budget crisis

Minnesota on the Line: State government shutdown puts thousands at risk with shocks to social safety net, education & the economy

Political factions are pushing Minnesota into the last hours of the fiscal year without a state budget. If they fail to cut a deal by Friday morning, all "non essential" state government services will shut down. The antics at the Capitol are par for the course as austerity sweeps the country and the globe.
The government shutting down means, except for services deemed "essential" such as police and the state's Judicial Branch, people won't have access to services they've come to depend on.

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State government shutdown possible on Friday; July 1st and beyond: Shut Down, Rise Up!

[From the Open Publishing Newswire]

We're converging under the banner of “Shut down, rise up!” to respond tothe Minnesota's expected government shutdown, and we'd like you to join us.

Starting on July 1st, we'll be coming together in Powderhorn Park (3400 15th Ave S, Mpls) every evening to share resources, organize political action, and build community. A free meal will be provided starting at 5pm every day, followed by a general assembly. We'll also have music and fun! Bring what you can and take what you need!

For more info, see: http://ShutDownRiseUp.org

For updates, subscribe to our announcements list by sending an email to: SDRU+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Check out our poster/pamphlet: shutdownriseup.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/shutdownriseup-poster-print-low-res.pdf

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Drop Dead, Minnesota: Pawlenty nixes education, health & public safety today

Since the Legislature and Governor Tim Pawlenty failed to reach a deal for the next two fiscal years (fiscal 2010 starts July 1st, 2009), as it turns out, the governor has the arbitrary power to cancel whatever planned spending his mulleted head desires, within some rules. This is called unallotment, and it's about to happen, ten times bigger than has ever happened in the state's history.

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School closures loom, as California donates its oil and gas to the cash rich oil industry

Offshore oil driling rig.

California is the only state in the U.S. that donates its oil and natural gas reserves to the private oil and gas industry, untaxed. Were it a nation, it would be the only nation in the world to do so. And it has continued to, even as schools close and the State of California threatens to close its doors.

Cross post.  Full text at Examiner.com.

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