March 16, 2004
Pawlenty flip-flops on MN stadium plans
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, after a delay of more than a month, finally submitted his recommendations for building new stadiums for the Twins and Vikings, though it's more a sketch than a plan. Among the highlights:
- The public would pay about two-thirds of the stadium costs, which are likely to total more than $1 billion.
- As requested by the Twins, the state would redirect sales and income taxes from the stadiums to pay off construction costs. Two weeks ago, a spokesman for the governor had said of this proposal, known as sales tax increment financing or STIF: "I know the governor won't be supportive."
- Cities would not be required to hold public referenda before spending local tax money on stadiums. One month ago, Pawlenty had called referenda his "strong preference."
- Team owners would be required to kick back an unspecified share of any profits from any sale of the teams, to help pay off the public's costs. We haven't been able to find any major promises Pawlenty was reversing course on here, but hey, the night's still young.
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