Workforce Planning and Retention House file 1812 is an Omnibus State Budget Bill. Versions of the bill have passed both the House and Senate. Now it will be sent to a conference committee to work out the differences. The bill is 376 pages in length and includes appropriations for multiple state agencies as well as provisions relating to health care and higher education. The specific measure in the bill MAPE is most interested in relates to Workforce Planning and Retention. With 30% of all state employees on the verge or retirement, Minnesota is about to experience a major workforce transition. This provision will help the state prepare for this shift by saving money on employee turnover, retaining knowledgeable state employees beyond the date they are eligible to retire, and encourage long term employees to extend their service, aiding the training of new employees. Sample Letter for Campaign Subject: Support Workforce Planning Dear [ Decision Maker ] , As a member of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, I am writing to request that you retain the Workforce Planning and Retention measure in HF 1812. As you probably know, 30% of all state employees are eligible for retirement in the next 3 years. Nearly 50% of the remaining workforce is eligible to retire in the next 5 years. This provision will help the state prepare for this transition by saving money on employee turnover, retaining knowledgeable state employees beyond the date they are eligible to retire, and encourage long term employees to extend their service, aiding the training of new employees. As you proceed through the conference committee process, please support this important effort by preserving the Workforce Planning and Retention provision. Sincerely,

Campaign Launched: April 08, 2008

Background Information

30% of all state employees are eligible for retirement in the next 3 years. Nearly 50% of the remaining workforce is eligible to retire in the next 5 years. This provision will help the state prepare for this transition by saving money on employee turnover, retaining knowledgeable state employees beyond the date they are eligible to retire, and encourage long term employees to extend their service, aiding the training of new employees.This provision is a vital part of MAPE's efforts to ensure that all of our members are compensated fairly.

According to the 2008 MAPE Legislative Core Priorities, MAPE supports equitable compensation and fair treatment of all state employees. This measure moves us closer to that goal.

Moreover, the upcoming workforce transition is a major issue in state government. MAPE is committed to finding ways to ease this transition. This measure begins that process.