Can the State afford Edward Jones Improvements, or will the Rams leave?

Intro:	The Convention of Visitor's Commission presented a plan to the Rams today to keep them in the Gateway city. The Confidential plan sparked talk of state spending at the Capitol. Joe Chiodo has the story
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Wrap: At an appointment hearing Wednesday Sports Complex Authority nominee James Shrewsbury gave insight on spending plans for Edward Jones Dome upgrades.

He told Republican Senator Jason Crowell, he does not believe the economy is stable enough for major government funding.

Crowell says the possible spending makes him nervous, and if state money is granted, he wants to know--unlike the last St. Louis sports renovation.

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Description: "The Cardinals wanted an inside deal that didn't go before the General Assembly as a whole, and they got twenty five million to help with the new baseball stadium. If it's going to take state funds it needs to come to the general assembly."

After this, Shrewsbury said he would not make a deal behind Crowell's back.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo.

Intro:	The Convention of Visitor's Commission presented a plan to the Rams today to keep them in the Gateway city. Discussion of improvements to the Rams Stadium sparked debate at the Capitol. Joe Chiodo has the story
RunTime:	0:43
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A member nominee of the Regional Convention and Sports complex authority shared insight with senators Wednesday on Edward Jones Stadium upgrades.

Republican Senator Jason Crowell asked nominee James Shrewsbury why hundreds of millions of dollars should go to the dome when higher education funding is at 1997 levels.

Shrewsbury agreed, saying he doesn't believe the government can afford it.

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Description: "I think number one we'd like to keep the Rams in Missouri, I think number two, given the economic situation in both the state of Missouri, the city of St. Louis, and St. Louis County, I think it's going to be very very difficult to sell any sort of public subsidy."

Shrewsbury promised Crowell no measures relating to stadium funding will bypass legislation.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo

Intro:	The Convention of Visitor's Commission presented a plan to the Rams today in hopes to keep them in the Gateway city. Discussion of improvements to the Rams Stadium sparked debate at the Capitol. Joe Chiodo has the story
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Republican Senator Jason Crowell grilled Sports Complex Authority nominee James Shrewsbury Wednesday about the spending intentions for the Edward Jones Dome upgrades.

Crowell spoke of his involvement with the Rams, but made it clear his tickets, and fate of the team, aren't worth excessive state funding.

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Description: "I'm a PSL owner love going to the Rams games, have been since the rams showed up here. And I, like you, even though I live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, would love to keep the Rams here, but not at any cost.

Crowell also told Shrewsbury if the upgrades require state money, he wants it brought before the General Assembly.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Joe chiodo