Today, Minnesota prepares for shutdown.Only a limited array of state services would continue in Minnesota if there is a government shutdown Friday, a judge ruled.Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin decided Wednesday that the state must continue funding basic custodial care for residents in prisons, treatment centers and nursing homes, as well as public safety and immediate public health concerns. “A lot of people are going to be hurt by a shutdown,” said Christina Wessel, deputy director of the Minnesota Budget Project. “A lot of key social services will not get funded.”

Some social service agencies may be able to continue if they have reserves, but others will have to close their doors immediately.While many residents can breathe a sign of relief, others will have to suffer through a government shutdown that grows more likely by the hour. Though Governor Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders continue to meet, they have not reached an agreement on a budget for fiscal 2012, which starts Friday.

Without a last-minute deal, many state services will be suspended. Highway rest stops will close during the holiday weekend, as will the state zoo. Road construction projects will cease, as will licensing for teachers and businesses. Funding for services such as job training and homelessness support will be cut off.