Rangers Avoid Financial Hit On New Ballpark With GOP Tax Bill Change

Republican negotiators revealed Friday that they had "removed" from the proposed GOP tax reform a U.S. House of Representatives provision that would have "prevented local governments from using tax-exempt municipal bonds to pay for the construction or renovation of professional sports stadiums." U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) said, "This is good news for Tarrant County and the Texas Rangers. This is a win for North Texas taxpayers" (DALLASNEWS.com, 12/16). Meanwhile, USA Today's Steve Berkowitz tweeted, "Tax plan coming out of House-Senate conference committee includes repeal of 80% deduction that has been allowed for donations to college sports programs connected to rights to buy game tickets" (TWITTER.com, 12/15).