As requested, here is a precis of what we think would be helpful in working with the City of Saint Paul in the event of the probable state shutdown.
On June 30th, both US Uncut Minnesota and various political allies have booked the MN State Capitol for a rally to begin at 2 pm. We are also petitioning for a parade permit to begin @2 pm to go through downtown St. Paul.
AFSCME has booked the Capitol for 9 pm for a vigil. They were unaware the doors lock at 5 pm promptly, I am told.
As a result we are now trying to work together and bring other unions and groups into the rallies. To my mind, it is this group aggregation that is of paramount importance if we are to stop this costly shutdown and perhaps more important than the June 30th event.
Much of the national media and Wisconsin solidarity groups have already been notified to come into action on that day. Due to the layoffs, June 30th is a day of sadness for many as they have taken early retirement to avoid not being able to pay their bills. This effects thousands of families, and most particularly Saint Paul where we have more than a few state employees.
Because of the distances to be traveled by union workers and concerned people, we are asking the City to help us with five distinct things - safety and health being primary in all considerations while recognizing many low income and the disabled will be coming:
1. Based on the precedent in Madison, that a park permit be granted for overnight camping since camping on Capitol grounds is prohibited. Not only are all State parks to be closed, but the campers are angry and caused the end of the shutdown in 2005. My original idea was to use churches as is often done in labor events in the UK, but I have yet to get feedback on that idea. My understanding is that AFSCME will be putting up and taking down tents @ the Capitol as of 6 July - but I have concerns for all citizens, not just union members.
2. Perhaps a phone number for people to call to find hotel accommodations that can afford it -and group rates applied to those coming for the events.
3. Help with a drive to get food donations for unemployed workers and to stoke up the food bank supplies, which I have been led to believe will be have problems due to a shutdown.
4. Back us up with the efforts we making to provide adequate medical care in the event it is needed.
5. The Mayor is, of course, invited to speak. I have also approached Toni Carter from Saint Paul and Senator John Marty and Patricia Torres Ray, among others.
6. One solution to the June 30th after midnight dilemma might be to get a hotel ballroom to move people to or some similar facility. I just believe that as the days go on, that people will feel a need to keep up CONSTANT pressure and be on Capitol grounds during the day to take advantage of media coverage.
We realize that this is short notice, but it took some time before people were really convinced that this was to "take effect" and "getting people on the page" was delayed. Many of our groups have never worked together before. I go to Community Relations today to apply for a parade permit for 2 pm, June 30th to go through downtown Saint Paul.
As I mentioned, there is a potential for out of state troublemakers and provocateurs to show up to discredit our efforts as well.
This is being advertised as a HUGE rally. We have appealed to Michael Moore to come and speak which could put numbers way over the top of what might normally be expected. A full 6,000 people tweeted him last night to come. This make me concerned that we do not have masses of people floating around the City of Saint Paul aimlessly or - worse- drunk with no place to go.
Having people in Saint Paul from our state when tourism dollars may be severely curtailed, might truly help Saint Paul, too. Due to Netroots Nation being in Minneapolis last weekend, MANY unions are aware of what might happen here and are standing in solidarity.
I attach a copy of my amateurish flyer for the event and the link to our FB event announcement which I am using to get help.
I appreciate the City of Saint Paul's concern and since we are proud Minnesotans, I am certain solutions can be found as we work together !! I represent a coalition of smaller groups.
Sincerely,
Virginia Simson
