The Taxpayers Legaue of Minnesota

A non-partisan, non-profit grassroots taxpayer advocacy organization for Minnesota

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Press Releases - Press Releases
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 16:25


Minnesota has a spending problem, not a revenue problem

ST. PAUL - In a surprise announcement last week, Senator Dick Day (R-Owatonna) said he will resign from the State Senate to lead a newly organized effort to bring state-operated slot machines and more revenue to Minnesota. Unwilling to solve the state's budget shortfall with fiscal restraint, the newly minted president of "Racino Now" aims to feed the growing beast of government by installing slots at Canterbury and Running Aces.

In what could be a dream come true for billionaire-owner of the Vikings Zygi Wilf, Sen. Day hopes the proposal will raise $125 million per year, including money for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Phil Krinkie, President of the Taxpayers League said, "Instead of recognizing that the state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, Sen. Day continues to see gambling as a silver bullet in solving the budget deficit. What his plan really does is douse a growing budget fire with more gasoline. Instead of reducing spending and bringing the runaway blaze under control, Sen. Day wants to add more spending."

We applaud Governor Pawlenty for rejecting the idea that the expansion of gambling will help produce a balanced budget.

Sen. Day announced that he would resign effective January 8, 2010, but it seems like he has already started at his new job.

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