Desperate: States Consider Selling Roads, Lotteries, Parks To Raise Cash

[babylonsister]

Cash-strapped states weigh selling roads, parks

MARTIGA LOHN | December 27, 2008 03:39 PM EST | AP


In this Feb. 2, 2005 file photo, the Tappan Zee Bridge, which connects New York's Westchester and Rockland counties, is seen across an icy Hudson River in South Nyack, N.Y. In New York, Democratic Gov. David Paterson appointed a commission to look into leasing state assets, including the Tappan Zee Bridge, the lottery, golf courses, toll roads, parks and beaches. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson, File)


ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota is deep in the hole financially, but the state still owns a premier golf resort, a sprawling amateur sports complex, a big airport, a major zoo and land holdings the size of the Central American country of Belize.

Valuables like these are in for a closer look as 44 states cope with deficits.

Like families pawning the silver to get through a tight spot, states such as Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts and Illinois are thinking of selling or leasing toll roads, parks, lotteries and other assets to raise desperately needed cash.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has hinted that his January budget proposal will include proposals to privatize some of what the state owns or does. The Republican is looking for cash to help close a $5.27 billion deficit without raising taxes.

GOP lawmakers are pushing to privatize the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the state lottery. Both steps require a higher authority _ federal legislation in the case of the airport, a voter-approved constitutional amendment for the lottery. But one lawmaker estimated an airport deal could bring in at least $2.5 billion, and the lottery $500 million.

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/27/cashstrapped-states-weigh_n_153716.html

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. That asshat Timmy the Tool Pawlenty would sell the whole damn state of MN

right out from under us rather than raise rich people's taxes by a dime. I can just imagine what an expensive clusterfuck a "privatized" airport would be.

[RC]

2. Especially the Mpls airport. That is a big hub. I can see money operated

gates for the moving sidewalks and the tram.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. You'd have to put a quarter in a slot to get on the moving walkway.

50 cents or a buck for the tram. Another buck to get through security, extra for an express line. A quarter for a chair in the gate area. Another quarter to get into the jetway. Maybe they'll even bring back pay toilets.

[OwnedByFerrets]

4. All part of the plan to make EVERYTHING corporate ownership.