As the federal government shutdown entered its second day, Gov. Mark Dayton’ s administration told reporters they are piecing together information about state government functions that could become affected.

On the anniversary of the start of last year's 20-day government shutdown and at the start of a critical legislative campaign season, D FL House Minority Leader Paul Thissen took the podium to blame the Republican majorities for the historic shuttering of state government and ask Minnesotans to avoid a “shutdown sequel" by electing DFL majorities.

The agreed-upon "framework" is based on an approximately $35.5 billion spending offer GOP leaders presented to Dayton on the eve of the shutdown, which the governor re-presented to them — with added conditions — on Thursday. But there remain many questions about the particulars of the agreement.

Gov. Mark Dayton sent a letter to GOP leaders of the Legislature on Thursday offering to accept their proposal — with several conditions — made on the eve of the state government shutdown to solve the $5 billion budget deficit.

"It really sounds like you want me to become an activist judge," Gearin told the two Republican transportation committee chairmen.

The two judges settling disputes over what is and isn't essential during the government shutdown agree: Despite legitimate concerns from the Minnesota Trucking Association, the state's rest stops will remain closed until a budget is passed.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Blatz will serve as special master to handle any disputes over what is and isn't considered an essential service. The ruling largely sides with Dayton's definition of what should be seen as an essential core service, but notably went further in approving payments to local governments and school districts.

[This exchange between PIM’s Sarah Janecek and Steve Perry originally appeared in the March 27 edition of PIM Weekly Report.] Steve Perry: I’ve been wondering ...