Latest news with #EarlHarris
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana Bears bill nears the end zone with Senate approval
The Indiana legislature moved a bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana just yards from the end zone, with final approval by the Senate Tuesday. House Bill 1292, authored by Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, would establish a Northwest Indiana professional development commission and a professional sports development fund. The commission would be tasked with exploring and implementing strategies to attract one or more sports franchises to Northwest Indiana, Harris said. The bill passed the Senate 46-2. The bill was amended in the Senate, which Harris supported, so it has to go back to the House for a concurrent vote, Harris said. But, Harris said he doesn't foresee any hurdles on the House concurrent vote, so once the House approves the bill it will go to Gov. Mike Braun's desk for signature. 'It always feels good when you have a piece of legislation that you're two yards from the end zone,' Harris said. Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said Tuesday the bill was amended to remove some state appointees and give local control over the fund. 'The purpose is to attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana,' Mishler said. 'I've been involved in a few of these conversations with those interested in the area and one of the draws was the new double tracking that connects South Bend to Chicago. I know there's a lot of interest up there.' The bill outlines the 17-member commission, which would include mayors from East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Michigan City, LaPorte, Portage and South Bend, while the remaining members would be appointed by various people, including the executive director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph county leaders. The commission will require nine members present for a quorum and an affirmative nine votes to take action. It should hold its first meeting before Sept. 1. Once established, the commission would be able to enter agreements or contracts for grants or appropriations from federal, state, and local governments, individuals, foundations or other organizations. It would also be able to operate, own, manage or lease property. What to know about the Chicago Bears' possible move to Arlington Heights — or a domed stadium on the lakefront The commission would spend money from the professional sports development fund, which would be funded through general assembly appropriations, grants, gifts and donations. The money from the fund can't be reverted to another fund. Under the bill, the commission would explore attracting professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer teams. But, since the Chicago Bears have been looking for a new home, Harris said when he proposed the bill in the 2024 session it got attention then as a possible new location for the team. The Chicago Bears purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights in February 2023 and hopes to build a new enclosed stadium with a big entertainment and residential development. In December, the Bears and Arlington Heights reached an agreement to set taxes at $3.6 million per year. In April 2024, the team laid out plans for a new publicly owned domed stadium on the lakefront but left unanswered how the city would pay for expensive infrastructure improvements. But, a year later, after the NFL owners meetings concluded on April 2, 2025, Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren confirmed the team no longer has a singular focus on building its new stadium downtown. 'The focus now is both downtown and Arlington Heights,' Warren said. 'One thing I have said before is that there are not linear processes or projects. They take time. They take a lot of energy and effort. And I am very, very pleased with where we are.' Harris said he's had fun talking about the Bears, with legislators and family members, potentially coming to Northwest Indiana. While he's reached out to officials with the Bears, Harris said the odds of the Bears coming to Northwest Indiana are low. But, Harris said his bill allows Northwest Indiana to be considered as the Bears consider a new home. Northwest Indiana is in the Chicago market, he said, so the fan base for the Bears — or any Chicago team — is there, he said. 'This makes it more attractive for them to come to Northwest Indiana. It provides another option,' Harris said. 'I think there is an opportunity for them if they can't work things out in Illinois.' Since he was elected, Harris said Northwest Indiana has lakefront property, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the South Shore railroad, casinos, and the forth-coming Lake County Convention Center. A stadium for a sports franchise is the next step, he said. Nearly 30 years ago, Harris said his late father proposed legislation to bring a sports stadium to Northwest Indiana, also aiming to draw the Bears to the region. 'To be able to pick up the ball, as his son, I'm very proud and happy about that, and I'm sure he would be also,' Harris said. 'I'm glad to see this bill has made the movement that it has and it will make it through the process, and excited about what it will mean in terms of professional sports, economics and jobs in Northwest Indiana.' akukulka@
Chicago Tribune
09-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Indiana Bears bill nears the end zone with Senate approval
The Indiana legislature moved a bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Beads to Northwest Indiana just yards from the end zone, with final approval by the Senate Tuesday. House Bill 1292, authored by Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, would establish a Northwest Indiana professional development commission and a professional sports development fund. The commission would be tasked with exploring and implementing strategies to attract one or more sports franchises to Northwest Indiana, Harris said. The bill passed the Senate 46-2. The bill was amended in the Senate, which Harris supported, so it has to go back to the House for a concurrent vote, Harris said. But, Harris said he doesn't foresee any hurdles on the House concurrent vote, so once the House approves the bill it will go to Gov. Mike Braun's desk for signature. 'It always feels good when you have a piece of legislation that you're two yards from the end zone,' Harris said. Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said Tuesday the bill was amended to remove some state appointees and give local control over the fund. 'The purpose is to attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana,' Mishler said. 'I've been involved in a few of these conversations with those interested in the area and one of the draws was the new double tracking that connects South Bend to Chicago. I know there's a lot of interest up there.' The bill outlines the 17-member commission, which would include mayors from East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Michigan City, LaPorte, Portage and South Bend, while the remaining members would be appointed by various people, including the executive director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph county leaders. The commission will require nine members present for a quorum and an affirmative nine votes to take action. It should hold its first meeting before Sept. 1. Once established, the commission would be able to enter agreements or contracts for grants or appropriations from federal, state, and local governments, individuals, foundations or other organizations. It would also be able to operate, own, manage or lease property. The commission would spend money from the professional sports development fund, which would be funded through general assembly appropriations, grants, gifts and donations. The money from the fund can't be reverted to another fund. Under the bill, the commission would explore attracting professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer teams. But, since the Chicago Bears have been looking for a new home, Harris said when he proposed the bill in the 2024 session it got attention then as a possible new location for the team. The Chicago Bears purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights in February 2023 and hopes to build a new enclosed stadium with a big entertainment and residential development. In December, the Bears and Arlington Heights reached an agreement to set taxes at $3.6 million per year. In April 2024, the team laid out plans for a new publicly owned domed stadium on the lakefront but left unanswered how the city would pay for expensive infrastructure improvements. But, a year later, after the NFL owners meetings concluded on April 2, 2025, Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren confirmed the team no longer has a singular focus on building its new stadium downtown. 'The focus now is both downtown and Arlington Heights,' Warren said. 'One thing I have said before is that there are not linear processes or projects. They take time. They take a lot of energy and effort. And I am very, very pleased with where we are.' Harris said he's had fun talking about the Bears, with legislators and family members, potentially coming to Northwest Indiana. While he's reached out to officials with the Bears, Harris said the odds of the Bears coming to Northwest Indiana are low. But, Harris said his bill allows Northwest Indiana to be considered as the Bears consider a new home. Northwest Indiana is in the Chicago market, he said, so the fan base for the Bears — or any Chicago team — is there, he said. 'This makes it more attractive for them to come to Northwest Indiana. It provides another option,' Harris said. 'I think there is an opportunity for them if they can't work things out in Illinois.' Since he was elected, Harris said Northwest Indiana has lakefront property, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the South Shore railroad, casinos, and the forth-coming Lake County Convention Center. A stadium for a sports franchise is the next step, he said. Nearly 30 years ago, Harris said his late father proposed legislation to bring a sports stadium to Northwest Indiana, also aiming to draw the Bears to the region. 'To be able to pick up the ball, as his son, I'm very proud and happy about that, and I'm sure he would be also,' Harris said. 'I'm glad to see this bill has made the movement that it has and it will make it through the process, and excited about what it will mean in terms of professional sports, economics and jobs in Northwest Indiana.'
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Key Indiana Bills That Could Impact Gary's Schools, Health Care, and Economy
From a push to ban diversity programs to Medicaid restrictions that could leave thousands uninsured — and even a plan to lure the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana — Gary residents have a lot at stake in Indiana's 2025 legislative session. With the session reaching its halfway mark, lawmakers have cleared several key bills — some advancing toward becoming law, others dying in committee. As legislators return to the Capitol on March 3, Capital B Gary has compiled a bill tracker highlighting proposed legislation with the biggest impact on Gary. Below, we break down the bills that have advanced and are now one step closer to becoming law, as well as those that failed but could have significantly reshaped the city. What it does: This is the state's main budget bill, deciding how money is spent on schools and universities, Medicaid, roads, and other state services. It also includes policy changes such as how certain government boards are structured, one of which directly impacts Gary. How it affects Gary: A provision in the bill would reduce Gary's control over the Gary/Chicago Airport Authority Board. Right now, Gary's mayor appoints four members, but the proposal would cut that to one. The other seats would go to Crown Point, Michigan City, and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. This shift could weaken Gary's influence over airport decisions and economic development in the region. Status: Passed the House, 66-28 What it does: It proposes a major overhaul of Medicaid in Indiana by capping enrollment in the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) — Indiana's Medicaid expansion — at 500,000 members. Currently, HIP serves approximately 700,000 Hoosiers, so this cap could potentially leave hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers without coverage. The bill also seeks to place work requirements for HIP eligibility and restricts advertising for Medicaid programs. How it affects Gary: More than 40% of Gary residents are insured by Medicaid, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Status: Passed the Senate, 40-9 What it does: The bill expands the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force to include Lake County. Currently, the task force operates in nine counties in central Indiana, working with state and federal officials to trace firearms used in crimes and develop a uniform strategy to reduce violent crime. How it affects Gary: Gary continues to struggle with gun violence. In 2024, the Lake County Coroner's Office investigated 65 homicides, with the majority occurring in Gary, according to state Rep. Earl Harris. Status: Passed the House, 89-0 What it does: This bill proposes the creation of the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission to develop a strategic plan for attracting professional sports teams — potentially including the Chicago Bears — to the region. The commission would explore stadium development, economic incentives, and regional benefits to position Northwest Indiana as a viable location for major sports franchises. How it affects Gary: The creation of a commission could have significant economic implications for Gary and the entire region. Bringing a professional sports team to Northwest Indiana would stimulate the economy, boost tourism, and create job opportunities. The current speculation, as discussed by bill author Rep. Earl Harris Jr., centers on building a stadium in Northwest Indiana to lure the Chicago Bears, following the model of teams like the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys, whose stadiums are located outside the cities they represent. Status: Passed the House, 83-6 What it does: The proposed legislation addresses a clerical error by the state comptroller that resulted in Gary receiving tax revenue intended for Michigan City and East Chicago. To correct this, the bill requires Gary to repay the $12.3 million it received over multiple years. How it affects Gary: Under the current schedule, the city would have to pay $5 million this year, with additional payments in the following years. Gary Common Council members met with the bill's author in Indianapolis this month to discuss adjusting the payment timeline to ease the financial strain on the city's budget, according to council President Lori Latham. Status: Passed the House, 89-2 What it does: HB 1136 proposes requiring districts where less than 50% of students living in the district attend public schools to convert their remaining schools into charter schools by 2028. How it affects Gary: This was one of the most concerning bills for Gary residents and city leaders, as it directly threatened the future of Gary Public Schools. If passed, the bill would have forced Gary and Indianapolis Public Schools — along with three other districts — to transition to charter schools, effectively stripping local control over public education. Status: No vote, died in committee. What it does: The bill would end state spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state agencies, public educational institutions, grant recipients and contracts, and health professional licensing it affects Gary: With the highest percentage of Black residents in Indiana, Gary could be disproportionately affected by the loss of DEI-related funding, programs, and initiatives that support education, workforce development, and health care access. While the exact impact remains unclear, the bill has the potential to significantly disrupt funding streams that benefit the city and its residents. Status: While the original SB 235 was withdrawn, the contents of the bill were added to Senate Bill 289, which passed the Senate 37-13. What it does: SB 11 requires social media companies to obtain verifiable parental consent for users under 16 years old, and grants the attorney general the power to sue social media companies that fail to comply. How it affects Gary: This bill would impact all Hoosiers, including parents in Gary, by placing new restrictions on minors' access to social media. Status: Passed by Senate, 42-7 What it does: The property tax bill covers a wide range of tax-related issues, from the establishment of tax credits for first-time homebuyers to requiring the Department of Local Government Finance to develop and maintain a property tax transparency portal, among many other provisions. How it affects Gary: The city is heavily dependent on property tax dollars as a source of revenue to fund critical city services. Major cuts to property taxes could have a detrimental effect here. For his part, Gov. Mike Braun is dissatisfied with the Senate bill, as it doesn't make the deep cuts he promised during his campaign. Status: Passed the Senate 37-10. Braun, however, has stated that he will not sign the bill in its current form. The post Key Indiana Bills That Could Impact Gary's Schools, Health Care, and Economy appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Chicago Tribune
18-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Bill to lure Chicago Bears to Indiana moves to final reading
A bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana is one step closer to passing onto the Senate after the Indiana House approved its second reading Monday. The House will hear House Bill 1292 in its third reading at a later date. House Bill 1292 — authored by Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago — would establish a Northwest Indiana professional development commission and a professional sports development fund. The commission would study various plans and recommendations to attract a professional sports franchise to the region, according to the Indiana General Assembly website. The commission would also prepare a comprehensive master plan for building facilities and other infrastructure. If the bill is passed, the commission will be made up of 19 members, including mayors from East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Michigan City, LaPorte, Portage and South Bend. Remaining members would be appointed by people including the executive director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, the governor and leaders in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. Once established, the commission would be able to enter agreements or contracts for grants or appropriations from federal, state, and local governments, individuals, foundations or other organizations, according to Post-Tribune archives. It would also be able to operate, own, manage or lease property. The commission would spend money from the professional sports development fund, which would be funded through general assembly appropriations, grants, gifts and donations. The money from the fund can't be reverted to another fund. The Bears are looking for a new home, so Harris has previously said they're the main target for this bill. However, the commission would explore any professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer teams. On Feb. 11, the House Ways and Means Committee amended the bill to remove language about not paying any state employee on the commission travel expenses and non-state employee commissioners the minimum salary per diem and reimbursement for travel outlined in state code, according to Post-Tribune archives. The committee also removed language allowing the commission to hire an executive director and carry out commission duties. Harris' father, who served as a state representative before him, filed similar legislation when he was in office to bring a sports franchise to Northwest Indiana. The 2015 legislation, House Bill 1376, died in the Ways and Means committee, according to the Indiana General Assembly website. Harris' mother — former Rep. Donna Harris, D-East Chicago — in 2016 created House Bill 1016 that would create a professional sports development commission. Donna Harris' bill died in the House Ways and Means committee, according to the Indiana General Assembly website. House Bill 1292 is co-authored by Rep. Ethan Manning, R-Logansport; Rep. Tim O'Brien, R-Evansville; and Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart.
Chicago Tribune
12-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Bill to lure Chicago Bears to Indiana passes out of House committee
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 Tuesday with two amendments. House Bill 1292 would establish a Northwest Indiana professional sports development commission, which would study plans to attract one or more professional sports franchises. The commission would be tasked with creating a comprehensive master plan for building the facilities needed to attract one or more professional sports franchises in the region. The House Ways and Means Committee amended the bill Tuesday to remove language about paying any state employee on the commission travel expenses and non-state employee commissioners the minimum salary per diem and reimbursement for travel outlined in state code. The committee also removed language from the bill allowing the commission to hire an executive director and others to carry out the commission's duties. Bill author State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, joked ahead of the Ways and Means Committee vote that the amendments negated the reason for bringing the bill before the committee. 'There's going to be no cost … that's what the amendment does,' said committee chairman Rep. Jeffrey Thompson, R-Lizton. 'I know what your intent is, and I think you have some good intent with this bill.' By removing the fiscal elements of the bill, Harris joked that he would 'presume that's an automatic 'yes' by everybody.' The bill passed 18-1 out of committee with Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, voting against it. Under the bill, the commission would explore attracting professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer teams. But, since the Bears have been looking for a new home, Harris said when he proposed the bill in the 2024 session it got attention then as a possible new location for the team. 'The Bears are the big boy, so that has received the most attention. Honestly, I would love it if the Bears moved their location over to Northwest Indiana, but we are open to any sport,' Harris said. Harris said he hasn't talked to anyone with the Chicago Bears organization about a potential move to Northwest Indiana. The Chicago Bears purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in February 2023 and hoped to build a new enclosed stadium with a big entertainment and residential development. In December, the Bears and Arlington Heights reached an agreement to set taxes at $3.6 million per year. In April 2024, the team laid out plans for a new publicly owned domed stadium on the lakefront but left unanswered how the city would pay for expensive infrastructure improvements. If the Bears, or any other team, were to move to Northwest Indiana, Harris said that team would keep its name but have a stadium in Northwest Indiana. Similar to how the New York Jets and New York Giants have New York in their name but play across the state line in New Jersey, he said. The bill outlines the 19-member commission, which includes the mayors from East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Michigan City, LaPorte, Portage and South Bend. The remaining members would be appointed by various people, including the executive director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, the governor, and leaders in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. The commission, which will require 10 members present for a quorum and an affirmative 10 votes to take action, should hold its first meeting before Sept. 1. Once established, the commission would be able to enter agreements or contracts for grants or appropriations from federal, state, and local governments, individuals, foundations or other organizations. It would also be able to operate, own, manage or lease property. The commission would spend money from the professional sports development fund, which would be funded through general assembly appropriations, grants, gifts and donations. The money from the fund can't be revered to another fund. The legislature has done many things in recent years to grow Northwest Indiana like building up casinos, the lakefront, the Gary/Chicago International Airport and the potential Lake County Convention Center, Harris said. The professional sports development commission would continue to make Northwest Indiana 'a game changer,' Harris said. 'Sports is a big thing and it's great economic development,' Harris said. 'The impact of (the commission) will be tremendous. Professional sports will drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs and it will continue to attract new businesses and tourism to the area.' Harris said his father, who served as a state representative before Harris, filed similar legislation when he was in office to bring a sports franchise to Northwest Indiana. Now, Harris said he's 'picked up the ball on that and am carrying it.' The bill fits for a budget session, which the Indiana legislature is currently in, because it establishes a fund, Harris said. But, he filed the bill last year to get the conversation around creating the commission moving forward, he said. This year, Harris said his bill has been co-authored by three Republicans, including Rep. Tim O'Brien, R-Evansville, who grew up in Northwest Indiana. 'The Bears are his team. He still has his roots here in Northwest Indiana,' Harris said of O'Brien. The bill will now move for consideration by the whole House.
