 Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well! Conference committee work continues with the House and Senate. We’re moving efficiently toward an orderly end of the session. Our state constitution requires us to adjourn by May 22.
 We’re making progress in the Education Conference Committee and I’m excited about the final product which will accomplish a great deal for Minnesota students and schools. You can follow our work here.
 In between our conference committee work, we continue to pass significant standalone bills off the House Floor. Here’s an update on those:
On Tuesday, we passed Paid Family and Medical Leave in the House. The bill provides Minnesota workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for family or themselves. The program is funded by a small employer and employee contribution, meaning lost wages from time off will be recovered by the State fund, not employers. I have talked to small business owners who have asked for this proposal so that they can be on a level playing field with larger employers who already provide a Paid Family Medical Leave program.
 Every day in Minnesota, workers face the impossible choice of either going to work to earn a paycheck or staying home to take care of themselves or a sick family member. While some workers have jobs that provide paid sick leave, thousands of Minnesotans do not have access to a single paid day off. Additionally, those in the lowest wage positions and our BIPOC community members face stark disparities. I was proud to support a Paid Family Medical Leave program.
We also passed an important bill that will help our police and firefighters access mental health treatment for PTSD. It also requires public employers to provide wellness training or an employee assistance program to peace officers and firefighters in order to be eligible for state reimbursement of certain treatment, employee compensation, and health insurance costs.
The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, Minnesota Fire Association Coalition, Association of Minnesota Counties, City of Rochester, City of St. Paul Fire Department, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the National Alliance on Mental Health-Minnesota chapter have all publicly voiced their support. The Star Tribune wrote an article about the bill and you can read it here.
National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women
Today is National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women. At the Minnesota Capitol, we recognized the work we have done and the work we need to still do. Thank you Lt. Governor Flanagan, Rep. Heather Keeler, Senator Mary Kunesh, & Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn for all you are doing!
Teacher Appreciation Week
It’s teacher appreciation week, thank you for all you do each and every day for our kiddos! A special shout out to my dad, my husband, and my son - three generations of awesome Minnesota teachers. 😊❤️And to my four amazing sisters-in-law who are also in the classroom. ❤️
Keep in Touch
Please 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! With the fluid nature of the legislative session, especially this time of the year, 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.
Have a great weekend!
 Cheryl Youakim
State Representative
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