March 29, 200520 yr It means it will go to the House at large for a vote... when it passes 8-0 in Committee it's pretty much going to pass. After the House approves, it's up to the Senate and then Governor Bush.
March 30, 200520 yr Excellent news that it passed...and did so unanimously. It's looking more and more like this deal is going to happen. :thumbup
March 30, 200520 yr Excellent news on that front and I expect the House to follow suit within the month.
March 30, 200520 yr State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins stadium State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins stadium By Linda Kleindienst Tallahassee Bureau Chief Posted March 29 2005, 8:17 PM EST  TALLAHASSEE -- Saying the Florida Marlins are good for tourism and economic development, a key House committee on Tuesday approved a $60 million tax break to keep the two-time world champions from leaving the state. A smaller tax break measure would help Fort Lauderdale improve its spring training facilities at Fort Lauderdale Stadium to keep the Baltimore Orioles. "Unless you're generating tax dollars to benefit all Florida, we won't make the investment in your team," said House Tourism Chairwoman Nancy Detert, R-Venice. "It looks like you're rewarding glamorous occupations but?we all recognize that they do generate dollars." The tax breaks unanimously approved by the committee were include in a measure to help build a new $420 million baseball stadium east of the Orange Bowl -- and to help three Florida citiesimprove their spring training facilities. Miami-Dade officials estimate the Marlins stadium would generate up to $8 million in new sales taxes for the state -- and in return they are asking the state to let them keep $2 million of that each year for the next 30 years. "It's a good economic development bill that ensures the Marlins will stay in Florida," said Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, the bill's sponsor. "We should do everything we can to keep a team like this in Florida." The Marlins began their quest for a new home after learning the team would have to leave its Dolphins Stadium home after the 2010 season. Only in recent days has Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga somewhat softened his position indicating he might allow the Marlins to stay if their plea to the Legislature fails. The financing plan for the new stadium, which would have a retractable dome, calls for Miami-Dade County, which would own the stadium, to kick in $138 million in bed taxes while the city of Miami would provide $28 million in tourist development taxes and the Marlins, $192 million in mostly rent payments. A $32 million parking garage would be self-financed by parking fees. A $30 million gap would be covered by state money. But since that debt would be paid off with interest at $2 million a year over 30 years, the total state sales tax rebate would be $60 million. "If we want a world championship team, we need to make sure they stay here," said Rep. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, a member of the Tourism Committee. The plan (HB 1287) also provides a smaller but similar tax break aimed at helping local governments pay for improvements to their spring training stadiums. Arizona has targeted three teams to lure away from Florida, including the Baltimore Orioles, who train at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, the Cincinnati Reds (Sarasota) and the Cleveland Indians (Winter Haven). The measure now goes to the House Finance and Tax Committee, where it is expected to face a tougher challenge. No Senate committee has yet voted on the Marlins' request, but the Senate Commerce and Consumer Services committee on Tuesday approved its version of the spring training bill in a 6-2 vote. The Senate plan (SB 1644), filed by Sen. Skip Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale, would provide financial help to five cities instead of three. Both the House and Senate version would require any team benefiting from the state funds to stay where they are for 15 years. "Fort Lauderdale Stadium is a stadium I played baseball in when I was a small fellow?it is in need of renovation and repair," said the 56-year-old Campbell. "If the teams are forced to move because the facilities are not up to their standards, we lose them." The Legislature is getting flooded with requests for help from professional sports teams and NASCAR, but lawmakers appear ready to whittle that down, being most receptive to tax breaks needed to stop teams from seeking new homes in other states. "At some point in time we just can't say yes to all of them," said House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City. "We'll look at the economic benefit of each. The trick is going to be?which can help the state of Florida the best."
March 30, 200520 yr I don't want to get too excited at this point, but the fact that it was unanimous is encouraging.
March 30, 200520 yr I don't want to get too excited at this point, but the fact that it was unanimous is encouraging. 723867[/snapback] This committee is definitely important. They look at the tourism side. If they send the report and the other reps read and understand it, they will see the light.
March 30, 200520 yr Tourism guys sound like they are in favor of it but not concered with the tax aspect. We face a tougher test soon:Â The measure now goes to the House Finance and Tax Committee, where it is expected to face a tougher challenge.
March 30, 200520 yr The Tax Committee is going to be a pill....let me look them up. Finance & Tax Committee Info
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