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Senate sets agendas for stadium hearings

The Minnesota Senate has released the agendas for two informational hearings on the proposed Vikings stadium.

Senate Committee on Taxes and the Committee on Local Government and Elections will hold the first joint hearing Nov. 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes background and site information. Representatives from the Metropolitan Sports Commission, Vikings, Ramsey County/Arden Hills and Minneapolis will offer testimony. The public will also be allowed to testify at both hearings.

On Dec. 6, the Committee on Taxes and the Committee on State Government Innovation and Veterans will hold a joint hearing from 12:30 p.m. To 6:00 p.m. The focus will be on state and local support for a stadium, as well as financing options. Lawmakers have invited NFL officials to testify. They will discuss current sources of revenue, including arts and cultural funds and Minneapolis convention revenue. New sources of revenue will also be addressed. That list includes electronic pulltabs, racino gambling, sports memorabilia sales tax, NFL income tax surcharge and ticket surcharges.

UPDATE

Discussion of the Block E casino proposal has been added to the agenda for Dec. 6.