U.S. Bank is the latest business to come to aid of state workers and businesses affected by the shutdown. Any state employee, business or anyone else impacted by the shutdown might be eligible to skip a loan payment with US Bank , including installment loans such as auto, recreational vehicles, marine, manufactured housing, home equity installment loans, small business lines of credit and consumer credit cards.

U.S. Bank customers who sign up for skip-a-payment should know that interest will continue to accrue but no fees will be assessed. The skipped payment will not be reported as an adverse event to the credit bureaus. Accounts must be up-to-date on payments to qualify. To inquire or sign up, call 1-800-890-2233.

The following offers are expired, but laid off workers might try asking those businesses if such offers can still be honored in certain circumstances. Please email me (jewoldt@startribune.com) if you know of other deals and I will update this post.

The Sea Life aquarium at the Mall of America is offering free admission to any laid off state employee through Sunday July 10. Admission is regularly $18.74. The employee must bring a copy of the layoff notice. Family members accompanying the employee get 50 percent off the usual price.

The Minnesota Lynx women's basketball team is offering $5 tickets to displaced state workers at Saturday's 7 p.m. game against Connecticut. Bring an employee ID or a check stub. The discount also applies to family and friends. Ticket preices are normally $10 to $60.

Earlier this week Heidi's and Burger Jones restaurants were offering discounts. Those deals have expired but if you know of other discounts that are current, please add a comment. Thanks,