The complex issue of financing a Vikings stadium and the state's involvement in it has stirred a deep and often emotional debate among Minnesotans.
As the Senate's lead among the team owners, Gov. Mark Dayton and lawmakers of both parties, I have been on the receiving end of some interesting commentary since I took up this discussion over a year ago.
But I have also seen the team spirit of Minnesota arise, and I know that a workable solution is within reach.
Legislators and the governor were elected to solve problems. But the problem here is not satisfying the team's need for a new stadium, but rather one of working within a unique situation to solve a problem that affects many Minnesotans.
That means avoiding the loss of a team that is part of the fabric and history of our state. In doing so, we can also create jobs in an industry with high unemployment, maintain and even increase tax base in some areas, and preserve 50 years of "Purple Pride."
The current facility used by the Minnesota Vikings is no longer feasible or competitive, and the team is seeking the commitment of a public-private partnership for a new multi-use facility before their lease ends in January.
In the past, a state or local partner has contributed toward other multi-use facilities using a variety of financing tools and sharing costs. But after years of billion-dollar state spending deficits, lawmakers and citizens are both more cautious about any use of public dollars.
While we would like to think the Vikings would never leave the state, it is a stark possibility. We only need to look at recent moves like the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis or Cleveland Browns to Baltimore for examples.