Latest news with #HouseBill1292
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lake County council appoints NWI Oilmen president to sports commission
Don Popravak, president of the Northwest Indiana Oilmen baseball club, said the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission will work across the region to create a 'cohesive professional sports development area here.' 'It will help drive tourism. It will help drive economic development for cities and towns across those counties,' Popravak said. 'There is unlimited potential here.' The Lake County Council appointed Popravak to the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission Tuesday as proxy for council president Christine Cid, D-East Chicago. 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 outlines the 17-member commission, which 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. 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. Earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune reported that team officials have shifted their focus for a new stadium away from the city's lakefront back to Arlington Heights. 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.' Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, asked Popravak if he can assure the council that the commission will secure a shot at moving the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Popravak said that about $3 billion would help secure the Chicago Bears. Given that the Chicago Bears are debating stadiums in Chicago and Arlington Heights, that would be a difficult assurance to ask for, he said. 'I can't guarantee things like that. Those are a little bit out of my reach,' Popravak said. 'Those are big stakes.' Cid asked Popravak to keep the council updated on the progress the commission makes. Popravak said he would, and that the commission has a meeting planned in July. Since he was elected, Harris has touted Northwest Indiana's resources like the lakefront, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the South Shore railroad, casinos and the planned 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 Chicago 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
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
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to attract Chicago Bears to Indiana passes out of Senate committee
A bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana was amended and passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday. 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. 'We know that professional sports drives economic development, it also creates jobs, it attracts new business and tourism,' Harris said. 'I've also had a lot of fun with the conversation about The Bears, how they are trying to find a new home and whether or not I'm stealing the Bears from Chicago and messing with certain people's favorite team. But this really is, in all honesty and seriousness, an opportunity to continue to grow Northwest Indiana and the assets that we have there.' Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, offered an amendment to make the professional sports development fund a local fund. With the move, Mishler said his amendment removed state appointees — which brings the commission's total members from 19 to 17. But, the bill would maintain an appointee by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation so that the state has a partnership with a potential sports franchise. 'I like your idea,' Mishler told Harris Thursday in committee. 'I was real excited that you brought this forward. I have actually been in a couple discussions with people that have considered Northwest Indiana. It's prime development there close to Chicago.' The bill outlines the 17-member commission, which includes 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. Under Mishler's amendment, 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 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 previously 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 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' The amended House Bill 1292 passed out of committee 12-0. It will advance for consideration by the whole Senate. akukulka@
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.
