2004-05-12 CC Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Stadium bill OK'd by key panel Page 2 of2 Several attempts to replace the tax-increment plan with other state revenue streams, such as a liquor tax in the metropolitan area, were defeated. The liquor tax would have raised more money for a Vikings stadium. In all, the bill allows a public contribution of $478 million for a Twins stadium and $600 million for a Vikings stadium. With House Speaker Steve Sviggum, a close ally of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, lobbying for the measure, committee members approved it on a 15-13 vote and sent it to the Ways and Means Committee. The Tax Committee, which battled over the bill for six days, was an important hurdle for stadium boosters. Had the committee voted the bill down, its fate would have been In serious jeopardy. But heavy lobbying in recent days from the teams and prospective host communities, on top of pressure from the governor and speaker, garnered enough votes to make the difference. It was a difficult vote for legislators who'lI be involved in close races in the fall, because newspaper polls and lawmakers' private surveys show many voters are opposed to public funding of stadiums. Indeed, the vote Tuesday was the first time a roll call vote was taken on the stadium Issue, following passage on unrecorded voice votes in two other House committees. Committee members beat back amendments that would have spread financing responsibility over the entire metropolitan area, rather than just the host communities; forced the Twins or outstate counties to pay for a Twins retractable roof; and financed the state and local share through video lottery machines at bars throughout the state. As it stands, the host communities can raise their share through local sales taxes. St. Paul plans a 3 percent sales tax at bars and restaurants. Hennepin County would select from a list of possible taxes, including bar and restaurant taxes and a general sales tax. Anoka County envisions a general sales tax. All the county taxes would be less than 1 percent. Representatives from the state's biggest cities did not like the bill. Rep. Mike Jaros, DFL-Duluth, said he was deeply troubled by funding stadiums when crucial social services to poor people have been cut. The only two representatives from the Twin Cities, DFLers Alice Hausman of St. Paul and Joe Mullery of Minneapolis, joined Jaros in voting against the measure. Aron Kahn covers the business ofsports. He can be reached at akahn@ploneerpress.comor651-228-5569. C 2004 Pionee:r Press and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.twincities.com http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/8589724.htm?template=contentModules/prints... 5/5/2004