Assistant Minority Leader and State Representative John M. Cabello issued the following statement in response to the Chicago Bears announcement regarding plans to advance their stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana:
“The possible loss of the Chicago Bears to the State of Indiana is a direct result of JB Pritzker’s total failure of leadership. If one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports decides Illinois is no longer worth the hassle, that should alarm every taxpayer in this state.
The Bears leaving would be the latest chapter in the long list of businesses and employers choosing to pack up and relocate under Governor Pritzker’s watch. In 2023 alone, Illinois lost 218 businesses to other states. When adjusted for population, Illinois ranked second in the nation for business losses.
If the Bears ultimately relocate to Indiana, it would represent more than a loss for fans. It would be another example of how Democrats’ mismanagement is making Illinois less attractive for businesses and investment. Governor Pritzker and Speaker Welch can blame anyone they want, but the reality is that Illinois’ high-tax, high-cost environment was created in Springfield.
Instead of making Illinois more competitive, Democrats keep pushing new taxes, more regulations, and higher costs, including the largest budget in state history and $800 million in new tax hikes passed just days ago. By repeating the same mistakes year after year, JB Pritzker has earned the dubious distinction of being the Governor who may have lost the Chicago Bears.”