How Minn. state agencies would operate in shutdown

Published 1:20 pm Wednesday, June 29, 2011

ST. PAUL — A snapshot of Minnesota state government services that would continue, or not, under a government shutdown:

Closed or suspended:

• 46 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.

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• 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 driver’s licenses and car registration.

Open or continuing:

• State emergency/disaster agencies.

• State Patrol.

• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

• 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.