Shutdown could have political consequences for both parties After three weeks of a government shutdown during which more than 20,000 state workers sat at home laid off, and state parks, rest stops and countless other operations sat idle, many Minnesotans are angry the people they elected to balance the state budget failed to do so.July 20, 2011
Small cities anticipate LGA funding delay As the Legislature is about to begin a special session to settle the state's budget, the revenue department issues a release stating that Local Government Aid checks be delayed until at least July 27.July 20, 2011
Questions remain for how budget will affect state workers The budget bills Gov. Mark Dayton signed Wednesday will likely translate to reduced funding to some departments and cuts to the state workforce by 6 percent.July 20, 2011
At a glance: Details of the budget bills Final agreements on several budget bills are being made public. As the work on the remaining bills continues, MPR will add details as they are announced.July 20, 2011
Cuts and compromise on environmental bill The environment bill negotiated between Gov. Mark Dayton and lawmakers includes some budget cuts and some compromise on policy issues.July 19, 2011
Bill cuts funding for higher education by 10% In the next two years, Minnesota's higher education system will each receive a little over a billion dollars in state aid, 10 percent less than they received in the previous two years.July 19, 2011
Delay in reaching finalized budget worries state workers Many expected political squabbling to slow down a solution, but delays in reaching a finalized budget worry some of the roughly 22,000 state workers who remain laid off.July 19, 2011
Twin Cities mayors discuss the shutdown The state government shutdown may be nearing an end, but the proposed budget is likely to contain cuts in aid to cities. Mayors R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis and Chris Coleman of St. Paul join Midmorning to discuss what could mean for their cities, and share their thoughts on the shutdown.Midmorning, July 19, 2011
Charter school advocates want exemption from payment delay Minnesota charter school advocates said the tentative budget agreement between the governor and Republican lawmakers will hit charters harder than traditional schools.July 18, 2011