Another day, another billionaire casually asking the taxpayers of his city for a billion dollars so he can get even more money than he already has. This time, it’s Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bulls, who is asking the State of Illinois to foot the bill for a new White Sox stadium in a vacant 62-acre plot in Chicago’s South Loop.
Reinsdorf, who is worth billions, is no stranger to asking for public money to fund his sports ventures. The Illinois Sports Facility Authority, a governmental body created to fund Reinsdorf’s stadium projects, is still paying off the costs of building Guaranteed Rate Field, where the White Sox currently play, and renovating Soldier Field. The taxpayers of Chicago have already paid millions to support Reinsdorf’s sports empire, and now he’s asking for even more.
Meanwhile, Chicago is facing a host of pressing issues, from overcrowded schools and crumbling infrastructure to homelessness and public safety concerns. The city has spent millions to care for migrants sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as punishment for declaring itself a sanctuary city. Public schools in Chicago are struggling, with many students unable to read or perform math at their grade level. The city’s police force has exceeded its overtime budget for the past five years, and replacing lead pipes in the city could cost billions.
Given the urgent needs facing Chicago, it is unconscionable for Reinsdorf to ask for a billion dollars for a new stadium. The idea that new sports stadiums bring jobs and revenue to the area has been debunked, with studies showing that the benefits are often overstated and the costs are borne by taxpayers. Instead of investing in a new stadium, the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago could spend a billion dollars on initiatives that would truly benefit the community.
Furthermore, the White Sox themselves could use some investment on the field. After a few promising seasons, the team has underperformed in recent years, with a lackluster win percentage and a questionable managerial decision in hiring Tony La Russa. If Reinsdorf wants to spend a billion dollars, he should consider investing in his team’s performance rather than a new stadium.
In the end, Reinsdorf’s request for public funding for a new stadium is a classic case of a wealthy individual looking to further enrich himself at the expense of taxpayers. It’s time for the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago to prioritize the needs of their residents over the desires of a billionaire sports owner. Fire Tony La Russa now, and say no to funding Reinsdorf’s vanity project.
