July 15, 2024
MADISON - Ahead of the start of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Senator Robert Cowles released the following radio address praising recent developments in Wisconsin's tourism industry:
Hi, I’m State Senator Rob Cowles, and I represent the 2nd Senate District in Northeast Wisconsin. Throughout the next week, Wisconsin will welcome the tens of thousands of folks coming to attend the Republican National Convention here in Milwaukee.
The eyes of the nation will be on our great state as one of the largest events in recent memory takes the stage at Fiserv Forum. As the Convention brings people from around the United States together for this single spectacle, those here in-person and watching from home also get to see all the charming attractions and delicious foods that Wisconsin has to offer.
Large groups of tourists bring their wallets with them, and the money they spend patronizing local businesses and restaurants will stay in our communities and be felt statewide. And we’re expecting a bigger impact next year, when Green Bay will host hundreds of thousands of guests for the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field and in the booming Titletown District.
The Legislature has worked to support a bustling tourism industry in Wisconsin. In the 2023-2025 State Budget, we included a $10 million appropriation to attract major events. I was happy to secure seed money to support public security and other general functions of next year’s Draft, which will be matched by $5 million in private contributions. We also set aside similar operational funding to host the RNC.
In total, the most recent State Budget increased funding for the Department of Tourism by 98 percent. This brings Wisconsin more in line with the tourism budgets of our neighbors. We’ve seen record-breaking years in tourism in our state’s economy – over $25 billion was generated in 2023 alone – and we won’t stop there. The 2024 RNC and 2025 NFL Draft ahead of us are a sign of incredible times for Wisconsin’s tourism industry. And that will benefit hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin’s workers across our great state.
An audio recording of Senator Cowles' radio address is attached.
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