Johnson says building money should go to flood relief
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson wants the construction of a new $90 million office building for the Minnesota Senate stopped before it starts.
Johnson held a news conference Thursday to propose a one-day special session so that DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and lawmakers could halt the project and use the money to instead fund flood relief and road repair throughout the state.
Johnson said he believes suitable office space can be found elsewhere.
“If we’ve got to spend a few tens of thousands of dollars to rent space, as opposed to $90 million, I think that’s a pretty good deal or the taxpayers,” Johnson said.
Officials with the state Department of Administration told lawmakers last spring that the cost of renovating existing spaces and leasing space long-term would be excessive.
They also said it would delay the renovation of the state Capitol.
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