STATEMENT FROM REP. BARRETT
REP. BARRETT RESPONDS TO TONIGHT’S UNVEILING OF VIKINGS STADIUM DESIGN
Barrett says the Vikings’ contribution is “not real” and owners need to step in to protect Minnesota taxpayers, school kids and the elderly
St. Paul – State Representative Bob Barrett, R-Lindstrom, commented on tonight’s design unveiling of the new billion dollar Vikings stadium. Barrett has been a vocal opponent of using state general fund dollars to pay for the new stadium, which he warns is a very real possibility after electronic pull tab revenue has fallen 95 percent short of what is needed to build the stadium.
“With less than a week remaining this session, legislative leaders and Governor Dayton have yet to produce a balanced budget or a solution to the public portion of the Vikings stadium funding. As a result, hardworking Minnesota taxpayers, school kids and the elderly are at risk of subsidizing a billion dollar stadium because team owners refuse to step in and protect them,” Barrett said.
“Tonight, the Vikings and Governor Dayton’s Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority are throwing a celebratory party instead of taking charge and fixing the problem that would save taxpayers, school kids and the elderly from funding this huge shortfall. This is simply unacceptable,” Barrett said.
Barrett explained that Minnesota taxpayers are largely unaware that the Vikings’ financial contribution (set at $477 million) currently comes from outside revenue sources separate from their own assets. They are able to use stadium naming rights, personal seat licenses and a $200 million loan/gift from the National Football League (NFL).
For more information on Rep. Barrett’s Vikings stadium funding solutions, please access the release: REP. BARRETT CALLS FOR VIKINGS TO HELP FUND NEW STADIUM.
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Rep. Barrett can be reached by phone at (651) 296-5377. He can also be contacted via e-mail at rep.bob.barrett@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 287 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.