Study Shows Marriage Equality Could Bring $34 Million to Wisconsin Economy

LGBT Wedding Expo demonstrates impact to local economy

MILWAUKEE – According to a study recently released by the Williams Institute, marriage equality in Wisconsin would generate $34.3 million in spending to the state economy over the first three years.

The study found that about 4,590 couples would choose to marry in the first three years. Couples would help generate $34.3 million to the state and local economy in that time period, with $21.9 million in the first year alone. Marriage equality would also generate an additional $1.9 million in sales tax revenue for the state, and create up to 600 new jobs in Wisconsin.

“The economic benefits of marriage equality are clear,” said Jason Rae, executive director of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to being the right thing to do, marriage equality truly has the potential to be an economic game-changer in Wisconsin. Couples are able to plan a meaningful celebration here in Wisconsin, keeping their dollars in state and supporting local small businesses.”

Just yesterday, Thursday, November 13, the LGBT Chamber hosted an historic event – Wisconsin’s first LGBT wedding expo at the Radisson Milwaukee West by Mayfair. The expo was attended by more than 250 individuals from around the region who are now planning their weddings after Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban was struck down by federal courts this summer. The expo captured the excitement of many LGBT couples who are able to legally marry for the first time in Wisconsin history and connected them with wedding vendors from across southeastern Wisconsin.

“Yesterday’s LGBT Wedding Expo was a tremendous success,” said Rae. “We had more than 250 individuals come through the expo and visit with 54 vendors from a variety of wedding industries. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from couples that wanted to find vendors for their special day that shared their pro-fairness values.”

“The expo demonstrated that marriage equality has the potential to bring needed economic growth in Wisconsin. LGBT weddings will be a boost to Wisconsin businesses, and I am pleased the LGBT Chamber of Commerce was able to facilitate some of this growth,” added Rae.

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