Governor Mark Dayton submitted his list today to Ramsey County District Court of state services which “should be continued in the event of a July 1st shutdown and, by their omission, those many services which should not. I consider virtually all services provided by the state to be essential, and all of them have been established by previous governors and legislatures to serve and benefit people throughout Minnesota.”
The list of some services that would continue includes basic operations of prisons, sex offender program, state patrol, Capitol security, Veterans homes, state courts, military, budgeting agency, food inspections, newborn screening, vaccinations, Minnesota Zoo, Governor’s Residence.
The governor’s statement continues: “My decisions were not based upon personal preferences or policy considerations. Rather, they were instructed by the words of the Minnesota Constitution, which I took an oath of office to uphold, and ensuing case law. Agency heads, their staffs, and the staff at the MN Department of Management and Budget and the Governor’s Office have spent many hours developing these recommendations.
“The Minnesota Constitution states unequivocally: “No money shall be paid out of the treasury of this state except in pursuance of an appropriation by law.” (Article XI, Sect. 1.) Thus my decisions were based entirely upon which functions of state government are so critical to the protection of the lives and safety of the people of Minnesota, or which would cause disorder or severe statewide economic impact, that they should be made exceptions to this clear prohibition.
“Importantly, my brief first asks the Court to order Legislative Leaders and me to engage in mediation to help us resolve our differences before July 1st to avoid a shutdown. My evaluation of critical services has persuaded me even more deeply that a shutdown would have catastrophic consequences for a great many people throughout our state. I remain fully committed to doing everything I can to reach a balanced compromise with the Legislature on a fair and balanced budget before July 1st in order to avoid a shutdown.”
Agencies recommended to close:
Accountancy Board
Administrative Hearings
Amateur Sports Comm
Architecture, Engineering Bd
Arts Board
Asian-Pacific Council
Barber Examiners
Board Behavioral Health & Therapy Bd
Black Minnesotans Council
Bureau of Mediation Services
Campaign Fin & Public Discl Bd
Capitol Area Architect
Chicano/Latino Affairs Council
Chiropractors Board
Combative Sports Commission
Cosmetologist Exam Board
Dietetics & Nutrition Practice Disability Council
Emergency Medical Services Bd
Explore Minnesota Tourism
Gambling Control Board
Higher Ed Facilities Authority
Human Rights Dept
Humanities Commission
Indian Affairs Council
Lottery
Marriage & Family Therapy
Medical Practice Board
Minn Conservation Corps
Nursing Board
Nursing Home Admin Board
Ombudsperson for Families
Optometry Board
Peace Officers Board (POST)
Pharmacy Board
Physical Therapy Board
Podiatric Medicine Board
Private Detective Board
Psychology Board
Racing Commission
Social Work Board
Tax Court
Uniform Laws Commission
Veterinary Medicine Board
Water & Soil Resources Board
Workers Comp Court of Appeals
Note: Operations of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will continue based on its statutory and practical financial autonomy and its balance carry-over authority.
Governor’s Residence? Really? That seems like a very stupid political move.
Well a mediator would force Governor Dayton to the meeting, might be the only way to get him on board to solve Mn finances.
He truly seems to be driven by his own agenda, my way or no way. Raise taxes or forget it! Allow spending levels to retain automatic non sustainable growth or no deal!
When the fees and monies have already been paid for the 2 racetracks for all state services, it does not seem logical that the tracks must close and put thousands out of work. The state will also lose income from the cardclubs and parimutuels. This is a death nell for the racing industry as the only time of the year the tracks are open looks to be at the same time as this upcoming shutdown. The horses are going to leave for the states that are racing now so as not to miss racing. They won’t be back. Many counties will be affected and the state will lose a Multi billion dollar industry. This is a loss that Minnesota can not afford. Good job, Governor Dayton! Cut off your nose to spite your face. And take down a vital agricultural industry with you!
Why? He lives there.