STATE CONSIDERS FUNDING OPTIONS FOR NEW BREWERS STADIUM

     Wisconsin state officials are considering funding options
for the new Brewers stadium and have already declared one option
"dead on arrival" -- a sales tax increase.  Another
recommendation being considered is the use of Indian gaming
revenue, but according to a spokesperson for the governor,
prospects for that "aren't great."  Gov. Tommy Thompson
reportedly "doesn't want to expand gambling in the state."
Although the question of funding still remains, legislation has
already been drafted for a separate authority -- a Wisconsin
Stadium District -- "to finance and own" a new $223.5m
convertible-roof stadium for the Brewers.  Since $180M would have
to be funded by the public, a sports lottery is being considered
to help defray the costs (Gilbert and Hanley, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL,
1/27).  In a separate report, Phil Nero writes that the
infrastructure bill for the new stadium "is likely to increase"
to at least $76.5M by "inflation alone" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL,
1/27).