Prtizker calls meeting about Bears with NFL productive

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(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he and leading members of the General Assembly participated in a productive meeting with National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday.

Pritzker’s office released a statement saying the governor was grateful to meet in Illinois with Goodell, Pat Ryan, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago.

The statement said the governor’s office remained in conversations with the Chicago Bears throughout the summer about their plans in Illinois.

The meeting was described as “productive,” with a focus on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers.

Bears officials said in August they are moving forward with stadium development plans in Indiana, even though they have yet to announce an actual stadium site.

On Aug. 31, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said he doesn’t know for sure the if Bears will play in Hammond, but he said the team should favor his state over “slower-footed” Illinois.

The General Assembly considered but did not approve two separate stadium bills during spring session.

Fall veto session is scheduled Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3.