ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans need to brace for serious fallout from the federal government shutdown that began Tuesday, said Ahna Minge, state budget director. So far, Minge said, state-run programs that rely on federal funds are operating on money left from previous allocations. That will change as the reserves are exhausted, Minge said. Especially vulnerable is SNAP nutritional assistance: “Funds may not be available for November.” A major unknown is whether President Trump follows through with threats to eliminate 150,000 federal jobs nationwide to get even with Congress for not going along with his massive healthcare cuts. Billions of dollars would be lost to the economy in consumer purchases. Minnesota has 18,000 federal workers, most at risk, Minge said, are Postal Service, Veterans Affairs and U.S. Agriculture Department employees. Agriculture could lose half its payroll. according to an internal department estimate.
Minge. State director of management and budget since 2021. Earlier managed federal grants to Minneapolis city government.