Nearly $500 million was approved by a group of Minnesota legislators for the repair of the State Office Building. The 134 state House members’ offices, important support staff offices, and conference rooms for public hearings are all located there.
The House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee authorized the budget for improvements to the State Office Building. The building is located across from the state Capitol. DFL majority emphasized the need for upgrades for the 90-year-old Roman Renaissance 1932 structure, including fundamental improvements to lower safety risks, boost security, and improve accessibility for those with impairments.
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Building an addition as part of the refurbishment would bring the footprint from around 290,000 to 456,000 square feet. Expanding committee hearing rooms would take up most of the extra space. They are used throughout the parliamentary session for the general public to speak on proposed legislation.
Political fallout may however result from the DFL’s support of expenses for legislators’ offices. Democrats gave their approval for the new Senate Office Building’s $90 million construction in 2014, which Republicans exploited against them in the midterm elections. That year, Democrats lost control of the House.
More on the Minnesota State Office repairs project
The Capitol complex has undergone a considerable transformation, and it has cost a significant amount of money. The need of providing safe public access is highlighted here. We have two options: “We can either be open and unsafe, or we can build out and get better,” said Ryan Winkler, the departing majority leader of the House.
Winkler, who is leaving office following a failed bid for Hennepin County attorney, cleverly maneuvered to have the building approved by the panel while giving the new DFL House caucus political protection. According to Winkler, work might begin in January 2024 and be finished in time for the 2027 legislative session.
