ST. PAUL -- No one disagrees that officials and visitors in the Minnesota Capitol complex should be safe, but there is disagreement about the cost.
A proposal a state committee is considering would increase costs for security around 17 Capitol complex buildings from $9 million in the current two-year budget to nearly $17 million in the next one.
Two Republicans on the panel questioned the need to spend so much money in light of enhanced electronic security precautions that are being added in a $240 million state Capitol building renovation.
Maj. Robert Meyerson of the Minnesota State Patrol said outside experts called the proposed increase the "bare minimum" the state needs to keep the Capitol campus safe.
But Republican Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen of Alexandria and Rep. Kelby Woodard of Belle Plaine questioned that.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It seems to me that we are kind of doubling up here," Woodard said about adding both security officers and electronics such as television cameras.
The cost is too high, Woodard added. "This is a doubling of the budget in four years."
Ingebrigtsen said that once more cameras are installed, there should not be a need for as many officers. However, the longtime law enforcement officer said, cutting jobs "is really tough."
Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon, who chairs the committee, said the 400 cameras already spread about the complex and 72 new ones do more good "after the fact," but officers are needed to prevent crimes.
Ingebrigtsen and Woodard agreed that the number of state troopers should rise from the current eight to 12. But they disagreed with Democrats on the committee and Chief Justice Lori Gildea about the need to add to add security officers who do not carry guns.
The proposal for Capitol security growth calls for adding 27 to the 40-person force.
The committee backed a proposal to require the Public Safety Department to have full control of Capitol security officers. As it is, a department may pay Public Safety to have an officer at its location.
The committee meets again in January to draw up a final plan for legislators. However, legislators return to the Capitol on Feb. 25 for a nonbudget session, so passing any new funding will be difficult.
ADVERTISEMENT
DiPasquale tops for racing
A Minnesota Racing Commission member becomes the group's executive director Thursday.
Gov. Mark Dayton announced that he appointed Commissioner Thomas DiPasquale as the executive director.
DiPasquale, who was appointed to the commission in July, takes over an agency that has seen some controversy. Then-Exeuctive Director Richard Krueger resigned last year as three investigations into the commission were going on at the same time.
The commission oversees Minnesota's two horse-racing tracks.
Big Paul, Babe at big mall
The giant Minnesota icons Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox will appear at another giant Minnesota icon today.
The two well-known Minnesotans will be on display at Mall of America to promote the MNsure online health insurance exchange from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. MNsure workers will be on hand to answer questions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Group endorses GMO labels
The Minnesota Farmers Union backs a controversial measure within the farm community requiring the labeling of genetically modified organisms.
Many farmers say that labeling foods with a GMO label may make consumers leery of them.
"MFU has always supported transparent and truthful food labeling," said Jim Riddle, farmer and board member of Right to Know Minnesota. "I am pleased to see the MFU take a strong stand to support the labeling of foods that contain genetically modified ingredients."
Riddle said the labels would provide basic information "about food that consumers want and deserve to know."
Don Davis works for Forum News Service.
