Assembly to Vote on Bucks Arena Next Week

The Wisconsin State Assembly prepared the framework on Monday for the second step in potentially bringing a new Milwaukee Bucks arena to the downtown area, according to Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke.

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The Assembly will be in session on July 28 to discuss the amended bill with a pending vote on the legislation to follow. The first step was completed when the State Senate approved $250 million in public funding behind a 21-10 bipartisan vote on July 15.

After months of deliberation, the recently amended bill has picked up quite a bit of momentum over the last couple of weeks which is fairly surprising considering the lackadaisical start. Perhaps the realization the Bucks could seriously leave Milwaukee and the negative economic impact that would have has finally sunk in for more than just fans.

The organization doesn’t have a lot of time to get an arena deal in place. The new owners, Wesley Edens and Mark Lasry, have a November 2017 deadline they have to meet before the NBA decides to intervene.

If NBA commissioner Adam Silver feels like he has no choice but to intervene, the Bucks will be bought by the league for the $575 million former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl sold it for, and the team will likely be headed elsewhere.

This bill is not simply about Wisconsin taxpayers comping a $500 million state-of-the-art arena. It’s about doing everything it takes to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee and the economic potential that follows.

Passing the bill is not going to be easy though. It still has to get through a 63-36 GOP-dominated Assembly before Gov. Scott Walker has the final word. Democrats were just about split in half for the Senate vote.

From Jason Stein and Patrick Marley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"HOW THEY VOTEDRepublican senators voting for the Bucks arena bill:Alberta Darling of River Hills, Paul Farrow of Pewaukee, Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau, Rick Gudex of Fond du Lac, Sheila Harsdorf of River Falls, Mary Lazich of New Berlin, Devin LeMahieu of Oostburg, Howard Marklein of Spring Green, Terry Moulton of Chippewa Falls Luther Olsen of Ripon, Roger Roth of Appleton, Duey Stroebel of Cedarburg, Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst, Leah Vukmir of Wauwatosa, Van Wanggaard of Racine,Democratic senators voting in favor:Jon Erpenbach of Middleton, Nikiya Harris-Dodd of Milwaukee, Chris Larson of Milwaukee, Janis Ringhand of Evansville, Jennifer Shilling of La Crosse, Lena Taylor of Milwaukee,Republican senators voting against:Rob Cowles of Allouez, Steve Nass of Whitewater, Jerry Petrowski of MarathonDemocratic senators voting against: Janet Bewley of Ashland, Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee, Dave Hansen of Green Bay, Julie Lassa of Stevens Point, Fred Risser of Madison, Kathleen Vinehout of Alma, Bob Wirch of KenoshaSenators not present:Frank Lasee (R-De Pere), Mark Miller (D-Monona)"

The bill will not get passed without cooperation from the Democratic Party even with the Republican Party heavily controlling the majority of the Assembly seats.

The legislation could require as many as 15 Democratic votes to pass through. That’s not going to happen without substantial input from both sides. That doesn’t mean this thing won’t get done, but it does mean a collective effort has to take place.

Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; A Milwaukee Bucks fan holds up a sign thanking the Milwaukee Bucks owners during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The main thing the Assembly has to work out is Milwaukee County’s $4 million annual gap that will no longer be covered by the state’s collection of unpaid debt.

It’s understandable if perhaps that’s not the most politically friendly route to take, but it also doesn’t show good faith to leave them hanging out to dry either. Should be a real sticking point.

The Assembly may also want to consider staggering or even increasing the $2 ticket surcharge that’s in place to help cover more of the bonding debt the Wisconsin Center District is currently in. It’s no secret the Center District has tax dollars tied up for the next 13 years with other projects.

If this bill does find its way pass the Assembly, Walker is going to have to figure out how he’s going to sell Wisconsin taxpayers on a $250 million project that will ultimately turn into $400 million after 20 years of interest.

Next: Could The Bucks Finally Have An All-Star in 2016?

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