MN House panel scrutinizes rash of lockouts

DFLers in the Minnesota House are exploring the economic impact of recent lockouts in Minnesota.

Sides in the local orchestra stalemates, American Crystal Sugar's locked-out workers and even a representative from the Minnesota Wild testified before the state House Commerce Committee Wednesday evening.

Laurie Greeno of the citizens group Orchestrate Excellence said much of the $30 million spent annually by people attending classical concerts will be lost as a result of the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra lockouts.

Greeno said she's not sure what legislators can do about lockouts.

"What I like is they are bringing scrutiny to the question," Greeno said.

No bills on the lockouts are currently before lawmakers, but House Commerce Committee Chair Joe Atkins of Inver Grove Heights said some measures are being considered.

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