Friends,
This week had some exciting developments at the State Capitol and for Minnesota. As the lead DFL member of the State Government Finance Committee, I had a chance to tour the renovations being done to the State Capitol and the construction of the new Senate Office Building. Due to the far-thinking work we did in the majority over the last two years, our nearly 110-year-old Capitol will serve the public better than ever.
Because of the construction of the much-needed Senate Office Building, a great portion of the space in the Capitol will be returned to the public. Not only is the building having its plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and technology infrastructure modernized, but the building will go back to its original intent – as a space for the people. There will be more space for the public to gather, more modernized and accessible public hearing rooms, classrooms for the History Center’s tours of the building, and finally – an appropriate number of public restrooms for men and women. Additionally, steps taken to make the building accessible for users of wheelchairs will be more integrated and not look like last minute stop gap measures.
For a good rundown of the improvements, here’s a news story on the renovations, why they’re needed, and why Minnesota’s Capitol is better than everyone else’s: http://tinyurl.com/pwvpglg
It’s important to remember that returning the State Capitol to the people would not be possible without the new Senate Office Building under construction across the street. It will provide offices for State Senators that are much easier to find than their current offices in the Capitol.
Until these projects are completed it’s going to be a little harder to get around the Capitol, but it’s worth it if the public is better served. As always I remain accessible and look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to contact me at 651-296-3751, or rep.michael.nelson@house.mn.
Thank you for giving me the honor of serving you and our community,
Mike