Legislative Update- February 18, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’ve had a good week and this email finds you well. It was a busy week at the Capitol filled with committees, meetings, and three floor sessions.

It was great to connect with Minneapolis Jewish Day School students this week. Three groups presented their projects for legislative proposals. The students talked about improving zoo enclosures for animals, increased funds for training law enforcement officers, and redesigning the state flag. The future is bright for these scholars!

I also participated in the Minnesota Association of County Officers (MACO) Day at the Capitol with a legislative update session. We talked all things Taxes and Property Taxes.

Redistricting

Based on the results of the 2020 Census, boundaries of voting districts were redrawn as they are every decade, and this week the new maps were released, reflecting new legislative and congressional districts. You can read more in this Session Daily article and go to the Legislative Coordinating Commission website for more detailed information.It has been an honor to represent to the communities of Hopkins and St. Louis Park. I look forward to continuing those conversations with the community of Edina.

A Plan to Address Minnesota's Housing Crisis

This week, the House DFL and Housing Committee leadership announced a package of legislation aimed at reducing housing costs for Minnesotans with proposals to lower costs for renters, provide pathways to home ownership, build more homes while improving the affordable housing we already have, and provide housing security to more Minnesotans. Legislators are also proposing immediate assistance that would reopen RentHelpMN, providing assistance to renters and landlords who are still struggling amidst the pandemic.

Every Minnesotan deserves a safe and affordable place they can call home. I’ll continue to advocate for bold solutions that address our housing crisis that long existed before the pandemic.

No-Knock Warrants Gets a Hearing

Yesterday, the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee, held a remote hearing on legislation that creates tougher restrictions on the use of no-knock warrants. The bill passed out of the Public Safety Committee on Thursday afternoon and is headed to the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee.

HF 3398 prohibits the use of no-knock warrants in all but the most narrowly tailored exceptions, when a captive’s life is at risk. The bill would require all officers statewide to be trained on how to execute arrest and search warrants in ways that emphasize civilian and officer safety.

According to data reported in the New York Times, the use of both no-knock and knock-style raids led to nearly 100 deaths (81 civilians and 13 officers) from 2010-2016. More recently, Breonna Taylor was killed while sleeping in her bed in Kentucky in March 2020 and just days ago Amir Locke was killed while sleeping on his cousin’s couch in Minneapolis. I believe with this bill, we can keep more members of our BIPOC communities and officers, safe. 

Committee Action

This week, I presented my bill to fund paid training for our ESP and paraprofessionals. I’ve authored this legislation before the pandemic, but now it’s even more imperative as our schools are facing significant staff shortages. That afternoon, I was able to meet with ESP/paras from across the state and thank them for sharing their stories.

Take the 2022 Hopkins Walk Challenge

The City of Hopkins is inviting our neighbors to get to know the 53 miles of public streets of our city by participating in the 2022 Walk Hopkins Challenge. Here's how it works:

1. Print the maps or pick up a copy at City Hall.
2. Plan your routes, walk and track your progress all year long.
3. Use the #WalkHopkins hashtag along the way when posting to social media.
4. When finished, turn in your maps with your contact information via email to alenz@hopkinsmn.com or in-person at City Hall by December 31, 2022 at 12 p.m.
5. Finishers will see their names on the City’s website and be entered in a drawing to win Depot Gift Cards.

You can find more information and print the Walk Hopkins Challenge maps here.

Free Park Saturday

All 75 Minnesota state parks will be free to enter tomorrow- no vehicle permit needed! Enjoy the crisp snow and fresh air with family and friends at a park near you.  

Community Conversations

My regular Community Conversations are wrapping up as committee deadlines approach. The next two opportunities are on Tuesday, February 22nd and Wednesday, March 9th. I hope to see you on Zoom! Please RSVP with Eric to receive the details to join.

Town Hall Reminder- March 2

I’m hosting along with Senator Latz and Representative Winkler a virtual town hall on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. We’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the RSVP form here: https://bit.ly/d46th to receive the Zoom information 24 hours prior to the town hall. We will also stream the event live on Facebook. If you have any questions, please reach out to my Legislative Assistant, Eric at eric.petersen@house.mn.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or 651-296-9889 with questions or input.

Enjoy the snow!

Warmly,

Cheryl Youakim
State Representative