Business Journal: Governor Walker could propose "jock tax" to help pay for Bucks arena

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker is preparing to propose a "jock tax" to help pay for the Milwaukee Bucks arena project. This, according to FOX6's partners at the Milwaukee Business Journal.

It would involve diverting revenue from taxes on NBA players for public funding of a new arena.

In June 2014 Walker said in an interview with the Milwaukee Business Journal that he was studying the possibility of tapping NBA players' income tax for arena construction funding, a so-called "jock tax." Since then when asked about arena funding, Walker has said he can't make a decision until he sees the Bucks owners' plans.

In response to a Business Journal request for comment Friday, January 23rd, Walker's office responded by email with this statement:

"The budget process is ongoing. In the coming weeks, Governor Walker will be making announcements as the budget is finalized."


Sources told the Business Journal that Walker is likely to announce his arena-funding plan before he gives his state budget address on February 3rd. The proposal is likely to face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled state Legislature, and the Republican governor would be making a major, controversial move to back an arena supported by Milwaukee business leaders.

CLICK HERE for more on this story via the Milwaukee Business Journal.

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