Amid "growing optimism" that they are "on the verge" of
gaining passage of a stadium deal, the Bears "hit pay dirt"
Tuesday, winning a "major concession" from Mayor Richard
Daley to protect state taxpayers from having to pay for a
$587M renovation to Soldier Field, according to McKinney &
Novak of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Daley agreed to increase
the city's $5M annual contribution to the IL Sports
Facilities Authority to ensure the state's treasury "won't
be tapped" if city hotel tax revenues funding the renovation
fall short. It was "unclear" how much more the city is
willing to contribute, but a City Hall source said that the
money "would come from income tax proceeds allotted the city
by the state." Lawmakers opposed to the Bears plan feared
the state could be "left holding the bag" if hotel revenues
fell short (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 11/29). IL Gov. George Ryan
said yesterday, "I feel very confident that we're probably
going to pass a stadium bill" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/29). IL
Senate President James "Pate" Philip, on chances the Bears
plan will pass in the General Assembly: "It's difficult (to
pass), but I think it is possible" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/28).
