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.
• 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.