Minnesota Senate Approves Two More Shutdown Continuation Bills

The Minnesota Senate on Thursday approved a plan that would allow state parks, the state lottery, and private businesses regulated by the state Racing Commission to remain open in the event of another state government shutdown.

Sponsored by Sen. Al DeKruif (R-District 25), SF1843 would assure that parks remain open with funds from existing revenue until expenses become greater than income.

“State parks are owned by the people of Minnesota, and they should not have to face ‘Park Closed to the Public’ signs when a shutdown can be prevented by this administrative change,” DeKruif said.

The net state park income lost during the 2011 shutdown was nearly $350,000.

SF1975 will prevent a repeat of the shutdown the created significant financial harm to the private businesses of Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Park and the related horse-racing industry. Revenue generated by their operations, DeKruif argued, is dedicated to regulatory oversight and not subject to the broader General Fund debate. With the shutdown, regulators could not work, and therefore, veterinarians, stewards, card dealers, nonprofits, and related agriculture and convenience stores were impacted.

“The shutdown nearly devastated the industry, while the money was there,” DeKruif said.

Similarly, the Minnesota Lottery, which is not dependent on a budget agreement, would be allowed continued operations. The Lottery lost an estimated $9.9 million in the 20-day shutdown.

Editor's note: Provided by Minnesota Senate Media

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