Governor Pritzker Critiques Mayor Johnson’s Bears Plan

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his dissatisfaction with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday, pointing out that the mayor lacks a solid strategy for retaining the Chicago Bears in the city.

During a news conference, Pritzker was questioned about the ongoing discussions related to the football team’s stadium and the potential for the Bears to relocate to one of the suburbs. He commented, “That’s really between those municipalities and the Bears.” He went on to state, “It’s clear the mayor hasn’t formulated any viable plans regarding the Bears. It’s been three years, and there’s still no strategy to keep them in Chicago, which, frankly, is concerning.”

Pritzker further revealed that a Bears spokesperson had mentioned only two feasible locations for the team: Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana. However, he reinforced his support for efforts to secure the team’s future in Chicago, noting, “I’m committed to making that happen. My main priority is to safeguard Illinois taxpayers; it’s crucial that any plans are fair to both the state and other businesses.”

The Chicago Mayor’s Office responded to these criticisms, reaffirming Johnson’s commitment to constructing a publicly-owned stadium. They emphasized, “For the past two years, we’ve been pushing for public ownership rather than endorsing a privately funded stadium. Our plan focuses on keeping the Bears in Chicago without imposing additional burdens on property taxpayers.”

Johnson is optimistic about collaborating with Congress, the state, and other stakeholders to develop solutions that prioritize the needs of working Illinois residents while ensuring the Bears remain in Chicago.

Pritzker labeled Johnson’s proposal as “typical” of the mayor’s approach, suggesting that he often waits until the end of the legislative session to present his desires. “This happens every spring,” Pritzker remarked.