More groups want their say on gov’t shutdown
The Ramsey County Court will hold a hearing tomorrow on which government services and jobs should be sustained during a shutdown, and groups from across the state are scrambling to weigh in.
Here's a list of the most recent organizations and indivudals who've filed paperwork with the Ramsey County District Court. We've been updating this list since Monday. You can find more detail on the court's website, too.
The Minnesota Hospital Association
MHA represents 145 community-based hospitals in the state, most of which are government or non-profit institutions - and serve a vast number of Medicare and Medicaid patients as a result. Like other groups that rely on government support, MHA is asking that funding continues during a shutdown.
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The Minnesota Workforce Council Association
This coalition of 16 groups coordinates assistance to dislocated workers, including job training. The federal government provides about 75 percent of the funding for these services and the money is administered through the Department of Employment and Economic Development or the Department of Health and Human Services. So MWCA is largely concerned with making sure that they can continue to tap federal dollars during a shutdown.
Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
The 400 member group includes general contractors and businesses associated with the construction industry. MnAGC's argues that construction - particularly highway construction - are "core functions" of government.
Hennepin County
The first locality to petition the court, Hennepin County is arguing to keep all its critical government services open and funded during a shutdown, including child protection and child support enforcement, emergency case management, mental health services, and public health services. Read the entire list here.
Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Donna Dunn, the executive director of the group, has filed an affidavit to explain the potential affects of a government shutdown on the state's sexual assault services; the AG and Governor's submissions do not single out such services. Dunn argues that sexual assault advocates are essential to public safety because they are often the first responders to crimes of sexual violence, especially in cases where the victim chooses not to call the cops or go to the hospital. These programs also provide 24-hour emergency assistance.