House Committee Probes MN Orchestra's Use Of Tax Dollars

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Minnesota lawmakers are taking a closer look at the labor dispute that has locked out the Minnesota Orchestra for 5 months now.

The House Legacy Committee controls some of the state funds going to the Orchestra. It's questioning whether any tax dollars are being used to lock out musicians.

Orchestra management says that's not the case.

"In order to eliminate all concerns around this point, we sequestered in a separate account all state funds received to date in this fiscal year," Minnesota Orchestra CEO Michael Henson said. "And we will continue to do so going forward until we've reached a contract resolution."

The state has provided millions of dollars to help fund the Orchestra. That includes $14 million to renovate Orchestra Hall.