 Legislative Update from Rep. Cheryl Youakim
Dear Neighbors,
A friendly reminder to join me for our upcoming January Community Conversations. Here are the dates and locations below:
 Saturday, January 24 – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Hopkins Library (22 11th Ave. N., Hopkins)
Tuesday, January 27 – 6:30-8:00 pm at the St. Louis Park Library (3240 Library Lane, St. Louis Park)
Wednesday, January 28 – 6:30-8:00 pm at the Edina Library (5280 Grandview Square, Edina)
With February around the corner, I hope you can mark your calendars for next month's community conversations series:
 Wednesday, February 4 – 6:30-8:00 pm at the Hopkins Library (22 11th Ave. N., Hopkins)
Wednesday, February 11 – 6:30-8:00 pm at Edina Library (5280 Grandview Square, Edina)
Saturday, February 21 – 10:30 am to Noon at the St. Louis Park Library (3240 Library Lane, St. Louis Park)
Governor’s State Address
Governor Walz addressed Minnesotans this week about the federal government's ongoing presence in our state. In his remarks, he acknowledged the fear and anger many are feeling, but emphasized the critical importance of remaining peaceful in our response. He encouraged Minnesotans to continue looking out for one another, to document what we're witnessing in our communities, and to remember that accountability will come through the ballot box and the courts. The Governor was clear: we have a right to protest loudly and urgently, but we cannot let violence prevail. He reminded us that this is a moment to show who we are as Minnesotans—people who believe in the rule of law, human dignity, and taking care of our neighbors. Please stay safe, stay peaceful, and continue to support one another. You can watch and listen to the governor’s remarks by clicking this link.
Below are resources to familiarize yourself with, as well as connections to community organizations that are providing important training opportunities.
ICE Activity in Schools
Earlier this week, parents and local leaders had a press conference highlighting the concern of ICE activity across the street from the school. This activity caused teachers to keep blinds drawn and increased students and parents anxiety.
Our schools must remain safe spaces for learning. The presence of ICE agents near school grounds creates an environment of fear and anxiety that disrupts education for everyone—students lose focus, teachers struggle to maintain normalcy, and administrators face impossible situations. Parents shouldn't have to stand guard at their children's schools. Our kids deserve to learn without fear, and our educators deserve to teach without interference. Schools are for education, not enforcement.
Here is the statement from our DFL Chairs and Vice Chairs of our house Education Finance and Policy Committees:
ICE’s chaos has no place in Minnesota’s schools. As federal actions continue to undermine the security and learning environment in classrooms across the state, students are missing out on critical educational milestones.
We have made strong investments in the mental health of our students, critical support staff, and in improving school attendance. And just as we are starting to see the results of those investments, ICE’s presence in our school communities has taken us steps back. ICE has no place in our schools or interfering with our students’ education.
Know Your Rights
Together with Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson and my legislative colleagues, I'm co-hosting a virtual Know Your Rights training session. Residents of District 50A are invited to join us.
Wednesday, January 21, 7-8pm
Register for the meeting link and submit questions here: https://forms.gle/DfmzoVZTdNSZ3cvEA
Please continue to contact me anytime at [email protected] 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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