Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald: Arena funding deal could include ticket surcharge

MADISON — The Senate's Republican leader says a deal to commit public dollars to a new $500 million arena for the Milwaukee Bucks could still include a ticket surcharge.

Republicans have crafted a bill that would devote $250 million to the arena through a mix of state and local tax dollars over the next 20 years. The Bucks owners would contribute $150 million and former owner Herb Kohl would contribute $100 million.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told WTMJ-AM radio on Wednesday, July 8th that he doesn't know if he has the votes to pass the bill. He said the deal could still include a ticket surcharge. He didn't elaborate.

He said he has told his members to keep their calendars open for a possible floor session next week.