Workday Magazine (https://workdaymagazine.org/category/government/page/41/)
Protest, Washington D.C. Vlad Tchompalov @tchompalov
A Minnesota Senate plan would salvage state funding for education, health care and other vital services by closing a key corporate tax loophole and creating a tax surcharge on the state’s 42,000 wealthiest residents.
Don’t blame higher property taxes on your school district, your city council or your county board, Jeff Van Wychen says; the real reason your property taxes are going up is the state.
If James White had his way, the phrases “blue state” and “red state” and “liberal” and “conservative” would be banned from the legislative vocabulary. He’s one of many Minnesotans attending legislative meetings and talking with lawmakers as part of “Minnesota’s Watching.”
From citizens speaking out at community meetings to groups rallying at the state Capitol, a broad coalition won a minimum wage increase for thousands of Minnesota workers.
The battle at the Capitol is really over priorities and principles, unions say, as Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature craft Minnesota’s spending plans for the next two years.
How can ordinary Minnesotans make sure lawmakers are listening to their concerns? Unions and many other organizations are involved in a unique effort called “Minnesota’s Watching,” that brings workers directly to the state Capitol.
Sparks flew at the United Labor Centre April 14 as Minneapolis mayoral candidates Peter McLaughlin and incumbent R.T. Rybak faced off in a 90-minute debate. The Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council (CLUC) hosted the debate, centered on the theme of “Good Jobs and Economic Policy.”
Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s plan to eliminate MinnesotaCare coverage for 47,000 workers is an unnecessary gamble that threatens their lives, the public’s health, and will raise rather than reduce health insurance costs in the state, leaders of a revived health-care coalition said Wednesday.
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote this week whether to change the nation’s bankruptcy laws, a measure that could affect thousands of Minnesotans.
At least three labor organizations are supporting Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s controversial plan for a state-supported casino.