. >> reporter: for minnesota state highway worker mike linholts, summer is a busy time. but today he was working at his father's house. >> you set your priorities and this is the way it works. >> reporter: he's one of more than 20,000 state workers on furlow because the government and state legislature can't agree on how to close a $5 billion budget deficit. for republicans that control the state legislature insist on only spending cuts. >> we will not saddle our children and grandchildren with mounds of debt. >> reporter: the governor wants higher taxes to support social services. >> it's their way or no way, that continues to be their position. if somebody else has a rabbit to pull out of the hat, then i look forward to their doing so. >> reporter: usually crowded state parks and campgrounds are locked shut and some have even fallen victim to vandalism. here's the minnesota state capitol, closed for business. state parks not deemed vital are shut down. folks can't apply for a driver's license or even by a state lottery ticket. across the state the shutdown is beginning