Packers don’t need our help to host draft

When someone hits a big lottery jackpot, people come out of the woodwork looking for handouts. The state of Wisconsin has hit the jackpot, with  budget surplus of some $7 billion, and it seems everyone wants a share. Including the billionaires. The latest is a request from the Green Bay Packers to have the state’s taxpayers help foot the bill for hosting the NFL draft in 2025. The team estimates it will cost $7.5 million to get ready to host the draft. The team says it will pony up $1 million of that, and hopes to raise another $4.5 million from private donors. That leaves taxpayers on the hook for the remaining $2 million, should state lawmakers go along with the request. I can’t think of a bigger waste of money. It is cool that the NFL draft is finally coming to Lambeau Field, and the spotlight will be shining brightly on Wisconsin during the three-day event. Hotels, bars and restaurants in Green Bay and beyond will rake in big profits when hundreds of thousands flock to Green Bay for the draft. But why should taxpayers in La Crosse and elsewhere outside of northeast Wisconsin help foot the bill? What do we get in return? The Packers franchise is valued at more than $4 billion. They can more than afford to pick up the tab for the event. Our lawmakers should protect the state’s taxpayers and tell the Packers it is up to them to cover the costs. They certainly can afford it.