President's Corner: April

Last week the Minnesota House of Representatives passed MAPE’s contract. There is no word yet when the Senate will take up the legislation, but likely not until legislators return from spring break on April 18. In the meantime, legislators are working on completing bills regarding education, crime, transportation and other issues.

We are fortunate to have a record surplus of $9.25 billion in Minnesota. Both sides of the aisle believe they know best how to spend this extra cash. I think we should use the surplus to fund our state government adequately. Minnesotans rely daily on services provided by state employees like you and me, MAPE members who have gone above and beyond these past two years. State budgets should reflect these comprehensive services and account for inflation. Adequate funding and realistic accounting would finally enable legislators to keep their promises to Minnesotans. Join me in reminding our legislators and neighbors that Minnesota works because we do. We must urge state senators to pass our contract today. Contact your State Senator

It has been an excellent time for labor unions the past few weeks. Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Professionals made significant gains in pay. Four Starbucks stores in Minnesota sought to form a union, and workers at Amazon’s largest warehouse in New York voted to unionize.

MAPE’s Executive Committee and I have worked hard on our nearly completed strategic plan focusing on re-engagement with members during this exciting time. I hope this plan will help us concentrate on building our solidarity through organized people, resources and ideas.

I look forward to sharing the completed strategic plan with you soon. Stay safe and begin enjoying the spring weather that we keep hearing is coming our way.

In solidarity,

Megan Dayton, MAPE President