Lawmakers ask court to cut off funding for essential sevices

A group of state lawmakers has asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to stop funding for essential services during the state government shutdown.

Four Republican state senators and 2 GOP state representatives claim a Ramsey County District Court does not have the constitutional authority to allow funding of state services deemed essential during the shutdown.

The group's attorney, Erick Kaardal, has filed a petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court, asking justices to reconsider the actions of the lower court and cut off funding.

Kaardal said the Supreme Court can set a deadline for lawmakers to come to an agreement on the state budget.

"The court can delay the effect of the order. so in our petition we requested the court give seven days before the order becomes effective so in that way the governor and legislators can resolve this through a special session," Erick Kaardal.

The Supreme Court has not indicated when justices will consider the matter.

The state legislators filing the petition are Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), Sen. Sean Nienow (R-Cambridge), Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R-Glencoe) and Rep. Ernie Leidiger (R-Mayer).