From State Senator Craig Wilcox:
Bears: Sour Note as Session Adjourns for Summer
I was hopeful when I learned a simplified proposal would be coming forward in the final hours of session that would aim to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
From the very beginning, I was clear that I wanted the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois, but that I would not support a proposal that could lead to tax increases for Illinoisans.
Unfortunately, the proposal that was brought before the Senate included a provision that would allow a locally created stadium authority to issue bonds that would be paid for by taxpayers.
It was also hastily put together, did not go before a committee for vetting, and included so many errors it had to be amended before coming to the floor at 3:30 AM.
The measure ended up passing in the Senate, but it was not called for a vote in the House.
On Friday, the Chicago Bears organization announced it will advance its stadium development in Hammond, Indiana. Upon learning the news, I issued the following statement:
“The announcement that the Chicago Bears will move forward with their stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana is deeply disappointing.
“Unfortunately, this outcome is the direct result of a process that was marked by dysfunction, delay, and a complete lack of leadership from Governor JB Pritzker.
“The General Assembly had ample time to evaluate options and negotiate a responsible plan that could keep the Bears in Illinois while protecting taxpayers.
“Instead, lawmakers were presented with a hastily assembled proposal in the final hours of session and expected to vote on it without it being vetted by a committee and without enough time to really read it and understand its provisions.
“A proposal of this magnitude should have gone through committee hearings, received thorough vetting, and included clear and enforceable protections for taxpayers.
“Instead, the legislation was rushed through the process, required an amendment to fix sloppy errors, and failed to provide the safeguards many of us believed were essential.
“When one of Illinois’ most important economic assets was weighing its future, state leadership should have been fully engaged and working toward a serious solution.
“Instead, indecision and political maneuvering became the defining characteristics of this effort.
“I remain hopeful that this announcement is not the final chapter and that discussions can continue. However, if the Bears ultimately leave Illinois, it will stand as a stark example of what happens when the Governor fails to lead, major decisions are rushed through at the eleventh hour, and taxpayers are asked to accept a deal without the protections they deserve.”
