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Politics & Government

Mendota Heights Lawmakers Differ on Vikings Stadium Funding

The question of public financing for a new Vikings stadium divides Mendota Heights lawmakers.

As Governor Mark Dayton continues to scramble for a way to help finance a proposed $1.1 billion Minnesota Vikings stadium with public funds, Mendota Heights lawmakers spoke out on their about how—and whether—to keep football in the state.

Sen. Jim Metzen (D-District 39) said he is willing to consider a variety of options—including usage fees and video lottery, memorabilia and parking taxes—to fund a new stadium.

“I’m kind of open for all those things,” he said.

A plan to fund the stadium with $300 million in state funds and a $350 million contribution from Ramsey County was rejected by state lawmakers on Tuesday. Dayton has called for a special legislative session on the stadium issue to be held later in November.

Metzen was adamant that he would not support a general tax, but said he thought public financing for the stadium stood a “fair to good, but not excellent, chance of passing.”

Rep. Rick Hansen (D-District 39A) said he was strongly opposed to public financing for a Vikings stadium.

“I’d rather be investing in public infrastructure that has a long-term public benefit—roads, bridges, sewers, rail,” he said. “I think that’s a more worthy investment for scarce public dollars.”

Hansen voted against public financing for the Twins stadium.

“I think (professional sports teams) are the wrong priority for public financing,” he said.

Metzen said his preference for public financing for the stadium is to pass the racino bill, which would bring about $160 million a year into the Minnesota’s coffers by allowing slot machines at the state’s two racetracks.

“We could take $30 million of that for awhile, pay our share for the stadium and take the other $110, $120 million and pay back all the money we’ve borrowed from the schools,” he said. “There's already 18 casinos in the state—I don’t think two more where the state could collect would lead to additional addiction.”

This pro-gambling position places Metzen in the minority among Democrats.

“The majority of our caucus is not for the expansion of gaming,” he said.

One point Metzen and Hansen agreed on is their opposition to Dayton’s proposal to take money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, known as Legacy funds, to pay for the stadium.

“Having been someone who co-authored the (Legacy funds) amendment, served on the conference committee that wrote it and campaigned for it, I don’t believe that that meets the constitutional language,” Hansen said.

Metzen said the fund was dedicated to the outdoors and the arts, not to funding sports arenas.

“I don’t think the people voted for that,” he said.

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