Minnesota republicans want scaled back renovation and expansion plans for State Office Building

Republican lawmakers in Minnesota want their Democrat colleagues to scale back plans to renovate and expand the State Office Building in St. Paul.  

Site preparation for the expansion began Monday. Republicans have objected to the cost of the project, which is estimated at 500-million dollars plus up to 230-million in interest on state-issued bonds.  

Republican leaders say some renovations to the building are needed, but say the total cost is not in the best interest of taxpayers.