Bucks arena clears first legislative hurdle

The state senate has approved a new Milwaukee Bucks arena agreement.

Democrat Chris Larson told us that 17 votes were needed in the state senate to pass the deal, which wasn’t put on the floor until Wednesday while officials secured those votes. Republican leaders said earlier in the week that three or four Democrats would need to vote in favor of the deal for it to pass, and with the concessions made over the past day, they were able to attain that number.

 

The Bucks had previously threatened to leave Milwaukee if the team didn’t get financing for a new arena. Two more steps now. The measure must be approved by the assembly later this month, then be signed by Governor Scott Walker.