Deal Finalized: Milwaukee Fans Rejoice as Brewers Announce Their Latest Agreement….

The Wisconsin Legislature has approved a contentious deal to allocate approximately $500 million in public funds for the renovation and maintenance of the Milwaukee Brewers’ stadium, American Family Field. Despite concerns about the deal’s impact on taxpayers, the Senate passed the bills AB 438 and AB 439 in a bipartisan 19-14 vote, with the Assembly concurring 72-26 after incorporating Senate amendments. Governor Tony Evers confirmed he will sign the bills.

Evers expressed pride in the agreement, emphasizing its role in keeping the Brewers in Milwaukee, supporting thousands of jobs, and fostering a new generation of fans. The approval followed months of negotiations involving the Legislature, the governor, the Brewers, and other stakeholders.

The initial deal, approved by the Assembly last month, proposed $411 million from the state, $135 million from Milwaukee city and county, and a $100 million contribution from the Brewers. In return, the Brewers agreed to extend their lease with the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District through 2050.

Concerns about the proposal’s size led to amendments reducing the state contribution by $20 million, adding a ticket surcharge for non-Brewers events, increasing the Brewers’ contribution by $10 million, and implementing a biennial audit requirement. Additional changes on Tuesday included a gradual increase in ticket surcharges for non-Brewers events and luxury box tickets and the expansion of the stadium district board to 13 members.

Despite these adjustments, the final deal faced opposition from several senators representing Milwaukee County and beyond. Some criticized the absence of a pre-approval audit and the inclusion of a provision requiring the stadium to remain in the top 25% of MLB stadiums, fearing it could lead to future demands for more state funds.

Supporters, including the bill’s author Sen. Dan Feyen and Minority Leader Melissa Agard, highlighted the economic benefits and the improved terms achieved through bipartisan negotiations. Feyen pointed to the Brewers’ $2.5 billion contribution to the state’s economy since 2001 as a key justification.

Rick Schlesinger, Brewers’ president of business operations, called the Senate vote a “historic moment,” emphasizing the need for resources to maintain the stadium and uphold the lease agreement.