SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Boy, have the carpet installers -- and others -- been busy in the state chambers.

The Assembly went all the way to England to get its new carpeting, which cost about $75,000. Seems the style, color and even the manufacturer was dictated by the Capitol historical commission.But the work didn't stop there. The legislators' wooden desks were refinished and the electronics upgraded. Total cost: $61,400.

And, workers installed a new broadcast-quality, $235,000 sound system so everyone can hear all those sterling debates. "It ain't cheap to keep this world-class museum running," said Jon Waldie, the Assembly's executive officer.

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