Teamsters Blast Minnesota Government Shutdown

(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters Joint Council 32 President Sue Mauren blasted Minnesota Republicans today for causing a state government shutdown over the Fourth of July holiday weekend that affects 23,000 workers.

“It is significant that this shutdown will begin as we celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Mauren, also Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 320 in Minneapolis. “While most Americans accept that freedom demands sacrifice, and that in challenging times we all must do our fair share, Minnesota’s Republicans believe that they must protect their millionaire friends at the expense of the middle class.”

Republican legislators have refused to compromise in the state’s budget battle, demanding that a $5.2 billion budget deficit left by former GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty be solved by steep cuts in services without raising any new revenue.

“It is time the Republicans represent the interests of all Minnesotans, not just the corporations and the rich, and balance the State’s budget in a manner that is fair and equitable to all,” Mauren said.

Since Minnesota’s constitution mandates a balanced budget by July 1, the Republicans’ failure to compromise has caused state government to shut down today. Services that affect the most vulnerable Minnesotans are impacted, and more than 23,000 state workers have been laid off.

"Right wing politicians are again using public employees as hostages in a state budget standoff,” said Michael Filler, Director of the Teamsters Public Services Division. “Such tactics should not be allowed by U.S. politicians seeking to target public servants and the unions that represent them."

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has insisted that Minnesota’s budget deficit be resolved through a balanced approach with a combination of cuts in services and raising taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans. Dayton has stood firm in insisting that a balanced budget must preserve higher education, state and local public safety, mass transit, aid to the disabled and elderly, and other essential services.  The governor’s most recent proposal increased taxes only on the 7,700 Minnesotans who make more than $1 million per year. 

No negotiations are scheduled at this time.