More than two months after large scale protests ended at the state Capitol, access remains restricted to just two of the eight ground floor doors of the building. Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch admits it can be inconvenient for visitors, but it’s unlikely to change soon.
Huebsch says there is no set date for when, or even if, all doors will open and metal detectors will be removed. However, he says they are moving closer to a decision on what the future security needs of the building will be.
Huebsch says the ongoing legal battle over the collective bargaining bill, which sparked the protests, means continued security measures are needed to keep protesters from again occupying the building. He still believes the state is complying with a court order that requires the building to remain open to the public.
He admits there is a bit more of a delay for people to enter the building, but Huebsch says the judge recognized the need to maintain a safe work environment at the Capitol and to allow those who just want to visit the building to enter.
A Dane County Judge next week will hear arguments in a lawsuit claiming the state is not complying with that court order to fully reopen the Capitol.