Illinois Governor Criticizes Chicago Mayor Over Bears Stadium Plans
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has no plan to keep the Chicago Bears in the city. The comments come as the team considers stadium sites in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.
Washington ExaminerPritzker said the mayor has presented no concrete proposal for a stadium location inside Chicago. He noted that the team has publicly stated its only remaining options are Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.
Pritzker said Johnson has waited too long to discuss the issue with state officials. He pointed out that the mayor typically raises requests in May, after the governor submits the state budget in February. The governor added that the mayor's approach leaves little time for legislative action before a decision is expected.
Johnson's administration maintains that both suburban and out-of-state proposals still face obstacles. Adviser Jason Lee told the Chicago Sun-Times that the city could still become a viable option if those challenges persist. The Bears have rejected that assessment, stating that the only viable sites are Arlington Heights and Hammond. A decision is expected later this spring or early summer.
The Arlington Heights plan requires approval from the General Assembly for a large property tax break and roughly $855 million in infrastructure funding. Indiana has already passed legislation creating a stadium finance authority to support its proposal.
