“As a lifelong Chicagoan, I cannot express how profoundly disappointed I am that the Bears truly intend to leave Chicago. Bottom line, the Chicago Bears belong in Chicago.

Chicago is the economic powerhouse of not just Illinois, but the entire Midwest and it is this city that made the Bears one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. Just a few weeks ago, I sat down with Bears leadership in my office and urged them to reconsider this move.

As a State Lawmaker who proudly represents a portion of Chicago’s South Side, I cannot and will not support any measure that gives the Bears a taxpayer funded escape hatch.  Whether it’s massive development tax breaks or any other financial tool, I will oppose efforts to let the Bears walk away from their obligations to the people of Illinois while abandoning the city that built their legacy. What a way to fumble the kickoff of the season.”