Minnesota State Wire

As the legislative session continues, Common Cause Minnesota has raised concerns about public access to lawmakers amid ongoing construction and political challenges. The closure of the State Office Building and pedestrian tunnel for construction has forced legislators into temporary offices with increased security measures, which could deter constituents from visiting.

The organization highlighted that partisan disputes in the State House have further complicated efforts to engage with State Representatives on policy matters. Common Cause Minnesota encouraged its members to reach out to both State Senators and Representatives, noting that while Senators have been more responsive, there are still obstacles to direct communication. Feedback from nearly 200 members indicated unanswered calls and generic email responses as common issues.

In response to these challenges, Common Cause Minnesota is advocating for several measures: organizing in-district town halls during this critical budgetary period, providing clear guidance on maintaining access to elected officials, and designating space within the Capitol complex for public meetings with legislators.

Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, Executive Director of Common Cause Minnesota, stated: “The people are not being heard, and they are not able to contact their legislators in the same way as they are used to in Minnesota. Chaos and construction cannot prevail over access for the public. The current set-up does not allow adequate public access, and legislative leaders need to communicate changes to support public comment and interaction.”