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The Illinois legislature, which ended spring
session early Wednesday, won’t act on anything regarding a new
Bears stadium until this fall at the earliest, if at all.
The Bears unveiled the project in April with a $4.7 billion
price tag, which included a domed stadium and surrounding
infrastructure. Illinois taxpayers would be asked to cover about
$2 billion.
Bears President Kevin Warren was hoping to get shovels in the
ground for the project this fall.
The team was facing an uphill battle, and Gov.
J.B. Pritzker has repeatedly dismissed the idea of using
taxpayer dollars to help.
“We need to be careful about how we use public dollars and a
private business like a professional team, even if they are
beloved by so many people, nevertheless are similar to lots of
other businesses in the state,” said Pritzker.
Pritzker’s chief of staff Anne Caprara and Deputy Governor Andy
Manar met with the Bears, who called it a “productive
conversation.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson supports the project, and said the
plan would result in no new taxes on the residents of the city.
The Bears weren’t the only team looking for public money from
the state. The White Sox continue to explore building a new
stadium, and the Chicago Red Stars women’s soccer team also are
in the market for an upgrade.
Members of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus backed
legislation they said highlights inequities in the women’s
professional sports industry in Illinois. The recently filed
legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado,
D-Chicago, is designed to enhance inclusivity and ensure
equitable support for both men’s and women’s sports, aligning
with the state’s broader equity goals.
“This spring, we have heard a number of costly requests from
some of the most successful and celebrated men’s sports
franchises in our state, while women’s teams do not yet even
have a seat at the table with the Illinois Sports Facilities
Authority. House Bill 5841 will ensure that as we consider plans
from men’s teams, we provide the same consideration to women’s
teams,” the caucus said in a statement.  |
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