Conservatives are furious after Harris County commissioners voted to approve a roughly $500,000 taxpayer fund to help Houston host its annual Gay Softball World Series.
Four of the five commissioners supported the tournament’s $468,810 sponsorship. This announces the 48th edition in late September.
According to ABC Affiliate in Houston, the tournament typically attracts around 3,000 athletes and 2,000 fans, and is expected to generate revenues of between $80,200 million for hotels, food, drinks, entertainment and other local businesses. KTRK-TV.
Texas has held seven gay softball World Series. Recently, in Dallas three years ago, and in Austin about ten years ago. In the past, the event received a state tourism fund from the governor’s office to cover costs such as field rentals, equipment, and meeting spaces.
The state spends millions on a daily basis to attract sports tournaments, meetings and other tourism-driven events. As KTRK reports, the fund has supported more than $1.5 million in Quadball and “Quidditch” tournaments, youth soccer, College Bible Conference, crypto events and last year’s Jake Paul Mike Tyson boxing matches.
After Ipride Softball chose Houston as the host city, the group reapplied for the state tourism fund, but this year the governor’s office rejected the request.
Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia (D) pointed out in X that he “pays himself with economic impact.” He added that half of the funds come from “hot tax.” Hotel occupancy tax collected from visitors staying in hotels, B&BS, and short-term rentals is intended to support events that promote tourism and extended stays.
However, conservatives are furious that the county is funding softball tournaments, claiming that there is a better use for taxpayer dollars, even if the event generates more revenue than it costs.
Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey (R) denounced his colleagues for ignoring “core services” in the only vote against fundraising.
“This is why we are in the fiscal deficit. In many cases, very often – I’m the only vote against this discretionary spending,” Ramsey said. “My record is clear. Mathematics is simple. More things, more taxes. More taxes for you and your family.”
said Mark McKaig, chairman of the Texas Republican initiative. Houston Chronicklee The county is projected to exceed $200 million beyond its budget — but is wasting taxpayer money.
“Council governments should focus on core functions like public safety and infrastructure. It is irresponsible for committee Democrats to spend taxpayer money on public art murals and event sponsors, among other things, when the county is on the budget crunch,” says McCaig.
However, Garcia argued that thousands of visitors to Houston and Harris County would spend local money to create a boost to the temporary (temporary) economy.
Ipride Commissioner Jeff Sloan told Ktrk that organizers chose Houston as it is a metropolitan area that organizers have welcomed at past sporting events. It’s not clear if they’ll come back since this September, especially if Texas continues to reject funds, but Sloan said participants are excited about upcoming tournaments.
“We are even more encouraging and proud to show off our softball brand in a welcoming community in about a month,” Sloan told the news station.
The Gay Softball World Series also receives limited private sponsorships, including support from the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Mavericks.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
