As of midnight today, Minnesota's government is shut down and 20,000 government workers are on hiatus. Why? Because the Republican legislature would not agree to any revenue increases to balance the budget. If Minnesota is any indication, there is absolutely no reason to think the United States Congress will step up and be reasonable.

Via Duluth News-Tribune:

With little more than three hours left before a shutdown, most House and Senate Republicans walked into their chambers and took the seats they use during a session. Leaders said they did it to show they were ready to pass a temporary budget to keep government operating.

Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, said that going to the legislative chambers and inviting the media in was not a stunt. Instead, he said, “we’re hoping the governor will call us to work.”

“We are here, we want to reach an agreement,” Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, said.

Rep. Rod Hamilton, R-Mountain Lake, said Dayton should call a special session.

“We found agreement on a majority of the bills,” he said.

But Dayton said Republicans refused to agree to more revenue, proposing instead to delay school payments and borrow money from a tobacco lawsuit settlement.

Dayton said that on Thursday he lowered his proposed tax increase and limited to only a fraction of the richest Minnesotans. But Republicans constantly rejected any tax increase and even gave up a much-desired tax cut during budget talks.

What will it take to overcome this crazy hostage-taking?