Thursday, June 21, 2012

Minnesota Government Shuts Down

The Minnesota government began shutting down on Friday after lawmakers failed on Thursday to  to reach a budget agreement before a midnight deadline. It is the second time such a shutdown has occurred in six years.

CNN reports Gov. Mark Dayton held a news conference to announce an impasse in budget talks two hours before the deadline.

"This is a night of deep sorrow for me," Dayton said.

According to the network, the governor, who is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, wants to raise taxes on the wealthiest 1.9% of the state’s citizens, as well as cut spending.

Republicans accused the governor of giving up too soon, CNN says.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said in a statement Friday that Republicans had "100 matched" some of Dayton's funding requests. She called the governor's decision a "major disappointment,” according to the network.

Residents are already feeling the impact.

“The Minnesota Department of Transportation had shut down more than 80 highway rest stops by Thursday afternoon,” according to CNN. “State parks and the zoos are also set to be closed. Emergency and disaster agencies, Minnesota State Patrol, the state court system and the prison system are a few of the agencies that will remain open.”

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