Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Minnesota Governor Dayton Expecting Government Shutdown By July First

Governor Mark Dayton warns state employees of possible government shutdown come July, if the legislature doesn't pass a budget.

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 15, 2011

St. Paul, MN - On Wednesday, Governor Mark Dayton (D) sent an e-mail to all state employees confirming the notices that were sent out last weekend of a possible government shutdown. Dayton wrote. "This weekend you received notices that, unless a budget is enacted by July 1st, state government will shut down most of its operations. Most of you would be laid off or placed on an unpaid leave of absence until government operations resume. This was an extremely difficult decision for everyone involved; however, we had no choice but to begin planning for this possibility... Today we have submitted a list to the Ramsey County District Court, which ultimately will decide what services will continue past. July 1st, if shutdown occurs... Thus my decisions were based entirely upon which functions of state government are so critical to protecting the lives and safety of the people of Minnesota, or which, if terminated, would cause such disorder or severe statewide economic impact, that they should be made exceptions to the Constitution's clear prohibition."
Both the state Senate and House of Representatives would have to pass a bi-partisan budget before July to keep the state government running, until a permanent budget economic solution is reached.
Today, Minnesota is facing more than $6.2 billion deficit, which is the highest on record in the state's 152-year history. Former Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) left office with the largest deficit the state of Minnesota has ever experienced along with higher property taxes, more fees for the middle class and effecting small businesses throughout the state, including drastic education cuts that left most school districts with a four day week.
For the 2012 and 2013 Biennium, "Minnesota is facing a $6.2 billion deficit in the upcoming biennium, up from earlier projections of $5.8 billion. The shortfall represents about 16 percent of the state's two-year budget." Source: Minnesota Public Radio, 12/2/10

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