Team MAPE News November 5th 2009

• MAPE: Pawlenty proposal shortsighted - In a statement released today, MAPE leadership called a new proposal regarding the state budget "shortsighted." Governor Pawlenty unveiled a proposed constitutional amendment that would freeze the Minnesota general fund budget, limiting it to revenues collected in the previous biennium. Just this week, similar measures failed at the ballot box in Maine and Washington. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

• MAPE's internal state-wide elections are underway. The offices of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer are up. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

• Open enrollment - Open enrollment is your opportunity to change your benefits election for the upcoming calendar year. If you wish to participate in the pre-tax accounts, you must enroll every year, even if you are currently participating. This year, MMB will be implementing a $100 minimum annual contribution for all pre-tax accounts. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

• Unallotment Lawsuit - A lawsuit has been filed to prevent the implementation of unallotment cuts made by the Governor Pawlenty. According to the Minnesota Budget Bites blog, the lawsuit was filed by the Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance on behalf of six disabled and low-income Minnesotans. This lawsuit will have a major impact on the next legislative session and how budget standoffs are handled in the future. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.