Public Workers and Community Groups Rally to Demand Full Funding for Public Schools and Institutions

St. Cloud, MN—On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, public workers from SEIU Local 284, MAPE, and AFSCME Council 65 will rally with community allies to demand bold, lasting investments in Minnesota’s public schools and institutions. This united front of union members and local organizations will call on lawmakers to prioritize the services that Minnesota families depend on daily, especially in the Saint Cloud region.

This fight is especially urgent as workers like Education Support Professionals (ESPs) across the region continue to approach their next bargaining cycle and fight for livable wages and basic benefits.

“Local 284 members are fighting for the Education Support Professionals Bill of Rights, which includes a $25 base wage, health care that is affordable to have and use, and paid professional development. “We’re standing up because ESPs are essential to our students and deserve fair pay and benefits to stay in these positions. This only happens when our schools are fully funded.” said Zach Ewald, a custodian from Sartell and SEIU Local 284 member.

These conditions are the result of false choices and artificial scarcity. The state has many policy options it can pursue to raise the revenue to meet our needs and those of our students. Whether it is ending tax breaks for special interests and luxury goods or raising rates on large corporations and the rich, Minnesota can choose a different way. As federal attacks intensify, we will depend on our elected leaders to protect the programs and workers that Minnesotans depend on.