HB 3962 (SB 2004) – Taxpayer subsidies for car races

HB 3962 would add the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington to the list of events eligible for taxpayer-funded reimbursements under the Major Events Reimbursement Program. This effectively allows more public funds to subsidize private entertainment events under the promise of economic development. It further weakens existing eligibility rules by permitting funding even when there is no competitive site selection process—removing a key safeguard meant to prevent cronyism. This bill represents corporate welfare: it reallocates public dollars away from core services and toward entertainment subsidies. Expanding such carve-outs erodes the principle of fair and limited government. Lawmakers should focus on reducing the tax burden broadly instead of using public funds to benefit private sports promoters.