Dayton reopens ‘People’s House’ to public

For the first time in almost three weeks, the Minnesota State Capitol will be open to the public Tuesday at 9 a.m.

The State Capitol, often referred to as the “People’s House,” has been closed since the state government shutdown started on July 1. Republican legislative leaders and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton have agreed on a budget framework but, until Tuesday, the Capitol doors have remained barred as lawmakers ironed out final bills.

Common Cause Minnesota had asked the governor’s office to open the Capitol so the public could be present. Prior to Dayton’s Monday evening announcement that he would allow the public to enter, Common Cause Minnesota had planned to ask the judge to reopen the Capitol for as long as the shutdown continues.

Common Cause’s Mike Dean told the Minnesota Independent Monday it’s likely more costly to keep the public out of the Capitol, which is still open to some staff, than to let the public in. He said that barring the public while elected officials made decisions inside the building would have been an “affront to democracy.”