MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin Republicans unveiled their plan to keep Major League Baseball in the state.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ lease with American Family Field expires in 2030 and there’s a long list of repairs needed to be done at the stadium.
“The entire plan is focused on making sure that the people come into the ballpark, that’s the players and the fans, are the ones who are entirely responsible for helping keep the team here,” said Speaker Robin Vos.
In March, Democratic Governor Tony Evers proposed a plan where the state would spend $290 million for stadium repairs, and the Brewers would extend their lease through 2043. Republicans struck that down and will reveal their own stadium funding package.
“The Brewers have said all along that it will take creative, bipartisan solutions to keep Major League Baseball in Wisconsin for the next generation. Today’s proposal from Republicans in the legislature, along with an earlier plan by Governor Evers, shows that there is true consensus across party lines for a solution to extend the life of American Family Field. With a $2.5 billion statewide economic impact that supports thousands of jobs, maintaining a first-rate ballpark is crucial for the Brewers to compete and Major League Baseball to remain viable in Wisconsin. It is important that we build on this momentum and focus on a plan that keeps America’s favorite pastime here in Wisconsin. We oppose the return of the five-county tax, and we are prepared to commit to a generational lease extension for the Brewers to remain at American Family Field,” wrote President of Business Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, Rick Schlesinger in a statement.
Republicans proposed their plan Monday to keep the team in Milwaukee through 2050. The plan raises no taxes for Wisconsinites and requires contribution from the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, as well as income taxes paid by the players and personnel from the home team and visiting team.
The team says much of the stadium is outdated, including its main circuit breaker, freezers, coolers, broadcast compound and cables. There’s even areas of cracking concrete.
“This program will fund the upkeep of American Family Field directly from income taxes generated by the stadium. Rest assured, unless you work at the stadium or play on the baseball diamond, your tax dollars are not going towards these improvements,” Rep. John Macco (R-Ledgeview) wrote in a statement.
The GOP’s plan also includes winterizing American Family Field so it can host a number of events throughout the year to generate more income revenue.
American Family Field is primarily owned by the Stadium District. Under the team’s lease agreement with the Stadium District, the District is responsible for all major capital repairs and necessary improvements – including those required for legal or Major League Baseball (MLB) compliance. It has been determined that the District will require additional funds to honor its lease obligations to the Brewers, or future obligations like them.
For a deal to be made, Governor Evers has to sign off the plan, and the Brewers will have to sign the lease.
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