This afternoon, Senator Ruud (R-Breezy Point) voted in favor of a bill authored by Senator Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) that will fund state government operations if negotiations with the House and Governor reach a stalemate and the government is shut down. 

Senator Ruud stated, “With divided government, it is particularly difficult to come to a budget agreement. Our leaders are working together to meet the deadline, but it is still wise to have a back-up plan.”

Roads, prisons, schools, parks, and more are funded by state government. A shutdown affects the day-to-day lives of people around the state. Senator Ruud added, “This is a proactive measure that will keep businesses going, keep state employees from being furloughed, and will keep Minnesota open and functioning smoothly. Our leaders will continue to work on a compromise and this bill will ensure Minnesotans to not feel the burden of a shutdown.”