WASHINGTON, D.C.- Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) today voted against committee approval of legislation that funds the construction of a baseball stadium overwhelmingly at the public's expense.

In a 3-2 vote Catania considers "reckless", the D.C. Council Finance and Revenue Committee approved Bill 15-1028, the "Ballpark Omnibus Financing and Revenue Act of 2004", without significant amendment.

Under the terms of this legislation, the District will borrow at least $550 million to construct a state-of-the-art baseball stadium for the owners of the Montreal Expos. Few, if any, public programs will be sponsored by the team unless they attract 2.5 million fans on any given year. Fewer than 750,000 people were drawn to watch the last place Expos during the 2004 season.

Catania commented, "A majority of this committee is determined to pass along the unrestrained costs of building a stadium to D.C. residents rather than the team's likely multi-millionaire owners. Major League Baseball secured a sweetheart deal that requires our constituents to bear the burden of paying for a stadium while receiving little benefit."

Catania offered 20 amendments to memorialize promises made by the Mayor and Major League Baseball. Nineteen of those changes were refused by the Committee.

Catania hoped to cap the District's obligation at $500 million and require owners to contribute at least 20% to their stadium's construction. Chairman Jack Evans' committee also refused to ensure that stadium employees receive a living wage and health benefits. Councilmember Catania's proposal to offer at least 500 tickets per game to the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation was defeated as well.

"This committee has shirked its responsibility today," Catania continued. "We will give a $700 million stadium to people we don't even know, but cannot promise to give kids the chance to see a game."

For more information regarding this matter, contact the Office of Councilmember Catania at 202.724.7772.

List of Catania's 20 Amendments