Amid Capitol Repairs, Public Left Out Of ‘People’s House’

Minnesota’s stately Capitol isn’t living up to its nickname of “The People’s House” this year.

The place is covered in shrink wrap, shrouded in construction dust and has few seats available for the public.

Major renovations have robbed both chambers of their public galleries, meaning citizens, the media and lobbyists have a tough time getting access to see what’s going on.

Both the House and Senate have tried to make it work in an unusual year.

Each chamber has set up overflow rooms to view floor proceedings on TV.

But with the galleries gone, the public has been relegated to small, cordoned off areas with a dozen or so chairs.

Lawmakers have acknowledged the lack of public access. Some say they’re working harder to reach out to constituents