St. Paul, MN - Following Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin's June 29th order allowing certain "critical core functions" of state government to continue, Governor Mark Dayton has identified additional critical services to be provided during the shutdown. In a submission to Special Master Kathleen Blatz late yesterday, Governor Dayton identified additional categories of critical services, which he believes fit within the Chief Judge's order and should be continued. Among those programs are:

*Special education aid.
*Chemical dependency and mental health services.
*HIV case management and counseling services.
*Services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes.
*Child care assistance.
*Services for the homeless, the disabled, and other vulnerable Minnesotans.

The Governor pledged to have his cabinet continue to assess regularly whether additional services need to be deemed 'critical' and restored.

"Because of the strict language of the Minnesota Constitution, there are severe limits on what state government can do without legislative appropriations," said Governor Dayton. "Chief Judge Gearin's Order confirms those limits. We will continue to do the very best we can within the Court's Order to protect the lives, health, and safety of all Minnesotans."

Commissioner of Human Services Lucinda Jesson will attend today's Special Master proceeding to clarify and resolve further issues as they arise.