AFSA NEWS 76 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL expertise at this critical global moment is a catastrophic blow to our national interests,” the association stated. “These layoffs are untethered from merit or mission. They target diplomats not for how they’ve served or the skills they have, but for where they happen to be assigned. That is not reform.” AFSA’s message was shared by the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Guardian, Newsweek, and other news outlets. NPR interviewed AFSA’s then-president, Tom Yazdgerdi, who called it sad, disappointing, and “kind of an angry day.” NPR also interviewed retired career FSO and former Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs Tom Countryman, who said: “The Chinese are laughing every day at the moves of this administration. I speak to them, and they just can’t believe the self-destruction on the economic and diplomatic front.” AFSA emphasized that it continues to stand with all members of the State Department workforce during this time of upheaval and uncertainty: “Diplomats are not faceless bureaucrats. They are America’s forward presence. We will not stop fighting to defend them.” AFSA’s new president, John “Dink” Dinkelman, was among those RIFed. He appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition on July 17, saying: “After devoting one’s life to an organization and to represent the core precepts of the United States overseas, it was a heck of a way to be shown the door.” He continued: “If you don’t have enough people on the playing field, you’re going to lose the game. And I fear that losing 1,300 Foreign Service professionals, Civil Service professionals, international affairs professionals in a world that is increasingly chaotic is a very, very bad move for our country.” AFSA remains committed to supporting all affected members. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at member@afsa.org. We are here to help. n Reductions in Force Continued from page 59 A Win for Minnesota’s FS Retirees AFSA is proud to share a major advocacy victory for the Foreign Service community. On June 14, 2025, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the state’s 2025 Omnibus Tax Bill, which includes a full state income tax exemption for Foreign Service retirement income. The measure—found in Article 1, Sec. 8, Subd. 39 of the law—passed with broad bipartisan support and will apply to 2025 state tax filings and beyond. This marks the first time a state has enacted a Foreign Service–specific retirement tax exemption, bringing longsought parity with benefits already granted to military retirees. For retired Foreign Service members residing in Minnesota, this new law provides meaningful financial relief and affirms their years of dedicated service overseas. AFSA extends sincere thanks to Representative Matt Norris and Senator Matt Klein, both members of the DemocraticFarmer-Labor Party, who championed this policy throughout the legislative session, having introduced companion bills in early 2024. Their leadership and persistence were instrumental to this success. Rep. Norris, sponsor of the House version of this provision, told AFSA: “This bipartisan legislation is an important way to say thank you to the Minnesotans who served our country overseas for their great personal sacrifice. I was honored to carry this bill and stand with the Foreign Service community.” Likewise, Sen. Klein said: “I am incredibly grateful to have carried this bill. These members dedicate their livelihoods to advancing America’s interests, often at great personal sacrifice, and now Minnesota will recognize their service with the same kind of tax relief granted to our retired military forces.” We also celebrate the critical role played by AFSA retiree members in Minnesota. Their testimony at legislative hearings, stories of service, and direct outreach to lawmakers helped put a human face on the issue and ensured that Foreign Service voices were heard in the statehouse. AFSA will leverage this success as we advocate for similar tax relief in other states where Foreign Service retirees reside. With continued member engagement and strong legislative partnerships, we are confident that Minnesota is just the beginning. n From left: Retired FSO and AFSA member Mark Jorgensen, retired FSO Karl Olson, and Rep. Matt Norris during the March 2024 Minnesota House Committee hearing. MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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