Wisconsin Assembly to vote next week on Bucks arena bill

MADISON — The Wisconsin state Assembly plans to vote next week on a public financing deal to pay for a new Milwaukee Bucks arena.

Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke said Monday that the Assembly will be in session on July 28 to debate the bill. The Senate passed the measure last week on a bipartisan 21-10 vote.

Under the bill, the public would spend $250 million initially with current and former Bucks owners contributing another $250 million.

The bill includes a $2 ticket surcharge to help pay for the arena.

Supporters say the deal will keep the Bucks in Milwaukee and provide an economic boost to Wisconsin's largest city. But opponents say taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for any of the arena's costs.