Politics & Government

Senate Committee Votes Against Slot Machines at Canterbury Park

Although Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke testified in favor of the bill, it went to a vote and failed 8-5, according to a report by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Although Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan) said in her recent e-newsletter she was hoping for a positive outcome from Monday's senate committee hearing on a racino bill, her hopes must have been at least slightly dashed when it went to a vote and failed 8-5, according to a report by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Majority Leader Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, sponsor of the bill, told the Pioneer Press afterward the defeat does not mean the issue is dead this session. "Racino is part of the Capitol fabric," he said. "It'll stand as long as this building stands."

Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke, who testified during the hearing, said today in a tweet he was "very glad to have had the opportunity to testify in favor of Racino to the MB Senate." The Shakopee City Council passed a resolution of support for the measure earlier this year.

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Rep. that he thought a racino bill, which would allow slot machines to be installed at and Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, MN, would have a better shot at passing through the legislature this session than it had had in years.

Racino backers estimate that adding 2,000 slot machine-style games at the two racetracks would generate up to $130 million in new tax revenue for the state and revive the state's horse racing industry.

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