House vote on PawSox stadium bill pushed to Friday afternoon

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Debate of the House version of the PawSox stadium bill was suspended around 10PM Thursday–after a complaint that members didn’t have enough time to read it beforehand, and another complaint that it was getting too late.

Before that the House Finance Committee passed the bill 14 to 4, following two public hearings.

In this House bill, the state would not guarantee loans to finance the park, and taxes generated by the stadium would go an account to leverage against a default by the team.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien is still concerned the team could leave for Worcester, but Speaker Nick Mattiello says he’s had conversations with the PawSox indicating their interest in the new bill.

Despite that, the PawSox still have not officially commented on the House Bill, saying they’ll wait until the process is complete to weigh in.

House members will return Friday at 3PM to debate and then vote.

Then the bill still has to be squared with the Senate version.

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