Dayton to expand list of essential services

Gov. Mark Dayton said Monday he would file an expanded list of essential state services that he wants to be continued during a government shutdown.While the governor had earlier listed benefits to those in health and economic assistance programs as essential, Dayton did not initially include "provider payments necessary to support these services."In addition, the governor's office said Dayton would advise court officials that he intends to allow newly eligible people to enroll in those programs.The programs include Medicaid, general assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, refugee cash assistance, group residential housing, MinnesotaCare, food support, Minnesota Food Assistance Program and adoption assistance.