 Dear Neighbors,
A big thank you to all who attended our Community Conversation last week! It was great to connect with all of you to hear what’s on your mind and to help answer questions about what’s going on at the legislature. I also appreciated the opportunity to listen to residents at the Coffee with the Commissioner event last Saturday. If you haven’t had a chance yet to share your input on how federal COVID-19 relief dollars should be allocated in Hopkins and St. Louis Park, please take the survey here.
You’re also invited to join me for the next conversation on Zoom on Wednesday, October 27th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Please RSVP with my legislative assistant, Eric, at eric.petersen@house.mn or 651-296-9889 to receive the call-in information.
 I’ve been staying busy checking in with folks across the state and in our community to see how I can be of assistance and learn more about how they are helping our residents and families stay safe and thrive.
 Thank you to the folks at The Glenn in Hopkins for the tour yesterday as well as the chance to hear from your residents and staff. What you did to make sure your residents stayed safe and connected to family during COVID is amazing!
 Great Saturday at the Depot Coffee House for a Community Conversation with Commissioner LaTondresse & Senator Latz. Thanks to all who joined us! Enjoyed the student art fair there & then on to Cream & Amber’s Fall Fair. Finished off the day on a 2-10 pm ride along with our amazing Hopkins Fire Department. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with me and for all you do for our city!
 Had a great tour of the IBEW training center in St Michael today with Rep Emma Greenman. Thank you to Andy Snope for showing us around to see the incredible work training the next generation of electricians!
Targeted Community Capital Project Grant Program
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) began the process of seeking proposals for the Targeted Community Capital Project Grant Program. This new program aims to fund projects that result in providing, increasing, and/or expanding access to economic development, education or workforce development programs or services to underserved communities or economically disadvantaged persons or groups.
The targeted grants address needs for services such as job training, youth after school programming, health care, and educational support - services essential to thriving communities. Questions on the program can be submitted to Ann Meyers at ann.meyers@state.mn.us. DEED will post responses to frequently asked questions on DEED's Competitive Grants and Contracts page.
All proposals must be received via email to AdultCompetitiveGrants.Deed@state.mn.us and time stamped received by 5:00 pm Central Time on Monday, December 6, 2021. Award recipients will be notified in January 2022.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 23
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 23. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., dispose of unused medications at a drop-off location near you. Find your closest collection site here.
“Kids Deserve a Shot”
Vaccine Incentive Program
This week, the Governor announced the launch of “Kids Deserve a Shot,” a vaccine incentive program encouraging 12-17-year-olds in Minnesota to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The program consists of two sets of rewards: a $200 Visa gift card for 12-17-year-olds who start and complete their vaccine series between October 18 and November 30, and five drawings of $100,000 Minnesota college scholarships for any 12-17 years old in Minnesota with a complete vaccine series.
Currently, only 50% of Minnesotans 12-15 and less than 60% of Minnesotans 16-17 are fully vaccinated, the lowest vaccination rates of all eligible age groups.
Full program details and rules and online registration are available here.
People can get their free COVID vaccine by walking in or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector. Call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you. Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder.
Election Day is November 2
Voting is open and available for St. Louis Park and Hopkins local City and School Board elections. You can follow the links above to find your polling location and how to cast your ballot early.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889. As we continue remote operations, email is the quickest way to get in touch.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the fall colors while they last!
Take care,
 Cheryl Youakim
State Representative
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