UPDATED: Atkins, Metzen Mixed on New Vikings Stadium Bill

A bill that would use a variety of new taxes to help fund the construction of a new Vikings stadium drew a mixed review from District 39B Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL).

Introduced in the Minnesota House earlier this month by Rep. Morrie Lanning, the Vikings stadium bill would provide as much as $300 million for the construction of the facility through a 10 percent tax on sports memorabilia, an income tax on sports organization employees and players and a sales tax on luxury boxes at the stadium. Revenue for the stadium would also be raised through a new sports-themed lottery game and by selling the naming rights for the building.

Under the plan, a five-member Minnesota Stadium Authority would be given the responsibility of selecting a site for the stadium. The team would have to sign a 40-year lease for the proposed building.

Atkins, who met briefly with Vikings owner Zygi Wilf late last week, said having a bill on the table is useful because it helps focus and frame the discussion.

However, the Inver Grove Heights legislator believes that those who would benefit from the proposed stadium should pay a larger share of the cost to construct it. Atkins said the Vikings, playing in the Metrodome, currently bring roughly $18 million into the state each year. A new stadium could net as much as $30 million, Atkins said, quoting information released by non-partisan legislative staff.

In lieu of taxes, more of that increased revenue should be used to pay off the principal on bonds issued for a new stadium, Atkins argues.

"I don't think it's perfect," Atkins said. “I think it’s at least going in the right direction."

District 39 Sen. Jim Metzen (DFL) believes Wilf should pay for at least half of the expenses for the new stadium. In addition to the tax on sports memorabilia that is already proposed, fees could also be leveled on tickets and parking at the new stadium, he said. The state ought to look at collecting gambling revenue from horse tracks in Minnesota to help pay for the facility, added Metzen, who is a proponent of a racino bill in Minnesota.

"When we're $5 billion in the red, the people aren't going to stand for a general tax. Having said that, I think the Vikings are very important, and that we could create a lot of jobs," Metzen said.

Sen. Jim Metzen

New Activity:

— Metzen co-authored a bill that tightens the requirements between construction contractors and subcontractors. SF 1141, introduced on April 11.

Existing legislation:

— A bill co-authored by Metzen that would appropriate $576,000 for the city of Floodwood to install one mile of utilities along Hwy. 73 for the purpose of commercial development has been referred to the Capital Investment Committee. SF 1132, introduced on April 11.

—A bill authored by Metzen that would appropriate $3 million from the state transportation fund to construct noise barriers along Hwy. 52 is awaiting a vote by the Capital Investment Committee. SF 391, introduced on Feb. 21.

— 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

New Activity:

— Atkins authored a bill that designates the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band is the official pipe band of the state of Minnesota. HF 1517, introduced on April 18. 

Existing Legislation: 

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that increased the penalties for those who kill or injure public safety dogs was passed and signed into law. HF 141, introduced on Jan. 20.

— A bonding request proposed by Atkins that would provide funding for the creation of the Darvan Nature Center in Inver Grove Heights was referred to the Legacy Funding Division. HF 658, introduced on Feb. 24.

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would provide funding for the renovation of indoor ice arena facilities is still awaiting a vote by the State Government Finance Committee. HF 684, introduced on Feb. 24.