AFP-FL backs sports incentives repeal

alltel_stadium01
“Corporate welfare puts sports teams ahead of Florida citizens.”

Americans for Prosperity-Florida has never been a fan of state dollars heading to pro sports teams.

Whether it’s the Tampa Bay Rays or the Miami Dolphins, the Koch-backed conservative group has been consistent: State money shouldn’t subsidize posh upgrades — or rebuilds — to Florida’s pro sports stadiums and arenas.

Lawmakers will consider ending the practice in the 2019 Legislative Session, and AFP-FL gave a full-throated endorsement of the plan Monday.

“Americans for Prosperity-Florida (AFP-FL) is calling on the members of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee to support SB 414 by Senator Tom Lee, a bill that would repeal the Sports Development Fund. The corporate welfare slush fund represents an unneeded and wasteful transfer of funds from taxpayers to professional sports team owners,” AFP-FL said in an email.

“AFP-FL believes that for the state to maintain a reputation of fiscal responsibility it must do away with policies that allow for harmful corporate welfare. The group sent a key vote alert to the members of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee urging them to end the Sports Development Fund.”

As described by the Department of Economic Opportunity, the program funds “the proposed construction, reconstruction, renovation, or improvement of a facility or the proposed acquisition of land to construct a new facility and construction or improvements for state-owned land necessary for the efficient use of the facility.”

AFP-FL and other groups have torched the program in the past for its poor return on investment.

An Office of Economic and Demographic Research report released last year found that the state received about 30 cents on the dollar through its pro sports incentives programs.

“Corporate welfare puts sports teams ahead of Florida citizens,” said Skylar Zander, AFP-FL state director. “We applaud Florida lawmakers for fighting to repeal the taxpayer funded slush fund known as the Sports Development Fund. We hope all lawmakers come together to eliminate cronyism and focus on the essential priorities of the state.”

AFP-FL’s note closed out by reminding lawmakers that their votes on the bill would be included in the group’s annual Legislative Scorecard.

Lee’s bill will go before the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee at 2:30 p.m. Monday. An identical bill filed by Lithia Republican Rep. Mike Beltran (HB 233) has not yet been heard in committee.

Drew Wilson

Drew Wilson covers legislative campaigns and fundraising for Florida Politics. He is a former editor at The Independent Florida Alligator and business correspondent at The Hollywood Reporter. Wilson, a University of Florida alumnus, covered the state economy and Legislature for LobbyTools and The Florida Current prior to joining Florida Politics.


One comment

  • Deon Torris

    February 24, 2019 at 8:34 am

    I would like to express thanks to this writer for rescuing me from this condition. As a result of searching throughout the world-wide-web and finding recommendations which were not powerful, I assumed my entire life was gone. Existing without the strategies to the issues you have resolved all through this short post is a critical case, and the kind that might have badly damaged my entire career if I hadn’t discovered your site. Your good mastery and kindness in taking care of all areas was crucial. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t come across such a point like this. It’s possible to at this point look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot so much for your impressive and results-oriented guide. I won’t think twice to endorse your site to any individual who would like recommendations on this problem.

Comments are closed.


#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories