The Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee advanced legislation Wednesday for a task force to study the possibility of Minnesota hosting the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
The legislation’s co-sponsor Sen. David Tomassoni said that the Summer Olympic Games would “showcase the state, the good lifestyle of Minnesota and bring thousands of jobs” and lots of dollars into the economy.
Tomassoni said that Minnesota would have the venues to participate if selected. He pointed out that the recent Winter Games in Turin had venues spread across the region. He said Minnesota is establishing new venues in the form stadiums.
Rep. Melissa Hortman suggested the idea of a sales tax or gas tax increase to help defray costs of the Games.
The committee voted to recommend the bill to the Rules and Administration Committee.
