Without Fair Share from Rich, Minnesota Faces Government Shutdown

On the last day before a possible government shut-down, several hundred Minnesotans rallied at the state capitol this morning to urge Republican legislators to back off their refusal to ask the state’s wealthiest 2 percent to pay their fair share to close a budget gap.
The lawmakers are calling for an all-cuts budget that slashes education, health and human services, public safety, jobs and economic development. Meanwhile, Gov. Mark Dayton (D) proposes significant cuts but also wants to raise much-needed revenue through a small tax on the state’s wealthiest.
If they can’t reach an agreement by midnight tonight, the government will shut down all but the most vital services and toss out of work most of the state’s 38,000 employees. Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson told the crowd on the steps of the capitol in St. Paul:

A potential government shutdown is only a symptom of the real problem. The state of Minnesota has a revenue problem. If the GOP’s all-cuts budget is allowed to stand, without new revenue, this shutdown will be a preview of the long-term pain a budget like that will cause.

The rally was organized by Invest in Minnesota—a coalition of faith, labor, community and other groups. Brian Rusche with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition told ralliers:

This possible shutdown is the symptom of a big gaping hole in our state. And that’s the lack of revenue raised fairly that we need to achieve a humane and just and balanced approach to our budget.

Dayton and legislative leaders met earlier today without reaching an agreement and may meet again, according to news reports.