Illinois governor's office says Bears' plan for stadium remains 'non-starter' after meeting
Illinois Gov_ J_B_ Pritzker’s office says the Chicago Bears' proposal to fund a new lakefront stadium remains a “non-starter."
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears' proposal to fund a new lakefront stadium remains a “non-starter," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office said after top aides met with team officials on Wednesday.
The Bears unveiled a nearly $5 billion plan calling for public funding last week for an enclosed facility to be built next to their longtime home at Soldier Field. Though the governor did not rule out more discussions, the team clearly is facing an uphill battle.
“As the Governor has said, the current proposal is a non-starter for the state," press secretary Alex Gough said in a statement. "In order to subsidize a brand new stadium for a privately owned sports team, the Governor would need to see a demonstrable and tangible benefit to the taxpayers of Illinois. The Governor’s office remains open to conversations with the Bears, lawmakers, and other stakeholders with the understanding that responsible fiscal stewardship of tax-payer dollars remains the foremost priority.”
Pritzker's chief of staff Anne Caprara and deputy governor Andy Manar met with the Bears, who called it “a productive conversation.”
