CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn proposed a plan to have taxpayers decide how much help Chicago and the state will provide the Bears and White Sox as the teams seek new sports stadiums.
Quinn made his way to the Chicago City Clerk's Office at City Hall on Wednesday to file his proposal.
“Today, I’m proposing a referendum for the people of Chicago to vote on whether or not state or local taxpayer money should be used to build a stadium for the Chicago Bears or the Chicago White Sox,” he said.
Voters have never had a voice in previous stadium projects, Quinn said, citing the renovation of Soldier Field two decades ago — which is still being paid for.
“The mayor and the city council can put this on the ballot in their next meeting of the city council,” said Quinn. “Let the people speak; that’s the point that fans and the taxpayers want to make. We want the teams to do well, but we want you to put your own money into building your stadiums. Not hit the taxpayers once again.”
Quinn's referendum would have to pass the Chicago City Council's Rules Committee and then the full Council in order to be placed on the November ballot.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok