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Press Release: Senate Leader Comments on Senate Restoration Project

Senate Leader Comments on Senate Restoration Project

Projects Will Restore the Chamber to its Original Grandeur

 

 

JEFFERSON CITY— The Missouri Senate Administration Committee, in a January meeting, gave permission to the Office of Administration to begin the process of restoring the upper gallery to its historic state by removing offices that were added in the 1970’s. The restoration project is one of the many projects that senators are interested in completing as the 100 year anniversary of the Capitol is approaching.

 

Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said while he is in favor of restoring the Senate Chamber to its original stateliness, he trusts the Office of Administration to prioritize work by its greatest needs.

 

“The project is more of an issue of historical restoration than it is a face-lift. The construction will allow us not only to restore the Senate Chamber to its original grandeur, but it will also help us create more meeting space. This will provide the public with additional space to access their senators. It is anticipated that this recaptured space could be useful for committee meetings or as a forum for interactions between constituent groups and senators.

 

I’m proud to serve in our Missouri State Senate. I’m honored to work in our nearly 100-year-old building. This remarkable structure is not only a part of our history, but it’s a state treasure worthy of restoring. Every year, tens of thousands of school aged kids travel to Jefferson City to visit the state Capitol. The experience brings democracy to life for these kids. It’s an experience many will never forget. We can’t stand by and let Missouri’s history crumble.

 

While there are many areas of repair needed at the Capitol, I trust the Office of Administration to make the best decisions in terms of timing and priority. If they feel the Senate restoration project is a top priority this year, then I support their decision.”

 

 

 

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