Minnesota Speaks With Unified Voice

Since 2003, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, in concert with over 75 other organizations, has participated in “Minnesota is Watching,” a coalition of nonprofit, labor, community, and faithbased organizations.

Minnesota is Watching formed in 2003 to oppose the severe budget cuts to public services made during the 2003 and 2004 legislative sessions.

This year, members of Minnesota is Watching, united by a common concern for Minnesota’s economic future and quality of life, have actively promoted a balanced approach to solving the state’s on-going budget crisis.

To visually demonstrate to decision makers that Minnesotans opposed the budget cuts of 2003/2004 and support raising revenues to balance this year’s budget, member organizations have encouraged their members to don yellow “Minnesota is Watching” stickers as part of their respective lobby days and face-to-face interactions with decision makers. To date, over 10,000 people have donned “Minnesota is Watching” stickers!

Minnesota is Watching also conducted a Capitol Watch on May 3, 4, and 5. Throughout the three-day event, hundreds of volunteers wearing yellow stickers and wielding Minnesota is Watching clipboards made their presence felt at legislative committee meetings and floor sessions. Some also met with their state Senators and Representatives.

To learn more about Minnesota is Watching, visit www.mncn.org/mniswatching.htm.