Former House Speaker calls out Legislature for closed-door process

Paul Demko//July 19, 2011

At the close of a press conference called by Republican legislative leaders to discuss the $11 billion health and human services bill, former DFL House Speaker Bob Vanasek offered some pointed criticism of the process used to craft the budget bills. Vanasek voiced concerns about discussions taking place behind closed doors with no public access.

“Absolutely unprecedented,” Vanasek said of the process, “and as a citizen I hope never, ever happens again.”

Vanasek spent two decades in the House representing New Prague. He served as speaker from 1987 to 1992. Vanasek currently runs his own lobbying firm.

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