Minnesota Lawmakers Tie Emotions To Buying Team

Sat., May 6, 1995

Associated Press

Minnesota lawmakers have strapped a proposal to help buy the Winnipeg Jets to the sensitive issue of paying for new youth hockey rinks throughout the state.

The politicians are hoping that even taxpayers who oppose spending public money on an NHL franchise won’t argue if their children have something at stake.

“I don’t see anyone being held hostage by this proposal,” Senate Minority Leader Dean Johnson, R-Willmar, said after a meeting at Gov. Arne Carlson’s mansion Friday morning. “A hockey puck is a hockey puck, no matter who’s pushing it: a boy, a girl or a professional player.”

The proposal Carlson outlined, and which he will try to sell to legislators next week, would use government bonds to help buy the Jets.

The plan projects $4.1 million in annual tax revenues from the NHL franchise to pay off the bonds.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Minnesota Lawmakers Tie Emotions To Buying Team

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Spokane Chiefs hold off Prince George 3-2, force Game 5 in first-round matchup | WHL playoffs

'Guys are really buying into what we're saying': The importance of WSU defenders Kaden Beatty and Nylan Brown

Gonzaga guard Cade Orness announces intention to enter transfer portal