Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester, has been on the House Higher Education committee for nine years. Her role includes oversight of the University of Minnesota. But after attending a forum sponsored by University Unions United regarding the realities of frontline workers at the U, Norton said, "I have never had my eyes opened the way I have today." 
 
Legislators have few opportunities to hear the voices of the front-line staff who work every day to advance the land grant mission of the U. When they do hear from us, it can influence their conversations with the regents and administration and their actions regarding the U's funding and bonding bills. As a result of our conversations with legislators about our needs at the U, many legislators advocated on our behalf during contract negotiations. 
 
Tuesday, April 5 is the annual AFSCME Council 5 Day on the Hill. This is your chance to have your voice heard at the State Legislature on issues that are important to you as a U of M employee. It's also an opportunity to thank the legislators who stood with us during our contract campaign!
 
The University Administration has agreed to University-paid release time from work to attend. This means that you just need to talk to your supervisor about taking the day off with pay to attend. 

Register online for Day on the Hill 2016! Then, send us an email to let us know that you're attending, and to let us know if you would like to carpool or ride over on the light rail with your coworkers.
 
AFSCME 3800 members will join 1,000 other public workers and AFSCME members from throughout the state as we advocate for One Minnesota that ensures a fair shot for a better future for all Minnesotans, regardless of who they are or where they live.

 
Day on the Hill will begin at the St. Paul RiverCentre on Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul, where participants will be briefed on the day's activities and given a short lobbying lesson. We'll then proceed to the Capitol, where members will have the opportunity to speak with Minnesota legislators about the issues that are important to us. A reception at the hotel will wrap up the day.