Minnesota's budget

Minnesota Public Radio coverage of the Minnesota budget negotiations.

National debate over budget is as intense as in Minnesota
Minnesota native and nationally-renowned congressional analyst Norm Ornstein compares the sharp divide in Washington to the sharp divide in Minnesota. Will Democrats and Republicans find common ground either place? What prevents this from being accomplished more smoothly?Midday, July 8, 2011
Republicans critical of Dayton keeping chef, housekeeper
While Minnesota state government remains shut down for an eighth day Friday, some Republicans are criticizing DFL Gov. Mark Dayton for keeping his chef and housekeeper on the job at the governor's residence.July 8, 2011
Food inspectors will be shorthanded at fairs
With fewer than 20 percent of its inspectors on duty because of the shutdown, the Minnesota Department of Health say it won't have enough staff to thoroughly inspect the food served at festivals in the state.July 8, 2011
If it lasts, shutdown could make history
State government has been shut down now for a full week, and a budget agreement between Gov. Mark Dayton and GOP legislative leaders is nowhere in sight.July 8, 2011
Shutdown's effects on business only to get worse
Economists warn that even if the shutdown ends soon, some negative effects could endure, including a hit to Minnesota's reputation.July 8, 2011
Parallels between budget impasse in Minn., Washington DC
St. Paul and Washington DC are more than 1,000 miles apart. But the budget debates going on in both cities right now are very similar. Republicans want to balance the books without raising taxes, while Democrats call for a combination of spending cuts and tax increases.July 7, 2011
Minn.'s bond rating downgraded
The budget impasse at the Capitol has resulted in a lower bond rating for Minnesota. Fitch Rating has downgraded the state's bond rating from the highest rating of AAA to AA+.July 7, 2011
Human Services: A complex, costly agency at the heart of budget impasse
A closer look at the the Department of Human Services, the state agency that oversees health care and welfare programs for more than a million Minnesotans, and the sharp partisan disagreement over its funding.July 7, 2011
No budget talks; commission weighs in with recommendations
There were no negotiations Thursday between Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders aimed at ending the state government shutdown, but an independent commission weighed in with its proposed framework for a budget deal.July 7, 2011
With government shut down, workers' comp claims in limbo
Without a working state government, disputes over workers' compensation benefits are on hold, leaving thousands of medical insurance claims in limbo.July 7, 2011
The shutdown stalemate enters day 7
Midmorning gets the latest on the political stalemate at the Capitol, as Minnesota's state government shutdown drags in to its seventh day.Midmorning, July 7, 2011
Parents await ruling on child care assistance subsidy
Affording child care continues to be a concern for the 26,000 subsidized families who are cut off during the state government shutdown, now in its seventh day. A judge could rule to continue distributing funds toward child care.July 7, 2011
More negotiations, but no fix yet from Dayton and GOP
Republicans are calling for a special session, but Gov. Mark Dayton said he's isn't willing to call lawmakers back yet. "We've got the same gulf between us that we've had all along," Dayton said.July 6, 2011
Shutdown delays environmental review of mine project
Polymet Mining company will ask a Special Master to declare that state officials working on an environmental review of its proposed copper-nickel mine should be allowed to go back to work.July 6, 2011
Counties try to cope with effects of state shutdown
Minnesota's two most populous counties say nearly all their services are intact on day six of the state government shutdown. However, officials in the two counties say they are worried about timely arrival of state dollars which fund many of their services.July 6, 2011