Wisconsin Assembly approves $545 million in public dollars for Brewers stadium repairs

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin legislators edged closer Tuesday to passing a compromise plan to spend more than half-a-billion dollars in public money to help cover repairs at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, pushing the proposal through the state Assembly and on to the Senate.

The chamber voted 69-27 to approve the package. The Senate is expected to vote on the plan in November, but senators may attach amendments and send the measure back to the Assembly, the proposal's sponsors said. Both houses must agree on the same version before the plan can go to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for his signature.

“We've got to get it done," Evers told reporters before the vote. "I’m ready to support it as is.”

The Brewers contend that American Family Field's glass outfield doors, seats and concourses should be replaced and that luxury suites and video scoreboard need upgrades. The stadium's signature retractable roof, fire suppression systems, parking lots, elevators and escalators need work, as well. Team officials have hinted the Brewers might leave Milwaukee if they don't get public assistance for repairs.