The Minnesota House and Senate State Government committees will hold a joint hearing to demand answers regarding Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority’s (MSFA) improper use of two Vikings stadium suites, which “violated a core ethical principle,” according to a damaging audit released by the Office of the Legislative Auditor. The audit found the MSFA often misused the taxpayer subsidized suites to wine and dine friends, family members, and well-connected Democrat politicians and their staff. The MSFA also ignored Minnesota’s open records law, which impeded the Legislative Auditor’s investigation.

“The Vikings stadium is the People’s stadium – not the private clubhouse for members of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. The Legislative Auditor’s report shows the Legislature needs to exercise oversight over the MSFA to return the stadium to the people of Minnesota,” said Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth), Chair of the House State Government Committee.

“Tens of thousands of dollars worth of public resources were wasted, and worse, the MSFA’s political appointees have completely destroyed the public’s trust in their ability to ethically do their jobs,” said Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake), Chair of the Senate State Government Committee. “Today the Legislature will demand transparency.”

Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center), added, “Accountability, transparency, and responsiveness are fundamental to good governance, and have been sorely lacking at the MSFA. I will make it my personal mission to close loopholes in the law, but the public must demand accountability from everyone involved, from the appointed commissioners at the top to the political pals who scored tickets, free food, drinks, and parking on the taxpayers’ dime.”