| For Immediate Release | For More Information Contact: |
| November 8, 2001 | Pam Schutt (651) 296- 4196 |
ST. PAUL - Leaders of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives announced the formation of a joint legislative task force to consider the state's sports facilities needs for both professional baseball and football, as well as the University of Minnesota football team. The task force will be made up of 18 members, six appointed by the Senate, six by the House and six by Governor Ventura.
"This task force brings together committed, capable individuals who represent highly diverse perspectives," said Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe (DFL- Erskine). "At this crucial time, we hope the task force report will provide us direction so we can act in the best interests of all
Minnesotans.
"It's important for us to take a 'big picture' look at the proposals that are out there, the state's sports facility needs, and the proper role of state government in the stadium debate," House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) said. "Considering how divisive the stadium debate has been in past years, it is important for the Legislature and Governor to work together in a thoughtful and balanced approach on this issue."
Over the years, there have been numerous proposals and studies on sports facility needs. The task force will review and consider all existing proposals, case studies from other states, research, and analysis as well as take input from interested parties and the general public.
"This is not a 'rubber stamp' task force - there is no predetermined outcome," added Speaker Sviggum. "This is a good faith effort by the House, Senate and Governor to wade through the spin and the emotion to create good public policy."
The task force's goal will be to gather information to establish a set of principles or criteria for the Legislature to use when evaluating any proposed stadium legislation in the upcoming session or future sessions. The task force may choose to make specific recommendations to the Governor and Legislature regarding sports facilities in Minnesota.
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"Our professional and university sports teams are important state assets," Senator Moe said. "We cannot simply turn our backs on them."
The task force will begin work immediately with the goal of presenting the Legislature and Governor with a report by mid January. Legislative leaders have required the task force to hold at least two public hearings outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Senate Appointees:
Senator Steve Kelley (DFL-Hopkins)
Senator Sandy Pappas, (DFL-St. Paul)
Senator Cal Larson (R-Fergus Falls)
Sen. Roy Terwilliger (R-Edina)
William G. Haddeland, Senior Advisor, Minnesota Public Radio, Edina
Barbara J. Muesing, Director of External Affairs, University of Minnesota College of Continuing Education, Fosston
House Appointees:
Rep. Kevin Goodno (R-Moorhead)
Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville)
Rep. Tom Osthoff (DFL-St. Paul)
Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar)
James Lawrence, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, General Mills, Minneapolis
Jim Robinson, Executive Director for Operations and Development for the Summit University Teen Center, St. Paul
**Governor Ventura's appointments are in the process of being made.
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