Speaker Welch signals support for using state funds to help build Bears stadium

(The Center Square) – For the first time, there may be some support in providing public funding to help the Chicago Bears build a new stadium.

Since the team unveiled plans for a $4.7 billion stadium project on the lakefront last year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and many Illinois lawmakers have balked at providing state taxpayer dollars to help. But Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch told Fox32 that if the Bears built at the former Michael Reese hospital location just south of McCormick Place, that would change things.

“If they chose a site like Michael Reese, that’s a neighborhood that could certainly use some great economic development, that is a different conversation,” said Welch.

Michael Reese Hospital officially closed in August 2009. The streets through the campus were closed and demolition began the following October.

Welch said the state may be open to funding infrastructure improvements at the site to help the Bears.

- Advertisement -

“The state has a road fund that we could probably help building roadways or improving the roadways around the area,” said Welch.

Bears president Kevin Warren has expressed concerns about the Michael Reece property’s smaller size and challenges related to train tracks on the property but said he is confident the team is getting close to a breakthrough.

“Downtown still remains the focus, the museum campus,” said Warren. “I feel we made a massive amount of momentum.”

The group Friends of the Parks, who has strongly opposed the Bears building on the lakefront, said they have no problem with the Michael Reese site.

There are plenty who are critical of using public funding for sports stadiums, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Adam Hoffer, director of excise tax policy with the Tax Foundation.

“In terms of what a taxpayer gets for that investment, the answer is they get sports teams but not much else,” said Hoffer.

- Advertisement -

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

New legislative group assembled for business competition

(The Center Square) – Boosting business competition in Pennsylvania...

DeSantis appoints Moody to replace Rubio as Florida’s U.S. senator

(The Center Square) – Ashley Moody, attorney general of...

WA Republicans hope fifth time is the charm for emergency powers reform bill

(The Center Square) – Republican lawmakers in Washington state...

Defense contractor announces largest job creation in Ohio history

(The Center Square) – Ohio plans a combination of...

Biden says farewell to America in new letter

(The Center Square) – President Joe Biden released a...

Defense soon to rest at ex-Illinois House speaker’s corruption trial

A defense attorney has presented a statement in lieu...

Pennsylvania spending on policing targets several problems

(The Center Square) – Recruiting new police officers and...

More like this
Related

New legislative group assembled for business competition

(The Center Square) – Boosting business competition in Pennsylvania...

DeSantis appoints Moody to replace Rubio as Florida’s U.S. senator

(The Center Square) – Ashley Moody, attorney general of...

WA Republicans hope fifth time is the charm for emergency powers reform bill

(The Center Square) – Republican lawmakers in Washington state...