Legislative Update- November 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and staying safe. A big thank you to our Hopkins and St. Louis Park residents for entrusting me with another two years of service to our communities in the Minnesota House. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m honored to continue working hard for you and elevating our neighbors’ voices in St. Paul.

Minnesota is poised to become once again, the only divided state legislature in the country. A few House and Senate races have triggered automatic recounts, and those will be finalized soon.

On December 1, Minnesota Management and Budget Agency will release the November Economic Forecast, the state’s budget outlook as we prepare for the 2021 session. Unlike the federal government, Minnesota cannot deficit spend, meaning we must work together to balance the state budget when the House and Senate gavels in on January 5. I’ll keep you posted on what those numbers look like next month.

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

COVID-19 Update:

With COVID-19 cases spiking, hospitals full, and healthcare worker shortages rampant, Governor Walz asked Minnesotans last week to hit pause on social activities, in-person gatherings, sports, and gyms- where we are seeing the largest rate of transmission- for four weeks.

The research and public health data indicate that the virus is spread most in places where people gather for long periods of time, especially when masks are not consistently worn. For instance, a quick stop at a retail store with a mask and social distancing appears to be lower risk than a gathering of friends for dinner where guests are likely to be seated closer together and unmasked while eating or drinking—whether it’s at a restaurant or in their own home.

We all have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting each other- our healthcare workers, first responders, and frontline workers especially. Let’s take the bipartisan pledge to practice public health guidelines: staying home when we can; wearing a mask; washing our hands frequently; distancing socially; getting tested; and being kind with one another.

COVIDaware MN

Yesterday, Governor Walz unveiled a new tool to help keep Minnesotans informed as cases surge across the state. COVIDaware MN is a free mobile app can alert people if someone they’ve been in close contact with – even someone they don’t know – contracts the virus. The app is free, voluntary, and anonymous. You can download it and learn more here.

Economic relief for our small businesses is front and center as a four-week pause will inevitably create additional challenges for our small restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Governor Walz and legislative leaders shared plans on what they’d like to see to keep businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on the table.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Minnesota has invested nearly $100 million dollars to support more than 8,000 Minnesota businesses. The state has also given nearly $840 million in support to local governments, much of which has been distributed to small businesses across the state. Also last week, the Governor wrote a letter urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to act quickly to provide assistance for workers, families, businesses, and states. I also signed a letter with my House colleagues to Congress to urge quick passage of a COVID relief package at the federal level.

In the meantime, Hennepin County is offering additional assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Bars, restaurants, gyms, and event/entertainment venues can apply for Small Business Relief grants here. Applications will close on Tuesday, December 1 at noon.

Shop Small Saturday

Our small businesses need our support now more than ever. If you’re planning on getting a jump start to your holiday shopping, please consider purchasing your gifts locally. Relief is on the way, but until then, let’s show our small shop owners our communities have their backs.  

Largest Bonding Bill Passed in State History

I am pleased to share that the Minnesota House and Senate passed a robust, bipartisan Jobs and Infrastructure bill last month. The final legislation includes my bill to fund improvements to update Perspectives Inc., the wonderful nonprofit organization in St. Louis Park that helps women and children recover from addiction and poverty and set them up for success in the community. A full list of the projects included can be accessed here.

Keep in Touch

Please contact me anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn with input or questions. Please also feel free to leave a message with my legislative assistant, Eric, at 651-296-9889. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can assist you and your family. For additional updates, you’re welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page.

Warmly,

Cheryl Youakim

State Representative