State Representative
Carl Jacobson

429 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296- 7153

For Immediate ReleaseFor more information contact:
March 7, 2002Jessie Roos (651-296-9719)
NEWS RELEASE
JACOBSON OFFERS NEW STADIUM PROPOSAL
Legislator offers plan to form 501(c)3 organization, allowing for tax deductible donations

St. Paul State Representative Carl Jacobson (R-Vadnais Heights) today announced a new stadium proposal that would require no state funding. The plan which he called "Our Ballpark, Inc." would create a 501(c)3 organization, allowing for tax deductible donations by the Pohlad family, local businesses, community leaders, organizations, and fans.

"There has been an endless debate on the stadium issue," commented Jacobson. "For more than a decade now, we have continued to come back to this issue. I believe that 'Our Ballpark, Inc.' is a solution that can end this discussion, once and for all."

Jacobson's proposal hinges on community support and tax-deductible donations. He believes with serious leadership from the community, as well as support from the Twins, Our Ballpark, Inc. can successfully raise $350 million to build a new stadium.

"There really is no feasible state funding mechanism available in this time of state budget deficits," said Jacobson. "With a sense of urgency due to the threat of contraction, along with a will to get this thing built, I believe Our Ballpark, Inc. can successfully raise the funding necessary to get a stadium built here in Minnesota."

"My constituents have gone out of their way to share their opinions with me on this issue," Jacobson said. "Our Ballpark, Inc. is a proposal that represents a middle-ground in this debate. It is a workable plan that will allow the Legislature to get back to its real job of the business of the state. Politics is about working together, talking issues through, and coming to a solution. That's precisely what this proposal does."

The text of this news release, along with a headshot of Representative Jacobson, are available at www.house.mn/53B or by contacting Jessie Roos at 651-296-9719.