Minnesota Shutdown Threatens Weddings, Much More

FORT SNELLING STATE PARK, Minn. (AP) — A looming state government shutdown in Minnesota is threatening everything from state workers' paychecks to weddings.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative Republicans are at an impasse on a state budget deficit of $5 billion. Dayton wants to raise taxes on high earners as part of his solution, a plan the GOP has resisted.

Dayton has asked a court to order mediation that might avert a July 1 shutdown. He's also given the court a list of critical services that should be continued in the event of a shutdown.

Crystal Morales and her fiancé Derek Cloutier (cloh-teer) are among Minnesota residents anxiously awaiting the outcome. They're booked for a wedding July 16 in a state park that might be closed by the shutdown.