First my heart goes out to my 23,000 Minnesota State employee colleagues laid off due to Democratic Governor Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders failure to reach a budget deal.

Like the thousands of other Minnesotans looking for work, the shutdown means fewer supports to help the laid off workers.

Services disrupted during the shutdown:

• Minnesota WorkForce Centers are closed. Very few services are offered at selected locations. Call your local WorkForce Center to find out what, if any, programs are available (888-GET JOBS or 888-38-5627).
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services offices are closed.
• The MinnesotaWorks.net jobs website is turned off. Employers cannot post jobs and job seekers cannot access current job openings on the site.

Some good news:

• Medicaid and temporary assistance to needy families will continue.
• Public colleges and schools will continue operations.