Shutdown Impact Slighted

The 20-day partial shutdown of Minnesota state government that occurred in July as a result of a budget stalemate had little impact on state finances, according to a report released last week.

Minnesota saw $60 million in lost revenue and shutdown costs, but saved $65 million on employee salaries, according to the report from the Minnesota Management and Budget office.

Court orders required the state to continue spending on essential services.

The impact from the shutdown extends beyond state finances as construction projects were stalled. Officials also expect lawsuits from vendors hurt by the action.

The shutdown followed an impasse over how to fully erase $5 billion in red ink. Gov. Mark Dayton, a member of the state's Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party, wanted to use a mix of cuts and an income tax increase on wealthier state residents, while Republicans who control the Legislature refused to raise taxes.

The impasse ended when Dayton agreed to a Republican proposal to issue tobacco bonds to raise $640 million. The agreement also delayed school aid payments into the next fiscal year.

The state's use of one-shots to balance its budget played a big part in the loss of its triple-A ratings this year.

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Minnesota
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