Around 500 Minnesota state employees protested Saturday in St. Paul, calling on DFL Gov. Tim Walz to reverse course on a policy to require more in-office work. The governor says having more employees spend at least half their time at their workplaces will improve communication and collaboration.

A state council responsible for determining salaries of top state officials is recommending raises for all of Minnesota’s statewide constitutional officers, including larger bumps for the offices of the governor and attorney general.

Return to the office mandates remain controversial and deliver mixed results, which may be why the Democratic state leader is trying a balanced approach that appeals to working parents.