Capitol View: October 27, 2011 Archive

AFL-CIO backs Block E

Posted at 4:52 PM on October 27, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: MN Legislature, Mark Dayton, Vikings stadium

The AFL-CIO, a coalition of more than 1,000 labor unions, has come out in favor of building a casino in downtown Minneapolis. The labor federation, which is also backing a Vikings stadium, sent out a news release earlier today saying the so-called Block E casino will benefit the state. The casino has been mentioned as a way to finance the Vikings stadium. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has suggested tapping money from the casino to pay for a new Vikings stadium in Minneapolis.

Union support could help convince skeptical Democrats to vote for the expansion of gambling. Several have said they will oppose any expansion of gambling in Minnesota.

Here's the AFL-CIO's statement:

"We need to do everything we can to get more Minnesotans back to work and our economy moving again," said Shar Knutson, President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. "The renovation and operation of a casino at Block E will create a significant number of family-sustaining jobs many Minnesotans so desperately need."

The Minnesota AFL-CIO currently supports constructing a new stadium to ensure the Vikings stay in Minnesota. The labor federation has not endorsed any specific site.

"Given the number of funding options being debated, the Block E casino option is a way to both fund the project and create jobs," added Knutson. "Working people are watching and waiting for legislators to take action on this great way to create jobs."

Racino supporters ramp up efforts to get slots at horse tracks

Posted at 10:39 PM on October 27, 2011 by Tom Scheck (6 Comments)
Filed under: MN Legislature, Mark Dayton, Vikings stadium

Several supporters of allowing the state's two horse tracks to operate slot machines are pushing to be included in the Vikings stadium discussion. Sen. Al DeKruif, R-Madison Lake, says he and other supporters of the so-called Racino bill believe the measure will pay for part of a new Vikings stadium and pay back some of the K12 school payment delay used to balance the state's budget.

"There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes," DeKruif said. "I do think there is enough money to do both, pay back the school shift and make the payments on the bonds."

Racino is one of several measures being floated to pay for a new Vikings stadium. Governor Dayton says he's listening to all ideas before he releases his plan the week of Nov. 7. DeKruif said he believes allowing slot machines at the state's horse tracks is less controversial because gambling already occurs there.

"Gambling in Minnesota - like it or not - is here to stay," DeKruif said. "It's a choice tax. It's an avenue to give the economy a shot in the arm through the construction trades, the horse industry which is a large part of our economy."

Several of DeKruif's colleagues lined up in opposition to any expansion of gambling to pay for a Vikings stadium. They argued that allowing even more gambling in Minnesota will increase addiction to gambling and crime caused by problem gamblers. They also argued it will make the state more inclined to rely on gambling expansion in the future.

"It's a tax on either the desperate or the mathematically impaired," Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, said. "And to make the state of Minnesota act like a bookie or a pit boss is simply not the role of government."

Dayton and legislative leaders will meet tomorrow morning to discuss the stadium issue.

Dayton to appoint Pogemiller to run Office of Higher Education

Posted at 11:00 PM on October 27, 2011 by Tom Scheck (4 Comments)
Filed under: MN Legislature, Mark Dayton

Three people with knowledge of the hire say Dayton is appointing Sen. Larry Pogemiller to run the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The people asked not to be identified because they didn't want to step on Dayton's announcement. Dayton's spokesman, Bob Hume, wouldn't confirm the hire but said they will have an announcement on that position Friday morning.

Pogemiller has served in the Minnesota Legislature since 1980. He has held several key positions of power in the Senate including Majority Leader, Education Committee Chair and Tax Committee Chair. He could not be reached for comment about the appointment.

Pogemiller will replace Sheila Wright who resigned her position in September. The office provides students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to a post-secondary education.

Pogemiller's appointment means Senate Democrats have lost three long time members in the last six months. Sen. Linda Berglin retired in August to take a job with Hennepin County. Sen. Linda Scheid died in June after battling ovarian cancer for several years.

Dayton will have to call a special election to fill Pogemiller's seat.