With the state in financial dire straits, a bipartisan group of lawmakers are pushing for a measure to create a foundation to generate private donations for the state’s fairgrounds.

Republican Representative Tim Butler says the state’s red ink continues to grow and having the private sector invest in the fairgrounds makes sense.

Butler says he didn’t have an exact figure but was certain there is millions of dollars in deferred maintenance costs taxpayers can’t afford. In a statement about House Bill 4990 Democratic Representative Jerry Costello says he looks forward to working with both sides to create the foundation while also working toward bipartisan solutions to strengthen the state’s fiscal situation.