Government

Minnesota Government Shuts Down

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state government is closed for business.

It shut down at 12:01 a.m. CDT Friday, the victim of an ongoing dispute over taxes and spending between Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative majorities. Talks fell apart well before the deadline, leaving state parks closed on the brink of the Fourth of July weekend, putting road projects at a standstill and forcing thousands of state worker layoffs.

Even before the final failure, officials padlocked highway rest areas and state parks, herding campers out. The full impact will hit Friday morning as thousands of laid-off state employees stay home until further notice and a wide array of services are suspended.

Critical functions such as state troopers, prison guards, the courts and disaster responses will continue. On Friday morning, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz will begin the court-appointed job of sifting through appeals from groups arguing in favor of continued government funding for particular programs.

Dayton addressed the looming shutdown at about 10 p.m. Thursday, emerging after a day of fitful negotiations with legislative Republicans to say the two sides were still fundamentally divided over how much the state should spend the next two years and that the shutdown was inevitable.

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

Republican lawmakers had been gathered at the Capitol for hours as they demanded that Dayton do what he had said for months he would not do: Call a special session so they could pass a “lights on” budget bill to keep government running. The governor insisted he would only agree to a total budget solution that incorporated the many facets of state spending.

“I think the governor’s insistence that we pass a full budget is not going to be of much comfort to Minnesotans who are going to see delays on the highways because construction projects stop,” said Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo. “It‘s not going to comfort people who can’t use our state parks, or who can‘t get a driver’s license.”

Officials in state parks had already started herding out campers Thursday, saying it would have been too difficult in the dead of night. Also Thursday, people rushed to get driver’s and fishing licenses at offices and service centers that would be locked up by morning.

A stoppage in Minnesota will halt non-emergency road construction, shut the state zoo and Capitol, and stop child-care assistance for the poor. More than 40 state boards and agencies expect to go dark.

The shutdown in retrospect was something of a slow-motion disaster, with a new Democratic governor and new Republican legislative majorities at odds for months over how to eliminate a $5 billion state budget deficit. Dayton has been determined to raise taxes on high-earners to close the deficit, while Republicans insisted that it be closed only by cuts to state spending.

Even after the shutdown looked like a certainty, Dayton and Republicans did not soften their conflicting principles. Dayton said he campaigned and was elected on a promise not to make spending cuts to a level he called “draconian.” He said he has been more flexible than Republicans in trying to compromise in order to acknowledge their principles.

“I’ve gone halfway, and I’m not going to go further,” Dayton said.

Many Republicans have been equally firm. House Speaker Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, suggested Thursday night that Dayton had other motives.

“This is about shutting down government for a political purpose,” Zellers said.

Republican Sen. Michelle Benson said earlier in the day she wouldn’t budge on raising taxes or new revenue in any form.

“If we don’t start taking a different approach to how we manage our government, we’re going to swing from one bad economic circumstance to another,” Benson said. “We can’t just keep throwing more money at government and hoping that makes things better.”

Dayton has proposed raising taxes on couples earning more than $300,000 and individuals making more than $180,000. He said Thursday night that he had offered to target the tax increase to even higher earners, those making more than $1 million a year.

Republicans have opposed any new taxes or new revenue sources, arguing instead that the state should rely on spending cuts, including deeper reductions in health and welfare spending than Dayton is willing to accept.

Some GOP moderates have talked of breaking the impasse with other means of raising revenue, such as eliminating tax breaks or authorizing a casino. Dayton has said he is open to such ideas.

After budget talks broke down Thursday night, neither Dayton nor Republicans gave any immediate indication of when or in what fashion they might continue.

Lawmakers faced the prospect of spending the holiday weekend at parades and events in their district, facing a public who can point to an oversized symbol of gridlock at the state Capitol. Some admitted that Dayton might have the upper hand politically.

“I personally think the Republicans will probably be more damaged than the governor” by the shutdown, said freshman Rep. Mike LeMieur, R-Little Falls, who toppled an incumbent Democrat in November. “The fact is that we’re all up for re-election again next year, and he’s not up for three years.”

Comments (419)

1 2 3 ... 11
  • cosette
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:26am

    The only good bureaucracy is a non functioning one. Enjoy it while it lasts!

    Report Post »  
  • amerbur
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:25am

    REPEAT THE TRUTH!!!! You have not more money to spend. Raising Taxes will not fix the problem. It will make it worse. WE HAVE A SPENDING PROBLEM!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • kdzndogdad
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:22am

    I thought that it was rather ironic that there were State employees that live “paycheck-to-paycheck” that don’t know how they are going to make it, yet they want their employer – the State of Minnesota – to go deeper and deeper into debt. Maybe these employees should practice what they preach and just pull out their credit cards and start spending money that they hope to have some day. If they don’t get it, no big deal, somebody will bail them out, right? If not, well then just lay the burden on somebody else; their neighbors, their children, the “rich”. Somebody else can be responsible so long as they aren’t inconvenienced.

    Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:15am

    Any time you can get the government to shut down, it is a glorious thing to behold.

    Really, we can take care of ourselves. No, really, we can. Go away.

    Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:15am

    Read this biased piece about the same topic. http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/124824189.html?page=2&c=y

    Check out the comments…should be interesting to watch this one as it proceeds into the unknown…those who have prepared themselves should be ok…anyone want to guess what kind of summer they will be having? Riots? Francis Fox Pevin has gotta be likin’ this mess.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:14am

    Mabey this will catch on.

    Report Post »  
  • florida123
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:11am

    This is good news, if We the People do not force the Gov’t thugs to cut the budgets we are heading for financial ruins! Cut the Fat from Sea to Shining Sea!!!!!!

    Report Post » florida123  
  • SREGN
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:11am

    Woo Hoo! Fedgov next!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • WhatWasIThinking?
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:10am

    ok so the government of minnesota actually believes they have a right of some sort to lock you out of public land. and why do they believe this? because you let them believe it! and because you yourselves believe it. I dont believe it.

    Report Post » WhatWasIThinking?  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:07am

    A round of applause for MN ! Surprise, all you folks in MN, tomorrow the sun will come up, you will wakeup and the world will not have disappeared. Might even be a little better.

    Report Post »  
  • bhh
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:05am

    Well….bye.

    Report Post »  
  • wing
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:05am

    Just a couple of points…there isn’t a five billlion dollar deficit. The Repubs passed the largest budget in state history, 34 billion dollars, it just isn’t enough for the governor

    Report Post »  
    • 48
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:09am

      Dayton is a freeking liar. He said if the republicans put a balanced budget on his desk without raising taxes, he would sign it. Also the local media geeks go to interview all the public employees at their march at the capitol yesterday so the only thing the rest of us hear is, it’s the republicans fault. This country is doomed.

      Report Post »  
  • HowardSternIsABigot
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:00am

    Hey, why are they rushing to buy fishing licenses? The fish cops wont be working.

    Report Post »  
    • kenr1963
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:56am

      LOL!! I thought the same thing

      Report Post »  
    • stifroc
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:38am

      everyone rushed to get their fishing licenses because the Game Wardens WILL still be on patrol.

      Report Post » stifroc  
    • LibertyWon
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:22pm

      Great for locals who want to fish, but it will have an impact on the tourist industry in northern mn, which is probably just as well since that area leans Democrat anyways.

      Report Post »  
    • jackeric61
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:24pm

      Same thing about a drivers liscense. You can’t get it renewed so tell the courts to go pound sand!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Charybdis
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:44pm

      I was thinking the same thing. LOL!

      Report Post »  
    • angroehl
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:25pm

      The “fish cops” are deemed “necessary”. So that’s why everyone was rushing to get their license. Speaking as a resident of MN, I’m disgusted with Dayton. The day this idiot was elected I knew something like this was inevitable. He got campaign funds and has meetings with George Sorros for God sake.

      Report Post »  
    • WEBSTERSNEWESTWORD IMHO
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:38pm

      Fish cops are still considered peace officers and therefore essential.

      Report Post »  
    • thefishman4u
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 1:39am

      Now that is funny, but oh so true. Loved the comment!!!

      Report Post »  
    • E Knutson
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:56am

      because the DNR has cops which are funded

      Report Post »  
    • goldmankc
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:03am

      good point

      Report Post » goldmankc  
  • michaelmoron
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:00am

    Thank god the Republicans are stopping the Liberals from spending more money that they don’t have.
    Liberals should never touch another checkbook. How’s that hope for NWO and change to Socialism working out for ya?

    Report Post » michaelmoron  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:59am

    Someone shut something down??WOW about time!!!!!!! If they are closed they can’t spend! Simple isn’t it???

    Report Post »  
    • Master Sergeant Malone
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:46am

      U got that right no mercy. But getting this simple concept through to tax and spend low hanging liberal moon bats is like convincing Richard Simmons to switch to overalls! Ain’t gonna happen!

      Report Post »  
    • agameofthrones
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:50am

      Imagine if they shut down the government there for one day a week for a year. How much would they be able to save toward paying that 5 Billion dollar debt? In their arrogance and hubris, they think we Americans will fall apart without government there to run everything. Well, so far we’ve seen how they run everything…………into the ditch.

      Report Post » agameofthrones  
  • TexasStu
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:59am

    And so it starts states coming to the conclusion that spending more than you take in is bad. Even my 4 year old granddaughter knows that. Too bad the obame ministration can’t figure that out! But one by one the Dems will have to shut down the States and will soon come begging to the Government for a bailout…..please help us we spent too much, taxed too much and now we have no job and no money. Call the wambulance.

    Report Post » TexasStu  
  • Ballgame
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:58am

    @nzkiwi “Ditto”

    Report Post » Ballgame  
  • alrunner58
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:54am

    Here we go America. It’s coming to a city near you.

    Report Post » alrunner58  
  • jeff.cooper
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:53am

    Gotta love the AP. Buried in the story, long after the whining and crying about how people can’t go to parks, get a driver’s license, and layoffs, is the hard fact that Minn. is $5 Billion in the red. $5 Billion! It doesn‘t take a CPA to know that you can’t run a government when your revenue is less than your expenses. I suggest that Minnesota privatize its parks and get out of the road-building business as a small step to cut expenses.

    Report Post » jeff.cooper  
    • Myturn
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:35pm

      No privatizing of parks! They belong to the PEOPLE.

      Report Post »  
  • kuhl
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:52am

    About time the Peoples Republic of Minnesota reaped what it has sown. Does that mean all the welfare and food stamp payouts to the voting base stops as well?

    Report Post »  
    • ONETERM
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:27am

      Nope. A ******* Judge ruled it must continue on Wednesday. Including collecting taxes, state patrol, and pretty much every other service except sleeping at a state park and peeing at a rest stop.

      Report Post » ONETERM  
    • ronmorgen
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:43am

      Yes and no, it said payments to poor families children would be stopped. . How about they also put a hold on Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s salary.

      Report Post » ronmorgen  
    • Watchdog826
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:57pm

      I think most of that kind of stuff is on automatic.

      Report Post »  
  • blackcatrun
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:49am

    The chickens have come home to roost. So they think by shutting it all down is a punishment to the citizens? Life without the second big brother watching our every move. Enjoy your short freedom St Paul.

    Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:25am

      So they think that if they close down the parks and shut down rest areas they will “punish” the citizens for not putting pressure on the Repubs huh? Like it takes any serious manpower to keep them open. How about we send the legislators (so called) home with no pay. The people of Minnesota deserve better.

      Report Post »  
    • Sneddog
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:02pm

      Totally agree! Make the legislators, judges, governor, etc. all keep working but for no pay. Then you can keep some parks open and things the citizens use.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:39pm

      Shut down the FEDS too .. think of the money we could save!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
  • I_Hate_Libs
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:46am

    All Democrat states will end up like this because Democrats are clueless.

    The horror of the Democrat mind.

    Report Post »  
    • Lone Star Girl
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:35am

      Well, here we go again. This is going to be a really old story very quickly. We will see it over and over again in the coming months because progressives just do not get that there just is not enough money to provide the quality programs that they want. Across the board from the federal level, to state government, and even the cites want all of these safety nets but insist on someone else paying for it. Now the natural consequences are beginning to assert themselves which will lead to a never ending battle over collective responsibility vs individual responsibility. I wish the people of Minnesota the best and hope that the can keep it civil but I will be surprised it they do. Progressives wouldn’t be happy if they took all that the so called right owned to pay for their fantasy’s.

      Report Post » Lone Star Girl  
  • nzkiwi
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:41am

    What is happening to this site? In January, GB hired former HuffPo CEO Betsy Morgan, and this site is gradually turning into a Huffpo clone.

    Many have complained recently about censorship. Recently, posts were limited to 1500 characters, as if Blazers are incapable of, or put off by, reading anything longer. The text version of the sound bite.

    Now, if you reply to a poster, instead of your post following theirs, it disappears to the very bottom of the board. So gone are the debates that we often have, or enjoy following.

    How long will it be until we are awarded puerile “badges” as on Huffpo? Badges for the most comments (so the site is clogged by the moronic posts of people wanting only a higher value badge). Moderator badges for those who do the most complaining (and that is how to turn your site into a left-wing blog, whether you want to or not), although, to be fair, the complaints are reviewed.

    Trolls are not allowed at Huffpo (right-wing ones, that is) and those with “moderator badges” are trawling for scalps. Good-bye to free speech. The Blaze tolerates trolls because they sometimes make a valuable point, and to censor one is to eventually censor all – as in real life.

    If the idea is to get more visitors, how about spending more time on getting the good stories? I’ll give that much to Huffpo.

    A sad day is coming, my fellow Blazers. You will know that our scrappy, bluntly honest site has finally been subdued when more of us stop showing up

    Report Post »  
    • marine43
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:55am

      One strange thing i have noticed is that half the time there isn’t a “reply” tab. Really annoying when you want to smack a troll!

      Report Post » marine43  
    • compatriotshonor
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:45am

      If it’s anything like the mountain troll from harry potter, you know big, bad and ugly, with a brain the size of a pea, it wouldn’t be hard to knock it up the side of thier heads, especially if thier dumber than a box a rocks!

      Report Post »  
    • PrfctlyFrank
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:47am

      No reply to a reply.. Thats the way it works..

      Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:23am

      I see a reply tab.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:24am

      But.. it doesn’t work. It just starts a new comment. Bugs to be worked out Blaze.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Seasoldier
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:24pm

      Semper Fi, Devil Dog. It is annoying when there’s no reply button when you see a post that needs a reply. Meanwhile, to from a Marine Mustang: “….here is health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve….”

      Report Post »  
    • demdummies
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:58pm

      I concure!

      Report Post » demdummies  
    • Tom Tom
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:59pm

      @marine43 can i get an aman!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Airgun
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:48pm

      Trolls regularly use a reply tab because it prevents anyone from replying to their rants directly, as there are no tabs in a reply as opposed to a regular post.
      It does, however, make a serial troll simple to spot- no reply tab in their post.

      Report Post » Airgun  
    • kdzndogdad
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:17am

      @NZKIWI – Um – I think that “Comments” is supposed to be about the story, not general comments about the site. If you have gripes about the site, email the people in charge of the site (addresses are below) but please don’t take up space where nobody from The Blaze will read, unless you feel that venting does any good for anybody but you.

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:17am

      I agree. But, it‘s people’s nature to “tinker”, and often times they do it at the expense of everybody else – not unlike the government, I might add.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:22am

      I guarantee you if it keeps up I will be gone, that is for sure. I feel that there may be more to this censorship at the Blaze issure than meets the eye. It could be that the Feds are threatening to shut the site down if they find something offensive. You know , some perverted FCC rule or something. But yes, if this continues I will just quit coming to the site. Let the commies have it.

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:25am

      I didn’t know this, I did notice that GB.com had Huffpo posted across the top of the page. Didn’t like that much. Not sure this is the right place anymore. We know what Huffpo is.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • 9thCommandment
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:44am

      Yep, they are turning the Blaze into a flicker. I got tired of the censorship, now the Blaze is at the end of my list of daily sites to visit & only if I have time.

      Report Post »  
    • tommee
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:22am

      Hey NZKIWI

      “Now, if you reply to a poster, instead of your post following theirs, it disappears to the very bottom of the board. So gone are the debates that we often have, or enjoy following.”

      As far as I can remember it’s always been Blaze policy to separate the replies from the original posts. At first I thought it strange but on further reflection realized it is not in the best interest of right-wing ideas to have a free flow of thought. Logic and fact are not kind to ultra conservative principles.

      It would be great to see a direct chain of comments on the Blaze, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

      Report Post »  
    • Zcat
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:27am

      Not only what you wrote, but the The Blaze is days late in putting up articles, by the time the blaze het it up its old news. I don’t come here much anymore. I agree with you 100%!

      Report Post »  
    • Mr. Oshawott
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:56am

      @NZKiwi

      Sadly, I think you’ve hit the bullseye with that statement. Now it will be painstaking to cruise through the entire thread just to find that one comment that you’ve typed, and a possible reply that follows it. I wonder…Where’s Glenn Beck on all this?!

      Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
    • Mandors
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:57am

      You may make some valid points, but this is an article on Minnesota’s shut down. So you’re not winning that pertinence badge today.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • wordweaver
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:09am

      @NZKIWI

      Yes, there have been some odd changes to the way the site works lately, none of them good. This should appear directly under your post since I clicked on the “reply” button. If it doesn’t, then I’m not sure why those reply buttons are there, because they no longer function. Like you, I liked that function and hope they restore it. One change I do like that showed up today is the ability now to choose directly which page of comments you can go to without scrolling through the whole list starting from page one.

      Report Post » wordweaver  
    • Broncobuster
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:19am

      Here is a reply ,let’s see where it goes.

      Report Post »  
    • Broncobuster
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:24am

      I’m out of here,no longer can reply,no sense in participating .

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:24am

      it’s true, fire the huffpost b!tch, why is she even here?

      Report Post »  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:41am

      Echo chambers suck… but some folks are like dogs: Insistent on rolling in their own feces.

      Report Post »  
    • His Lamb is Satanic
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:44am

      THE blaze is a fishing expedition for doj, collecting sentiments and email addresses to be used against those that speak wisdom.

      Report Post » His Lamb is Satanic  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:36pm

      I believed that too, but later found that my post does go in.. I go out of the article all together and then go back in and find it. I have never had one fail to go in, I think it just takes longer on some. Might try thet and see. Good Luck!

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:45pm

      This was a response to NZKIWI and endedn up on page ten when I replied to a post on page one? Weird happeings maybe your right>> I will see if it goes where it is suppose to this time??
      I believed that too, but later found that my post does go in.. I go out of the article all together and then go back in and find it. I have never had one fail to go in, I think it just takes longer on some. Might try thet and see. Good Luck!

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • 40 Ford Ragtop
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:18pm

      @kiwi
      You are spot on with the analysis. The people who want to reply to a post should be allowed the CONTEXT rather than the PRETEXT of the “get in line” mentality. Liberals are all for “fairness’ but of course, they will determine what fairness is – and write a rulebook or conditions for use. I am tiring of The Blaze, too!
      This merely proves again that there may be a “majority” but the “majority” can be wrong.

      Report Post » 40 Ford Ragtop  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:29pm

      Yes that is exactly why I have stopped posting so much!! Getting ready for a revolution lol….

      Report Post » adouglass1  
    • koyettsu
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:23pm

      Oh give me a break lol I think you are overrating a bit, I could care less about the forum posting rules. My main interest in the site is the news unbiased.

      Report Post »  
    • let us prey
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:35pm

      @nzkiwi
      You are correct, and we knew this was happening too. It is a sad day when we cannot even disagree with each other. The best days of this site may be behind it and I am dissapointed. And I bet that Betsy Morgan will be dancing on our graves when the site is shut down.
      Come on Glenn do something about this.

      Report Post » let us prey  
    • BlazeMom
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:18pm

      If you think the Blaze has less visitors, you must not be noticing the FLOOD of advertisers parting with their cash. Just sayin’

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:34pm

      @NZKIWI

      I’m with ya 100%! Many of my posts have been dropped for no reason that I know of. I am usually diplomatic in my writing, 99% of the time, but I feel as though I’ve hit a nerve with someone behind the scenes who just happens to disagree with my statements. And also, we will see if, in response to your post, my post ends up on the next page from yours. And yes, the 1500 character limit is a change for the worse in this site.
      Drastic changes must happen here in the U.S. to restore our freedoms. Even you can see it happening from there in NZ. Since 9/11 these have been the worst times of my life, and even more so since OBAMMY was elected as prez. Sad times indeed … Our work is cut out for us. However, optimism will shine once again over us. Believe it!

      Report Post »  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:33pm

      @chazman
      I like reading your posts and know your usual style. I‘m very surprised that you’ve had trouble.

      @JoeBtfsplk
      So have I.

      Report Post »  
    • Workforit
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:20pm

      I agree. I have been here since day one… maybe day two, and I have been censored, numerous times to the point I started keeping track. I love the format of this site and all the varied opinions… some… trolls included…the ones that have at least two functioning brain cells, the others are just here to start an argument.

      But to get back on track, what a great progressive trick! Screw a whole bunch of people on their time off…Close campsites that families have been going to for years, have the police haul off the ones that have showed up… Perfect liberal political move… See it for what it is folks… a liberal pin ***** in the fabric of the every day lives of Americans enjoying the founding of this country.

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:15pm

      http://blogs.forbes.com/jeffbercovici/2011/01/06/ex-huffpo-ceo-betsy-morgan-on-what-drew-her-to-glenn-beck/

      Yeah, been wondering about that myself…

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • Die Free
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:43pm

      As one who has never bloged on hufpo. I mean I have read some stories but never replied to them
      When did the word count drop? I have followed Glenn but I was slow getting to this site.
      I would like some facts to what you are saying is this site headed in the direction you suggest?
      What are you using as a guide to make that point?
      Thanks

      Report Post »  
    • maumau
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:31am

      the site is for news . no one cares about the blogers except the blogers.

      Report Post » maumau  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:57am

      Kiwi, this is how it has been with this site. It’s not the most modern user friendly. I have posted comments and they have been pushed to the bottom. I‘ve found that you can just make a statement that all can read and that’s about it! It’s hard to debate when there are so many comments coming in at once. HuffPo is nothing like this IMO. Don’t get frustrated. Just say what’s on your mind!

      Report Post »  
  • BIGJAYINPA
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:39am

    Here in Pa we replaced Fat Eddie Rendell with Tom Corbett and for the first time in nine years we have a BALANCED budget passed ON TIME. I’m sure it is just a coincedence that one was a liberal Dumbocrat and the other a Conservative Republican…..Just sayin’

    Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:42am

      Oh and by the way the new budget does not raise taxes and actually contains spending CUTS…Imagine that…Just sayin’

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:12am

      Yep! Our Tea Party folks did what the democrats should have done two years ago. Did I say I’m proud of my state?

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • Amma K
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:38am

      Same in Wisconsin, as soon as a Republican/Conservative (Scott Walker) took over. You are definitely on to something!!! Don‘t forget how the Liberals have to lie and cause trouble along the way so that the Governor has many problems trying to do the ’right thing’!!

      Report Post »  
    • vtxphantom
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:14am

      That is what Walker did here in Wisconsin. With his signature on his “repair bill” he wiped out a three and a half billion dollar deficit and turned it into a 300 Million surplus. We need creative governors not the tax and spend kind.

      Report Post »  
    • mdlwoods
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:47pm

      Wow! Go Figure, huh???

      Report Post » mdlwoods  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:10am

      Yep! I read that bit of news yesterday. One has to wonder why the dems couldn’t do it, but the republicans could. I am very proud of my state.

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • jackbenimble09
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:10am

      Amen fellow Pennsylvanian!

      Report Post »  
    • vincere vel mori
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:15am

      P.A. is getting it right. The Honorable Edward G-Give me money Rendel was a joke, he depended on the Feds money to close the gap in the budget. Bad choice, Minnesota wont fix this by taxing the rich, it will just piss them off and they will leave.

      Report Post » vincere vel mori  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:16am

      I just don’t think the world as we know it right now can afford a liberal approach to anything. People will figure it out sooner or later.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • godhead
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:40am

      MiniJayinPA

      EXACTLY! Maybe if Minnesota hadn‘t had a liberal Democrat governor the last 8 years they wouldn’t be in this spot.

      Report Post »  
    • 48
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:58am

      Thank God we had the governor we did, with the democrats controlling everything else during his term we would be just like California right now.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:49am

      Big
      Here in Connecicut we went from a rino repub gov to a socailist Democrat. We have few Repub‘s so our Taking class is unrestrained in it’s greed. Our public unions just voted down a deal that had them contributing to their retirement but these greedy BSTDRDS would not have it. The feared layoffs won’t happen because Dan Malloy , our socialist Gov is in bed with these Union thugs. We are screwed. Can’t wait to bail
      Anybody but Jugears 2012

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • SgtB
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:06am

      Can anyone tell me why you have to close state parks when a budget isn’t passed? State parks are nothing more than parcels of land set aside for recreation. They should be self sustaining and funded by modest entrance fees or camping fees and littering tickets. Seems like a Democrat scheme to hurt all of us because they want to spend too much.

      PS, anyone who has to start starving as soon as they lose their job sincerely needs to take a step back and figure out where they messed up and how they can correct their own problems. Currently, our government is about 95 years overdue on that realization

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:13am

      I guess government toilet paper is really expensive?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • rickbob
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:36am

      Go figure. . .

      Report Post » rickbob  
    • NSDQ
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:37am

      But Arent Old People Eating Cat Food and Dying In The Streets While The Wealthy Are Eating Caviar On Their Private Jets and Yachts

      Report Post » NSDQ  
    • crazyhorse
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:45am

      It seems like it was able to be done in Wisconsin as well. Republican fiscal conservative Governor….Am I seeing a pattern here?

      Report Post » crazyhorse  
    • drphil69
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:54am

      Seems Scott Walker did the same thing in Wisconsin… balance the budget without new taxes. I don’t live in Minn, so if they want to destroy their economy that is fine with me. I like when businesses move into my state!! I wonder if Chris Christie is placing ads in Minn to encourage businesses to move to NJ.

      Report Post »  
    • knockered
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:44am

      Good for those reps that are standing their ground.Now maybe the unions and the dems will come to their senses. Hopefully the gov of the U.S. will follow suit and shut down. Things have got to change soon or we are doomed…Wake up America…

      Report Post »  
    • BoiseBaked
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:57am

      Come on Minnesota, recall Dayton. Go Minnesota!

      Report Post »  
    • rockstone
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:57pm

      It’s very, very doubtful that you have a balanced budget in PA. The state pensions aren’t on your books as 100% funded. You’re just kicking the can down the street.

      Learn some accounting and then get back to us. PA is nearly as broke as Greece.

      Report Post » rockstone  
    • Concerned Green Beret
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 3:44am

      Yeah, but the first chance those idiots in PA get they will vote for the next socialist they can find. They just can’t stop themselves from pulling the lever for a socialist. Especially now that the budget is balanced it is like now they have free money to play with. PA is one of the more idiotic states in the union. Just sayin’.

      Report Post »  
  • selenesteets
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:38am

    as “wake up” comes on by Arcade Fire

    (the illusion of defeat is truly but an illusion, Truth cannot be defeated)

    +catchy, ***** let’s dance, brothers.

    Report Post » selenesteets  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:44am

      Shutdown? The best government is the government that doesn’t do anything at all.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • 2010GOP
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:11am

      I could be said that is where government is now… doing nothing but taking money for their needs… right??

      Report Post »  
    • LibertyWon
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:07am

      Dayton, a man of honor
      http://www.minnesotamajority.org/Hidden/ManofHisWord/tabid/207/Default.aspx

      All you iron rangers just remember that due to Dayton’s decision, I can’t get a fishing license now, therefor I’m canceling my vacation plans For next week to the BWCA.

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:27am

      you don‘t need a friggin license to ’catch fish’. wake up man. are you saying you are not free to feed your family? whatever… go fishin you idiot.

      Report Post »  
    • Tankertony
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:14am

      Bingo !!!

      Report Post » Tankertony  
    • vtxphantom
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:48am

      The government that rules least rules best.

      Report Post »  
    • MsBigRed
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:02am

      It is party like it’s 1773 here in MN. Thank you newly elected Republicans for sticking to your promise.

      Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Libos think there‘s no bottom to the Guvm’t Money Bucket..
      Learned Fiscal Responsibility from Poolooosy and Bozo’s

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • turkey13
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:59pm

      This is one smart Democratic Govenor. He will save the state a fortune and if shut down long enough might pull them out of the red ink. I believe he is copying the Govenor of Texas – a Democrat also.

      Report Post »  
    • ecurbyy
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:07am

      The best governed people are the least governed. I think one of the founding fathers said this, and I believe it’s true.

      Report Post » ecurbyy  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:04am

      It just amazes me that liberals don‘t understand the very simple concept that you can’t keep spending money that you don’t have. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_68oow06Nw

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:19am

      That Demorat Govenor shut down the parks, he caused the people to suffer by shutting everything down. He alone did this. He will go down in his election and people will remember

      Report Post »  
    • saviorammo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:08pm

      No one has to wait for an election. Remove the cancers immediately. In some cases, prosecute and punish on the steps of the capitol. That goes for the interst groups, union thugs, and others who push for mass deficit spending.

      The ruse is over and all those who were involved in any state or the fed should be held accountable. Maybe even try and go get OUR monies back from those who have stolen it or allowed it to be stolen.

      Take your home back or die!

      Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:41am

      Funny how the shut down doesn’t affect anyone with needs, it’s all still taken care of.

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:51am

      We MUST get this spending under control, whatever the cost, short of lives.

      On a different note,

      HOW did man EVER survive in the forests without park rangers to protect them?
      “Closing the parks” – You are CLOSING NATURE???
      What?
      This is more like flexing muscle to force submission.
      You could reduce services in parks without closing them.
      How did we ever manage not to fall off of cliffs without guard rails to protect us?
      How did we survive all the wild beasties without being eaten???

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Sheepdog911
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:46am

      Get over it, we will not miss your useless influence in our lives. Unless you rely on the government (welfare, etc.) or use a government facility (parks, etc.), most would never know that this has happened. When the federal government (in Washington) shut down for a week in 2010, no one outside Washington (including federal agencies stationed outside Washington) missed them. MN State employees will still get paid, they always do because will be the first thing that gets passed once the govenment starts back up. Employees vote, therefore, there is no way that the governor will allow them not to be paid.

      Report Post » Sheepdog911  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:50am

      We MUST get this spending under control, whatever the cost, short of lives.

      On a different note,

      HOW did man EVER survive in the forests without park rangers to protect them?
      “Closing the parks” – You are CLOSING NATURE???
      Huh??
      This is more like flexing muscle to force submission.
      You could reduce services in parks without closing them.
      How did we ever manage not to fall off of cliffs without guard rails to protect us?
      How did we survive all the wild beasties without being eaten?

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • BSdetector
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:00am

      With a dem/progressive/lib in the governors seat, shutting it down is the only way towards fiscal sanity. Stand strong Repubs. You‘ll be demonized but we all know it’s the right thing to do.

      Report Post » BSdetector  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:29am

      PARDON ME!

      I’m experimenting with the reply tab.

      I want to see this comment directly below @SELENSTEETS.

      Otherwise I won’t be using BLAZE anymore. I’m tired of my comments showing up on page 3.

      Report Post »  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:33am

      Why does it take so long for a comment to appear?

      This reply is made at 7:32 AM PST July 1.

      Goodbye BLAZE if you are unwilling to post two comments I made in 5 minutes below

      SELLENSTEETS or whatever?

      Report Post »  
    • stifroc
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:35am

      Glad to see the republicans in MN have a spine, lets hope it’s contagious.
      Dayton is Obama’s mini-me, the state is in financial ruin because of lavish spending.
      Fact: homeless and refugees migrate TO Minnesota because the state gives away so much money. Heard it straight from the horses mouth, as well as heard it straight from the State employees to handle the cases.

      Report Post » stifroc  
    • swimmer1940
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:04am

      Heck, they don’t call this Moneysota for nothing. 17,000 Somali’s, on the dole, all putting out babies (future terrorists) as fast as they can. So far 17 somali’s arrested for pro-terrorist activities.
      Moneysota has the largest Hmong and Somali populations in the USA, and one of the largest illegal Mexican immigrant problems.

      Report Post »  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:40am

      The BLAZE is dysfunctional.
      This is the third comment I have attempted to post under SELENSTEETS.

      It ends up at the bottom of all the comments.

      Report Post »  
    • Mandors
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:55am

      Okay, Ma’am, put down the laptop, and step away from the computer.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • davieboy11
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:57am

      bingo

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:37am

      Obama and many progressives welcome gov shutdowns
      This all falls into their immediate “kill America” strategy

      Van Jones… “Before, we would fight anybody, any time,” he said in 2005. “No concession was good enough; we never said ‘Thank you.’ Now, I put the issues and constituencies first. I’ll work with anybody, I’ll fight anybody if it will push our issues forward…. I’m willing to forgo the cheap satisfaction of the radical pose for the deep satisfaction of radical ends.”‘ Radical Ends…sums up the Jones and the Obama administration….
      I think they want these things to happen, as we fall apart…they applaud…There will be trouble ahead, martial law in some instances. yeah, it will happen because Americans are obviously easily fooled into thinking they can get something for nothing….

      Report Post »  
    • BoiseBaked
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:59am

      Minnesota, take your State back from public unions.

      Report Post »  
    • Pujols
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:24pm

      One sign said “WE WORK FOR YOU!” ___ Minnesota has some of the dumbest people.

      THEY WORK FOR US YOU MORONS.

      We can all suffer some now or wait and all suffer alot more, but we will suffer.

      WAKE UP NOW! ____________STOP BELIEVING THE LIES!

      Report Post »  
    • redbone007
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:11pm

      She is correct. She works for the union.

      Report Post » redbone007  
    • redbone007
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:15pm

      She is correct. She works for the union.

      ——————————

      One sign said “WE WORK FOR YOU!”

      Report Post » redbone007  
    • Obama Snake Oil Co
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:29pm

      Well, here in NC the governor Bev Purdue vetoed the budget since it removed her pork spending programs for attracting jobs to the state. Well, when all those green jobs came into the state, all of the corporations left due to taxes on income and inventory. Insult to injury…EPA regulations enforced by liberal children in the green teams. Well, since NC threw out the democrats for the first time in 100 years, the republicans have the show to counter the veto. Of course, we are still ashamed to have Kay Hagan and Butterball Butterfield. Both liberal progressives supporting Oblamabush. Point is, stick to your guns on this. Taxpayers made the switch in government…not the governor.

      Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • vtxphantom
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:54pm

      You in Mn. have to stay strong. Here in Wisconsin it is a daily assault by lib., progressives, and spoiled unionistas, but you can turn it around. If the Tea Party is not involved, start. Push and then push harder. Don’t give up!

      Report Post »  
    • getalong
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:35pm

      Here’s a little tidbit that spells it all out for you when if comes to the MN shutdown – Mpls. Star/Tribune reported today in the paper that “the roughly 25,000 state workers who stand to be laid off as result of the government shutdown could jolt MN unemployment rate from 6.6 to 7.6″ It goes on to say that the new pink slips would erase MOST of the 29,300 jobs gained in 2010. So that means that 25,000 of those “jobs gained” were government jobs – there were only about 3,000 PRIVATE SECTOR jobs created. (Star/Tribune, July 1, 2011 Business section) Minnesota – land of the liberals – God help us conservatives.

      Report Post »  
    • Bear
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:10pm

      Shut up Union thugs,,,time for some of that shared Sacrifice,,,you Stupid,Liberal,Hippie,Morons!

      Report Post » Bear  
    • old white guy
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:38am

      all non-essential employees are to stay home . non-essential as in we don’t need them, then why are they working to begin with????

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 9:33pm

      “Minnesota Government Shuts Down”

      Did anyone notice?

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • pajamash
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:01pm

      Hardly Secret Squirrel. I live in Minnesota and the only impact I have felt so far is I can’t buy a lottery ticket. Keep it closed!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
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