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Closed Minn. Capitol To Open For Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Capitol will be open to the public when lawmakers return for a special session to end the state's government shutdown.

Gov. Mark Dayton's office confirmed Monday that the building will reopen for a special session.

Dayton has yet to call the special session as he and lawmakers continue haggling over the details of budget bills after reaching an overall agreement last week.

Public access to the Capitol has been a casualty of the shutdown, with the building closed to all but employees and credentialed media. Funding for normal Capitol operations has been tied up in the budget dispute between the Democratic governor and Republicans who control the Legislature.

That has led to complaints from advocates who say the legislative process shouldn't be done in secret.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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