February 25, 2004
When is a new tax not a new tax?
With numerous Minnesota politicians having promised not to levy new taxes to pay for new homes for the Vikings and Twins (combined estimated cost: more than $1 billion), stadium boosters are scrounging around for any state revenue that can't be considered "new." The latest suggestion: extend state auto rental and alcohol taxes, currently set to expire next year, until the year 2032. (We're sure it's entirely coincidental that the Minneapolis citizens proferring this plan just happen to own a plot of land where the Twins are looking to build a ballpark.) Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been cool to the idea so far, having a spokesman deliver the mixed message: "He hasn't made a decision, but we don't think that's appropriate."
