The state took the first step to throw a lifeline to the Milwaukee Brewers to improve their field and keep them in Wisconsin until 2050 with a crucial vote on Tuesday.

The state Assembly approved a $546 million funding plan to make a wide range of improvements to American Family Field, from new seats and video board to winterizing the facility to make it more year-round. The state will contribute $411 million to the deal, funded allegedly by the payroll taxes contributed by players and employees who work out of American Family Field. Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee will contribute $135 million, while the Brewers will chip in $100 million, which is about the equivalent of what they make through revenue sharing. 

In exchange for paying less, the Brewers will have to offer discounted tickets to Wisconsin residents once a month during the baseball season, similar to their current Five-County Celebration honoring their former arrangement with the area that primarily funded and benefited from the old Miller Park deal.  The organization will also double its contribution to youth sports organizations from $20,000 to $40,000.

The deal must still be approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Tony Evers.