Bill Text: MI HR0216 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge Major League Baseball to continue its support for minor-league baseball teams.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-3)
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-25 - Adopted [HR0216 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0216-Enrolled.html
substitute for
house Resolution No. 216
A resolution to urge Major League Baseball to continue its support for minor-league baseball teams.
Whereas, Major League Baseball is currently considering a plan that would include the elimination of 42 minor-league teams; and
Whereas, Minor-league baseball teams are major economic drivers in their communities, providing jobs and tax revenue while benefiting local business by drawing people into commercial areas. The elimination of these teams would have a pronounced negative effect on local businesses and residents whose jobs depend on gameday activities; and
Whereas, Minor-league baseball teams are a source of community pride and promote local investment and economic development. Some teams have been a part of their communities for decades. These communities have invested in their teams, including in stadium infrastructure projects that will be wasted if local teams lose support; and
Whereas, Minor-league baseball teams provide community benefits beyond economic impact. Minor-league games are affordable family fun that create untold memories while attending games and foster a connection to the national pastime. The elimination of minor-league baseball teams could take these experiences away from families for which Major League Baseball games are either too expensive or too far away; and
Whereas, Failure to reach a new agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) could lead to the elimination of the affiliations of all minor league teams including Michigan’s three minor league teams: the West Michigan WhiteCaps, the Lansing Lugnuts, and the Great Lakes Loons; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Major League Baseball to continue to negotiate in good faith with Minor League Baseball to reach a solution that achieves Major League Baseball’s goals without having to eliminate any minor league affiliations; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and the President of Minor League Baseball.
