One year ago, the federal government shutdown that cost our economy some $24 billion began. And it’s clear from Sen. Torrey Westrom’s role in shutting down the Minnesota government that he would join with the Tea Party that forced the last government shutdown.
“Sen. Westrom is going to have a hard time running away from his record, when he helped lead the charge to shut down the government in St. Paul and cost the state millions, all to protect tax breaks for the wealthy,” DCCC spokesman Brandon Lorenz said. “It’s clear that by keeping his paycheck while shutting down the government in St. Paul to protect tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy, Sen Westrom would only give Minnesota families another irresponsible government shutdown.”
BACKGROUND:
2011: Westrom Accepted Pay During the Minnesota Shutdown. In 2011 Torrey Westrom during the Minnesota government shutdown, was one of 87 state house representatives to collect a paycheck. [Star Tribune, 7/10/11]
- Headline: 139 legislators are collecting paychecks during shutdown [Star Tribune, 7/10/11]
Minnesota State Government Shutdown for 20 Days. In June 2011, the Minnesota state government shut down for 20 days from July 1 to July 20 after the 2012-13 budget was not signed into law following the adjournment of the legislature. On July 20th, budget bills were signed into law and the shutdown ended. [State Government Shutdown Executive Summary, Minnesota Management and Budget Office, October 2011]
Westrom Would Only Vote for Debt Ceiling Increase With Balanced Budget. In September 2014, Westrom said he wouldn’t vote to increase the federal debt ceiling unless the vote is accompanied by a deal to balance the federal budget. “Sometimes urgency is what gets the most action done. You’ve got to have a pathway to a balanced budget. We can’t sustain this course,” said Westrom. [St. Cloud Times, 9/13/14]
Federal Government Shutdown Took $24 Billion Out of the Economy. “The shutdown also forced non-government business losses, temporary layoffs and other interruptions in business spending. The full extent of the damage won’t be known for some time. Economists at Standard & Poor’s estimate the total cost at about $24 billion, or a 0.6 percent GDP haircut. Others guess it’s about half that. Either way, it’s a heavy price to pay.” [NBC News, 10/17/13]
1,200 Military Technicians with Minnesota National Guard were Furloughed. In 2013 Fox 9 reported: “About 1,200 military technicians who work with the Minnesota National Guard are being furloughed during the shutdown. Members of the 934th Airlift Wing were furloughed on Tuesday and told the base has been closed indefinitely. That closure impacts approximately 300 civilian workers.” [Fox 9, 9/30/13]
Minnesota Head Start Threatened by Government Shutdown. In 2013 Fox 9 reported: “The director for Minnesota’s Head Start programs told FOX 9 that Minnesota children will not be affected by the federal government shutdown. But if the shutdown lasts too long, that could change.” [Fox 9, 9/30/13]
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Expected to Lose $7,000 in Income Per Day. In October 2013, Bring Me the News reported: “Chris Stein, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway’s superintendent, told the Star Tribune that cities and towns near the park could lose about $7,000 in visitor spending each day the shutdown continued.” [BringMeTheNews.com, 10/01/13]
Minnesota Hunters Barred from Federal Land due to Shutdown. In October 2013, the Star Tribune reported that “Minnesota hunters will find themselves barred from hunting on some federal lands, including National Wildlife Refuges and waterfowl production areas.” [Star Tribune, 10/02/13]
- Headline: Government shutdown spreading pain as it takes hold in Minnesota [Star Tribune, 10/02/13]
American Federation of Government Employees: Between 40 and 60 Percent of Minnesota’s Federal Workers were Sent Home. In October 2013, the Twin Cities Business Magazine reported: “Jane Nygard, national vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees’ five-state district, a union that includes federal workers from Minnesota, told Twin Cities Business that final numbers have not come in yet, but she estimates that between 40 and 60 percent of the state’s federal workers were sent home Tuesday, many of which are lower income workers.” [Twin Cities Business Magazine, 10/01/13]