 Dear Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through August. As we await crisper air and changing colors, we can look forward to our Great Minnesota Get Together! The State Fair kicks off on Thursday this year and runs through Labor Day. If you’re planning to visit, I hope you’ll stop by the nonpartisan House Public Information booth in the Education Building to take the 2025 legislative survey.
New Laws Effective August 1
More new laws took effect earlier this month on the first. Highlights include required access to free water at ticketed events of 100 or more people, protections for children who appear in online media, and assistance for homeowners and tenants when dealing with HOAs. Minnesota’s new law to crack down on impaired driving is a personal one.
Last year, the St. Louis Park community was shaken by an unimaginable tragedy when an intoxicated driver crashed into the outdoor patio at the local Park Tavern restaurant, killing two people and injuring twelve others. The driver had five prior DWI convictions in Minnesota.
In response, we took a close look at the state’s DWI laws, and this session, we passed legislation to strengthen and modernize the interlock program, requiring it more aggressively for repeat offenses while also making it easier for people to access the program.
I would like to thank the advocates at Methodist hospital and Park Tavern, as well as the families who were tragically affected by this tragedy. Without your voices at the table, sharing your stories, this bill would not have gotten across the finish line. And, a shout out to Representative Larry Kraft and Senator Ron Latz for their tireless work on this important piece of legislation.
 Photo credit: Andrew VonBank, MN House Photography
High School Page and Undergraduate Internship Programs
Are you a high school junior or college student interested in the Minnesota Legislature? Consider applying to the 2026 House High School Page Program or the Undergraduate Internship Program! It’s a great way to get an up close look at how a bill becomes a law, advances out of committee, and passes during a House Floor session. There are also ample opportunities to participate in research and policy.
To learn more information about the High School Page Program, click here. The deadline to apply is December 4. To learn more information about the Undergraduate Internship Program, click here. The deadline to apply is November 7.
Community Visits
A big thank you to Doyle-Connor Co and folks from the Concrete Association for giving me a tour recently of the Minnetonka Blvd construction site just east of Hwy. 100 in St Louis Park. As a former city Councilmember I always find infrastructure projects fascinating!
Thank you to the Edina League of Women Voters for inviting me to their happy hour last night! There is something energizing about being around a group of folks that care about public engagement.
Keep in Touch
Although the legislative session is done for the year, my public service is not. Please always feel free to reach out to me with questions or input at [email protected] or 651-296-9889. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors at the State Capitol.
Have a great week!
 Cheryl Youakim
State Representative
Melissa and Mark Hortman loved music. Their children recently joined The Minnesota Current for a segment featuring their favorite bands and songs. Thank you, Colin and Sophie, for putting together this beautiful tribute. Listen to the full segment here: https://vist.ly/32gm7
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