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Governor opposes slot plan

Monday, April 7, 2003 | 9:23 a.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Friday that he was concerned about some provisions in a House GOP budget-balancing plan released a day earlier, including a proposal that would require the state to authorize slot machines at Canterbury Park.

"I don't care for it," Pawlenty said of the measure supporters say would bring the state $100 million in 2004-05. "I don't support it ... There are lots of ways for government to get money that are not as destructive."

He said authorizing and making money from casinos is not a proper function of government and that he would probably veto such a bill if it crossed his desk.

On Thursday House Speaker Steve Sviggum and Senate Minority Leader Dick Day strongly supported the casino idea as a way to soften Pawlenty's proposed funding cuts for nursing homes, higher education, farmers and others.

Democrats largely oppose the idea, making it questionable as to whether it could pass the Senate floor. Pawlenty's likely veto deals the issue another blow.

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