IN Rep. Jordan supports Senate Bill 27 to bring the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana

State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) supports legislation establishing a stadium authority to bring the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana.

Jordan said Senate Bill 27 establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority that would have purchasing power to acquire land, issue long-term bonds, and finance the construction of a stadium and related facilities.

"This is an incredible opportunity to accelerate economic growth in northwest Indiana," Jordan said. “A new, modern stadium can drive long-term investment and create jobs and regional growth, which would not only benefit the northwestern part of the state, but Indiana as a whole."

The stadium authority would oversee and own the stadium, while an NFL franchise would lease the facility under a long-term agreement of at least 35 years.

Jordan said the stadium would be financed through bonds with maturities of up to 40 years. Bond payments would primarily come from lease rental payments funded through local tax revenues generated by tourism to the area.

The stadium authority would have a three-member board that includes the Indiana Office of Management and Budget director or representative, another OMB appointee, and the state’s public finance director.

"This type of investment would allow the area to attract world-class events, leading to increased economic activity, tourism, and more," Jordan said.

 Senate Bill 27 is assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee. To learn more and watch sessions and committee meetings, visit iga.in.gov.