Dems try for Mall of America, investor tax credits

[FarCenter]

By MARTIGA LOHN, Associated Press Writer Martiga Lohn, Associated Press Writer – Fri Jan 29, 6:56 pm ET

ST. PAUL, Minn. – House Democrats outlined a plan Friday to steer private money toward growing small businesses, historic renovations and hotel construction at the Mall of America with tax credits and other tax measures.

They aim to revive tax incentives that passed the Legislature in past years as part of larger tax bills that were vetoed.

This time, though, the credits and other measures would be put forward in a separate bill, and House Taxes Committee Chairwoman Ann Lenczewski said she is shooting for quick agreement on the package with Senate Democrats and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

"We are working in the world of the doable. This is not fantasy legislation," said Lenczewski, DFL-Bloomington.

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher promised thousands of jobs would come from three bills, including the tax proposal, a public works bonding bill and economic development initiatives still being worked out. The tax bill would include changes in tax-related financing for a Mall of America expansion that could get a hotel project at the mall off the ground.
<SNIP>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100129/ap_on_bi_ge/mn_minn_democrats_jobs

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Does Minnesota need another hotel at Mall of America? Seems unlikely.