The Chicago Bears want to tear down Soldier Field and build a new stadium. The announcement of the proposed stadium project has compelled me to write this petition. The State of Illinois should not use public money to help fund the project.

Public funding should be rejected for several reasons.

First, Illinois taxpayers are paying enough already. We are paying for the 2002 renovation of Soldier Field. We still owe over $600 million for that project.

Second,  The State of Illinois has priorities that are more important than a sports stadium. Issues such as health, education and public safety should be addressed before a sports stadium.

Third, we can’t be sure the estimated $4.7 billion cost of the project won’t increase. Public money should not be committed for a project that may incur increased expenses. 

Finally, we can’t be sure the promised economic benefits of the stadium project will materialize. 

Illinois residents want the Chicago Bears to succeed on and off the field. The Bears, however, can succeed without public money for their proposed stadium project. 

Anyone who wants to leave a message for Governor Pritzker can use the following link:

https://gov.illinois.gov/contact-us/voice-an-opinion.html

Anyone who wants to contact an Illinois state representative and state senator can use the following link: https://www.changeil.org/legislator-map/