Special Session Day 2: State senate votes to pass stadium deal
CARSON CITY (KSNV News3LV) — One chamber down, one more to go.
Tuesday, the Nevada State passed a bill that would potentially pave the way for an expanded convention center and an NFL-ready stadium.
The vote was 16 to 5 in favor of the bill, now it heads to the assembly and a potential rockers reception.
RELATED | Special Session Day 1: Las Vegas gaming leaders take center stage
But nothing's free and Tuesday's vote came after an emotional debate over whether it was worth raising tax dollars to do it.
The boost in the room tax to possibly make the stadium happen makes Union guy Tommy White happier.
"Think it's fantastic! What they did in there," said White.
What they did was approve a package that spends $750 million for a new stadium which the Raiders say they'd like to call home.
The Raiders will pitch in $500 million and billionaire Sheldon Adelson $650 million. For democrats, Tuesday night, that was the rub: why can't one of the world's richest men pay for it all?
"I stand in strong opposition of nearly one billion dollar handout to a multi-billionaire. That sets a bad. Precedent." said Ruben Kihuen.
Money well spent, according to supporters who say the stadium along with convention center expansion, will bring in business and more tax revenue.
Back to Tommy White, turns out his Union guys who have camped out, carried the day in the senate. Unemployment, in some trades, is 80 percent, they said.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable walking out of those chambers looking a construction worker in the eye, knowing I had a chance to put them back to work and voted "no"," said Democratic leader, Senator Aaron Ford.
The package now heads to the assembly. Tuesday's vote, a good omen, say, backers.
"We were hoping to count to 14 votes, got to 16 votes we think that is exciting," said Andy Abboud.
And the next meeting could be dramatic, as 42 other people get to weigh in.
