Lawmakers, Milwaukee Leaders Discuss Bucks Arena At Capitol Meeting

Key decision makers met face-to-face at the state Capitol Wednesday to discuss options for funding a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.

While no deals were reached at the meeting, it was significant for who was there, and the fact that everyone said discussions went well. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett made the trip.

“Everyone who was in that room is operating in good faith. They all recognize that we have responsibility to the taxpayers, that we all represent taxpayers, and that we all share the same goal which is that we have the Bucks stay,” said Barrett, a Democrat.

Standing next to Barrett was Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

“Just want to make sure that people know we are continuing to try to strive for an answer but don’t have one today,” Vos said.

Also at the meeting were Bucks executives, Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. They said they’ll meet at the Capitol again Thursday to trade ideas on what role the state, county and city should play in financing a new $500 million stadium for the Bucks.