AFSCME says changes in mental health services will prove dangerous, costly
The Minnesota Department of Human Services released a plan this month to redesign the state’s mental health services by cutting $17 million and 200 jobs.
GAMC agreement passed by House and Senate
A compromise between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislators on how to provide basic medical services for an estimated 35,000 low-income Minnesotans, many of whom have chronic mental health problems, was passed 121-12 by the House and 50-12 by the Senate.
Community
Plumbers help out homeowners on ‘Water’s Off’ day
Union plumbers will assist low income seniors and disabled homeowners with repair of minor plumbing problems and perform safety checks at this year’s “Water’s Off” community service day on Saturday, March 27.
Reading scores are wake-up call, Education Minnesota says
Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said the 2009 reading scores released by the federal government on Wednesday should be the latest wake-up call to Minnesota that it’s time to seriously deal with the achievement gap.
Labor leaders hail passage of health care overhaul
Union leaders hailed Sunday’s final passage of the health care overhaul, but at least one — AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka — warned the fight isn’t over yet.
Unions support House passage of health care legislation
On the eve of the final House vote on health care reform, the AFL-CIO Executive Council announced its support of the legislation, despite all its flaws.
More than 200,000 march to advocate immigration reform
More than 200,000 people crowded the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Sunday to advocate for comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration laws, including an end to raids and deportations.
Policy
Bakk drops out of race for governor
Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, a union carpenter, announced at the St. Louis County DFL Convention in Duluth Saturday that he will end his bid for the DFL endorsement for governor.
Dooher re-elected president of Education Minnesota
Tom Dooher has been re-elected to a second three-year term as president of Education Minnesota, the state’s 70,000- member educators union.
More than 12,000 Minnesota nurses begin contract negotiations
Saying their 12,000 members are committed to standing united in the coming months, Minnesota nurses formally began labor contract negotiations with six Twin Cities hospital systems on Tuesday.