Proposal to block tax money from funding Olympics rejected

Shadows of organizers and reporters pass a video display screen prior to a news conference by organizers of Boston’s campaign for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Boston, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015. The organizers released their “bid book,” which will give new insight into the vision behind the Games proposal. Boston was picked by the USOC […]

by: Nick LaBonte

Posted: Apr 28, 2015 / 05:45 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 28, 2015 / 05:45 PM EDT

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Boston is in the running to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. If the city is chosen, it’s expected to cost more than $15 billion to build new infrastructure, update transportation and to get the city ready to house millions of spectators.

A state budget amendment was introduced which would have forbidden taxpayer money from being spent on the 2024 Summer Games. The Massachusetts House struck down the proposed amendment.

Republican State Representative Geoff Diehl told 22News that host cities have a history of going over budget. He believes state lawmakers missed an opportunity to protect taxpayers from footing the bill. “The fact of the matter was, the legislature and leadership had the ability to do what they promised which was taxpayer protection for the Olympics of 2024,” he said, “and they chose not to with this amendment.”

Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh have said they would back a ballot question banning the use of tax dollars on the Olympics.