Texas state legislators are "considering adding" NASCAR, UFC and rodeo events "to a list of marquee events eligible to receive tax incentives," according to Anna Tinsley of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. At issue is the Major Events Trust Fund, which has "drawn praise for helping Texas land big events but has raised concerns about how some taxpayer dollars were used." It is one of several funds "created years ago to ease the cost of recruiting events that can draw big crowds and bigger dollars to the state," but some Texans "question whether the fund truly attracts events that otherwise might go elsewhere." North Texas communities "have already received millions of dollars from the fund, most notably" $31.15M sent to Arlington for hosting the '11 Super Bowl. State Sen. Jane Nelson said her goal "is to allow NASCAR to participate in this program the same way other auto-racing events in our state do." Nelson: "That was clearly the legislative intent last session, but a drafting error prevented NASCAR from becoming eligible." State Rep. Jason Isaac also proposes "letting ESPN or an affiliate serve as a site selection organization." Texas lawmakers during their last session added the X Games, but "neglected to add ESPN as the site selection organization." The Trust Fund "has been an issue with state lawmakers for years." Concerns arose after revelations that some funds "were used for video scoreboards and screens at the American Airlines Center in Dallas and the Toyota Center in Houston as officials prepared for NBA All-Star Game activities" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 2/22).
