State rep. calls offer 'inadequate,' 'disrespectful'
ByABC7 Chicago Digital TeamWLS logo
Thursday, October 30, 2025 3:36PM
Illinois, Arlington Heights leaders discuss funding new Bears stadium
Illinois and Arlington Heights leaders are discussing the process of funding the construction of a new Chicago Bears stadium in the suburb.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Bears said in a letter to lawmakers earlier this month that they would set aside $25 million for Chicago and the Chicago Park District amid their stadium move to Arlington Heights.
The funds could be used for maintenance of Soldier Field, support of park district programs, paying any shortfall of Illinois Sports Facilities Authority bond payments or anything else, the letter said.
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State Rep. Kam Buckner called the offer not just "inadequate" but "disrespectful."
SEE ALSO: Illinois, Arlington Heights leaders discuss funding construction of new Bears stadium
"It reflects a longer pattern of tone-deafness from this franchise when it comes to its relationship with the city that made it," he said. "We're talking about a franchise valued at nearly $10 billion offering scraps to Chicago."
This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.
The video in the player above is from an earlier report.
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