Team MAPE News 9/17

·  Leadership Summit produces fresh ideas - Dane Smith, writing in the St. Paul Legal Ledger, recently said the legislative Leadership Summit included fresh budget solution ideas and an overview on the enormous problem. Summit attendees learned the deficit could be as much as $7 billion when a new governor takes office in January 2011. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL DANE SMITH COLUMN REGARDING THE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT.

·  MAPE delivers money-saving budget ideas to Chamber - MAPE Executive Director Jim Monroe delivered the MAPE money-saving budget ideas to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Issue Conference Friday. Monroe informed the Chamber that the state budget deficit could be lowered by $357 million if the governor would implement our money-saving budget suggestions. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

·  DHS spent $30 million HealthMatch failure - The AP recently reported that the Minnesota Department of Human Services has spent more than $30 million on the now-failed HealthMatch system. This comes at a time when the department is threatening to lay off workers and the state, led by Governor Tim Pawlenty, is cutting insurance coverage for vulnerable uninsured adults earning less than $8,000 a year. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEALTH MATCH BOONDOGGLE.

·  Pandemic Planning - During the last few weeks there have been a number of phone calls and emails from MAPE employees about agency notifications regarding pandemic planning. Please click here to visit the MAPE website and learn more about pandemic planning and the information agencies are seeking.

·  Countdown to session - The 2010 Team MAPE Day on the Hill event will be held on March 31st at the Capitol. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2010 DAY ON THE HILL. Do you know how your legislators rate? CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2009 TEAM MAPE LEGISLATIVE SCORECARDS.

·  Team MAPE PAC Vacancy - The Team MAPE PAC has one vacancy with approximately two years remaining in the term. If you are interested in getting involved with the political side of MAPE including screening candidates, endorsing candidates, educating members, assisting in campaigns, and helping make decisions surrounding the Team MAPE web site, we would encourage you to apply. Applications will be accepted until 9/19/09. Please email kkillian@mape.org to request an application.