Wisconsin Republicans float changes to win approval for funding Milwaukee Brewers stadium repairs
Wisconsin Republicans are floating changes to a funding proposal for Milwaukee Brewers stadium repairs, including the idea of taxing non-Brewers events
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans floated changes Wednesday to a funding proposal for Milwaukee Brewers stadium repairs including a new tax on non-Brewers events, seeking to win over skeptics of the current plan intended to keep the team at American Family Field until at least 2050.
A Brewers official testified at a state Senate hearing Wednesday that the team didn't want to leave the city, saying it didn't make sense to build a new stadium and that the priority was making urgent repairs extend the life of the 22-year-old ballpark.
“We want to be here for the next generation," said Rick Schlesinger, president of business operations for the Brewers. «The last thing I want to do is figure out a way to leave.… I’m not here threatening to leave. I want to be here.”
While the stadium funding plan cleared the Assembly with bipartisan support last week, it does not have a majority of Republican support yet in the Senate. It must pass both houses in identical form before it can be sent to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has voiced support for the current plan.
More changes may yet be needed to win over wary Senate Republicans, like increasing payments from the Brewers to decrease the state’s contribution, said Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu.
“We’re working to try and get to 17,” LeMahieu told reporters, referring to the number of Senate votes needed to pass the bill. “I believe we can get there.”
Republicans hold a 22-11 majority and LeMahieu said he hoped the measure would win bipartisan support in the Senate as it did in the Assembly.
The proposed tax on
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