The state Legislature has given the Sonics the stiff arm in the team’s effort to secure public funding for the new arena.

But the University of Washington, asking to use the same taxing source, has been received with open arms in its effort to secure $150 million in public funds for a revamped Husky Stadium that will cost $300 million.

So what gives? State House Speaker Frank Chopp boils it down to a couple key points: For Chopp, Washington is a local, public entity and the stadium will be used by student athletes who make no money, not a franchise owned by out-of-town folks in a sport played by millionaire ball players. Chopp said the improvements also are safety related.

Our columnist John McGrath writes about the situation here.

So what do you think? Do you agree with Chopp and his willingness to listen to and grant Washington’s request and not the Sonics? Did the Sonics drop the ball by not presenting a clear enough plan during last year’s session, and not clearly explaining how much they financially they were willing to commit? And how does this hurt the area’s effort to keep the team?

Also, the Sonic have asked for mediation and a March court date in the legal battle between the City of Seattle to get out of the lease. The city is asking for an October court date. Both agreed to a trial by judge.