HB 3883 – Corporate Welfare for Entertainment

HB 3883 would expand taxpayer-funded subsidies to include another international sporting event—specifically, the FIA World Endurance Championship auto race. This bill enables state funds to be used to reimburse private event promoters through the Major Events Reimbursement Program. While supporters claim it brings economic benefits, these claims often overstate actual returns and underestimate hidden costs. Handing out subsidies to profitable global entertainment ventures like auto racing is corporate welfare—not prudent fiscal management. Texas taxpayers should not be footing the bill to lure events that can already operate profitably in a free market. Every dollar used for these subsidies is a dollar not used for actual public needs or tax relief. Expanding this program opens the door to further misuse of taxpayer dollars under the guise of “economic development.”