South Cook News

Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) isn't sold on the idea of cutting taxes or using public dollars to put toward a new stadium for the Chicago Bears outside the city. 

"The state shouldn't be in the business of providing handouts to private industry and that's what the bears are," Pritzker said at a recent press conference.

According to FOX 32, Pritzker admitted the team may have pretty valid finical reasons to consider a location other than the multi-use stadium Soldier Field, but still hopes the team will decide to stay in the Windy City.

"I'm rooting for the Bears. I'm also a Chicagoan, I'd love it if they stayed in Chicago, but it is their choice as a private business about where they're gonna go," Pritzker said on April 26, FOX 32 reported. 

The team has made no secret of the intent to possibly build a stadium at the site of the old Arlington International Race Course, according to FOX 32. The team and its political allies have been trying to make the proposal a possibility, but so far haven't had much luck.

FOX 32 reported the mayor of Arlington Heights stressed the team's need for "tax certainty" when it comes to financial planning around the large-scale high-dollar project. 

State Rep. Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines) suggested officials are working on a proposal that would help the city with the financial losses should the team relocate outside Chicago limits. Moylan told FOX 32 he is having conversations with all the stakeholders about the possibility of imposing a $3 tax on all tickets sold at the new stadium. The tax would go beyond just the Bears games, but also include any concerts or other events that would be hosted at Arlington. Moylan believes they should do right by the city and said, "we should make Chicago whole if they're going to leave, and it's not gonna cost the Bears anything and it's not going to cost the state anything."