ST. PAUL, Minn.—As state officials plan for the upcoming construction of a $90 million legislative office building in St. Paul, State Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, says the nonessential project is wasteful government spending at its worst.
“It is disappointing that Democrat lawmakers are going ahead with this costly misuse of taxpayer dollars, even after the majority of Minnesotans disagree with it,” said Rep. Fabian. “I have heard from many folks in northwest Minnesota who are, quite frankly, disgusted about this wasteful spending.”
The legislative office building was passed by the Democrat-led Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Dayton as part of the 2013 Tax Bill. The provision was sneaked into the final bill in the dark of night, without input from the public or lawmakers. Rep. Fabian voted against the bill.
The construction plan includes offices for all 67 part-time state senators, even though taxpayers are already paying nearly $300 million to preserve and restore the State Capitol.
“From start to finish, the process has been disrespectful to hardworking taxpayers,” said Rep. Fabian. “There is plenty of space to comfortably house all 201 legislators. I see no need to build a palace for part-time senators when roads and bridges need critical repairs, among other essential projects and services. I will continue to emphasize to folks that I oppose this wasteful spending.”
On August 5, the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget put up for sale $85.3 million in bonds to fund the project. Construction is anticipated to begin by the end of the month.
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