Minnesota State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) today issued the following statement in response to a Democrat proposal to eliminate the “open all” feature on Minnesota e-pull tabs. The feature has been allowed by the Gaming Control Board since 2012, and is a significant revenue source for local charities, organizations, and hospitality businesses. 

“I have been getting a lot of concerned questions and emails from folks who are worried about potential changes to Minnesota’s e-pull tab program that House Democrats are proposing.

“Let me state clearly for the record: I do not, and will not, support any changes to Minnesota’s e-pull tab program that will negatively impact local charitable organizations. Period.

“The e-pull tab program has been a windfall for local charities, youth sports organizations, VFWs, American Legions, and other hospitality businesses. These organizations desperately need this money, and it is better for everyone if it stays in our local communities.

“As best I can tell, the only reason these changes are being proposed is Democrat leaders can satisfy their powerful political allies and supporters, but I hope my more reasonable friends on the other side of the aisle would not entertain something that would be so harmful to our local communities.

“I hear your feedback loud and clear. I will always fight to protect local charities from changes to our state e-pull tab laws. I will not jeopardize local charitable organizations by considering any modifications to e-pull tabs.”

E-pull tabs generated $1.9 billion last year, and now raise more money for local charities, veterans organizations, youth sports teams, and volunteer fire departments than traditional paper pull tabs.