State Capitol’s roof
finally plugged of leaks

Some leaks at the state Capitol have apparently been plugged -- not leaks to news media, but water coming through the roof of the building itself.

Lawmakers in some fourth-floor offices have complained for years about soggy offices after a big rain. The leaky roof persisted even after the state spent $67 million to renovate the building in 1996.

But last year, the state paid contractor American Coatings $55,000 to repair the leaks. The fix apparently worked. No major dripping on the fourth floor was reported after last week's heavy rains.

That's not to say the problems are solved, though: Water still leaks in the Capitol's basement.

LEGISLATIVE RAISES

Senate staff will have reason to give thanks to Senate President Norman Mizuguchi this Thanksgiving. Mizuguchi authorized a 5 percent pay raise for full-time staff retroactive to July 1. The raise will come in their Nov. 20 paychecks.

The pay raises were announced two months after House Speaker Calvin Say authorized a 5 percent to 5.5 percent pay raise for full-time House staffers retroactive for two years.