Charity tax relief expected with stadium bill

An expansion of pull-tabs would allow Minnesota charities more tax receipts while also providing the state’s portion of funding for a Vikings stadium. Plus, the charges against the wife of former Vikings TE Joe Senser will stand.

Gov. Mark Dayton is proposing that Minnesota charities that operate pull-tab gambling get a bigger chunk of tax receipts from an expansion of those games at the expense of using the money to help build a Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Dayton says Friday that he believes the proposed pull-tabs expansion would still raise enough money to cover the state's cost for replacing the Metrodome. And earmarking some of the profits for tax relief for the thousands of charities that profit from pull-tabs could be instrumental in winning their support for the stadium proposal.

Right now bars and restaurants operate pull-tab games and give profits to charities. The stadium plan would authorize electronic versions of those games, with the state using projected new tax revenue to cover about a third of the stadium tab.

CHARGES STAND AGAINST AMY SENSER

The criminal case against the wife of former Minnesota Vikings tight end Joe Senser will proceed.

A Hennepin County judge Friday rejected a defense motion for dismissal of charges against Amy Senser. She faces two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in the death of Anousone Phanthavong (ah-NOO'-sahn PAN'-tah-wong), who was struck on an Interstate 94 ramp last August as he filled his gas tank with fuel.

Judge Daniel Mabley ruled there's enough evidence for prosecutors to present to a jury. Senser formally entered not guilty pleas. Defense attorney Eric Nelson also filed a motion for a change of venue, citing inflammatory comments against Senser posted on local blogs and websites.