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REP FABIAN INTRODUCES SOLUTION TO VIKINGS STADIUM FUNDING SHORTFALL

Thursday, April 11, 2013

REP. FABIAN AND SEN. PETERSEN INTRODUCE SOLUTION TO VIKINGS STADIUM FUNDING SHORTFALL

Legislators say a solution is needed now to protect taxpayers, schools, nursing homes and other Minnesotans who depend on critical state services

St. Paul—In light of the reported 95 percent shortfall in electronic pull tab revenue needed to fund a new Vikings Stadium, State Representative Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, and State Senator Branden Petersen, R-Andover, yesterday introduced a bill to reduce the state’s stadium contribution by $200 million in order to protect general fund dollars that are reserved for crucial state services.

“As faithful stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have a responsibility to address this situation,” said Representative Fabian. “We simply cannot risk hardworking Minnesotans’ tax dollars that are supposed to go to nursing homes, schools, roads and bridges, and other services. To leave this legislative session at the end of May not having made what I think is a good faith effort to fix this problem would be irresponsible.”

Last year the Dayton Administration estimated e-pull tabs would generate the state’s $350 million contribution to support stadium construction, with $35 million coming in the first year. The Gambling Control Board has downgraded that projection to only about $1.7 million for Fiscal Year 2013, a 95 percent reduction. Furthermore, only 961 e-pull tab devices have been set up around the state, a far cry from the 15,400 projected.

“Minnesota families should be not required to suffer financially for government inefficiencies,” said Senator Petersen. “This legislation will protect hardworking taxpayers from government gimmicks that we know don't work.”

Representative Fabian concluded: “This bill provides an opportunity to find a solution. It’s a matter of responsibility, and by reducing the state’s share by $200 million we can protect taxpayer dollars while still allowing the Vikings to build a stadium up to their standards.”

House File 1753 was referred to the House Government Operations committee.

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Rep. Dan Fabian is the state representative for House District 1A, which includes Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, and parts of Pennington counties. He can be contacted at (651) 296-9635 or rep.dan.fabian@house.mn.

Sen. Branden Petersen is the state senator for Senate District 35, which includes Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Ramsey. He can be contacted at (651) 296-3733 or sen.branden.petersen@senate.mn.