About the Coalition
Minnesota is Watching is an informal coalition of nonprofit, labor, community and faith-based organizations, united by a common concern for Minnesota's economic future and quality of life. Organizations from across Minnesota began working together during the 2003 legislative session. Their purpose: promote a balanced approach to solving the state's budget crisis.

The people and organizations who make up Minnesota is Watching know that cutting $2.9 billion from health care, human services, and local governments in 2004-2005 will have a profound impact on all Minnesotans. It is clear that seniors, workers, consumers, low-income families, children, students and vulnerable populations are among the first to be affected by the cuts.

On May 12, 2003 the coalition convened a People's Legislature that voted for a balanced approach to the state budget. Hundreds of people monitored legislative activity in a week-long Committee watch.

On May 17, 2003 over a thousand Minnesotans took action. They gathered at the State Capitol to oppose service cuts that are now eroding Minnesota's assets, including:

• accessible and affordable health care,
• educational opportunities,
• safe communities with full police and fire protection
• day care for working families
• timely and affordable access to justice and
• a safety net of social and human services

Minnesota is Watching spoke with a unified voice urging decision makers to avoid making "Real Cuts causing Real Pain to Real People."

Now, as Minnesotans face the reality of the cuts, Minnesota is Watching continues its work, documenting the impacts of cuts and developing balanced solutions for addressing the state budget crisis.

In the months ahead, Minnesota is Watching will continue to monitor, report, speak out and act!

Participating Organizations - A list of organizations participating in the Minnesota is Watching Coalition.

Questions? Comments? Contact Joshua Winters at josh@mncn.org