What Stays Open, What Closes If Gov't Shuts Down
ST. PAUL (WCCO/AP) -- A Minnesota judge issued a bare-bones list of services that must be maintained if state government shuts down, increasing the pressure on legislative leaders to strike a budget deal that has eluded them for nearly half a year.
Below is a snapshot of Minnesota state government services that would continue, or not, under a government shutdown:
CLOSED OR SUSPENDED:
Forty-six state boards and agencies, with minimal staffing at 29 others. Departments with the most staff kept on duty would include Human Services, Corrections, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
State funding for many nonprofits including some child care assistance programs. A court-appointed referee will decide whether some social service programs will continue.
Most highway and other state-funded construction projects. Private contracts may have to lay off workers. Emergency highway repairs will continue.
-- State parks
-- State lottery
-- State tourism office
-- Many licensing boards for occupations from physical therapy to private detectives
-- Minnesota Zoo, though some staff would care for animals
-- Various state licensing offices, such as for new driver's licenses and car registration
-- Knowledge driving tests and road tests not available
-- State fire marshal
-- Traffic management cameras through MnDOT
-- Minnesota WorkForce Center; Minnesota's Online Job Bank
OPEN OR CONTINUING:
-- State emergency/disaster agencies
-- State Patrol
-- State court system
-- Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigations, BCA lab and crime scene teams
-- State prisons and regional treatment centers
-- State tax collections
-- Federally mandated services such as medical assistance or food stamps
-- Payments under the MinnesotaCare health insurance program
-- Unemployment payments
-- Workers compensation claims and benefits would still be processed
-- Veterans homes and programs to help veterans, though claims services would be limited
-- Health and safety inspections of health care facilities
-- Food safety work
-- Workplace safety enforcement for high-risk employers
-- State payments to cities, counties and schools
-- Skeleton staffing in governor's office
-- Funding for Legislature, including a special session
-- Security at state buildings
-- Deputy registrars and driver's license agents will be able to renew tabs and take license renewal applications
-- Minnesota Zoo concert series
-- Health care, cash and food benefits, child support, adoption assistance, service for people with disabilities and the Minnesota Sex Offender Program will continue, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Click here to view the complete list and executive findings. To see a list of the agencies that were recommended to close, click here.
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