“Considering the budget that was passed, it is clear to me that meeting with State Legislators made a positive difference. I am convinced that our perspective is one they want to hear. It is worth taking the time to tell them our stories because our experiences can provide the facts those on our side need to get beneficial legislation passed.”
-Robert “Bob” Kolstad, Public Defender and Teamsters Local 320 member
Last year Bob Kolstad registered for Lobby Day and was one of many Teamsters Local 320 members who made the trip to the State Capitol to discuss funding for state and local governments. Bob informed State Legislators of how his job was becoming economically undervalued since the start of the Great Recession. Bob described how his pay had been frozen but public defender caseloads were continually growing. He made the case to lawmakers that public defense employees needed to be better compensated and districts better staffed.
Bob is not alone in the public sector of Minnesota. Many state and local government employees suffer from increasingly having to do more with less—less help, fewer resources and less pay! Teamsters Local 320 recognized that we must do something about declining revenues and lack of support. Last year, Teamsters Local 320 initiated its founding Lobby Day or Day on the Hill to give members the opportunity to bring their perspectives directly to the State Legislature and make their voices heard.
Minnesota is now on the path to recovery and shared prosperity, but many workers still have a lot of catching up to do. Many workers are still struggling and waiting for their issues to be addressed.
- If you care about your retirement please join us for Lobby Day!
- If you care about strengthening higher education please join us for Lobby Day!
- If you care about equity in the criminal justice system please join us for Lobby Day!
- If you care about state funding for health and human services please join us for Lobby Day!
- If you care about state aid to counties, cities and school districts please join us for Lobby Day!
- If you care about public safety and how new rules and regulations are going to affect you please join us for Lobby Day!
What: Teamsters Local 320 Lobby Day 2014
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 – 8:00 am – Depart for Capitol at 9:00 am
Where:
Minnesota Teamsters Bldg
3001 University Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
3rd Floor Meeting Room
Last Day to register: Friday, February 28, 2014
Download Lobby Day 2014 Flyer here
Download Lobby Day 2014 FAQ here