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We want a fiscally sound budget
Now is the time to remind your legislators about the important work we do for Minnesota. We need to tell legislators about our willingness to help them save the state money. We also need to advocate for a balanced solution to the deficit crisis that mixes cuts and revenue increases.
Please use this letter to contact your legislators.
Facing a $5.2 billion deficit, likely to grow to nearly $7 billion, we must minimize the damage the budget situation will cause Minnesota's struggling middle-class.
Like all Minnesotans, we want a fiscally sound budget, and Minnesotans want us to continue providing vital services they need in these tough times, like unemployment insurance, public safety, disaster relief and food safety inspection.
We need to tell legislators about the essential work we do for the state of Minnesota. Remind them how important it is to protect the essential services state workers provide to Minnesotans, especially in these tough economic times. Also ask your legislators to encourage their colleagues to do the same.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: We are part of the solution
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am a proud member of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees. When it comes to our deficit crisis, we want to be a part of the solution.
Please keep in mind the essential services MAPE members provide our state. We are not the problem in state government; we are a key part of the solution.
On his radio show on April 11th, Governor Pawlenty invited MAPE and other unions to help him find ways to save the state money.
We at MAPE took the governor's words to heart and found innovative ways to reduce spending without cutting vital services.
Here is what the MAPE team proposed:
First, the State of Minnesota currently does not collect an average of $30 million a quarter in money that is owed to the taxpayers of Minnesota. This means approximately $120 million that is owed to the taxpayers of Minnesota remains uncollected.
The approximate savings for more active revenue collections is $120,000,000 for one year and $240,000,000 for the biennium.
Second, MAPE is has done the research. We believe the state must streamline bloated management-to-staff ratios.
The state guidelines for grants to non-profits say the state will not grant funds to organizations with a management-to-staff ratio over 15%. At least six state agencies have management ratios over that threshold, some as high as 44%.
The state Executive Branch should shed 390 full time management jobs, saving $101,400,000 for the biennium.
Third, the State needs better oversight in contracting to outside vendors. $1.9 billion in outside contracts were issued in 2008. We should look at contracted jobs that can be completed by state workers.
MAPE has calculated that based upon past performance of private contractor costs vs. using state employees, Governor Pawlenty's state agencies could save a conservatively estimated 20% of the 1.9 billion dollar contracts issued over calendar year 2008, for a total savings of $380,000,000!
I oppose efforts that make it more difficult for us to do the jobs we love, like out-sourcing and contracting out of state services. Privatization has not been proven to save state revenues and often eliminates Minnesota jobs.
We understand these are very trying times. Please work with us as we look to find a consensus solution to the problems we face.
Sincerely,
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