Another state has taken an interest in moving the Chicago Bears out of Illinois.
KTIV reports State Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen, a Republican member of the Iowa legislature, has introduced a proposal to attract the Bears by funding a new stadium for the NFL team. The Bears leadership have complained about the slow pace in securing a deal for the team to build a new domed stadium in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights. And while lawmakers in Indiana have been trying to attract the Bears, Gruenhagen insists Iowa should do the same.
“The Chicago Bears are looking for a state that will appreciate them and welcome them with open arms, and we are filing a bill today that says Iowa is happy to be that home,” said Gruenhagen. “Bringing an NFL team to Iowa would attract jobs, tourism and fans to our state and give us the opportunity to showcase what Iowa really has to offer. Iowans have dedicated themselves to our college sports teams, and we’re ready to attract a professional team to our great state.”
Another Republican, State Sen. Scott Webster, co-sponsored Gruenhagen’s proposal, adding, “For years, we have been working to grow Iowa and make it a great place to live and work. Iowa has made great strides in making our state competitive not just in the Midwest but nationwide.”
Iowa’s pitch comes as some Indiana lawmakers have hit the brakes on their state’s efforts to attract the Bears. NBC Chicago reports a bill that would fund a Bears stadium in the Hoosier State has stalled in the Indiana House of Representatives over a lack of commitment from the Bears to move to their state.
“Once we get the sign off from the Bears, that bill will continue to work through the process, and get locked in and signed off by the governor,” said State Rep. Earl Harris, a Democrat. “We have to get things done fast, because session ends on Feb. 27. So, when you look at getting a piece of legislation through the process, we’re coming up to the point where answer has to be provided.”
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