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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL)

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Season's Greetings!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
   

 

Rep. Youakim

 

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and that you’re enjoying the holiday season with loved ones. I’m looking forward to having my kids home for the holidays and spending quality time with our family and friends.

 

Happy Holidays

 

House Education Policy Listening Session

Last Thursday, the House Education Policy Committee (of which I’m the chair) hit the road to hear from paraeducators who work with students with disabilities. It is so very important for decision makers to hear from folks who are working with our learners in the classroom. Along with the members of the House Education Finance Committee we learned more about the issues their profession is facing in the classroom. We heard from paraeducators about paid prep time, training, better wages, and increased special education funding to help with needed resources. I authored legislation last session to address some of these challenges, such as requiring at least 16 hours of paid orientation/professional development for paraeducators, Title I aids, and other instructional support staff prior to the start of the school year. Although it wasn’t included in the final education budget bill, I’ll continue to advocate for its passage in 2020.

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Upcoming Community Conversations

Mark your calendars for my upcoming Community Conversations. During the beginning of the legislative session I conduct a series of listening sessions at our Hopkins and St. Louis Park libraries. There will be a brief update on what is currently happening at the Legislature and then I open it up for questions. It is an informal setting, so please feel free to drop in for a short time or for the entire hour and a half. I hope you will consider attending one of the sessions; it is important for me to hear your thoughts and concerns.

Hopkins Library Community Room – 22 11th Ave. N.

  • Saturday, January 25 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, February 29 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

St. Louis Park Library Community Room – 3240 Library Lane

  • Monday, January 27 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Monday, February 3 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 8 from Noon – 1:30 p.m.

I will also be hosting at Town Hall with Senator Ron Latz and Ryan Winkler. We are hoping to have those dates set soon.

Connect with me on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? If so, take a moment to “like” my page to receive exclusive news and updates from the Capitol and our community. You can find my official page here.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the Capitol!

Cheryl Youakim

State Representative
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