New stadium will attract tourism

A logical remedy to fund the new Colts stadium has finally been found. Gov. Mitch Daniels proposed a 1 percent food and beverage tax to help cover the costs of both the stadium and the convention center. The amount of benefits Indiana would receive far exceeds the losses we could face. \nThis tax will benefit everyone. The surrounding counties will be able to keep half the revenue they make from the new tax. Marion county restaurants and bars will have about a two percent increase in tax. All of the revenue will go toward the new stadium. \nThe RCA Dome employs thousands of people from the surrounding areas of Indy and the city itself. The expansion of the convention center and a larger stadium will inevitably increase jobs and attract business to Indiana.\nThe amount of revenue Indianapolis will bring in from the new stadium is outstanding. We have the opportunity to broaden the recognition of our state with a sport that is already popular nation-wide. With the new stadium, we could even have the chance to host a Super Bowl -- yet another perk for the city. This would bring enormous amounts of money and attention -- something that would contribute to the growth of Indianapolis. With our state capital booming with growth, tourism would exceed current numbers and with a growth of visitors, more events would spring up.\nHancock county has already decided to adopt the food and beverage tax, claiming it's good from an economic development standpoint. \nThe increase in the food and beverage tax seems like an ideal way to raise funds instead of a costly alternative. \nFor each half-penny per dollar Hoosiers might be charged through a statewide food and beverage tax to support a new Indianapolis Colts stadium and Indianapolis Convention Center, all Indiana residents and guests are charged a lifetime of left-behind Hoosier children. \nProfessional football does not entertain nor amuse every Indiana resident or heartland guest and a small fraction of Hoosiers can afford the ticket price and concession charges needed to attend games. Therefore, everyone should not be taxed -- albeit a few loose coins of pocket change -- to pay for a new football stadium that only a small fraction of Indiana residents and guests can afford to appreciate.\nIndiana officials should implement long-range economic goals like a 1 percent food and beverage tax to support the education of Indiana youth and a 1 percent or more "excessive lifestyle tax" on extravagant items to generate revenue for a new Colts stadium and convention center. \n$800 million worth of additional state revenue could provide each Hoosier student with adequate text books, healthy lunches and an environment ensuring his or her success.\nDissent by David A. Nosko