INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) - The Indiana Senate passed a bill Thursday that creates a financing authority for a potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, advancing the legislation with a 45-4 vote.
Senate Enrolled Act 27, formerly known as Senate Bill 27, establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to help finance the stadium.
The bill now heads to Gov. Mike Braun’s desk for a signature.
The Chicago Bears have not formally announced a move to Indiana. Last week, the team issued a statement expressing strong interest in building a stadium in Hammond and indicated to Indiana lawmakers it would commit to contributing $2 billion toward the project.
State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka), who co-authored the bill, said in a statement sent to WNDU 16 News Now that he was pleased with the outcome.
“I am pleased to see SEA 27 pass the Senate with bipartisan support,” Mishler said. “The widespread support of the bill in both chambers shows Indiana’s commitment to the Chicago Bears, and it presents us with an opportunity to further foster our working relationship with them. I look forward to continued conversations with the Bears’ leadership team as we work to bring the Bears to Indiana.”
Gov. Braun is expected to sign the bill. He has been an advocate for the Bears’ move to Indiana.
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