ST. PAUL – State Rep. Jeff Dotseth, R-Silver Township, said House Democrat legislation would effectively end electronic pull tabs as we know them, dramatically reducing revenue generated for local charities and other organizations.
Language in the majority’s omnibus tax bill (H.F. 1938) eliminates the “open all” feature that has been in use in electronic pull-tab games for years. This move, Dotseth said, would diminish charitable gaming funds these popular games produce, compromising a critical revenue source for local charities ranging from veteran organizations to youth sports teams, Main Street business partners and beyond.
“Local charities, businesses and other civic organizations serve incredibly valuable roles in our communities and the fact the majority would cut off a major source of revenue to them is highly concerning,” Dotseth said. “This provision is nothing short of reckless when you consider the consequences it would bring people throughout Minnesota.”
Dotseth said, in 2022 alone, electronic pull tabs generated almost $2 billion in revenue that was then invested into communities. Without this critical revenue stream, Dotseth said much of the charitable efforts Minnesotans currently benefit from would not be possible.
“It’s not just the local organizations that would suffer a great deal of damage, but it also would be a setback for local bars and restaurants that already face numerous challenges in this economy,” Dotseth said. “These businesses that rely on electronic pull tabs to help bring in customers have had a rough few years with lost revenue of their own amid the pandemic. Now, as they are trying to rebuild during a time of high prices, supply-chain issues and a workforce shortage, the House majority is looking to add to their burden. It’s sad.”
Dotseth said he continues working with House Democrats to remove this provision from the tax bill, but it's critical that legislators hear directly from charities, bars, restaurants, VFWs, and other community organizations so they understand just how serious the consequences would be if this provision is passed.
More information regarding this bill and contact information for legislators can be found at www.house.mn.gov.
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