MA House Speaker Thomas Finneran will testify before a
U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee today in favor of
"efforts to limit public funding" of pro sports facilities.
Finneran will testify in support of a measure introduced by
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would require the NFL
and MLB to "put a percentage of broadcast revenues into a
trust fund that would be used to pay for at least half the
cost of new and renovated stadiums" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/15).
BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY: "NBC Nightly News" offered a
follow-up to its "Fleecing of America" special on the
Patriots' proposed move to Hartford (See THE DAILY, 12/11).
NBC's Rehema Ellis reported that the "marriage fell apart at
the altar, causing great embarrassment to Governor John
Rowland." But "it's not over," as MA taxpayers will now
"help the Patriots stay put" in Foxboro (NBC, 6/14).
OTHER NOTES: In Charlotte, the New Arena Committee
hopes to "sign off" on a plan today that puts the cost of a
new arena between $200-250M, with between $80-100M coming
from public funds. The Hornets would pay between $115-135M.
But Hornets Senior VP/Finance Wayne DeBlander said the
committee's revenue projections leave out the income tax the
team must pay and the team's existing debt. Committee Chair
John Fennebresque: "This is about as good as we can do from
the public standpoint. They've got to come up with the
rest" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/15)....The Tigers are selling
bricks to be placed in the entryway at Comerica Park. The
bricks will sell for $99 and $250. The revenue from the
brick sales will pay for the bricks, installation and
landscaping around the park (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/15).
