The 2010 Legislative Session begins this Thursday – February 4th – and it kicks off with two great ways to send a message to policymakers that the public is looking for real solutions this session.

Rally at the Capitol to Save GAMC (Thursday, February 4th, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, State Capitol Rotunda)

Many people have been working very hard over the last few months to develop a plan for saving General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) – a unique health insurance program for very poor and vulnerable Minnesotans that is scheduled to end on March 31. Please join us at the Capitol this Thursday as hundreds gather to rally in support of this bill. Legislators are expected to act early in the legislative session to pass a revised version of GAMC, one that puts the needs of our communities and critical institutions first, while still making responsible budget decisions. Don’t miss this important (and fun) chance for collective action, not just for those who are directly impacted by the loss of GAMC, but everyone interested in demonstrating that the public expects policymakers to stand up and solve the tough problems facing our state…and to do it quickly!

2010 Session Line Up (Friday, February 5th, 10:00 am to noon, Best Western Kelly Inn)

Once again, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is bringing together legislative leaders and the nonprofit community to have a conversation about the legislative session. So far, Majority Leader Tony Sertich, House Assistant Minority Leader Carol McFarlane, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Senate Minority Leader David Senjem have all been confirmed. Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher is also likely to be there. This is special opportunity for people to show up and tell legislative leaders that one-time stopgaps and deep cuts to critical services are not a responsible way to solve the state’s budget problems. (This event is free, but please register so we’ll know how many people to expect!)

We hope you’ll be able to make it to both events!

-Christina Wessel

Filed under: Action Opportunity