Racino backers want to help stadium
Supporters of the well-worn plan to allow slot machines at Minnesota's horse racing tracks say they want to be part of the solution for a Vikings stadium.
Sen. Al DeKruif, R-Madison Lake, delivered a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton's office today signed by 24 legislators who support racino gambling. He said another seven legislators are also confirmed supporters. DeKruif says the state's estimated share of $135 million a year could help pay back a school funding shift and pay off the bonds for a Vikings stadium. He insists that racino is not an expansion of gambling.
"It's just an alternative," DeKruif said. "So, it's an alternative going to either Iowa or Wisconsin or other neighboring states, or the Indian casinos. And it gives people an opportunity to support paying back the school shift and help potentially keeping the Vikings in town."
Racino supporters appear to be far short of the votes needed to actually pass a bill. But DeKruif said the proposal is still a work in progress, and they are trying to convince others to join the cause.
Here's the letter:
Letter to Gov. Dayton - Racino 11-4-11_1
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