ST. PAUL - The second day of a partial government shutdown came and went Saturday with little hope that the 9,000 state employees off the job will return to work early next week.
On the other hand, state officials said relatively few Minnesotans are noticing the shutdown. "It is important to realize this is a pretty narrow shutdown," Gov. Tim Pawlenty said.
Legislators have not approved funding for transportation, health and public education programs, which account for about 70 percent of the state budget. However, a court order kept many of the programs operating at reduced levels, meaning many Minnesotans have seen little difference since the shutdown began early Friday.
The biggest holiday weekend impact was the closing of highway rest areas. Starting Tuesday, one of the problems Minnesotans will see is that the state no longer will issue a variety of new licenses, such as driver's licenses.
Senate Minority Leader Dick Day, R-Owatonna, said he was encouraging legislative leaders to meet throughout the holiday weekend to discuss how to finish the budget. However, Day said he was not optimistic much would be accomplished during the weekend.
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Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, said he had a good conversation with Gov. Tim Pawlenty Saturday, but nothing was resolved.
Some Republicans and Democrats from both chambers plan to meet this weekend to discuss alternative budget solutions, but no official committee meetings are planned until Tuesday.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Don Davis at (651) 290-0707
