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Senate President tells business leaders there’s ‘next to no appetite’ for state-funded stadiums

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Illinois

* It’s Illinois Chamber of Commerce day in Springfield, and the four heads of the General Assembly are speaking. Here’s Senate President Don Harmon…

* Here’s more of Harmon’s remarks. H/T Brenden Moore…

I want to begin by telling you a story. A few weeks ago at the Capitol, a swarm of TV cameras and reporters descended upon the hallway outside of my office. No, I had not done anything wrong. Nobody was getting arrested or indicted. Sad that I even have to say that. In fact, they weren’t even there for me. It turns out they were there because Jerry Reinsdorf, the billionaire owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls was in town and on his way to my office.

So in case you haven’t been following the news, Mr. Reinsdorf wants a new baseball stadium. As you may recall, the last time the state built him a baseball stadium, it became the stuff of political legend. Clocks were stopped, arms were twisted by then-Gov. Jim Thompson in the deal that happened. Now a quick disclaimer: I was nowhere near the Capital when that happened. In June of 88, I just graduated from Knox College in Galesburg and was preparing to start my first year of a grown up job. But anyways, yes, the White Sox and Mr. Reinsdorf are back with a new ask that’s reported in the press as high as $2 billion for public assistance with a new baseball stadium.

And look, I’m as big a sports fan is the next guy. And I’m always happy to listen to ideas. But I made it clear to them then and I’ve tried to make it clear in the media since that there’s next to no appetite to fund a new stadium with taxpayer dollars. So that’s why the media was camped outside of my office for what was my last meeting of the day.

But I want to tell you the story about what you didn’t read in the media, and that would be my first meeting of the day. I began with a group of advocates from Chicago Lighthouse. For those of you unfamiliar, the Chicago Lighthouse has worked for more than 100 years to provide equality, independence and dignity for the blind and visually-impaired. It has a nationally-recognized vision clinic and is considered a pioneer in vision care innovation. They wanted to talk to me about additional state support for programs that help the blind and visually-impaired find employment. We also learned that the Braille signage around the Capitol is in need of some updating. The Chicago Lighthouse does amazing work to help amazing people. And that’s pretty much how most days go at the Capital. People and groups come in and talk to me and ask for more. Sometimes it’s visually-impaired adults, sometimes it’s billionaire professional sports team owners. But the common theme running through all of this is that it’s often my job to let them down.

In my brief time as Senate President, l’ve confirmed my belief that the best definition of leadership is the ability to disappoint people at a rate they can digest. So when I tell people the key to success in Springfield, it’s progress. Nobody gets everything that they want. The key is whether you are making progress on your priorities. My personal priority for this session, once again, is a responsible, balanced budget. I know that Speaker Welch and Governor Pritzker share that goal.

posted by Isabel Miller
Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 11:37 am

Comments

Paging Chicago Bears…
AH Is on the phone.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 11:40 am
I’m always both impressed by the tact of some politicians, but also wildly depressed about the fact they need to tip toe around telling rich people “no.” Can’t run the risk of hurting some billionaire’s feelings.

Comment by Homebody Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 11:46 am
===AH Is on the phone===

They need a new state law for that one, too.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 11:47 am
Well said.

Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 11:47 am
Years ago, when he first took office, those that knew him knew that Don would one day become Senate President. Today he showed why is so effective.

Somewhere, Phil Rock is looking down w pride.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 11:53 am
I have very real and reasonable concerns with some of the actions that President Harmon has taken during his tenure. However, those remarks were exceptional. They are honest, they are reasonable, and they show an understanding of not just how things are, but how they ought to be.

10 out of 10. No notes.

Comment by VK Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:02 pm
I’m glad to hear Corporate Welfare is off the table. Tax fairness!

Comment by Jerry Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:16 pm
This is a piece of brilliance in making a sharp point to greedy rich guy. No rancor or histrionics or shouting, just a simple, well reasoned and presented statement of how it is. The nicest way to say, if we can’t help the blind who need it, we can’t help you who don’t.

Comment by Captain Obvious Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:26 pm
“… and government unions … .”

The correctional officers might disagree with you.

Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:27 pm
Next to no? You mean there’s a chance?

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:38 pm
===You mean there’s a chance? ===

Next to no appetite doesn’t translate into 60-30-1

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:39 pm
Rich,
I was trying to put words in Jerry’s mouth. I should have made that clear - and quoted more exactly from “Dumb and Dumber.” My bad.
As a longtime Sox fan, I think President Harmon got this right.

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 12:48 pm
The Bears took it up a notch a hired Andrea Zopp as a legal consultant for the stadium. I wonder what their reaction is to this news. At this juncture i dont think the mayor of chicago can help create an appetite for stadium funding. Nor do i believe the friends of the parks will allow the Bears to build on lakefront. In reality i dont believe any stadium ever gets built and arlington becomes a residential complex.

Comment by Regular democrat Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:00 pm
===I wonder what their reaction is to this news===

If you’d been reading the blog for the past several weeks, you knew that today’s announcement wasn’t really news. Too many people read way too much into not very much.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:03 pm
= In reality i dont believe any stadium ever gets built and arlington becomes a residential complex.=

Thing is AH can be both a football stadium and a residential complex.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:15 pm
No doubt, re AH, Rich, but that will be easier to develop than the Lakefront.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:23 pm
===that will be easier to develop===

They still gotta pass a bill. 60-30-1.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:25 pm
Harmon gets 5 stars for the juxtaposition of blind people and billionaires.

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:38 pm
60-30-1?

Comment by CT Guy Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:51 pm
The big loss of the referendum in Kansas City for a subsidized new stadium for the Chiefs is yet another sign of how negatively these deals are viewed by the public.

All their championships and wins the past few years; along with a certain future Hall of Fame QB and celebrity TE; even with all that going for them the ballot measure failed by a wide margin

https://apnews.com/article/royals-chiefs-stadiums-kansas-city-1c6691c928234706ec79ac16161d2576

Comment by low level Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:53 pm
“They still gotta pass a bill. 60-30-1.”

Why does AH need a state vote? Assuming the Bears and the schools agree to a tax structure, isn’t it good to go? Unless you are talking about the Super 6B that was discussed months ago. That would certainly need a legislative authorization.

Comment by Save Ferris Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 1:58 pm
I am not drinking Kool aid, but there would have to be a limited bill that can improve pipes, water, schools, Arlington Park Metra and 53 Highways. That is IT for what I think can get passed for AH…

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:09 pm
53 and Highways, typo on my part.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:10 pm
@save ferris, the Bears want to freeze the property taxes they would pay at the current level — as if it were a gigantic empty lot — for 40 years into the future. The agreements with the local taxing bodies are payments in lieu of those taxes. They need to change the state law to do that.

Comment by Telly Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:19 pm
“Nobody gets everything that they want.” Except the public unions that have ruined the state. The reason the state is crumbling is due to them getting almost everything they want 99% of the time. Of course Rich will not let this go through because it’s the truth.

Comment by The Truth Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:20 pm
===60-30-1? ===

If you don’t know that extremely basic Illinois government reference, then you definitely don’t belong here.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:22 pm
===Of course Rich will not let this go through because it’s the truth===

Other than in religious settings, people who claim to be vessels of truth are usually not very bright.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:24 pm
==60-30-1==

By God, that’s Oswego Wily’s music

Comment by Model T Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:35 pm
Read this for https://journalistsresource.org/economics/sports-stadium-public-financing/?fbclid=IwAR1ovanGJgLog8eRA2izp3Q4EP7rveZCsNr23N435viG-YtJxuFHXuqKrbw_aem_AbWW-5TEZNtrEXzOanLXANRmjoErxR64KW-tj9jEYjqiumQCl6K4HEwteAB9a7pRMiYL3XVLHrna-LS0lC6K_klua better understanding of public money for stadiums.

Comment by jimbo26 Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 2:39 pm
=== The reason the state is crumbling is due to ===
Wait. The state is crumbling? Should I grab special glasses for that?

Comment by Da big bad wolf Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 3:00 pm
@telly I am not aware of this. Thanks.

Comment by Save Ferris Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 3:24 pm
Sorry Rich, but I think the Sox need to move to Nashville.

Good on Harmon…we should throw money at the myriad of problems facing Chicago…not building Sports Stadiums for Millionaire owners…

Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 3:59 pm
@The Truth

Please explain how public unions have ruined the state, and how the state is crumbling using facts and data.

Fun Facts
Illinois has received multiple credit upgrades since Pritzker became Governor.
Last year Site Selection Magazine ranked Chicago #1 for business relocations and expansions.
In recent years, Illinois has been ranked #3 for business relocations and expansions.
Revised census numbers show Illinois had a positive net migration of 250,000 residents between 2010 and 2020.

Illinois is a good place to do business and has strong worker rights protections making Illinois, in my humble opinion, one of the best states in the country to live, work, and own a business.

Full disclosure, I am a proud AFSCME member and proud to be a state employee.

Comment by Steve Polite Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 4:24 pm
CT guy, 60 votes needed to pass the House, 30 votes to pass in the Senate, and then the 1 additional “vote” needed is, I assume, the Governor’s approval and signature on the bill.

Comment by ??? Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 4:39 pm
=Assuming the Bears and the schools agree to a tax structure, isn’t it good to go?=

The schools should never agree to anything that freezes the property taxes for 40 years (17 years longer than a TIF btw) as it would cripple them financially or, worse yet, shift an even heavier burden to everyone else.

If the Bears don’t want to pay taxes AND get free money, I hear Mississippi is a good place for that.

= Except the public unions that have ruined the state.=

Sounds like ol’ Bruce Rauner is still bitter. Take a nap.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 5:08 pm
==Except the public unions that have ruined the state==

Please, explain to me how school teachers, cops, and snow plow truck drivers have made your life worse and ruined the state.

Comment by MG85 Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 6:22 pm
Loop Lady:

The Sox aren’t moving to Nashville since Nashville is in line to receive an expansion team. Charlotte would be a more realistic option, but even then the Sox would not be able to move until 2031.

I don’t know what the future holds for the White Sox, but there aren’t a lot of great options for MLB teams in terms of MSAs to move to. All of them are either too small or have a lot of transplants who are fans of other teams.

I would argue that Denver was the last MSA that really needed an MLB team, and they didn’t get one until 1993 because of the thin air. Washington DC is fine for baseball, but they had two franchises leave that city before they received the Expos. Phoenix, Tampa, and Miami have proven to be rather underwhelming markets for MLB and they are all significantly bigger than Nashville, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, etc.

It’s very like the value of the White Sox will go down if they move out of the area.

Comment by Former State Worker Wednesday, Apr 10, 24 @ 7:09 pm
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, so he/she desires to be available
that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.

Comment by miami Wednesday, Apr 17, 24 @ 5:26 am