Remember when the state shutdown of 2005? Senate DFL leaders have already taken precautionary measures to prevent a repeat. On May 11 the Senate passed a “lights on” bill 45 to 19 as requested by AFSCME. It would keep government services running in case Governor Pawlenty’s vetoes prevent a budget deal. The “lights on” bill would fund government services at current levels through July 1, 2010. Please call your legislators and ask them to support a “lights on” bill. Tell them that public employees shouldn’t be pawns in another shutdown showdown. For your legislator’s name and number, call the House at 1-800-657-3550 and the Senate at 1-888-234-1112.