of the staff that handles funding for our student’s with special needs.
Our congressional representatives Dr. Kelly Morrison, and Ilhan Omar have resources for impacted constituents here and here respectively. Minnesota is home to 20,000 federal workers and most of us rely on some federal service in our day-to-day lives. I’m in close contact with the Minnesota congressional delegation representing our district as they work to prevent crushing insurance premium increases for the 389,000 individuals and small businesses across the state.
Serving on the NCSL Committee on Education
I’m honored to share that the National Conference on State Legislatures has appointed me to serve as a vice chair on the NCSL’s Standing Committee on Education. The Committee educates Congress about state concerns and serves as a forum for state legislators and legislative staff to learn about and share information regarding initiatives in other states. The Education Committee has jurisdiction over a vast variety of education issues, including early childhood education, K-12 education and teachers, special education and higher education.
I’m looking forward to serving in this role, collaborating with other state elected officials to help us deliver solutions that meet our kids where they are academically and emotionally. You can read the official press release here.
Survey on Gun Violence
The Minnesota DFL has passed laws that reduce gun violence in Minnesota and is working on additional legislation. As a part of that effort, we created a survey where you can tell us your personal experience with gun violence. Many of the ways in which gun violence impacts our society occur on more personal levels and don’t get a lot of media attention. We are hoping to shine a light on these stories to raise awareness of the full cost of gun violence. Please take the time to fill out our survey if you have been impacted by gun violence.
Strong Job Growth in Clean Energy
The latest clean energy jobs report continues to show that DFLers’ investments in clean energy are working–creating good paying jobs, spurring innovation, and outpacing the overall economy.
Whether they work in energy efficiency, clean fuels, batteries, or construction, almost 64,000 Minnesotans now work in the clean energy economy. That’s a 2.6% increase from last year, and growing faster than the overall growth rate! The report shows job growth across the state, and I was glad to see that 11% of our clean energy workforce are veterans, compared with 4% statewide!
Though this report does show that Minnesota’s clean energy policies are working, we also know that the Trump Administration is targeting energy programs for cuts, causing energy bills to go up and costing Minnesotans jobs and economic security.
While DFLers won’t be able to fully make up for Trump’s cruel cutting of these projects and jobs, I’m committed to fighting for a strong clean energy economy that lowers energy prices, helps our climate, and creates good-paying jobs that help Minnesota families.
Preventing Invasive Species
Calling all lake property owners and lake service provider businesses – the health of Minnesota waters depends on you! Invasive species threaten our local ecosystems, and you can take common-sense steps to protect our water from threats like zebra mussels and faucet snails.
As fishing, boating, and cabin season come to a close, remember to clean, drain, and dry (for at least 21 days!) docks, lifts and swim rafts to prevent the spread of invasive species when removing equipment for seasonal storage.
For more information on how you can help protect our waters from invasive species when moving shoreline equipment, visit the DNR’s website here.
Hopkins Digital Access Initiative Survey Now Open
The Hopkins Digital Access Initiative wants your feedback. We all know tech can be hard and scams are real. In Hopkins, the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative is trying to make real change and connections for those who need it by planning for more digital learning opportunities and tech help throughout the community. Digital access isn’t just about technology – it’s about unlocking opportunity, building connections and creating a stronger community where everyone can thrive. Learn more and take the survey.
Connected to Community
Last week was a busy one! Tuesday I met with Hopkins Police Chief Johnson and Fire Chief Specken to get an update on all things public safety in the City of Hopkins.
I also had a chance to talk with two amazing constituents to talk about fun violence protection and technology integration. I finished off my Tuesday meeting with the President of the Edina Teacher’s Union, Jason Dockter, to learn about the incredible work of our Edina teachers.
Later in the week I met with folks from the Minnesota Broadcaster’s Association to discuss the importance of local radio and television, as well as the Minnesota Catholic Conference.
I’d like to extend a big congratulations to Julia Lorenzen, St. Louis Park High School, and Reece Kyran Joshi, Southwest High School, for being named Presidential Scholars! They are two of 161 students across the country acknowledged for their accomplishments. Learn more about the program here.
As always, the Hopkins Fire Department Open House is a fall favorite! We’re going to miss Chief Dale Specken! This is his last open house before he retires in December.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889 with questions or input. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.
I hope this finds you well on what feels like the first true morning of fall. As temperatures dip and colors begin to pop, I encourage you to check out Minnesota’s Fall Color Finder to track the changes across the state. It’s a fun way to map out any outdoor getaway before the snow flies.
And speaking of getaways, an important update for families who may be flying over MEA: the Trump Administration has recently taken federal action eliminating financial reimbursements for canceled or delayed flights. This also includes financial compensation for hotel accommodations and meals.
I’m disappointed this rolls back consumer protections for folks when we’re seeing rising prices on just about everything; including the anticipated 100% tariffs on international prescription drugs, health care premiums, and more. It’s becoming more and more expensive to live and retire. All of these federal policies harming Minnesota families will help shape our work at the state level to mitigate the damages next session.
Insurance Premiums Set to Hike October 1
State leaders and health care experts recently held a roundtable to discuss how the federal budget bill signed into law by President Trump will increase health care costs for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans.
Everybody deserves affordable health care, but rising costs are unsustainable and hurting families. Because the new legislation lets valuable federal tax credits expire, Minnesotans in the private insurance market are facing premium increases as high as 50%. Farmers, small business owners, older adults, and families in rural communities will be hit the hardest.
Since the launch of the Affordable Care Act, Minnesota has made tremendous progress in getting more Minnesotans health care coverage. If the Trump Administration doesn’t extend the federal premium tax credits, thousands of Minnesotans – including children and our vulnerable neighbors – will lose the coverage they count on to live healthy lives.
We’ll need to take a hard look at how we can financially supplement this care as a state, especially in times of a divided legislature and tied House. It’s one more priority to add to the list as we look to the 2026 legislative session.
Special Session Update
I would like to thank those who attended our Edina Town Hall on Gun Violence Prevention last Tuesday evening. Thank you to Rep. Julie Greene for lining up a panel of experts including pediatric surgeons who have unfortunately seen their fair share of bullet wounds in children. It was a heartfelt conversation on the need to take action on the prevalence of guns in our communities.
Governor Walz is considering calling a special session of the legislature to address gun violence, and I’ve heard from many of you on this growing epidemic. In Minnesota, while the Governor has the power to call a special session, it is the Legislature that sets the agenda and length of time, and any solution will take bipartisan buy-in. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to pass in recent years, like Red Flag Laws and criminal background checks, which are working, as outlined by data in this article.
Minnesotans are tired of politicians standing with the gun lobby instead of being willing to take common-sense action to keep communities safe. For House DFLers, gun violence isn’t theoretical; it’s personal. Melissa and Mark Hortman were murdered in an act of gun violence three months ago and Senator Hoffman and his wife Yvette suffered multiple gunshot wounds from the same perpetrator. The Annunciation School shooting was one month ago. Why would we wait for another awful tragedy to take strong action instead of doing it now with the urgency Minnesotans are demanding?
DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 25 from 10 AM – 2 PM. This is a biannual event hosted nationwide to provide the public with a free and convenient opportunity for the disposal of unwanted, unused, and expired medicines from households.
To find an event site near you, use the locator tool featured on the event’s homepage here. If you do not immediately find a collection site near you, the DEA encourages you to continue checking back frequently, as new sites are added daily. Host locations typically include law enforcement facilities, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, hospitals, and clinics.
During the event, host sites will be collecting pills and capsules. Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines will be accepted.
Reminder: Apply for the High School Page and Undergraduate Internship Programs!
Are you a high school junior or college student interested in the Minnesota Legislature? Consider applying to the 2026 House High School Page Program or the Undergraduate Internship Program! It’s a great way to get an up-close look at how a bill becomes a law, advances out of committee, and passes during a House Floor session. There are also ample opportunities to participate in research and policy.
To learn more information about the High School Page Program, click here. The deadline to apply is December 4. To learn more information about the Undergraduate Internship Program, click here. The deadline to apply is November 7.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to stay in touch on any issue important to you at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889. 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.
This week we remember the tragedy of 9/11, first responders who ran into danger, and ordinary citizens who became heroes. I remember the unity of a country and how we faced that tragedy together. I’m afraid we have forgotten how to see, and treat, each other as human beings. Political rhetoric has led to a divide in this country.
In Minnesota alone, we have seen the assassination of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as well as the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. There has been an attempted assassination of President Trump, assaults on elected leaders on both sides of the aisle, and now political commentator Charlie Kirk has been killed. We all need to do a better job of bringing the temperature down in our political discussion on and off of social media. I know it is hard, but we are Minnesotans and we can do hard things.
Community Conversation on Gun Violence
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share their viewpoints and ask for a call to action to address the gun violence epidemic impacting our communities, this country and our lives. As your representative, I want to hear your voices, experiences, and ideas as they are vital for collaboration in the work we must do to protect our communities, especially our children. It’s crucial we have the hard and important conversations together.
I invite you to join me for a District 50 sponsored Community Conversation with my legislative colleagues and city leadership who represent Edina and Bloomington on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:30-8:00 pm. This event is just one step in listening, sharing and working together to take action.
Early this week, I had the chance to meet with Edina residents from Grandview Square and Edina City Council member Julie Risser to hear about crosswalk and traffic concerns on Eden & Vernon Ave. Thank you for organizing this, Nancy Greer!
I would like to thank both St. Louis Park Schools Superintendent Carla Hines & School Board Chair Cox for meeting with me to talk with me about the start of the school year! I also had a great visit with Edina Mayor Jim Hovland and City Manager Scott Neal to hear about the city’s legislative initiatives.
Stay in Touch Please always feel free to reach out to me with questions or input at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889. 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.
On Tuesday, September 23rd, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Rep. Julie Greene (DFL – Edina), Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL – Hopkins), Rep. Nathan Coulter (DFL – Bloomington), Rep. Steve Elkins (DFL – Bloomington), Senator Alice Mann (DFL – Edina), Mayor James Hovland, and Mayor Tim Busse will host a community conversation on gun violence prevention.
What: Edina and Bloomington Elected Leader’s Community Conversation on Gun Violence
When: Tuesday, September 23rd, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
I want to thank everyone who has reached out regarding the need for legislative action in the wake of last week’s tragedy at Annunciation Church. I share your passion for sensible gun violence protection legislation, and I am eager to take action. Before I was a House member, I was a Committee Administrator for the Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee right after the Sandy Hook tragedy. We heard multiple proposals, but the legislature was unable to get any substantial legislation passed due to partisan gridlock.
When we had a DFL trifecta in the 2023-24 session, we were able to pass Universal Background Checks and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag Laws). As the Chair of the House Education Finance Committee, I successfully ushered through increased funding for school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses, as well as other wrap-around services for our students. Building that support system and investing in our students’ mental health are just some ways we can prevent the outcome of what we saw at the Annunciation School.
All that being said, we still have work to do. Along with other community leaders, I joined the Mom’s Demand Action’s press conference calling for further action around assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. Our caucus is all too familiar with tragedies like these that have happened in all of our communities. It also hit very close to home at the beginning of the summer with the murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman as well as the attack on John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman.
Every Minnesotan deserves to feel safe in our public spaces whether it be our schools, places of worship, their work, a movie theater, in a local park, or anywhere in our communities. If Governor Walz’s calls for a special session to get to work on this, I hope our colleagues across the aisle are willing to consider sensible gun violence prevention solutions. That requires our Republican colleagues to join us in earnest to protect our kids. But rest assured, no matter if its in special session, the 2026 regular session, or beyond, we will continue to push legislation forward that keeps our kids and our communities safe from gun violence.
Resources for Families During the School Year
The Minnesota Department of Education announced the opening of a broadly inclusive application for families in need of educational benefits.
Completing just one form unlocks resources for families such as summer grocery benefits, utility discounts, and test fee waivers. The required income for these programs has also been increased. Families can apply anytime during the school year. You can learn more and apply here.
In the Community
Thank you to Edina Police Chief Milburn and Fire Chief Slama for the meeting to catch up on the city’s public safety initiatives!
I also meet with Edina Schoolboard Chair Garbers and Superintendent Bittner to hear how the first week of school went and ways we can partner. We had so much fun, we forgot to take a picture!
I rounded out the week meeting Americorp Executive Director Quandrud to hear about all of their amazing program initiatives.
The 7th Annual St. Louis Park Art Fair is here! Come celebrate community and shop local artist and maker booths. There will also be a variety of events and activities for the whole family. You can learn more here. If you’re interested in volunteering for the event, you can sign up here.
Keep in Touch
Please always feel free to reach out to me with questions or input at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889. 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.
Recent Comments