by Kelly
politics heat up
in St. Paul* — humidity
climbs and storms approach
* The Minnesota state government shut down at midnight, and with it, state parks, camp grounds, highway rest stops, zoos, horse racing tracks, carnival ride inspections, restaurant inspections and a long list of other state-funded agencies just in time for the 4th of July holiday. The legislators and the governor cannot agree on a budget. There is little hope that either side is willing to compromise. Nobody knows how long this will go on. Thousands of state employees have been laid off. Their last day of work was yesterday.
I guess your state is a bit purple tinged as is mine. Creates interesting conversations sometimes and at other times… this. So sorry to hear about the state employees. What’s with the horse racing tracks? How is the government involved with that?
Comment by Alison — July 2, 2011 @ 4:59 am
Gambling is regulated by a state agency…..
The whole situation is annoying. I’ve got three friends who work for the state. Two had their positions deemed “critical” and will be working through the shut down. One is in IT and the other does community notifications when sex offenders move. The third is a kitchen inspector for restaurants. She has been laid off.
Also, a friend who is a county social worker got a lay off notice too.
Comment by Kelly — July 2, 2011 @ 6:47 am
Horrible. I don’t know all the politics of this situation but sudden layoffs like this seem more like a statement which is annoying when real people are involved. Sorry for your friends.
Comment by Alison — July 2, 2011 @ 3:24 pm