2023: We can!

Dear MAPE members,  

As we look forward to 2023, I am centering myself around two words: We can.  

These words, of course, echo back to the Presidential campaign of 2008, but as we move beyond the last three years in Minnesota, “we can” feels even more relevant. With a historic surplus, the first pro-labor legislative trifecta post-Janus, and a powerful union tackling the challenges of a post-COVID world, there is no doubt that we can.  

“We,” because achieving the things we want to accomplish in the next year will take all of us. Our membership must be strong to demand what we deserve at the bargaining table. For us to tell the legislature what we need to serve the people of Minnesota, our voices must be at the Capitol. It is “we” because there is no magic wand that any one person can wave to fix it all. We make it happen together. 

“Can,” because the only thing limiting us is ourselves. If we are organized, show up together, and tell our story to those in elected office, we can demand budgets that support our work and contracts that support our lives. The excuses we have heard for years have run out. The budget is there, the leaders who support public workers are in power, and our organization is aligning to take action. 

I wish you a happy new year. Celebrate, rest, rejuvenate and get ready for 2023. Together, we can.  

Sincerely,  

Megan Dayton 
MAPE Statewide President