Rep. To Propose Legislation For MN To 'Buy' Orchestra

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- While there still hasn't been any movement in contract talks between management at the Minnesota Orchestra and its musicians, a local lawmaker is now pushing for the state to get involved.

Minnesota Rep. Phyllis Kahn, a Democrat, plans to introduce a bill early in the next legislative session that would propose the state buy the Minnesota Orchestra.

Kahn said the model would be similar to the one the Green Bay Packers operate under, where the public owns a majority of the organization.

Kahn plans to introduce the legislation at the start of the next session, which begins in February.

The Minnesota Orchestra musicians have been locked out for more than a year now. Renowned conductor Osmo Vanska resigned earlier this month.