Republicans shut down state government to protect tax breaks for big corporations four years ago, and we’re still paying for it.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has paid out $33 million in contractor claims related to the shutdown, but the true cost may be even higher. The Republican-caused shutdown delayed work on 165 state road and bridge projects, which led to contractor losses from idled construction equipment, extended office overhead, and demobilizing and remobilizing at construction sites.

Five projects still have shutdown-related claimed, which could cost the state another $1.5 million.

Republicans refused Gov. Dayton’s seven compromise budget offers, choosing instead to shut down government – and now we have some idea of the astounding cost to taxpayers.