 Legislative Update from Rep. Cheryl Youakim
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well. With June 14 upon us, even a year later, we’re still mourning the loss of our friend Melissa, her husband Mark, and their beloved golden retriever Gilbert, who were assassinated in an act of political violence.
My friend Melissa was a singular force for good in Minnesota, dedicating her career to improving the lives of all Minnesotans; millions of people she would never meet. Mark Hortman was an amazing person and always supportive of Melissa, and you can read more about his life here.
I am honored to have served alongside one of the most consequential House Speakers in Minnesota history.
In remembrance of Mark, Melissa, and Gilbert, and to honor John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman, I’ll be lighting a candle at dusk Sunday. I hope you’ll join me.
Session Recap
We’re a few weeks removed from the 2026 legislative session now, and I wanted to take some time to give a little more detail about the investments we made in our community and state. If you have questions about specific legislation, do not hesitate to reach out.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT/LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE: We passed $1.2 billion in bipartisan infrastructure investments to support our communities across the state. These investments ensure we take care of what we have, provide high quality educational facilities, restore and protect our natural spaces, and improve the critical infrastructure, such as water and transportation systems, that allow communities throughout the state to grow and thrive. I am pleased to announce that $5.1 million for Oxford & Louisiana Area Infrastructure in St. Louis Park was included in the bonding bill.
ENVIRONMENT & LEGACY: This year's Legacy bill provides $191 million for over 100 projects across Minnesota to help preserve wildlife habitat, restore wetlands and forests, improve outdoor recreation opportunities, and protect Minnesota's natural resources for future generations. These investments support nearly 69,000 acres of conservation work, including prairie restoration, forest protection, wetland enhancement, and habitat improvements.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES & HEALTH FINANCE & HUMAN SERVICES: Legislation included over $200 million provided for the stabilization reserve for HCMC, as well as $23.9 million for community health centers. We also took action to ban AI from denying prior authorizations and extended telehealth. Additional funding for food shelf grants and food bank grants. There were many other items in these comprehensive packages.
HOUSING: Legislation included $40 million emergency rental assistance impacted by Operation Metro Surge and other challenges in 2026. There was also $100 million provided in Housing Infrastructure Bonds creating more than 2,200 affordable homes. Investments also include projects across the state with Greater Minnesota workforce housing funded.
JOBS/LABOR: My DFL colleagues and I blocked every attempt to repeal earned sick & safe time, paid family leave, meatpacker protections, and the nursing home workforce standards board. We extended unemployment insurance to workers from the Hibtac Mine in Hibbing and adopted policy changes from the Workers Compensation Advisory Council.
PUBLIC SAFETY: There was $30 million provided for various security enhancements at the Capitol and the courts. We also passed a creation of a new State Patrol unit that will coordinate security services for legislators and $10 million to the courts for judges’ home security systems, as well as personal data protections. The public safety bill also included $12.1 million in grant funding to Minnesota’s essential victim services organizations; $2.1 million to the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund, which helps local law enforcement agencies pay for important training on topics like implicit bias and crisis intervention; and $905 thousand in grants that will help local law enforcement agencies solve nonfatal shootings.
EDUCATION: Overall, given the circumstances of a tied house and a non-budget year, we were able to provide some funding for our schools. The shortfall in compensatory aid and impending cuts to special education remain at the forefront of financial concerns that schools face and will be on the agenda for next session when we set the State’s two year budget. We were able to provide $10 million to ease the reduction to compensatory aid.
After the Annunciation tragedy, school safety was in the forefront of folks' minds. We passed important policy to require our schools to have Anonymous Threat Reporting Systems (ATRS) that will help prevent future school tragedies. Included in the ATRS bill was $5 million for grants to schools and funds to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to screen for threats. And while we are starting to see the results of investments in increased staffing for student support personnel we made in 2023, we still have more to do to make sure our student’s have the supports they need. In the Health bill, we were able to get $12.5 million in school-linked behavioral health grants and $3.8 million for mobile crisis grants.
TAXES: Invested $125 million for expanded homestead credit property tax refunds. Authorized the development of a Direct File program free for all Minnesotans. I introduced and carried this bill for four years, thank you to Chair Aisha Gomez for getting it across the finish line. Extending the Homelessness Prevention Aid for four years. 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.
VETERANS: The veterans bill secured $26M in federal VA funding and 185 new jobs by meeting staffing standards. It also established formal “Veteran of the Secret War” status for Hmong and Lao vets. 45% National Guard pay raise for lower ranks.
Celebrating Pride
I’d like to wish our family, friends, and neighbors a safe and happy Pride month. Every day we can be allies to our neighbors and now more than ever, it’s important to let our communities know we stand with them. Everyone deserves to be their authentic selves and to love who they love. Hopkins will be celebrating its 3rd Pride Celebration on Sunday, June 14. You can find more details, including activities, here.
Summer Happenings in the District
Our communities are incredible places to gather and enjoy the warmer weather. Coming up is St. Louis Park’s annual Parktacular- save the date for the Grand Olde Parade on June 20. Click on the hyperlinks below to find schedules of more of our favorite summer traditions:
 Last week, we celebrated St. Louis Park music teacher David Davis, the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year! Mr. Davis believes each student has their own inherent brilliance and loves watching them gain confidence when they learn a new skill. Rep. Larry Kraft, Rep. Mike Freiberg, Senator Ann H. Rest, and I presented Mr. Davis with House & Senate resolutions at the Park Spanish Immersion End of the Year Celebration. Congratulations, Mr. Davis!!
This summer and fall, I’ll be connecting with our neighbors in the community. If you belong to an organization or group, or own a local business, and would like to meet, I’m happy to get together. You can reach me at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend,
 Rep. Cheryl Youakim
46B – Hopkins, Edina, & St. Louis Park
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