SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate passed House Bill 958, a measure that would create an avenue to keeping the Bears in Chicago:
“As a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and the state senator who represents Soldier Field, I would like nothing more than for the team to stay in Illinois, specifically in Chicago and in the stadium our taxpayers have been funding for over 20 years.
“My understanding is this proposal gives the Bears everything they’ve publically asked for and gives Chicago a good chance to keep the team in the city, which is why I voted ‘yes.’ If the Bears break the trust of our great city, then it is vitally important that we ensure Soldier Field and the Museum Campus – our state’s front yard – receive the infrastructure improvements they so desperately deserve.
“Since the Bears first looked to move to Arlington Heights in 2021, I’ve held the opinion that the Chicago Bears should be a Chicago-based team and should be dedicated to the betterment of Chicago’s lakefront communities. However, it cannot be at the expense of our taxpayers who have already put billions into the pockets of the team’s owners. My priority is and always will be my residents, and HB 958 puts residents first.”
