(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A key Illinois lawmaker says he's ready to consider having the state pay infrastructure costs, if the Chicago Bears decide to build a new stadium on the old Michael Reese Hospital site.
Bronzeville State Senator Kam Buckner says the idea of using state funds for infrastructure improvements around new developments is common, and it could be approved for a project putting the Bear’s stadium on the old Michael Reese Hospital site.
But taxpayer funds, he says, should not be used for the stadium itself.
“I think it's problematic.I think it's an issue, and I think that we can do things differently, and I hope that this engagement that the Bears are pursuing will be the start of that doing something different – not just for Chicago – but for cities around the country.”
He's willing to consider having the state pay for infrastructure improvements around a new Bears stadium.
“I do think that we should be able to have a robust conversation about where the state can be helpful, and if that is in infrastructure, then I think that is a prudent way to move forward.”
So he applauds House Speaker Chris Welch's encouraging words about infrastructure money.
“I think the Speaker's comments yesterday were really indicative of that. Imploring the bears to be creative in their thought process, but also to look at parts of Chicago that have been left behind.
Buckner represents the area where the stadium might go.
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