This summer is the 50th anniversary of the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,” when labor unions and civil rights groups united to demand a more-just economy and society. The march is best remembered for Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” In commemoration, Union Plus and the AFL-CIO are awarding one-time, $5,000 college scholarships for recent high school graduates from union households. There’s no time to waste: The application deadline is July 1, 11 a.m. Eligibility requirements and application materials are available online.

AFSCME is co-sponsoring “The People’s Party” June 20 to celebrate legislative successes – and the grassroots volunteers, leaders, and organizations who made them happen. The free event includes food, drink, children’s activities, art, and more. The party takes place 4-8 p.m. June 20 on Harriet Island in St. Paul, in the Wigington Pavilion.

Council 5 is now accepting applications for our annual Achievement Awards, which honor outstanding activism by individuals and locals. Awards are given for political activism, organizing, local union development, and communications during 2012. The application deadline is Aug. 16.

On May 20, we reversed the nationwide war on workers when the Legislature passed historic legislation that extends collective-bargaining rights to family child-care providers and personal care attendants. It is the biggest expansion of workers’ rights in Minnesota in 40 years. In the end, 35 senators and 68 representatives stood with us. Thank them! And thank Sen. Sandy Pappas and Rep. Michael Nelson, the chief authors who stood up to hours of badgering from opponents.

• See photos from the long legislative battle.

 The roads you took to work this morning. The clean and safe water that you brushed your teeth with. The bus that picked your kids up for school.

Our taxes make all of these public services — and so much more — possible. They make our communities possible. And we're proud to invest in our common good.

Most Minnesotans continue to pay more in state and local taxes so the rich can pay less, according to the newest Tax Incidence Study from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Millionaires pay an effective tax rate of only 9.6 percent. But those in the bottom 90 percent pay much more: 12.4 percent. Read more >>>

Former labor secretary Robert Reich shreds the lies and hypocrisy of the right wing's relentless scapegoating of public workers. And he explains the truth about the economy -- in 2 minutes, 15 seconds.

We not only want you, we need you! We are looking for more work site stewards. We are the union and we need your support to organize and protect our rights.