Watch CBS News

State Employees Launch Ad Campaign To Fight Shutdown

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- The state's employee unions are now in the fight in hopes of avoiding a government shutdown on July 1.

On Wednesday, when the state plans to send out thousands of layoff notices to employees, MAPE and AFSCME will launch a $300,000 TV ad campaign called, "We want to work for Minnesota."

The ad takes a stab at republicans and calls on lawmakers to tax the rich to balance the state's budget. The group's website is even called taxtherichest.com.

Several state employees are featured in the 30-second ad, including a road worker, probation officer and health care worker -- all warning about the impact a government shutdown would have on Minnesota.

Executive Director of MAPE Jim Monroe said union employees are incredibly anxious and worried about the affect this could have on their families.

"It's moving beyond stressful, it's fear," he said. "It's fear of the unknown. It's wondering how they're going to pay their bills. It's wondering how they're going to take care of their families."

This ad follows an ad campaign launched earlier this week by the Taxpayers League, a conservative watchdog group.

That ad calls on the governor to move forward with the budget without tax increases on the wealthy.

Meanwhile, the governor and republican lawmakers are meeting Wednesday afternoon to try and work out a deal.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.