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Minneapolis workers urge restoration of co-enforcement funding in 2026 budget
Summary
Dozens of workers and organizers testified Sept. 19 to the Budget Committee against proposed cuts to the city's co-enforcement labor-standards program, saying the program recovers stolen wages, educates workers, and deters employer violations.
Dozens of workers and organizers told the Minneapolis City Council budget committee on Sept. 19 that the mayor’s proposed 2026 budget should reinstate and expand funding for the city’s co-enforcement labor-standards program.
The issue drew the largest bloc of public testimony at the committee’s first of four scheduled budget hearings, with speakers saying the program helps recover stolen wages, educate workers about rights and offers a pathway to enforcement for immigrant and low-wage employees.
“My check was 3 weeks worth of wages…Please don't take a step backwards and continue and contribute to the marginalization by cutting co enforcement funding,” said Myra Herrera, a Minneapolis resident and worker who said she recovered stolen wages after working with a community partner.
Speakers described repeated annual battles to protect the program’s budget and tied the…
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