A bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears or another sports franchise to Northwest Indiana passed out of the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee with two amendments. House Bill 1292 would establish a Northwest Indiana professional sports development commission to study plans to attract professional sports franchises. The commission would create a master plan for building facilities needed to attract sports teams. The bill was amended to remove language regarding travel expenses for commissioners and hiring an executive director. Author State Rep. Earl Harris joked that the amendments removed the cost from the bill, leading to its approval by the committee.
The commission would explore attracting football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer teams, with the Chicago Bears being a possibility. The bill outlines a 19-member commission that includes mayors and other appointees from various counties and organizations. The commission would be funded through grants, donations, and appropriations and could enter agreements for grants or property management.
Harris believes the commission will drive economic growth, create jobs, attract businesses, and promote tourism in Northwest Indiana. He noted the success of previous legislative efforts to grow the region, such as building casinos and airports. The bill will now move to the full House for consideration. Harris hopes to see a professional sports franchise in Northwest Indiana, building on the work started by his father when he served as a state representative. The bill has gained support from both Democrats and Republicans, including a co-author who has roots in Northwest Indiana and is a Bears fan.
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