Ramsey County Judge Approves Two Petitions But Denies Another

Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin on Friday capped off the first full week of the government shutdown with three new rulings on petitions heard by Special Master Kathleen Blatz.

A retired Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, Blatz was chosen by Gearin on June 29 to hear and make recommendations on petitions for additional funding from organizations not deemed “core critical” during the government shutdown.

• A petition from the Minnesota State Retirement System regarding continuous payments for elective state officers was granted.
• A petition filed by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) was also granted. The MHS petition requested additional funding for protection of property and technology as well as funds to feed animals at the Oliver H. Kelley Farm historical site.
• The petition from seven detectives of the Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud division was denied. 

Gearin's ruling stated that "having some law enforcement officers is a core function, the Court does not have the authority to determine how many and what areas of enforcement should be covered."  

Since June 30, more than 50 organizations have petitioned for funding and as of July 9, 12 have received an answer.

Gearin ruled on petitions from Canterbury Park, the Minnesota Harness Racing Association and the Minnesota Zoo on July 2 and issued six decisions on .

There is no guarantee any additional funding will be granted or petitions approved. Special Master Blatz will resume hearing petitions on Monday.

Petitions Approved

• Minnesota Historical Society (July 8)
• Minnesota State Retirement System (July 8)
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (July 7)
• Blind Inc. (July 7)
• Minnesota School Board Association (July 7)
• Intermediate School Districts (July 7)
• Minnesota Department of Human Services - Licensing Division (July 7)
• Minnesota Zoological Garden (July 2)

Petitions Denied

• Detectives of the Dept of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division (July 8)
• The Arc Minnesota (July 7)
• Canterbury Park (July 2)
• Minnesota Harness Racing (July 2)

Follow the latest shutdown developments:

July 9: 

(UPDATED) 

(UPDATED) Metro Prepares for Transit Cuts in Shadow of Government Shutdown

July 8: Sen. Latz Responds to Commission's Solution

July 7: Metro Prepares for Transit Cuts in Shadow of Government Shutdown

July 6: Are Golden Valley Legislators Getting Paid During the Shutdown?

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July 5: Dayton, Republican Lawmakers Meet After A 'Breather,' But The Shutdown Continues

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July 3: Winkler Says Legislators Will Move To The Middle—Eventually

Golden Valley Residents Will Be Able to Go to the Minnesota Zoo During the Shutdown

July 1: Golden Valley Legislators Frustrated by Minnesota Shutdown

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June 29: 

June 28: 

June 23: 

June 17: 

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