Health & Fitness
Government Shutdown: The Elusive Common Ground Is Out There Somewhere
... an agreement to fund the government is a nuts and bolts negotiation process. There isn't any kind of negotiation that doesn't require all sides to search for—and find—that common ground.
As the legislators scramble to reach some kind of agreement, the State of Minnesota prepares for a partial shutdown. A full shutdown was averted because the Minnesota courts decided that there is a Constitutional obligation to keep essential services running.
Essential services is a term that will evolve as the shutdown (if it happens) progresses.
If you planned on visting a state park, change your plans. If you have a license renewal for a professional service, I hope you planned ahead and have it now... state agencies will not be open for business to renew anything. There is some confusion about how MNPASS is going to operate—some interpretations say that it will revert to an HOV lane. Others say it will be open for anyone and it won't be enforced. Check on that before you drive it.
Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
There are myriad little things that require state government attention that will become another annoyance or delay. All of us may be experiencing the unusual after June 30.
Fortunately, with the judge's decision, the urgent matters of state government will continue. That may take out some of the sting of this shutdown, but the sea of pink slips that go out to thousands of state employees, will have a ripple effect on our economy. Many local businesses depend on the patronage of state employees. Many businesses may have to put parts of their business on hold because they can't get a needed inspection. Payments may be delayed. Services indefinitely postponed.
Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Without the judge's decision it all could have been much worse. But, regardless, this will be an unnecessary black mark on legislative governance.
For all the high and mighty talk of principles, an agreement to fund the government is a nuts and bolts negotiation process. There isn't any kind of negotiation that doesn't require all sides to search for and find that common ground.
Yes... there is common ground here, but not by saying "NO," but rather by saying, "How about this?"
Let's hope reasonable people can find a reasonable solution.
-Dave Mindeman, mnpACT!
