STOP the $1 billion NHL Subsidy
Taxpayers don't want to subsidize NHL stadium, entertainment district
When Utahns start businesses, they expect a level playing field. They expect to fail or succeed based on the merit of their ideas and perseverance. One of the biggest threats to this fair playing field and system of voluntary exchange is corporate welfare - when government intervenes and distorts supply and demand. The role of government is not to go to bat for business interests, but rather to act as umpire to maintain a level playing field.
Through tax incentives and other handouts, lawmakers do favors for politically connected businesses, thus leaving most Americans feeling as if the system is rigged against them. When the government picks winners and losers in this way, the taxpayer is on the losing end every time. Utahns have seen this kind of cronyism firsthand. Utah engaged in corporate welfare when they promised sports teams that they'll subsidize their stadiums.
During the 2024 legislative session a bill was passed that allowed Salt Lake City to increase their sales tax by .5% to fund $900,000,000 for a sports and entertainment district, with renovations of the existing Delta Center to accommodate a new National Hockey League (NHL) team being the centerpiece. The Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) would be the recipient of these tax funds.