Rep. Joe Barton Tries to Stop House GOP Tax Plan From Costing Arlington Millions on Rangers Stadium Deal

WASHINGTON -- Ennis Rep. Joe Barton is rallying to prevent the GOP's sweeping tax revamp from costing the city of Arlington millions of dollars on its voter-approved plans to finance the new Texas Rangers ballpark.The Republican, whose district includes the stadium, is trying to exempt the new Globe Life Park from a provision in the House GOP bill that would prevent local governments from using tax-exempt municipal bonds to fund the building or renovation of professional sports stadiums.Arlington voters last year approved a $500 million bond package to help fund the stadium. Ground broke on the project in late September. But since the city isn't expected to sell its bond package until next spring, it would be snagged by the new rules.  Continue reading...