More than half of the members of Congress are millionaires. But their staff -- the people who run the actual day to day work, write legislation, and meet with constituents -- often work 60-70 hour weeks, but can’t afford rent in one of the highest cost-of-living cities in the country.

As a result, Congressional workers don’t represent America. To take a staff job for a member of Congress, a worker has to either be financially independent through other means (usually a wealthy family member) or willing to go on food stamps. The low wages and long hours contribute to the revolving door, as they trade their experience on the Hill for a high-paid lobbying gig.

Local 12 is standing in solidarity with Minnesota Nurses Association as the support the Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato nurses who are fighting anti-union corporate interests trying to eliminate bargaining in their facility.

We are always stronger together. Please show your support for our union siblings as they fight corporate greed and make their voices heard!

The Internal Revenue Service announced yesterday an increase in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain other purposes.

For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of the year. The new rate for deductible medical or moving expenses (available for active-duty members of the military) will be 22 cents for the remainder of 2022, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of 2022. These new rates become effective July 1, 2022

•  https://unionjobs.com/listing.php?id=22131

To thank those Minnesotans who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, Gov. Tim Walz signed Frontline Worker Payments into law April 29, 2022, enabling those workers to apply for Frontline Worker Pay. Application dates are June 8 through July 22, 2022.

https://frontlinepay.mn.gov/submit

We wanted to pass on some exciting news. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler will be visiting Minnesota and taking part in a Young Worker Town Hall with Union members who have recently organized their workplaces on May 26, at 4pm.The event will be livestreamed.

RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/young-worker-town-hall#direct_link-21816

Due to space and safety concerns, this is primarily a virtual event, and we ask that you share the information with your organizations, networks, and members. Folks from across the Labor Movement nationwide will be watching as Minnesota workers are highlighted for rising up and taking action in their workplace and industries. Please join us!