(St. Paul, MN) — Democrats said “no” as Republicans again tried (Wed) to halt a planned renovation of the State Office Building in Saint Paul, which now could cost more than 50 percent over the original estimate of 500 million dollars.
Maple Grove Representative Kristin Robbins says, “to spend 730 million dollars on renovating this building that is open full-time five months a year? I can’t fathom we are really gonna go ahead with this.”
House Democratic Majority Leader Jamie Long responded, “Representative Robbins, your motion was not submitted before the hearing and was not a part of the agenda, so I’m finding your motion out of order.” Republicans objected that there’s no requirement to pre-file motions, but Majority Leader Jamie Long then adjourned the meeting.