Members of the Illinois General Assembly are working on the budget for the next fiscal year and are facing a number of financial hurdles. Budget shortfalls are creating the need to either cut spending or pull in revenue from elsewhere. There has been a constitutional amendment proposal that would raise taxes on those making more than $1 million in a year, but it is not expected to pass. The legislature is also working on funding proposals related to the proposed relocation of the Chicago Bears, adding further complexities to the budget negotiation process.
Dr. Kent Redfield, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield, is observing the developments as they unfold. With respect to the Chicago Bears’ proposed move, Soldier Field is the oldest NFL stadium, having opened in 1924. The team’s goal is not only to have a more modern home venue but also to have a domed stadium, in part to increase its viability to host a Super Bowl. The Bears are considering whether to move to Evanston or to Hammond, Indiana. While Governor JB Pritzker and members of the General Assembly hope the Bears will remain in Illinois, they do not want to see public funds used to build the stadium.
A bill the Illinois House has passed would allow the state’s Department of Economic Development to issue “megaproject certificates.” Supporters say it will inspire further economic development beyond just a new stadium, which could offset other funding burdens.
In addition, Evanston would require major infrastructure upgrades. This would add to costs and complicate logistics.
Dr. Redfield also spoke on the millionaire tax proposed in the form of a constitutional amendment. He says the current Illinois constitution stipulates a flat income tax, hence the reason for the proposed amendment as opposed to simply introducing legislation.
Dr. Redfield says the chances of this amendment becoming reality are slim due to disagreements over specifics and the tight timeline afforded to supporters.
More information on UIS’s political science program is available at www.uis.edu/spia.
Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
