MILLER PARK EQUIPMENT ISSUE MAY BYPASS LEGISLATURE

          WI Governor Tommy Thompson said yesterday that it is
     "unlikely" legislation will be necessary to determine if the
     stadium board can lease equipment for the new Brewers
     ballpark, according to Amy Rinard of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
     SENTINEL.  On Tuesday, the WI Senate tabled a bill until May
     limiting equipment leasing, but Thompson "predicted the
     issue will be resolved through negotiation" between his
     office, the stadium board, the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee
     County and the Brewers (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/21). 
     The stadium board yesterday set its '97 budget at more than
     $100M.  The budget includes $69.4M for Miller Park through a
     five-county 0.1% sales tax; $30.9M on infrastructure
     projects; and $3M for board operations and consultants.  The
     board also discussed its week-long fact-finding trip to
     Japan which reportedly will cost $16,000 (Kenneth Lamke,
     MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/21).