Representative Al Juhnke and Senator Dan Sparks Introduces Racino Slots Proposal

Two Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a bill to expand gaming at the state's two horse racetracks February 22nd, 2010.

Hoping that Minnesota's fragile economy will give the long-hope effort the support it needs to win approval, state Representative Al Juhnke (DFL-Wilmar) and state Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), announced a plan on Tuesday that they say will infuse $125 million annually into the Minnesota economy by permitting slot machines at horse racing tracks.

Rep. Juhnke said that they are currently in the midst of a big economic crisis and they are going to be in that situation for a long time. The new gaming revenue, which would take two years before reaching the forecast levels, would be divided among rural development, early childhood dvelopment, general fund, development of bioscience and medical technology and development of athletic and recreational facilities.

Dick Day, who resigned from the Minnesota Senate before the start of this session to become the head of the nonprofit organization Racino Now, said that the money could be used to help fund a new home for the Vikings or the St. Paul Saints or other sporting locations.

Tuesday, 02 March 2010
Marissa Patterson