Why is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker against taxpayer money for the Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears are seeking help from the state of Illinois with their stadium project while the governor states his refusal.
The Bears are a very historic NFL team, so it is no wonder the team is looking to revamp their stadium, which will turn a hundred years old this year. The Chicago franchise bought In 2021; the franchise committed $197 million to purchase the Arlington Heights Racetrack and begin preparing their departure from Soldier Field.
Because of the difficulty and massive expenses that such a move entails, the Bears seek help from the state and alleviate the economic strain on the team. An estimated $2.2 billion will go into building the dome stadium as the heart of the team’s proposed $5 billion entertainment zone.
Really hope Kevin Warren & @ChicagoBears consider this for the new stadium in Arlington Heights. I would prefer a natural grass playing surface for the players and like this option with so many other events/concerts in a dome stadium August-January + all offseason. https://t.co/TMVE7KsH3m
— Jake Flannigan (@JakeFlannigan) February 12, 2023
What did Governo JB Pritzker say about the Chicago Bears’ new stadium?
This Monday, the governor made his position clear when he said, “I love the Bears, but it is a private business, and I honestly do not think the public has an obligation to fund, in this major way, a private business.’
Pritzker’s comments come after Senator Ann Gillespie introduced legislation to lower property taxes for the Chicago Bears’ 326-acre Arlington Park contract property.
The senator introduced the bill to bring light to this issue; she opposes the plan but wants to debate tax-increment financing reform.