Wisconsin legislators took a significant step towards approving a compromise plan to allocate over half-a-billion dollars in public funds for repairs at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium. The state Assembly voted 69-27 in favor of the package, which will now move on to the Senate for consideration. The Senate is expected to vote on the plan in November, with the possibility of attaching amendments and sending it back to the Assembly. Once both houses agree on a version, the plan will be sent to Democratic Governor Tony Evers for his signature.
The proposal aims to address various renovation needs at American Family Field, the home stadium of the Milwaukee Brewers. The team has highlighted the need to replace glass outfield doors, seats, and concourses, as well as upgrade luxury suites and the video scoreboard. Additionally, repairs are required for the retractable roof, fire suppression systems, parking lots, elevators, and escalators. The Brewers have hinted that they might relocate if public assistance is not provided for these repairs.
Under the funding plan, the state would contribute $411 million, while the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County would provide a combined $135 million. The state’s contribution would be in the form of grants, while the local funding would come from an existing fee charged by the state Department of Administration for administering local sales taxes. Any excess fee revenue would be directed towards the stadium. The Brewers have pledged to contribute $100 million to the repairs and extend their lease at the stadium until 2050 in exchange for the public funds, ensuring the presence of Major League Baseball in Milwaukee for at least another 27 years.
The proposal faced initial opposition from local leaders, who argued that the city and county could not afford such a substantial contribution. However, a compromise was reached to reduce the local share of funding. Despite some dissent, the Assembly vote demonstrates growing support for the package, according to Rick Schlesinger, the Brewers’ president of business operations. He believes that the approved plan will provide the necessary resources to maintain Major League Baseball in Milwaukee for future generations.
While the funding plan has garnered bipartisan support, there are critics who question the priorities behind allocating such a substantial amount for a sports stadium. Representative Ryan Clancy of Milwaukee argued that the urgency created by Republicans is unfounded, as people would find alternative ways to spend their money and boost the economy if the Brewers were to leave. Representative Lori Palmeri of Oshkosh raised concerns about the financial struggles faced by the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, questioning the allocation of hundreds of millions for a sports facility while the educational institution had to lay off workers.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who represents a district near the stadium, emphasized the potential economic consequences if the Brewers were to relocate. He warned that losing the team would result in a significant decline in state income and sales tax revenue. The debate over public funding for professional sports facilities has been a contentious issue nationwide, with differing perspectives on the role of public funds in supporting privately-owned teams.
Notably, the public assistance plan has received support from several groups, including the Brewers, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin, the Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin, a prominent lobbying force. Meanwhile, opposition has been registered by conservative political network Americans for Prosperity and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a group advocating for social and environmental justice.
American Family Field, previously known as Miller Park, opened in 2001 after a contentious public financing debate. Construction costs were largely covered by a 0.1% sales tax imposed in Milwaukee County and its surrounding areas. The stadium’s renaming in 2021 reflects a sponsorship agreement with American Family Insurance.
As the plan moves forward for Senate consideration, the future of the Milwaukee Brewers and the preservation of Major League Baseball in Milwaukee hang in the balance.
