SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Li Arellano, Jr (R-Dixon) released the following statement regarding the Chicago Bears stadium discussions:
“Illinois should not have been in any serious position to lose the Chicago Bears to Indiana. This situation is a wake-up call about just how unaffordable our Illinois has become.
“The Bears looking across the border is not the core problem—it is a symptom of our deeper failures. The cost of living and the cost of doing business in Illinois continue to climb, while our economy trails the nation. Despite all these higher taxes and new fees, Illinois still consistently ranks among the worst states for financial stability.
“Failed energy policies have driven utility bills higher, yet the Governor signed legislation forcing regular ratepayers to guarantee profits for some of the wealthiest companies in America.
“Illinois’ transportation costs far outpace the national average. Instead of addressing the root issues, the state shifted rural and suburban road funds to prop up mass transit, and Pritzker just proposed borrowing hundreds of millions to cover the gap.
“Property taxes have grown to a crushing degree for families and small businesses, leaving many feeling like they are re-buying their homes year after year.
“It’s no wonder that after more than a century in Illinois, even the Bears are seriously considering leaving because of affordability pressures. I do not want to lose the Bears to Indiana. Even more importantly, I do not want Illinois to keep losing sons and daughters to other states as a result of economic policy failures here at home.
“Illinois taxpayers should not be forced to bail out bad decisions. It is time for serious financial and ethical reforms that make our state affordable—for all.”
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