March 13, 2002 -
March 13, 2002 - BENSON: The Senate this afternoon passed a Twins stadium bill after seven hours of debate and legislative maneuvering. The plan is now on hold until the House takes similar action -- and ballpark supporters acknowledge significant obstacles remain. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo followed today's debate and joins us now from the Capitol. Michael, why did it take so long for the Senate to reach a decision? KHOO: Lorna, ballpark legislation comes with considerable baggage from past debates -- and supporters of the current bill had to navigate some tricky waters to create a deal that enough lawmakers could support. As a result, amendment after amendment was offered to make the bill more palatable -- including diverting some funding to affordable housing or transportation or airport noise mitigation or requiring the pledge of allegiance before games are played. Most of those attempts failed, but the bill did pick up what Dean Johnson calls "barnacles" relating to housing and airport noise. Johnson's a DFLer from Willmar and the bill's sponsor. The bill also had to appease legislators from St. Paul and Minneapolis and ensure both sides that NEITHER was favored in terms of where a ballpark might be sited. BENSON: There were several close calls -- and more than once it seemed like the bill might fail. What happened? KHOO: Well, at one point, the bill was amended to give St. Paul more or less the right of first refusal if a ballpark is ever built. That would have cost the support of Minneapolis lawmakers and almost certainly would have sunk the bill. But after more maneuvering and some changed votes, that pro-St. Paul provision was neutralized. On final passage, however, the bill failed to get the three-fifths supermajority needed to pass a statewide sports memorabilia tax. That seemed to doom the package for good -- but it was revived and the statewide tax was reduced to a metropolitan-only tax. That meant the bill could proceed on a simply majority. It did: 37-to-30.
March 8, 2002 - A plan to fund a new Twins ballpark -- and possible a Vikings stadium -- is on its way to the full Senate for consideration. On a 17-to-10 vote the Senate Tax Committee approved the measure which draws on user fees and a variety of specialized taxes to finance the plan. The legislation also requires a referendum before the facility's host community could impose local sales taxes to support construction. Even as the package is picking up steam, however, it's getting mixed reactions from the teams that would benefit. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
March 5, 2002 - (NOTE HOST OUTCUE) Tonight (TUESDAY) marks the start of the 2002 campaign season. The state's four major parties hold precinct caucuses this evening -- the first step towards the state conventions later this year and ultimately the governor's mansion and U.S. Senate. The neighborhood meetings take on a special significance this year since most of the major candidates have agreed to step out of the race if they don't win party backing. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
March 1, 2002 -
February 26, 2002 -
February 15, 2002 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that the ballpark debate has returned to the state Capitol on two fronts and lawmakers seem more receptive to stadium plans than in past years. A Senate committee gave the green light to a proposal for a St. Paul Twins ballpark and House lawmakers introduced legislation to construct a joint Vikings and University of Minnesota football facility. But opposition hasn't faded entirely.
February 14, 2002 -
February 8, 2002 -
February 6, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on potential downtown ballpark site discussions. Alabama businessman Donald Watkins was in Minneapolis to assess potential ballpark sites. Watkins is exploring a possible purchase of the Minnesota Twins and has pledged to build a new stadium entirely with private dollars if he's able to acquire the team. Meanwhile, Governor Jesse Ventura says he hasn't changed his stance on a ballpark, despite a willingness to call a special session if lawmakers can't address the issue in the regular course of business.