Connecticut House Bill HB06376

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Extending The Admissions Tax Moratorium On Athletic Events At The Ballpark At Harbor Yard In Bridgeport.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have a direct fiscal impact on the local economy and the operations of the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. The postponement of imposing the admissions tax is likely to encourage higher turnout for games by reducing overall ticket prices, thereby facilitating more widespread community access to the events held at the venue. Such an extension may also support local businesses that benefit from increased foot traffic during events, contributing to the overall vibrancy of the area surrounding the ballpark.

Summary

House Bill 06376 seeks to extend the existing moratorium on the admissions tax for athletic events held at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. The proposed legislation was introduced by Representative Santiago and is aimed at maintaining a favorable environment for local sports events that are conducted by member teams of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. By extending the moratorium, the bill intends to alleviate financial burdens on event attendees and enhance attendance at games, thus promoting community engagement and local economic activity.

Contention

While the bill generally garners support as it promotes local sports and economic vitality, there may be debates regarding the implications of continuing the tax moratorium. Some stakeholders might argue that a prolonged exemption from the admissions tax could result in decreased revenue for the state, which could impact funding for local services. Conversely, supporters will likely defend the economic rationale, emphasizing that the short-term revenue loss is justified by the potential long-term gains from increased attendance and economic activity associated with the athletic events.