SALT LAKE CITY — A resolution has been introduced in the Utah Legislature expressing support for a National Hockey League team to advance to the state.
Senate Joint Resolution 12Sponsored by Sen. Dan McKay (R-Riverton), it signaled Congressional support for Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith’s latest venture. This is similar to a resolution filed in support of bringing a Major League Baseball team to the state.
But when it comes to who pays for stadiums and arenas, Utah’s political leaders are drawing the line.
“I think we all have concerns about putting state money into private stadiums,” House Speaker Mike Schultz (R-Hooper) told reporters Friday.
Gov. Spencer Cox has previously said he is not in favor of using tax dollars to build a stadium. But there are other ways taxpayers’ money can be used to raise such funds. Senate President J. Stuart Adams (R-Layton) said he was open to considering it.
“There are other things we can do because they are generating economic activity. We can support them, we can provide them with funding, and they can repay us,” he told reporters on Friday. “The state loan may not be used, it may be a loan. I couldn’t be more excited. We’re talking Major League Baseball, Major League Hockey. I predict the World Series in Utah. are doing!”
That enthusiasm is bipartisan. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, a Salt Lake City Democrat, said she particularly supports MLB Stadium because it is located in her district, across the street from Utah State Fair Park. She said it would have a significant economic impact for the neighborhood.
The resolution is scheduled for a vote in the Utah Senate on Monday.