House hearing examines taxpayer costs of sports stadium subsidies amid Bears debate
Forbes Breaking News clip shows Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) questioning economist Dennis Coates during a June 2026 House Ways and Means Committee hearing on stadium financing. LaHood raises the Illinois debate over the Chicago Bears potentially relocating to Hammond, Indiana, versus staying in the state. Coates distinguishes federal versus local taxpayer burdens, criticizes proponent economic impact studies, and advocates independent analysis plus voter referendums. He argues urban stadiums primarily redistribute spending rather than generate net growth.
Source: Forbes Breaking News