Minnesota nears government shutdown

Jul 1 2011

A judge rules that some health services should be continued.

Minneapolis Star Tribune: Judge Orders Most Services To Go Dark
Minnesota would face a massive government shutdown under a court ruling released Wednesday, with all but critical services stopping by Friday. Schools and many health care services would continue under Ramsey County District Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin's order, because closing them would violate basic constitutional rights or jeopardize lives. ... But services to the deaf, child care assistance to low-income parents, help lines for seniors, state parks at the height of summer, the Minnesota Zoo and a multitude of projects on state roads and highways would all grind to a halt (Helgesn and Stassen-Berger, 6/30).

Minnesota Public Radio: Ruling Preserves Funding For Health Care, Welfare
Advocates for the poor expressed relief at a judge's ruling Wednesday that would preserve funding for health care and welfare programs during a government shutdown. ... Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care will continue. Group housing, food assistance, and other welfare programs will be funded. Child support payments will be processed, and seniors will continue receiving home-delivered meals. However, some nonprofit social service agencies that rely on state grants for housing, chemical and mental health services will need to scale back programming or lay off employees (Baran and Shenoy, 6/30). 

St. Paul Pioneer Press: Minnesota Counties, Service Providers, Needy All Wait And Worry
With the likelihood of a shutdown Friday growing, small-business owners, construction contractors, nonprofit agencies and some of the Twin Cities' most vulnerable residents are among the many bracing for the consequences (Melo and Horner, 6/30).

CNN Money: Minnesota Braces For A Government Shutdown
Only a limited array of state services would continue in Minnesota if there is a government shutdown Friday, a judge ruled. Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin decided Wednesday that the state must continue funding basic custodial care for residents in prisons, treatment centers and nursing homes, as well as public safety and immediate public health concerns. Also, it must provide benefit payments and medical services, as well as maintain state aid to schools and municipalities. And the state will continue funding programs and services that are paid for by federal dollars, such as food stamps, Medicaid and Temporary Aid to Needy Families (Luhby, 6/29).