Senate backers have fast-tracked a bill to expand a state trust fund to lure a country music awards show or a national political convention to Cowboys Stadium, despite some criticism of the measure. The bill has the backing of Arlington officials, who used money from the fund for the Super Bowl. The bill would authorize money go to help attract the Academy of Country Music Awards show or a future political convention. But at a time of budget crisis where lawmakers are looking to lay off teachers and slash funding for nursing homes, some critics question whether state money should be used to aid such an effort. Our story last week on the fund prompted lots of comments, mostly negative.
The measure has been put on the "Local and Consent" calendar, which is designed for non-controversial issues. Bills on that calendar are routinely adopted swiftly with no debate. If it's passed this week, as expected, it goes to the Texas House.
Jay Burress, president of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the fund helped in the economic package that brought Super Bowl XLV to North Texas.
Although critics have questioned whether state money should aid such efforts, the Senate Economic Development Committee passed a bill that expands use of the fund. It now goes to the full Senate for action.
The trust fund uses tax money to help communities host special events. In effect, the state projects how much in extra taxes would be generated and gives that to local jurisdictions in advance to pay for some of the event's costs.
The state allocated $31.2 million to the Arlington area based on increased sales, car rental and alcoholic beverage taxes surrounding this year's Super Bowl.
Source: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/03/lawmakers-fasttrack-expanding.html
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