Minnesota political leaders vowed to try again on a bill to fund a new Vikings stadium project after a Friday morning meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Less than 12 hours later, the bill has cleared the first of several hurdles, passing the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee by an 8-6 vote, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The bill that passed on Friday evening was the one developed by Senate Majority Leader Julie Rosen and agreed to by the Governor and Minneapolis officials. Next, it goes to the Committee for Job and Economic Growth. A vote in the House will also be needed.
A similar compromise bill was rejected by a House committee on Monday. The Vikings are playing this season in the Metrodome, but do not have a long term lease agreement. With the 2012 legislative session scheduled to end on May 21, no action on the bill could leave the Vikings in a difficult position, what the league describes as a "stalemate" that would allow owner Zygi Wilf to explore options such as selling the team or moving. Goodell and NFL stadium committee chairman Art Rooney flew to Minnesota on Friday morning urging action this year.
For more on the Minnesota Vikings and their stadium issues, head over to The Daily Norseman.For more on the NFL in general, check out SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.