State Lawmakers Weigh In On Future Of Vikings Stadium Bill

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota House committee is expected to take up the stadium bill Monday, but some lawmakers say they don't think there's much of a chance of it passing the committee or the full House.

Rep. Ryan Winkler, a Democrat, says Republicans don't want to raise the revenue to build the stadium.

"Building a stadium requires Republicans to raise revenue by about $72 million a year, and after the government shut down last year...I just don't see how they're willing to do that for a Vikings Stadium," he said. "I think they want to make it look like it, but I don't think it's actually going to happen."

Sen. Dave Thompson, a Republican, agrees.

"People right now are concerned about other things, not subsidizing sports teams," he said. "And I think there's hesitancy in both parties, as there should be. I philosophically don't agree that where our government money should be going."

Winkler said lawmakers are likely to hear some of the same arguments again from interested parties.

"The Vikings will come in, and they'll sort of hint that they're ready to leave if they don't have a stadium; but they'll never say it," he said. "They'll dance around the issue, and people will debate the economics and whether it's worth it...and we'll hear mostly the same thing."

Thompson said the votes are not there for any of the proposals.

"I don't see anything with momentum right now, but...it tends to change on a daily basis," he said.