State shutdown -- thousands of Minnesotans will lose their jobs (job openings, live)

[northstar22]

Our politicians can't get over their asinine partisan platforms and compromise on a budget that will prevent the state from shutting down tomorrow. If Minnesota's government shuts down, more than 20,000 state employees will be laid off, nonprofit agencies will be defunded and thousands of Minnesotans will lose access to higher education-related services. Why aren't more people upset about this? I am SICK of the nasty partisan politics in this state and this country. We elected these representatives to do what's best for our state, not squabble and fight over talking points for months, refuse to sign a budget and cause our state to shut down.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by northstar22

Our politicians can't get over their asinine partisan platforms and compromise on a budget that will prevent the state from shutting down tomorrow. If Minnesota's government shuts down, more than 20,000 state employees will be laid off, nonprofit agencies will be defunded and thousands of Minnesotans will lose access to higher education-related services. Why aren't more people upset about this? I am SICK of the nasty partisan politics in this state and this country. We elected these representatives to do what's best for our state, not squabble and fight over talking points for months, refuse to sign a budget and cause our state to shut down.

I'm somewhat upset about it, but I don't live up there anymore. Still, it shows that partisanship is really stupid when it's taken too far.

Are MN's politicians still paid during a government shutdown?

If they are, why is that allowed?

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

I'm somewhat upset about it, but I don't live up there anymore. Still, it shows that partisanship is really stupid when it's taken too far.

If the two parties have very different views on how things should be handled, wouldn't you expect them to voice their "partisan" views? I know I do. Who's to say what's "too far?" Too far for me may be not far enough for you. We are talking about the actions of elected officials who are held accountable to the voters. If we don't like what they are doing we can vote them out next time around.

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

I'm somewhat upset about it, but I don't live up there anymore. Still, it shows that partisanship is really stupid when it's taken too far.

Are MN's politicians still paid during a government shutdown?

If they are, why is that allowed?

Yep

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

If the two parties have very different views on how things should be handled, wouldn't you expect them to voice their "partisan" views? I know I do. Who's to say what's "too far?" Too far for me may be not far enough for you. We are talking about the actions of elected officials who are held accountable to the voters. If we don't like what they are doing we can vote them out next time around.

It's gone too far. Their indecision hurts the economy.

[Kebinminn]

Originally Posted by ozzie679

It's gone too far. Their indecision hurts the economy.

That's what makes me mad. They spend money because they can't do their jobs on time.

Frankly, if our governing body knew they'd be the ones to lose their jobs if they couldn't reach an agreement in time it would never be an issue.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

If the two parties have very different views on how things should be handled, wouldn't you expect them to voice their "partisan" views? I know I do. Who's to say what's "too far?" Too far for me may be not far enough for you. We are talking about the actions of elected officials who are held accountable to the voters. If we don't like what they are doing we can vote them out next time around.

While true, should it really hold that their ideals are more important to them in the short term than the actual operation of state government?

Compromise is not a four-letter word. Considering it is not a sign of weakness.

[ozzie679]

What is the tobacco settlement bonding idea the Republicans proposed?
GOP offered $1 billion in new revenue
$400m from tobacco settlement bonds
$400m K-12 Ed shift
$200m unspecified non-tax revenue.

[tvdxer]

Will there be 20,000 new state job openings when the state resumes operations? If so, I'm there!

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

While true, should it really hold that their ideals are more important to them in the short term than the actual operation of state government?

Compromise is not a four-letter word. Considering it is not a sign of weakness.

I'm not so sure that it's about the legislators ideals so much as it is ours. Each of them feels that they were elected to do certain things and I am sure that no matter which side of the aisle they sit on, they are trying to carry that out. In the end, there seems to be a fundamental difference of opinion over whether the government is under funded or too large. That makes it very difficult to compromise. It's nice to say that word, but specifically what compromise do you have in mind?