Virtual File - Item

Text: Dear Governor Walz and Commissioner Campbell,

We are requesting that you halt the proposed remodel and unnecessary expansion of the State Office
Building. We urge that you utilize your authority to cease the issuance of bonds for this project, as well as
reserve final judgement for any construction contracts. Minnesotans deserve a more robust and public
conversation about how their hard-earned money will be spent before proceeding with this proposed
construction.

We believe that alternatives to the spending of $500 million on this project have not been adequately
explored. Given the current cost of living crisis that is facing Minnesota families, and the pressing needs
for funding critical services statewide, we should be focused on meeting the needs of all Minnesotans, not
building a high-end office building.

Considering the expense and cost overruns that have plagued projects in the metro, including Southwest
Light Rail and Governor's mansion renovation, it is important that every effort be made to ensure that
taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, the increasing role of remote
work in state agencies and in the private sector provides additional alternatives for replacing or
complementing the workspace of the State Office Building, which is only fully occupied five months each
year. We should have greater public discussion on possible alternatives that the legislature has not had the
opportunity to fully investigate. House Leadership failed to consider more cost-effective options
including the relocation of staff to existing structures, or the total replacement of the State Office
Building.

We ask you not to move forward with the sale of the bonds for the $500 million renovation of the State
Office Building at this time. We should do everything possible to find a more reasonable option and
uphold the trust which the people of Minnesota have placed in their government.

Sincerely,
Representative Kristin Robbins
Minority Leader Lisa Demuth
Representative Pam Altendorf
Representative Patti Anderson
Representative Jeff Backer
Representative Ben Bakeberg
Representative Dave Baker
Representative John Burkel
Representative Brian Daniels
Representative Ben Davis
Representative Jeff Dotseth
Representative Elliott Engen
Representative Mary Franson
Representative Marj Fogelman
Representative Dawn Gillman
Representative Matt Grossell
Representative Josh Heintzeman
Representative Walter Hudson
Representative Spencer Igo
Representative Steven Jacob
Representative Jim Joy
Representative Krista Knudsen
Representative Jon Koznick
Representative Shane Mekeland
Representative Joe McDonald
Representative Patricia Mueller
Representative Thomas Murphy
Representative Nathan Nelson
Representative Anne Neu Brindley
Representative Harry Niska
Representative Paul Novotny
Representative Tim O'Driscoll
Representative Bjorn Olson
Representative Bernie Perryman
Representative John Petersburg
Representative Duane Quam
Representative Isaac Schultz
Representative Peggy Scott
Representative Roger J. Skraba
Representative Chris Swedzinski
Representative Paul Torkelson
Representative Mike Wiener
Representative Nolan West
Representative Natalie Zeleznikar