NFL Draft: Green Bay lawmakers request $1.25M for public safety costs

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Green Bay area lawmakers are asking the state for $1.25 million to help cover public safety costs during the 2025 NFL Draft.

From April 24-26, Green Bay will be in the national spotlight as they welcome an anticipated 250,000 visitors for the three-day event.

State Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard) and Rep. Ben Franklin (R-De Pere) are proposing $1.25 million in the 2025-2027 state budget to reimburse four local police, fire and other public safety agencies for expenses they'll incur while hosting next week's draft.

The funding would be distributed to Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department, Brown County Sheriff's Office, Green Bay Police Department and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

Ashwaubenon Village President Mary Kardoskee said the funding would help cover overtime costs for public safety workers.

"I only have about 50 officers and I still have a whole community that I have to take care of during the draft," said Kardoskee. "This [funding] would be a tremendous help for our village and for my residents."

Steffen said the $1.25 million is about two-thirds of the estimated $96 million in economic benefit the draft is anticipated to bring Wisconsin.

Many local officials estimated their costs would be more than what Steffen proposed in his budget bill.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach originally estimated costs would be upwards to $834,000. Under Steffen's bill, the county would receive $500,000.

"Of course, I would want 100% of the funding paid by the state, but the reality is this will go a long way," Streckenbach said. "We're hoping the state will recognize the investment we are making here and when visitors arrive, they have safe and enjoyable experiences."

Steffen's proposal is different than the $1 million Democratic Gov. Tony Evers included in his 2025-2027 state budget to help Green Bay host the draft. Both measures will be considered by lawmakers on the Joint Finance Committee.

"This is a one-time ask," Steffen said. "The expenses related to the draft have far exceeded a lot of people's expectations. We want to make sure no corners are cut as it relates to safety."

If approved, local officials can seek reimbursement for their expenses.

Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich praised the proposal in a statement.

"The city’s very appreciative of Rep. Steffen’s efforts to have the state of Wisconsin reimburse a portion of our community’s public safety expenses related to hosting the NFL draft, and we look forward to helping to advance his budget motion in a bipartisan manner as the legislature debates the biennial state budget," Genrich said.

Last year, lawmakers on JFC approved $2 million in the 2023-2025 biennial budget for Discover Green Bay to support marketing efforts for the draft.