(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s claims of large economic benefits and taxpayer benefits from its tourism spending is again being called into question by economists, including the fact that report did not include any information about tourism funding that came to the state via grats from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The report, from marketing firm Tourism Economics, was released in June with fanfare from Gov. Tony Evers heading into the biennial budget being finalized.

But 200 ARPA grands worth $12 million were not included in the report, according to Badger Institute, which quoted Texas A&M’s John Crompton as saying the reports “are created for economic boosters and take advantage of the ignorance of legislatures and the public.”

Badger Institute pointed to $72.3 million in the last state budget for tourism, nearly double what it was in the prior budget along with $72.2 million in grants for lodging businesses, $30.8 million for event venues, $22 million for local government tourism efforts, $15 million for tourism destination marketing, $10 million for movie theaters and $2.8 for minor league sports.

Crompton told Badger Institute that the numbers in the reports use flawed methodology that does not consider diverted spending from in-state travelers.

Crompton also said he believes the flawed reports will continue to be produced the same way they are today.

“They are going to keep doing what they’re doing and telling you it’s good for your state,” he told Badger Institute. “Just know that all of it — the job creation, the tax revenue, the overall economic impact — is all very suspect.”