The Senate State and Local Government Committee decided to hold off on voting on the Minnesota Vikings stadium bill after two hours of debate and testimony Wednesday. Members of both parties showed concern over the bill's plan for the state to pay for its share with revenue from electronic gambling, according to Jennifer Brooks of The Star Tribune. Via Brooks:
Several witnesses voiced concerns about the bill’s plan to pay for the state’s share of stadium construction with revenues from electronic gambling. Critic Tom Pritchard, of the Minnesota Family Council, objected to idea of paying for new stadium by placing electronic bingo and pull tab machine in bars and restaurants. Electronic gambling, he warned, can be "as addictive as crack cocaine."
The stadium will be built at the old Metrodome site and will cost $975 million.The Vikings are asking for $398 million from the state and $150 million from the city of Minneapolis.
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