State Budget and our Contract: Why Funding Matters

A crucial step of getting a good contract is passing a state budget that funds the programs and services Minnesotans need and deserve while funding healthcare and pay raises for the public employees providing those services. State legislators pass the budget, and MAPE members need to remind these elected officials what is at stake in the budget.

The first part of this three-part series, "What does it take to get a good contract?" discussed why involvement in the political process is a key first step. This second part explores the legislative work it takes to getting fully funded state agencies and the third part will focus on membership and involvement.

We all receive many emails and texts encouraging us to contact our elected officials, but how many people really do? Does contacting your legislators really matter?

"It absolutely matters," explains Political Council Chair James Dirth. "Our jobs as MAPE members are inherently political because the outcome of the legislative year directly impacts our jobs. We need legislators who are willing to act for us and advocate for us. They will only do this if they know us, understand what is at stake and for us to continually remind them to make funding state agencies a priority."

Members understand how important the MAPE contract is because it directly impacts their day-to-day lives, insurance, wages, leave policy and workplace policies.

"However, members are hesitant to engage with the political system. Apathy is not resistance, it's submission. We need to be louder if we want to get more in our contract. We need to find out what the state legislature is willing to fund and how they are willing to generate revenue. If we lack adequate funding in the budget, we cannot raise wages. The budget must be balanced and the budget passes before we finalize our contract," Dirth continued.

The Political Council is planning Lobby Day next year on Thursday, Feb. 18. This will be an opportunity for members to speak directly to their state senators and representatives. Registration will open this fall.

"You don't have to wait until Lobby Day to speak with your elected officials," says MAPE President Nicole Juan. "They represent you and you can reach out any time throughout the year. I highly recommend members schedule meetings in your district even before legislative session begins. Have a conversation about the importance of our contract, share about the vital work you do to serve your fellow Minnesotans, explain that outsourcing state work is not a solution that will balance the budget. You can use the MAPE Legislative Platform to highlight additional priorities. We hear from elected officials that these meetings really do matter because it gives them a face and a story to connect to a line item in the budget."

Many members live in districts that have elected members who have not been endorsed by MAPE or have typically not supported labor and workers.

"There are more conservative legislators just like we have some more conservative members, and we still need to prioritize these conversations," emphasized Dirth. "MAPE has not made inroads with many Republican legislators, but it does not mean that we can't. Have the conservation about the importance of supporting working people and as public servants how MAPE members play a large role in making Minnesota a great place to live and work."

Minnesota used to have a Labor Party before it merged into the Democratic Famer Labor (DFL) party.

"We are the 'L' in DFL, and we also need to hold these elected officials accountable. Talking to these legislators reminds them to keep labor in mind when they vote on policies and the budget," Dirth said. "If you aren't speaking, you will be spoken for and that does not always result in the outcomes we want."

"We are civil servants; we serve the public. Additionally, as working people we advance the interests of all Minnesotans, not just our union. Unions are the reasons we have weekends, paid vacation, eight-hour workdays, health insurance, child labor laws, paid family medical leave and so much more. Every time we win, it advances the cause for all working people," said Dirth.

Juan explained, "While staving off healthcare cost increases is always a priority during our contract negotiations, this next year will be an especially tough fight. We do not want cost increases passed on to our members. Healthcare is a human right. Everyone deserves to have affordable healthcare, especially during this time in our country when we know the money is there. It is not used to support the needs of workers, and instead it is benefiting billionaires."

"That is why MAPE supports a fifth-tier tax in Minnesota. If you are a MAPE member, this tax would not impact you, and it would only be paid by Minnesotans making more than half a million dollars a year. Additionally, we want to eliminate tax breaks for the wealthiest companies and special carve-outs like those for data centers. As workers, we all pay our fair share in taxes; large corporations should do the same," Juan said. "Our pay raises and affordable healthcare depend on Minnesota generating revenue. Austerity is not the answer. We all work hard for the state, and we know cuts will negatively impact our ability to do our jobs and provide Minnesotans with the services they need and deserve."

Look up who represents you to find contact information.

The 2026 MAPE Legislative Platform is available on the MAPE website. The 2027 platform will be adopted at Delegate Assembly in September.