STOP the $1 billion NHL Subsidy

Taxpayers don't want to subsidize NHL stadium, entertainment district

Sign The Letter

I urge you to oppose the proposed citywide sales tax increase that would give nearly $1 billion to the NHL sports/entertainment district.

Inflation and growth have substantially increased the cost of housing, food, energy and other essential household expenses in recent years. These compounding costs amount to more than $11,000 a year for the average family of four! Many Salt Lake City residents simply cannot afford the additional estimated cost of $225 per year if this sales tax increase is approved.

We should not be subsidizing businesses and billionaires at the expense of the average working family. The risks that private businesses choose to take should not be placed on the backs of taxpayers, especially when that business alone stands to reap the financial rewards! Study after study shows that these subsidies do not provide the promised economic benefits, and often leave taxpayers with broken promises and mounting costs in the long run.

Please vote against this tax increase and subsidy!
I urge you to oppose the proposed citywide sales tax increase that would give nearly $1 billion to the NHL sports/entertainment district.

Sincerely,

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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.