The sales tax used to help pay for Miller Park may be extended past it's 2014 sunset date to pay for Bradley Center replacement or renovations.
These money losers - stadiums, convention centers, etc. - always have boosters and proponents pushing for the use of public dollars to fund such private playgrounds. In such instances, these normally government-averse, anti-tax crusaders, become big government supporters and partners. Suddenly government spending is a good thing that will create jobs and be an economic catalyst for the region. Or so the well-worn story goes. In the majority of cases, the reality is just the opposite.
These stadium subsidizers are against well-paid public employees, a well-funded public transportation system, or a targeted tax to pay for park system maintenance. But hundreds of millions for a sports stadium, that's a wise investment? Which of these investments returns more to a city or region long-term? Seasonal, retail/entertainment establishments? Or the infrastructure and amenities that citizens and businesses count on in everyday life?
For Further Reading:
Bucks Need New Arena
Miller Pork
Misplaced Priorities
New Kings Arena Would Add 229 Permanent Jobs
Sales Tax Ending Between 2015, '18
Stadium Rip-off(s)
Stadium Swindle
Will A New Soccer Stadium Help or Hurt the Bucks?
Yanking Away Taxpayer Dollars
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