Marlins Little Closer to New Stadium

Good news yesterday for Marlins fans. Although their game last night got snowed out at Colorado, they scored a victory in the Florida State Legislature when the House approved 90-26 the sales tax subsidy the Marlins and other organizations are seeking. The sales tax subsidy is the missing piece in the puzzle to secure a new stadium for the team.

For those who haven't been following this, the Marlins have said that they might leave South Florida if they don't have a new stadium built in the next few years. In partnership with the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County, they have worked out a deal for a new stadium which is $30 million short. That's where the sales tax subsidy comes into play. The subsidy is expected to cover the remaining $30 million.

I'm not crazy about subsidizing rich sports team owners, but in this case keeping the team in South Florida is more important. Our quality of life would suffer if we lose the Marlins. Every big city needs major league sports, entertainment for the whole family. Baseball, in particular, is very family-friendly and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The bill faces an uphill battle in the State Senate, where Senate leader Tom Lee has said he would not support the bill. I e-mailed him recently expressing my support for the tax subsidy. If you want major league baseball to stay in South Florida...you can e-mail your local state senator or Tom Lee himself.

Tom Lee's e-mail is: lee.tom.web@flsenate.gov

To find and e-mail your local senator: http://www.flsenate.gov/Welcome/index.cfm