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Minnesota Casino Resolutions Pass

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – As reported by the Duluth News-Tribune: "State representatives from Northeastern Minnesota uniformly blasted a Republican budget resolution that passed the House of Representatives by only two votes Wednesday.

"The resolution gives lawmakers two options for building the state's next two-year budget, which starts in July.

"Option A requires serious trimming of state spending in several budget categories, including kindergarten through grade 12 education, health care, higher education and public safety. Option B allows for more spending in those areas but is also linked to the passage of a controversial gambling measure.

"Option B allows the state to license and partially cash in on slot machines at a privately run horse-racing track and card-betting parlor near Shakopee. But both plans cap total state spending at just over $29 billion.

"….Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, said if gambling is going to be used to raise money for the state, then lawmakers should adopt a plan he's offered, allowing up to five slot machines in bars, where pull-tab gambling is already permitted.

"His plan collects far more for the state than either of the other two gambling plans and would allow for the full restoration of state funding for aid to local governments, health care and education, Rukavina said…"

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