Bears' effort to get public funding for new stadium goes into hibernation
Bears Stadium Funding Delayed Until Fall
The Illinois legislature's spring session has extended into overtime to finalize the state budget, but funding for a new Bears stadium won't be addressed until the fall session.
This delay, which had been anticipated in recent weeks, was confirmed by two state senators who spoke to the Chicago Tribune for a Sunday article.
«It's fair to say that there won't be any Bears action in this legislative session, which I think is fine,» said Senator Kim Buckner of Chicago. «A proposal of this magnitude deserves sunlight and scrutiny. Very often, things get rushed through this building at the last minute without much public input or transparency. I welcome the conversations that will likely begin once the spring session ends.»
The Bears are seeking $2 billion in public funding for a new stadium in Chicago. However, they will have to wait until at least the fall for any progress.
The Illinois legislature is set to adjourn for the spring with no action taken on the stadium funding measure.
The Bears have explored various options, including purchasing their own land in the suburbs, negotiating with other municipalities, and considering a fixed-roof building on the lake.
It remains unclear what the Bears will do if they don't secure the public funds they seek. The likelihood of obtaining such funding is uncertain, especially given the recent national trend against public financing for stadiums. With NFL franchise values soaring, taxpayers are increasingly resistant to footing the bill for these projects.
| POLL | ||
28 MAI | 62 ANSWERS Bears' effort to get public funding for new stadium goes into hibernation Should taxpayers fund a new stadium for the Bears? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 33.9 % |
| No | 41 | 66.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
