The governor called a special session for later this afternoon, so my unemployment stint should be coming to an end soon. Depending on procedural details, I should be back in the office Wednesday or Thursday. Being out of work for nearly three weeks has reminded me how fortunate I am to have a job to which I can return. I spent a little time during my time off perusing job vacancies and opportunities are still relatively scarce for both new and experienced attorneys. I’m glad I don’t have to compete for those jobs with the 600+ newly minted attorneys who are just out of school and looking for work.

I’m not quite ready to stop worrying, though. This budget deal likely contains further administrative reductions and another round of more permanent layoffs may be coming. But for now, I’m looking forward to seeing my colleagues and cleaning up my inbox.

For a few hours yesterday, a photo of me and Governor Dayton appeared on the homepage of the Star Tribune. Here’s the pic:

After the Humphrey Institute event, I briefly chatted with the governor and thanked him for his support of state workers. Several photographers snapped pictures of us, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. Several Star Tribune readers commented that the picture deliberately portrayed Dayton in a sympathetic light by showing him talking with a “wheelchair-bound person.” Of course, expecting enlightened political discourse from Strib commenters is a little like expecting an orgy to break out at Sunday services. I considered posting a brief comment pointing out that I was just one of many invited Humphrey Fellows at the event who briefly spoke with the Governor and that my disability should not be interpreted as a political statement, but then I decided I’d have more fun gaming on my computer.

I’m still not exactly sure when I’ll be called back to work. It could be as soon as Tuesday if everything goes smoothly.

If I’m not careful, prolonged unemployment will slowly turn my brain into gray mush. I should start a daily mental exercise regimen that includes a game of chess against the computer, the NY Times crossword puzzle, reading the complete works of Spinoza, and teaching myself Latin. But what do I do instead. Watch a video of the climactic lightsaber duel from The Phantom Menace rendered with an a capella soundtrack. I’ll probably watch it again after I post this. And then maybe I’ll play a little Plants vs. Zombies in a pathetic attempt to fool myself into believing I accomplished something. Feeling despondent, I’ll then watch 5 episodes of Farscape on Netflix. And then, right before I drift drift off to sleep, I’ll promise myself to start learning Latin first thing in the morning.

When the shutdown first began, I anticipated that I would be out of work for at least a couple weeks. Now, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll be back in the office before August. No new negotiations are scheduled and there is a decided lack of urgency on both sides to reach an agreement. The fact that core essential services are continuing probably contributes to that lack of urgency. While I’m grateful that I’m still receiving health coverage, our elected leaders might have felt more pressure to strike a deal if their constituents weren’t receiving vital services. Then again, I may be overestimating the Republicans’ capacity for empathy.

Boredom is already settling in. Another 2-4 weeks of unemployment will have me bouncing off the walls.

In news that should shock absolutely nobody, researchers have determined that people with access to Medicaid coverage fare much better than low-income individuals without health insurance. The study found that those with Medicaid coverage were more likely to receive preventive care, more likely to have a regular doctor, and more likely to report better health outcomes. The findings won’t surprise most health policy wonks, but the study is still an important tool in ongoing efforts to preserve Medicaid funding, particularly at a time when deficit reduction talks are focusing on significant cuts to Medicaid. Advocates for the poor now have concrete evidence to counter those who would say that emergency rooms and free clinics can provide adequate health care to the uninsured. It probably won’t sway the most rabid Tea Party types, but it might help persuade moderate Democrats and Republicans to recognize the vital role Medicaid plays in the lives of ordinary people.