Negotiators discuss challenging times for budgets and government workers

Negotiations Committee members began serious discussions about how best to approach bargaining for a new contract amidst the state budget situation and the White House continuing its attacks on federal government workers. 

“I was very impressed how well the team is working together. The way they navigated difficult conversations and made tough decisions, it felt natural. I’ve never experienced a negotiations group like this before. We’re navigating a different political territory than in past negotiation rounds, and we seem to be doing it with level heads,” Negotiations Co-Chair Carolyn Murphy said.  

Legislative and Political Affairs Director Devin Bruce updated team members on the status of the State’s biennium budget. A one-time $616 million surplus is projected at the end of the FY2026-2027 biennium. Legislators are also looking at a future deficit of $5.1 billion deficit for the FY2028-2029, even with no new spending during the legislative session.  

There are three primary reasons for the projected deficit: rising inflation costs; unexpected program growth, notably in special education and long-term care; and implementation of large new programs including Free School Meals, Paid Family Leave and Lead Service Line Replacement. 

There are also new federal funding risks with the new White House administration. Minnesota receives approximately $40 billion per biennium from the federal government. Potential federal funding cuts under the Trump Administration could affect key programs like Medical Assistance, SNAP and Free School Meals and move the funding shortfall to this biennium. Filling gaps with state funds would worsen the projected deficit beyond $5.1 billion.  

These funding risks could have a large impact on MAPE members, including potential legislative cuts to programs and spending limitations; reduced operating adjustments for state agencies and staffing cuts and vulnerability of federally funded positions, including those in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as environmental justice roles.   

The team spent much of the time reviewing dozens of proposals gathered from listening sessions held with MAPE members across the state. The team meets every other week, so stay tuned for more updates.  

“There was a lot of discussion on how we can protect our members and strengthen the earned benefits we have worked so hard to negotiate in the past,” Negotiations Co-Chair Sean McIntyre said.  

Contract negotiations with Minnesota Management and Budget are scheduled to begin on April 15. 

This budget situation provides an opportunity for members to get involved and discuss engagement opportunities with coworkers and MAPE representatives. Visit our Public Worker Attack Response Resources on the MAPE website. Participate in MAPE’s Lobby Day rally on March 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. The full day of trainings and meetings with legislators has already reached capacity, but there is room for hundreds more to attend the rally at the Capitol Rotunda. Register here.