The List: Things You Will NOT Be Doing During the MN Government Shutdown & A Few Things You Can Still Do

Yesterday, July 1, 2011, at midnight, the Minnesota State government ceased to function. This means a lot of stress to a lot of people. It was the state's largest mass layoff. And it all comes down to the fact that the Republican-controlled legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton failed to find a compromise regarding state taxes and pass the budget bill in order to keep the government from shutting down at the end of the fiscal year.

The Minnesota Constitution requires appropriations before the state spends any money. At this point, only the Department of Agriculture's funding has been signed into law. The 388 Agricultural Department employees are at work and are fully funded.

For every other service and department, agencies, non-profits, departments, the Attorney General and the Governor petitioned the Ramsey County District Court with their recommendations of what the "critical core functions" are and urging funding and continued services for these functions throughout the government shutdown. The courts have now decided the fate of every service, agency and employee.

Some state entities are rejecting the court's decision and appealing the ruling. The MN Zoo has actually filed a lawsuit in fighting to stay open, saying they have enough revenue to continue operating on their own, but must be granted access to that money.

Updated: This just in, Judge Gearin ruled the MN Zoo will stay open during the MN Government Shutdown.

But don't plan on doing any of these activities in the next few days or weeks:

1. Go to the MN Zoo; See Update - You now can go to the zoo; the penguins will debut as planned;
2. Get a license for the first time;
3. Get a fishing license;
4. Go camping, fishing, hiking, etc. at a state park;
5. Receive a state tax refund;
6. Tour the State Capital;
7. Visit the MN History Center;
8. Go to a horse race at Canterbury Park;
9. Buy a lottery ticket;
10. Receive state child care assistance;
11. Drive on smooth, completed highways; roadway projects have been halted;
12. Get paid, if you are one of 22,000 plus state employees who just lost your job *see below regarding unemployment payments; and
13. Myriad other things.

You will be able to:

1. Call 911 & get a response from emergency personnel;
2. Get a speeding ticket;
3. Apply for and receive unemployment benefits;
4. Receive state health care aid and services;
5. Renew vehicle tabs and driver's licenses;
6. Go to school;
7. Attend the University of Minnesota;
8. Utilize the state court system; and
9. Myriad other things

Have a Happy 4^th of July! And if you are in MN or traveling to MN, remember we have no functioning government at the moment. By the way, in the 8 years we have lived here, this is the second MN government shutdown we have experienced. We have lived in 4 states in our 35 plus years, and have never had this happen in any other state.

It does make one ask the question, "Why can't we all just get along and agree?" And if you want my two-cents, the 7,700 Minnesotans who are making over 1 million per year can handle the tax increase. Give me a break, and the rest of the state residents who don't make that kind of money and pass the budget bill already! Over and out....

Note: Adding a great source for additional information: www.mpr.org

Anna

 

Comments

[Kristin]

The summer that my family moved to MN, we couldn't figure out why all the rest stops were closed... It was the first shutdown. I really can't believe we've come to this again so soon. It's completely ridiculous. : (

[Anna]

Indeed, Kristin - & that's one I didn't put on the list too, but it's true the state rest stops are also closed! It is ridiculous - no matter which side of the aisle you stand!

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts,

Anna