Bill Text: MI HR0216 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
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-Introduced.html
house Resolution No.216
Reps. Anthony, Glenn, Afendoulis, Paquette and Hood offered the following resolution:
A resolution to urge Major League Baseball to continue its support for minor-league baseball teams.
Whereas, Major League Baseball is currently considering eliminating its affiliation with 29 minor-league baseball teams and completely eliminating 13 other minor-league teams. The league has argued that the reduction in teams will allow them to raise the salaries of remaining minor-league players; and
Whereas, Eliminating minor-league baseball teams is unnecessary to meet the goal of raising salaries for minor-league players. Major League Baseball generated a record $10.7 billion in revenue during the 2019 season; 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, Major League Baseball’s proposed plan would set a bad precedent for eliminating additional minor-league baseball teams in the future. Michigan has three minor-league baseball teams: the West Michigan White Caps, Lansing Lugnuts, and Great Lakes Loons. While none of these teams would be affected by Major League Baseball’s plan, the proposed changes would open the door to further cuts in the future; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Major League Baseball to continue its support for minor league baseball teams; 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.
