Day 6 - Minnesota Government Shutdown

Jason Moran of St. Paul stands as a lone sentry on the Capitol grounds with his message in hand. He has been there since Day 1 of the shutdown. The laid-off Minnesota Pollution Control Agency worker wonders why the grounds aren't filled with others in a similar position; why they aren't out protesting the shutdown. "I think people are stunned. I think they have lost hope that their government works for them." What keeps him coming back? It's hope. "The fact that I can stand out here and not get shot like I would in other countries, gives me hope," he said.

Day 5 - Minnesota Government Shutdown

I never asked his name, but just about everyday, as I made my way from parking lot C to the doors of the State Office Building, there he was - picking up trash, blowing tree debris from the sidewalks and in the winter putting salt down. He's not there now,and the grounds are starting to show it. There's trash and leaves downed from the previous night's wind. Day 5 of the government shutdown, and the state maintenance worker is maybe at home tending to his grounds.
I thought there would be a lot of protestors today. No - just two holding up signs in support of all government workers.
Leadership met with the governor today, but no forward progress.

Day 4 - Minnesota Government Shutdown

Happy Independence Day. Just heard a great reading of the Declaration of Independence. My hope is the new week brings fruitful negotiations between the leadership and the governor.
Today, for me, it's picnic time.
Tomorrow, it's back to the Capitol.

Day 3 - Minnesota Government Shutdown

No news about the government shutdown. Today, I made my preparations for the week by cleaning out my computer. I'm ready.

Day 2 - Minnesota Government Shutdown

We took a one-day road trip to Brainerd on Day 2 of the government shutdown. Along the way I spoke with people about the shutdown effects. I also asked the question: "If you were in the room with the leaders and the govenor, what would be your compromise position." That was a stumper and a conversation stopper. While people were upset and didn't mind letting me know that, they had few solutions. One person said that we got into this mess together, and we need to all pay the price ... including higher taxes. I spoke with a person in management at a prison who said they had to lay 50 people off, and now those on duty have to work overtime. An elder fella talked about his disabled wife and how her services would be compromised. There was no government-shutdown effect at Breezy Point Resort. People were out on the lake and at the beach enjoying the great weather. When we got home late in the day, we went to the new Burger Jones in Burnsville. (Great burgers and a fantastic beer list). I tried a Surly Bender and an Abbey from New Belgium Brewery. I liked the Abbey best. Both had a very complex taste. We sat next to a couple that told me "taxes weren't a problem." By the conversation, I think they may be in that upper income bracket that Gov. Dayton is targeting for new income taxes. No, it's not the guy featured in the video.

Day 1 - Minnesota Government Shutdown

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Photo courtesy of Minnesota House of Representatives
Signs went up at the Minnesota state Capitol building and the State Office Building letting everyone know the buildings were closed. Legislative staff are deemed essential and we are able to get in the building with our keycard. Capitol security is at the only access door making sure that only authorized people get in. For the first time since I have worked at the Capitol, no cars are parked in front of the building. One lone protester is walking back and forth on the Capitol steps. Very, very quiet. Last night I dreamed that someone through a rock through our office window. Reading the news accounts of the massive layoff, I sense anger building.

June 30, 2011: D-Day to Government Shutdown

It's decision day. Either the Republican Legislature and the DFL governor come to agreement, or we will be faced with the most massive layoff in the history of Minnesota. At stake? The jobs of 22,000 state workers. I won't get into the politics as I follow this historic event. I will just try to document the days till there is agreement and a special session is held. My video shows the press encampment outside the governor's office, the protestors inside and outside the capitol, House Speaker Kurt Zellers and Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch coming for one of a long string of meetings for the governor, and Republican spokesman Michael Brodkamp being interviewed by the press. If you are interested in following the news without hype of the shutdown, I suggest that you "like" http://www.facebook.com/#!/MNHouseInfo.