(Image Source: CNN)

BY MADISON MACK

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Compromise in Minnesota seems distant as politicians continue to blame one another for the indefinite closure of their state government.

Talks will resume after the holiday weekend - but Minnesotans are already feeling the effects of a government shutdown.

WCCO gives an overview of some of those affected.

“The damage from the shutdown is widespread and painful. Advocates for the blind pleaded at a special hearing to restore their funding. And the coalition for battered women reported three shelters closed overnight when they ran out of money.”

“The now shut-down state capital is closed to the public.”

20,000 state workers are temporarily out of a job -- but other critical government functions like the state police, nursing homes and Medicaid will continue to operate. And, a CNN reporter explains the economic impact of closing the government during a holiday weekend.

“Camp grounds are closed, the Minnesota Zoo is closed, people are going to be driving around, they may come up to signs on the road that say – you can’t visit this place today, you can’t spend your money here. The state’s not going to get this revenue from all these places that aren’t open this week.”

The Christian Post spoke with one St. Paul resident who confirmed that suspicion.

“The parks and sites are really closed. Parts of this area look like a ghost town compared to what it usually looks like this time of year with all of the tourists. … We decided to take the family to Florida – I know they are open.”

According to NPR - if the lawmakers can’t agree how to fill the $5 billion dollar budget hole – it could deepen.

“The state will save some money by not paying workers. But if the shutdown drags on, Minnesota taxpayers could be on the hook for millions in unemployment payments to public employees, as well as missed park fees and delays in construction projects.”

All Things Considered spoke to a man at the capital who says he’s feed up with the state government -  and embarrassed.

“It bothers me that they’ve had months, basically six months of knowing the governor and the legislator are at odds. And so it’s six months they’ve had to work this out and they haven’t. So the reality is – we are the people who are stuck with their irresponsibility.”

Since 2002, there have been six such shutdowns around the nation, including one in 2005 in Minnesota.