Inver Grove Heights Legislator Supports Racino Bill

District 39 Sen. Jim Metzen (DFL) believes that the state, faced with a $5 billion deficit, needs every source of revenue it can get.

Which is why Metzen has cast his support behind a Republican-backed bill to allow video slot machines at two horse tracks in Minnesota — Canterbury Park in Shakopee and Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus. If passed, the measure could generate $250 million to $500 million annually, Metzen said, some of which would be funneled back into state funds.

Proposed by District 29 Sen. David Senjem (R) and introduced on March 25, the bill creates an account called the "Minnesota Future Fund" and dictates that a portion of the money generated by slot machines at the horse tracks be deposited in the fund.

Under the bill's provisions, that money would be earmarked for job creation and retention programs, assisting new technology businesses and partnership grants for organizations promoting economic development in the state, among other purposes.

Metzen says his support of racino proposals in the state dates back 20 years, when he introduced a bill that would allow gambling on riverboats scattered across the state. Although several racino measures introduced since then have failed, Metzen is optimistic that Senjem's bill will succeed — in part due to the dire straits of the state's finances.

“We’re in big trouble, we’re $5 billion short, and we have to look for revenue,” Metzen said.

Sen. Jim Metzen

New Activity:

—Metzen authored a bill appropriating $100,000 for grants to the Star Lake Board, to develop and implement pollution prevention lake and watershed management plans and designate said waters as star lakes and rivers. SF 796, introduced on March 14.

Existing legislation:

– A bill co-authored by Metzen that would appropriate $240,000 to move historic buildings to Heritage Park in Inver Grove Heights and restore them is still awaiting a vote on the Capital Investment Committee. SF 291, introduced on Feb. 10.

— A constitutional amendment co-authored by Metzen that would increase the terms of state legislators by two years is still awaiting a vote on the State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee. SF 868, introduced on March 17.

Rep. Joe Atkins

Existing Legislation: 

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would increase the penalties for those convicted of injuring public safety dogs passed in both the House of Representatives and Senate and was signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton. HF 141, introduced on Jan. 20.

—A bill co-authored by Atkins that would appropriate $3 million for noise barriers along Hwy. 52 is still awaiting a vote on the Transportation Policy and Finance Committee. HF 477, introduced on Feb. 14.

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would create an early graduation achievement scholarship program and appropriate money for related scholarships is still awaiting a vote on the Education Finance Committee. HF 257, introduced on Feb. 27.