Ryan Cates, Eric Manriquez, Matt Stenger, Steaed Doehring, Jamie Schwartz, Antonino Guerrero, Cory Moon, Erin Wiederich, James Kibler, Tom Keck, Sherry Kristensen, Tyler Hruby
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services (MHSATS)
CARE-St. Peter and CBHH-Rochester
AFSCME Labor/Management Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 27, 2022 --- 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Introductions: Jonelle Gressman, Jen Erickson, Heather Tucke, James Pierce, Adam Lubertz, Frederick Bender, William K, Ryan Cates, Steve Wilking, Erin Wiederich
Roxanne Portner, Becky Robinson, Marvin Sullivan, Matt Stenger, Rick Pitts, Annie Jackaki, Sarah Aili, Michelle Chalin, Scott Melby, James Kibler, Erin Wiederich, Eric Manriquez, Ali Kuhlman, Ryan Cates (via phone)
Thanks to efforts by the Biden administration and AFSCME, many public service workers, including AFSCME members, have seen their student loans forgiven under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Many AFSCME members work in high-stress fields such as public safety, health care, emergency medical services and firefighting. Their jobs have become even more stressful since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many of these workers to put their and their families’ well-being at risk while serving their communities.
But when these everyday heroes face mental health issues as a result of the high-stress environment and duties that expose them to trauma, they are often expected to deal with such challenges on their own.
But under the leadership of the Biden administration and this Congress, we are turning a corner. There have been unprecedented investments in public services and public service jobs. Millions will see the price of life-saving prescription drugs come down. Millions more will receive relief from unfair student debt. And the wealthy are finally starting to pay their fair share.
To be sure, there is more work to be done. But if we continue this progress, we will have many more reasons to be optimistic about the future.
