Government Closure as a Tactic

The 20 day State of MN government shutdown this July cost MN $60 million in lost revenue but saved about $65 million n salaries not paid, according the MN Management and Budget Department. Of course, the report failed to look at the damage caused to the state’s reputation. However, given that Gov. Mark Dayton (D) blinked and did not raise taxes, the threat of closure must be considered a valid future negotiating strategy for Republicans.