Legislative & Political Affairs Report - November

MAPE Legislative & Political Affairs Report
November, 2007

Legislative Update – Workforce Planning and Retention Legislation
As you know, our state’s workforce is on the verge of a major transformation. Approximately 30 percent of all state employees are eligible for retirement in the next three years and nearly 50 percent of the remaining workforce is eligible to retire in the next five years. At the same time, as Governor Pawlenty has acknowledged, the number of available skilled workers in Minnesota will concurrently decrease.

MAPE is working on legislation that will address these challenges through more a more competitive compensation system, known as the Hay study. The Hay study is the means the state of Minnesota uses to analyze positions for the purpose of determining equitable compensation levels. By basing compensation on this system, the state will likely save money on employee turnover, possibly retain knowledgeable state employees beyond the date they are eligible to retire, and assist in having long term employees present to help train new employees.

This will be a major initiative in the upcoming session. MAPE has already met with Leadership from both the House and Senate regarding proposed Hay legislation. We are in the process of educating legislators on the issue and gaining commitments from potential bill authors. In the upcoming session, it will be a major undertaking to educate and convince both the Governor and legislature that state employees need to be compensated appropriately across the board, not compensated at the arbitrary discretion of their agency. 

2008 Precinct Caucuses
Minnesota’s 2008 Precinct Caucuses will be held Tuesday February 5th. Coined “Tsunami Tuesday,” due to the approximately 18 primaries and caucuses being held on that day nation-wide, it is possible that the Republican or Democratic parties may chose their Presidential candidate on that very night. Precinct caucuses provide a tremendous gateway into grass-roots politics for MAPE members. MAPE will be conducting caucus training for prospective participants and will be preparing issue resolutions for members to take to their caucuses. For more information, please visit TeamMAPE.org.

Day on the Hill
MAPE Day on the Hill will be Wednesday March 12th. Stay Tuned for more information.

MAPE Action Team Training
MAPE held two intense grass-roots political trainings in 2007, preparing over 30 participants success in their legislative and political organizing efforts. Both trainings were designed specifically for MAPE members interested in entry level legislative and political involvement. During one exercise at the November training, for example, members heard from Representatives Leon Lillie, John Lesch and Karla Bigham and learned “do’s and don’ts” of citizen lobbying. The feedback was extremely positive.  MAPE will be working with Erik Peterson of Wellstone Action to plan more training opportunities in the upcoming year.

In solidarity,

Richard Kolodziejski
MAPE Legislative Affairs Director

Kendal Killian   
MAPE Political Affairs Coordinator