Essay
Minnesota Sports and Events Appropriation
Minnesota Sports and Events would benefit greatly from this bill. With these funds, we will be guaranteed money. “Ideally a local host committee could submit a bid for an event with money already in hand, rather than making the bid with the hope that the host community will come through with donated money” (Blacksashaw). Bids for events have become more and more competitive. With guaranteed funds, we could bid on bigger events and host more. Right now Minnesota is dependent on corporate funding and small percentages from ticket revenue. These funds have become insufficient because the organizations that put on the events need to be paid. If this bill was passed, Minnesota Sports and Events wouldn’t have to be so dependent on donations and would have more money to put on additional bigger and better events.
The amount of money sounds like a lot, but the reward has potential to be greater. “This is the rare bill where we will be able to measure the return on investment” (Koznick 1). This will be a huge investment that will make more money in the long run by hosting some of the most popular sporting events here in Minnesota.
It also has economic value because it will create jobs. “This means jobs” “This means tens of thousands of visitors” (Norris 1). All of the events will attract more people to Minnesota and that will mean we need more jobs. With more people visiting Minnesota, more people with be visiting Minnesota restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. This will help stimulate the economy.
The concern with this bill is it’s openness. “It circumvented the usual budget process and also lacked transparency” (Gov. Grisham). This means that the bill doesn’t follow the usual protocol that comes with funding. This can cause a lack of trust.
Minnesota Sports and Events. (n.d.). Minnesota Sports and Events. https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/rZwT2aVCkUmIAwOErQZmqg.pdf
Olson, R., & Olson, R. (2023, March 25). Minnesota Sports and Events’ $50 million funding request survives committee hearing. https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-sports-and-events-50-million-funding-request-survives-committee-hearing/600261948
With civic competition fierce, local officials seek funds to secure more world-class sporting events - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives. (2024, March 6). https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18135
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands. (n.d.). https://www.yahoo.com/news/50-million-appropriations-bill-revised-150300885.html