 Dear Neighbors,
The 2026 Legislative Session came to an end this week with the final bills passed before the Sunday midnight deadline and retirement speeches on Monday. I'm proud of the work we accomplished in a tied House to help our hospitals, deliver property tax cuts, protect taxpayer dollars, and invest in local jobs and infrastructure projects.
In a tied 67-67 House, there was always bound to be compromise and disappointment. As your state representative, I worked to find compromise wherever possible without jeopardizing our communities’ core values.
Despite the challenge of an even partisan split in the House, my DFL colleagues and I worked every day to make life better for Minnesotans. We worked to make life more affordable by addressing high costs for health care, housing, child care, energy, and groceries.
We successfully passed solutions to combat and prevent fraud, protecting Minnesotans' state dollars and keeping them out of criminals' hands. We also provided funding to stabilize Hennepin County Medical Center, the state’s largest safety net hospital, which serves patients from across the state. As the DFL Education Finance Committee Chair, it was critical to address student and teacher safety in the aftermath of the Annunciation shooting and Operation Metro Surge successfully fought for and passed investments in mental health support for our students and anonymous threat reporting for our communities.
In a tied House, we came together to pass a significant Local Jobs and Infrastructure package, which includes the bill I carried with Rep. Larry Kraft for the $5.1 million for Oxford & Louisiana Area Infrastructure in St. Louis Park.The Tax bill also included a provision I carried to extend a tax increment financing provision for a project area along Blake Road in the City of Hopkins.
 Photo credit: MN House Photographer Michele Jokinen
After an incredibly difficult year—the killing of Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert Hortman, the shooting at Annunciation, and the federal occupation—this session, we worked to do everything in our power to protect our neighbors, despite Republican opposition.
While we were able to get some good work done, many key priorities were left on the table. If we had one more vote, we could have made real progress on the priorities I hear about most from our neighbors:
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An ICE response package that would keep ICE out of our schools and hospitals, help our small businesses harmed by the Surge, and protect Minnesotans’ constitutional rights.
With a one seat majority in the Minnesota Senate, DFLers took action on many of these priorities, but House Republicans refused to join us in a tied house. Whether it was standing up to Trump, the gun lobby, or the billionaires who are able to weather economic instability, Republicans failed to join us to meet the moment.
But the work isn’t over, and I’m more committed than ever before to build a stronger Minnesota. In Minnesota, you should be able to afford your life. I’m committed to building a future where hard work is rewarded, families have a real chance to get ahead, and our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina community can thrive.
I'll plan to give an overview at our District 46 Town Hall with Representative Kraft and Senator Latz at the Saint Louis Park City Hall on Wednesday, May 27th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The event is free and nonpartisan.
Session is over, but the work still continues. During the interim I take tours of various programs we've invested in, as well as schools. I will also be meeting with constituents, local electeds, folks in our schools and cities, and businesses in our communities.
I appreciated Sarah Dzuik giving the tour of Junior Achievement in St. Paul. You’re doing amazing work exposing students to career paths with Biz Town, teaching financial literacy with Finance Park, and helping students chart a path with Dream Accelerator! Check out their good work here: https://www.janorth.org/
As we prepare to gather with friends and family over the weekend, let us take a moment to reflect upon and honor the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Their service will never be forgotten.
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.
 Cheryl Youakim
State Representative
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