Reconsider HB562: Prioritize Community Benefits Over Corporate Projects

The proposed HB562, which aims to generate $900 million for a Major League Baseball stadium in Salt Lake City, raises concerns about the prioritization of public funds. The bill's reliance on various taxes, including energy sales and use tax, telecommunications license tax, and others, could disproportionately impact local residents. While the Larry H. Miller Company's $3.5 billion investment is significant, the state's ownership of the stadium and its 30-year lease to a team may not ensure adequate returns for taxpayers. The governor's support for public investment through tax-increment financing or a public-private partnership is noted, but the need for strict guardrails to protect taxpayers is paramount. Request a reconsideration of this bill, focusing on alternative uses of these funds that directly benefit the community, rather than large-scale corporate projects.