By Rep. Paul Anderson
The House of Representatives met in its chamber twice last week as members returned to St. Paul for the new session. The State Capitol is officially closed to visitors as a $300 million restoration project continues on the century-old building. The underground tunnel access to the Capitol is restricted, and one outside entrance with security is available for members to enter the building. One elevator is useable, while space for spectators and the media is limited. A debate at the March 8 opening session centered on whether or not we should even be meeting in the Capitol building. The House chamber, itself, has been finished so our electronic voting system is back up and running, and new sound system makes speeches easier to hear.
Discussion centered on whether there’s enough space for the public and media to attend sessions. The upstairs galleries above the chamber are closed off, so the only spaces available are in the back of the chamber known as the alcoves. Space has been made available for 15 spectators on one side of the chamber, with the alcove on the other side reserved for the media. The one operating elevator allows for access without having to climb steps. And the bathroom issue has been taken care of by a trailer of portable biffs, complete with heat and piped-in music, I am told, directly outside the north entrance.
Some thought we should have moved the entire House operation to the armory down the street. That would have allowed for more room, but it had logistical issues. It was also suggested that we should have moved the chamber across the street to the new Senate office building, where that body is conducting its sessions. I have not been in that building yet, so am not sure of the size of its committee rooms. Keep in mind that the House as twice as many members as the Senate. And our one-day special session this past June in a committee room was cozy, to say the least. In addition, conducting votes by roll call takes a great deal of time when you must go down the list of 134 members. So being able to conduct business in our regular chamber with its electronic voting board allows things to proceed more smoothly and quickly.
The situation has its challenges but, for one year, we can make it work. When the project is finally completed, our beautiful Capitol building will be fully ready for those who will govern our state for the next 100 years and for those who wish to visit.
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It was with sadness that we heard the news reports of the fire at St. Mary’s Church in Melrose over the weekend. It’s a beautiful structure that dates back over 100 years, serving parishioners of the area. Many have memories of life-events in their families being held at the church. St. Mary’s was also well known for its services to the Hispanic community. We join the prayers for guidance from Above as members assess the damage in these coming days and decide how best to proceed for the future.
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