Minnesota leaders outline potential effects of federal government shutdown Published 9:22 pm Thursday, October 2, 2025Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...By Dana FergusonAs the federal government shutdown extended into a second day on Thursday, state leaders outlined some of the potential impacts on Minnesota — including thousands of federal employees at risk of being furloughed and funding for nutrition programs and clean energy projects in limbo. Email newsletter signupAnd they said the initial impacts of the shutdown aren’t that significant for programs run by the state. Postal Service workers, Minge said there are about 18,000 federal employees in Minnesota. The Trump administration has also threatened to lay off federal employees furloughed during the shutdown. Walz on Thursday called out the potential funding cuts as a political act.