Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Senate panel rejects casino

ST. PAUL -- A Senate committee on Monday voted down Gov. Tim Pawlenty's plan for a state-tribal casino in the Twin Cities, dealing the governor a blow as he attempts to balance the state budget without raising taxes.

Supporters of the plan were quick to say that the metro casino isn't dead for the session, pointing out that the bill is still alive in the House of Representatives. Pawlenty's chief of staff, Dan McElroy, said it could also come up during budget negotiations that are likely to come in the session's final days.

Still, the lopsided 10-4 vote served as a rebuke to a proposal that's become Pawlenty's most high-profile priority this legislative session. The committee also voted down a separate proposal to allow a casino at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, also on a 10-4 vote.

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