Government shutdown Looms Large Over State Workers in Minnesota

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – On the heels of the Trump administration laying off federal workers during the government shutdown, some state workers in Minnesota watch with worry.

The budget stalemate in Washington is trickling down to the state level in situations where a state office gets federal funding to carry out a certain function, including workers who look over applications for disability claims covered by Social Security.

Lisa Becker, disability specialist for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, pointed out a temporary layoff for her would be devastating to the clients she assists.

“How long is that going to delay decisions for people who need answers for their physical and mental health care needs?” Becker asked.

Becker, a member of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, stressed not getting timely decisions on a medical claim means someone could be at risk of going without basic needs like food and shelter. She noted even if she were laid off for a day or two, pending benefit claims would likely be pushed back longer due to scheduling conflicts for doctors’ exams.