Wisconsin Assembly set to approve $545 million in public dollars for Brewers stadium repairs
The Wisconsin state Assembly is set to approve a plan to spend more than half a billion dollars to help cover repairs at the Milwaukee Brewers' stadium
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin state Assembly was set Tuesday to approve a compromise plan to spend more than half a billion dollars to help cover repairs at the Milwaukee Brewers' stadium.
The Republican-authored proposal has garnered bipartisan support, and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers reiterated his backing Tuesday.
“We've got to get it done," Evers told reporters before the vote. «I’m ready to support it as is.”
The Brewers contend that American Family Field's glass outfield doors, seats and concourses should be replaced and that luxury suites and video scoreboard need upgrades. The stadium's signature retractable roof, fire suppression systems, parking lots, elevators and escalators need work, as well. Team officials have hinted the Brewers might leave Milwaukee if they don't get public assistance for repairs.
The funding plan calls for the state to contribute $411 million and the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to contribute a combined $135 million.
The state money would come in the form of grants. The local contribution would be generated from an existing fee the state Department of Administration charges the city and county for administering local sales taxes. Any fee revenue not used to administer the taxes would go to the stadium.
The Brewers have said they will contribute $100 million to repairs and extend their lease at the stadium through 2050 in exchange for the public money. The lease extension would keep Major League Baseball in its smallest market for at least another 27 years.
Assembly Republicans introduced a bill in September that called for
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