---

Every week or so I receive a Capitol Update from Senator Howard
Marklein by email. This week's Update was titled "Go Ahead and Leave,
Milwaukee Bucks." It included some interesting information about the proposed
deal to build a new arena for Wisconsin's NBA team. I thought I'd
share some of the facts Marklein listed that raised my eyebrows.
"When the Bucks were sold in 2014, the NBA promised the new owners
that a new arena would be built by 2017 or they could move the team to another
city."
Now, I, and many other taxpayers, probably don't remember making a
deal with the NBA to afford a new arena.
"If the team leaves Wisconsin, we lose a minimum of $6.5 million in income
taxes each year from player salaries. For example, when LeBron James plays
in Milwaukee, we take income taxes from his salary for each game he plays
in our state."
We receive money from players' salaries? This I did not know. I continued
to read...the money we receive from players' salaries is to the tune of approximately
$6.5 million per year!
Marklein goes on to state that we should consider that NBA salaries are
projected to grow significantly over the next 20 years as well.
"Estimates of economic impact include 15,000 jobs related to the new
arena and surrounding development with $1 billion in economic impact. In
addition to the arena, new retail, entertainment and commercial development
is planned around the site to create a more robust sports and entertainment
district."
What about our district, Howard? What about our jobs? What about our
schools? What about our economic development?
Marklein's column concludes by suggesting two options: we do nothing
and let the Bucks leave, incurring debt; or we, the taxpayers, invest $4 million
per year for 20 years, keep the Bucks and collect $6.5+ million per year
from players and reap the benefits of the economic development around the
arena.
I'm curious to see how Southwest Wisconsin would reap any benefit.
Seems to me $4 million is just too many bucks.
"Now, I want to hear from you. What do you think of this deal? Should the
state contribute to the arena project? Or should we tell the Bucks to leave
Wisconsin?"
I encourage you all to contact Marklein and let him know your feelings
about the Bucks Arena Deal.
Marklein's full Capitol Update can be viewed on his website: legis.wisconsin.
gov/senate/17/marklein by clicking on the News tab and reading the
article titled Bucks Arena Deal.