The*Empress

Why are they shutting down government in Minnesota?
I wish Magastu or somebody can explain this...
No more Minnesota?

ST. PAUL (AP) — The first day of the historic partial shutdown of Minnesota state government began Friday, and one legislative leader said he hoped it would end then, too.

MnDOT employee John Bray walks through the barricade at a wayside rest area, one of several closed because of a government shutdown.
The Star Tribune via AP

''We need to fix it today,'' said Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson on Friday morning. ''As far as I'm concerned, a one-day partial government shutdown is enough.''

Johnson, a DFLer, said he hoped the Legislature would pass a 10-day budget resolution that would put government workers back on the job and give negotiators time to hammer out a permanent deal. He said the short-term measure would come up in the Senate later Friday.

House Speaker Steve Sviggum, a Republican, said he's anxious to get back to the table as well.

''Everyday we have more state employees who will be losing pay and losing their benefits,'' he said. ''That is a very significant pressure upon us.''

Johnson said he wanted to resume discussions with Sviggum and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty as soon as possible to end the first shutdown of state government in Minnesota history.

A short partial shutdown will be little more than inconvenient for most Minnesotans -- with the exception of state workers -- but the symbolic failure could haunt the politicians involved in budget talks that broke down hours before the midnight Thursday deadline.

"I'd like to say I'm sorry to the people of Minnesota," said Rep. Rod Hamilton, R-Mountain Lake. "This is disgusting."

A budget deal to avert the shutdown seemed within reach late Thursday, until talks broke down in a flurry of anger. It was a depressingly familiar scene for many lawmakers frustrated by the partisan gridlock that's gripped the Capitol in recent years.

What's closed or put on hold:

All but eight highway rest areas.
New driver's licenses.
Traffic message boards.
Payments to hospitals, clinics, health plans and dentists.
Local grants to public health agencies.
New applications for MinnesotaCare in most counties.


That gridlock now has its most potent symbol in the partial shutdown, which will result in layoff notices for more than 9,000 state workers, close dozens of highway rest stops, halt new drivers licenses from being issued, and cause other consequences that are still being sorted out.

Some services will continue. Lawmakers did find last-minute agreement Thursday on a bill that kept state parks open, which Gov. Tim Pawlenty promptly signed. Other functions had previously been funded, including most public safety programs, college campuses and tax collections.

Additionally, a judge has ordered the state to continue delivering services critical to the health and safety of Minnesotans, including the State Patrol.

Still, there was plenty of finger-pointing Thursday night after the Senate unexpectedly adjourned not long after passing a bill that would have kept government open by maintaining current funding levels. Pawlenty and House Republicans said that approach was unacceptable, the House voted it down, and government shut down.

Pawlenty lashed out at Senate Democrats, charging that a government shutdown was their strategy all along, in order to make him look bad.

"I am stunned by the naked cynicism of the Democrat strategy," Pawlenty said. "When it came to crunch time, they left. When the services Minnesotans rely on to meet their needs and help them, when the jobs of the state employees were on the line, the Democrats turned and left tonight, when the people needed them the most."

Democrats said Republicans could have kept government open by approving the continuing resolution, leaving negotiators a little more time to reach a budget deal.

"Are the members of this House of Representatives going to be the first legislators in the history of the state to let government shut down?" asked House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, DFL-St. Paul. "The answer should be no."

What happens next is unclear. Pawlenty said Thursday night that all the offers he had made to Democrats, including a charge on a pack of cigarettes that would have comprised a large chunk of new state revenue, are now off the table. Negotiations will have to start at the beginning, he said.

House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, said he expected the House would adjourn for the weekend on Friday, with only leaders staying in St. Paul to continue negotiations.

That would leave lawmakers headed home to their districts — and, possibly, to face angry constituents. Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she would probably skip a Friday night parade in which she was scheduled to participate.

"I don't want to have eggs and tomatoes thrown at me," Hortman said, adding that she wouldn't feel right riding in a parade. "We should be here working."

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Deafness

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sequoias

nope, they're on a 10 day freeze and they're working on a new agreement, but it looks bad. I hope it's not gonna cause riots or anything that bad.

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The*Empress

it might be, cause saturn in leo. i don't know what that mean. sound bad in astrology book.

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Oceanbreeze

Oh good grief! It has nothing to do with astrology. It probably has to do with a lack of funds to run the city. Don't you remember when the Feds shut down the government when they couldn't pass a fiscal budget? Happened a lot back in the '80s. This is probably similiar.

Don't worry. Minnesota isn't doomed. They just have to get their act together and pass a budget. Soon as they do that all will be well again.

The*Empress

Okay, 29 years ago, Saturn was in Leo, and Vietnam War and President Nixon step down....

So I think protesters might make Bush step down? De Ja Vu.

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Oceanbreeze

As Levonian would say... "All aboard the schizophrenic choo-choo ...Next stop the loony bin...."

The*Empress

why would you insult me that way?
I haven't name call you.

This is a forum, and we all have different opinion,
and we can debate in a mature way.

It would be bored if I go along with you and Meg and everybody
agreeing on everything.

And I just trying to perk up this boring forum, so
you guys can argue with me...

It is okay, I like to debate, come on, give me something
to talk about, and let me share my different views and stuff.

That is why RavenSteven is here for, right, so you guys
can argue with him too.

I didn't came here to win. I came here to debate and talk about stuff,
since I am at home, doing nothing.

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CoolieFroggie

That's explains i called them as Minnshits!

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"Greetings, Kermit the Frog here
And today I'd like to tell you a little bit
About the color green
Do you know what's green?
Well I am for one thing
You see frogs are green, and I'm a frog
And that means I'm green, you see"

The*Empress

lol!!!

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Nesmuth

California had used "I O U" checks instead of a governemnt shut down. It happened under Governor Pete Wilson. This made the headlines once banks and check cashing places stopped accepting the IOU checks.

Richard

DeafSCUBA98

i live in minnesota... i'm not worried about any of those now.. every thing around here seems same as usual.

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Nucleus Freedom 04/18/05
activiated 05/16/05

racheleggert

Okay here it is...

I spent alot of time at Capitol as a citizen lobbyist.

Last week Senate agreed on "lights on" bill to keep gov't open, and House refused to agreed, the Governor too. They made many motions to stay in session past midnight, even adjournment. Some State agencies have to be closed such as MN Commsssion on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). At first there was 27,000 people get laid off but went down to 15,400 something then now only 9,000 people are laid off due to some bills such as State Government, few others were passed and signed by Gov. Pawlenty. Lucky my job as Student Senator was saved by higher education bill that was passed in regular legislative session-thank god..... Otherwise you may want to watch MN Gov't shutdown updates on

www.startribune.com

www.twincities.com

www.wcco.com

www.kare11.com

www.kmsp.com

http://www.kstp.com/

www.mpr.org

I hope those links to MN media sources helps very much.

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PROUD BARACK OBAMA SUPPORTER!

The*Empress

why not ban cigarettes from prison, save money from insurance companies?
why not government tell people that they won't hire workers who smoke,
to save money from insurance companies?

why not get rid of welfare? and just hire many poor people, especially single mothers?

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Oceanbreeze

Do you really advocate that? You do realize that if Mississippi did that, you'd have to give up your SSI. You're also fond of your trips. Those would have to go.

Think twice about this. Mississippi could find themselves in a similiar predicament. Any state could. Then, we'll see if you'll suggest doing away with welfare.

The*Empress

yeah I would give up my SSI.

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Steel X

and finally have a JOB! *reliefed sigh*

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racheleggert

Hello Folks,



I wanted to get you up to speed with what the Independence Party and our Senator Sheila Kiscaden have been up to during the recent meltdown at the State Capital.



Overview:



This is the second year in a row that the legislature and the Governor have failed to complete their work and the first time in Minnesota history that the government has shut down. The Republicans say we have a spending problem, yet they are always seeking new sources of revenue. The DFL says we have a revenue problem, yet their tax the rich solution was temporary (and yes, there is a sign in the DFL house offices that proudly proclaims tax the rich). The IP feels that our state government has a leadership problem. A strong third party is the only solution.



This fiasco is the best commercial we have. We need to use this as an opportunity to position the Independence Party as the alternative to politics as usual. We need to promote the message that the IP places the general well being of Minnesotans above political self promotion. We do not hold the state hostage to special interest groups such as the Taxpayers League, etc. Here are a few facts/opinions as I see them:



The leadership deliberately orchestrated a shutdown so they could go into the next election saying (GOP) they fought against tax increases, or (DFL) they fought hard against cuts in education and healthcare. They are assuming that the public will forget about their failures by election time.
All news reports leading up to the shutdown favorably presented the arguments of both sides. Since the shutdown, most reports are negative. The leaders recognize that the public is ready to have a tea party at their expense. As a result, there are renewed efforts to resolve this shortly.
The citizens represented by junior legislators should be enraged at the exclusion of their representatives from the negotiations. This is the true wasted vote syndrome: unless your legislator is in the leadership of their caucus, they have no tangible influence in the negotiations. The old third-party wasted-vote scenario has been raised to a new level. We will certainly use this to our advantage with the voter.
Most disturbingly, the only people at the state capital yesterday were legislators, lobbyists and reporters. No citizens. Little outrage. We need to take the lead and change this (see below).


Press Release:



Earlier today you should have received our press release from last Friday highlighting the lack of leadership at the capital. It succinctly points out that the actions of our elected officials during the last session directly contradict their rhetoric about ending gridlock.



Independence Party Proposal to Move Forward:



Yesterday, I delivered a letter outlining a proposed solution to the leaders negotiating a resolution. Please refer below to a copy of this letter.



I spoke with Senator Day. He committed that he will take a strong look at our proposal.



It is unlikely that the parties are willing to move beyond the posturing just yet. I feel that the $1 per pack tax on cigarettes, proposed early in the session by Sen. Kiscaden, will be the likely revenue source chosen since all sides have now proposed a cigarette tax of some level.



If either of the above is adopted, we?ve displayed that the IP has the true leadership that this state needs. While the entrenched parties are busy hanging pep rally type signs in their offices, the IP has proposed real solutions. We will be very vocal about this.



Senator Kiscaden Accomplishments



In spite of the rancor at the capital, Independence Party Senator Sheila Kiscaden, Chair of the committee covering State Government Finance, Public Safety Budget Division and the Higher Education Budget Division, completed her work on time during the regular session. Her divisions were some of the few that saw actual cuts in state spending and she led the effort to come in over $2 million below the budget target set by the Governor. Highlights include:



Fully funding tuition reimbursement for National Guard Members.
Cut the legislative budget by over $2.5 million.
Protecting the Political Contribution Refund Program that reduces the influence of special interest money in Minnesota elections.
Passage of several health care bills (authored by Sen. Kiscaden) that directly address the spiraling costs of these programs.
Time to hitch your wagon to a new horse



The party is continuing its efforts to build a slate of solid candidates for the 2006 elections. Peter Hutchinson, former State Finance Commissioner and close confidant of Tim Penny has expressed his intention to seek party endorsement for Governor. Jack Uldrich, former Minnesota Planning Commissioner and former Independence Party Chair intends to seek endorsement for US Senate. I am confident that we will run a solid, credible slate of statewide candidates.



We still need your help!

We need to recruit solid candidates for State House and State Senate candidates. If you have recommendations for such candidates, please let us know.
We need you to invest in the Independence Party so we can have a louder voice in delivering our message and can provide meaningful support to our candidates. You can invest online at www.mnip.org
Be vocal! Send letters to the editor. Let your friends and neighbors know that the Independence Party is the alternative.
The time to act is now! We provide Minnesotans with a Vision beyond Division. We need you now more than ever!



Best Regards,



Jim Moore

Chair, Independence Party of Minnesota





[And here's the solution proposed to legislative leaders]



July 5, 2005



Governor Tim Pawlenty



Sen. Dean E. Johnson Sen. Dick Day

Majority Leader Minority Leader



Rep. Steven A. Sviggum Rep. Matt Entenza

Speaker of the House Minority Leader



Gentlemen,



I am writing to offer two suggestions that would provide the necessary revenue to fund the priorities that you have already agreed upon.



As you may recall, when the Ventura Administration proposed taking over education spending in 2001, it was part of a three step reform:



Provide landmark property tax relief.
Shift education funding (except local levies) to the state level.
Pay for the education funding shift with sales tax reform by extending the tax to cover services and reduce the overall rate from 6.5% to 6%. At the time, this proposal was revenue neutral when combined with the property tax relief.

Unfortunately, only the first two steps of this tax reform were enacted and the critical third step was dropped. As a result, you are facing your third consecutive structural budget shortfall. This shortfall has hindered your ability to proactively address spiraling costs in areas of state spending--particularly in healthcare.



Extending the sales tax to cover services and lower the overall rate to 6% would generate over $400 million in revenue per year, or more than $800 million for the upcoming biennium.



While I question the wisdom of taking a no-new-taxes pledge, I remain respectful of the political sentiment behind it. I believe that this solution would allow Governor Pawlenty to maintain his pledge if it is promoted within its original, revenue neutral, context by tying it to the 2001 property tax relief. You would simply be completing the final step of the original tax reform plan. Additionally, it would allow Governor Pawlenty and the Republican Caucuses to withdraw the cigarette tax/health-impact-fee and the property tax levy proposal that truly do violate that pledge.



Furthermore, this proposal distributes the pain of increasing revenue equitably as required by the DFL caucuses. It remains progressive with its exemption of food, clothing, medicine, etc. and would be paid primarily through discretionary personal consumption. More importantly, it would provide a more stable revenue source to preserve Minncare and ensure that education is adequately funded.



I recognize that your negotiations toward a budget resolution are advanced and may be close to resolution. If you have resigned yourselves to options already on the table, I would suggest you consider the $1 per pack cigarette tax proposed by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden. All sides have proposed a fee/tax of some level from this source. While it is not as stable as sales tax revenue, it may provide the requisite level of revenue.



Finally, I have one last suggestion that relates to any revenue source you may choose with this budget. I strongly urge you to consider a two-year sunset on any tax/fee implemented. This would provide ample time to evaluate and implement true reforms that can reduce the cost of government--particularly in health care. Evaluating the health care legislation proposed by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden would be a solid first step toward this.



Any effort toward reform is more easily addressed without the cascading crises of deficits and a government shutdown factoring heavily into the equation.



Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jim Moore

Chair, Independence Party of Minnesota

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racheleggert

HERE I GOT E MAIL FROM ONE OF MY LEGISLATIVE FRIEND, STATE REP. RICK HANSEN :


A deal has been reached. We are about to pass the "lights on" bill.
We
have just suspended the rules to consider HF 111 by Rep. Knoblach. We
have declared an urgency. Second Reading. Knoblach, Sertich and
Solberg had an amendment to have the "lights on" bill be amended to
July
14 at midnight. Oral amendment passed. Amendment passed. HF 111
"lights on" passed 106-9.

We are now waiting for the Senate to pass a concurrent resolution to
allow us to come back on Wednesday to consider the final agreement in
bill form.

It is 3:00 AM. The Senate bill has arrived.

The Education Working Group will meet on Saturday @ 2:00 pm in Room
200.

The HHS Working Group will meet at noon

We adjourned until 11:00 AM on Wedensday, July 13. It is 3:04 AM.


The Leadership Agreement of 1:30 AM

Education: $800 million

Total funding for schools, including levies, @ $139.2 million and
4.0%/4.0% each year on the formula.

Agreed upon language for Q Comp @ $78.5 million in aid plus $9 million
in levy with equitable geographic distribution. Get Ready Get Credit
language and funding @ $11.6 million.

Referendum cap raised to 26%; $200 per student of additional referendum
authority to "grandfather" districts; referendum equalization increased
to $600 per student in FY 2007 and $700 per student in FY 2008 and
later.

Establish a low referendum district equity increase, metro equity
increase and modified formula to provide statewide equity. The
modified
equity formula includes $32 million in school board approved levy as an
allowance per pupil for all school districts below the 95th percentile
and includes cities of the first class. School distircts above the
95th
percentile shall receive a levy allowance equal to 50% of the allowance
that districts below the 95th percentile receive.

$10 million in aid for early childhood programs.

HHS: $110 million

Over Governor's March budget for 06-07; 08-09 tails also $110 million
over Governor's tails.
Maintain current law MN Care eligibility. Repeal MN Care cap and
restore diabetic supplies.
Fully utilize HCAF balance in both biennia.

TAX: $86 million

Over Governor's March budget

Offer assumes Health Savings Account conformity, single sales, and
gross premium reduction, plus other items including:

$45 million Local Government Aid; $25 million from the general fund
and $20 million from the tax relief account to be used only for the
current formula or small cities or for adjustments to avoid excess aid.

Current law fopr political contribution refund program and the renter's
credit program.

Rick Hansen
State Representative
221 State Office Building
(651) 296-6828

Feel free to sign up for my weekly updates:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/mem...p?district=39A

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PROUD BARACK OBAMA SUPPORTER!

apathrev

Mrs P. This is the same thing that happened with Tennessee about 2 or 3 years ago. Not really that big of a deal, I think. Just a little vacation for government.

diehardbiker

New York state is the WORST! Don't you know that NYS finally passed budget on time for the first time in 20 years!!! In the last 20 years, they always LATE for the budget agreement. Average of 4 months late! This DOES have effect on everybody here. The late the budget it is, they forced town to figure out where to get money to get by, especially medicaid and school budget. They almost always borrow or raise property taxes. That is how NYS ended up most taxed state! They don't know how to keep on time budget!

diehardbiker

Smoking in prison is now 100% banned in New York State!

That would be totally discrimination if refused to hire smoker. In New York state, NO smoking is allowed in any public buildings! Even bar is not allowed to have smoking in there! That applies to workplace. and believe it or not, smoking within 200 feet of hospital entrance is illegal here!

ravensteve1961

So whats gonna happen now? Cause Prisoners have their rights taken away in NY.Will the prisoners riot and take guards hostages to make the governor meet their demands give em their smoking rights back?

The*Empress

why would they riot when the state is trying to help them maintain good health? if prisoners don't like it, then they better not do crimes again.

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diehardbiker

Already passed one year and not a problem! Plus I don't care about criminals at all, they don't deserve rights. Its waste of my tax money where are my rights??? ME PAY TAXES FOR ASSHOLES? NO FRIGGIN WAY!!!!

There won't be any riots, NYS already learned lesson from Attica!

ravensteve1961

I dont think they learned their lession cause the