During remarks to the Senate floor on Thursday, June 11, 2026 Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) criticized Illinois leadership and compared the State of Illinois to the State of Indiana with the latest news that the Chicago Bears plan to move to Indiana. YouTube Tips ⓘ
On June 11, 2026, U.S. Senator Jim Banks delivered a speech on the Senate floor that compared ongoing plans regarding the Chicago Bears moving their stadium to Hammond, Indiana to the high tax, anti-family, anti-police, anti-business, left wing policies of Illinois. Senator Banks criticized the Illinois legislature for failing to keep the team in Chicago, stating that Illinois is “a bankrupt state” and then highlighted Indiana’s favorable business environment.
The Chicago Bears announced Friday, June 5, 2026 regarding their plans to build a stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Sen. Banks expressed excitement about the stadium potentially being built in Hammond, Indiana, noting it is an easy commute from his home south of the proposed stadium site on US-30.
A state with leadership and vision (Indiana) compared to a state that has gone bankrupt (Illinois).
Indiana is the second best state in the country for cost of living.
Illinois is 34th.
Indiana is the best state in the country regarding the cost of doing business. Indiana’s unemployment rate is 3.2%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Illinois unemployment rate is 5.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sen. Banks praised Indiana’s fiscal responsibility, pointing to the state’s balanced budgets, reduced tax burdens, and overall business affordability.
Sen. Banks also criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for blaming the Chicago Bears for shifting their site plans, but emphasized the Bears voted with their cleats. Sen. Banks quoted the Illinois Policy Institute study indicating that 40,000 residents moved out of Illinois for other states in 2025. Sen. Banks also said Illinois has lost 218 business since 2023. He added Pritzker is far more interested in protecting illegal immigrants.
Sen. Banks criticized the socialist mayor Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for recently saying, “Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, and today’s announcement is not surprising.” Mayor Johnson has also stated that law enforcement is a sickness while crime statistics indicate that Illinois. Sen. Banks also quoted a CNBC report indicating the robbery rate in Illinois is 152% worse than the robbery rate in Indiana.
Since January 20, 2026, there have been 768 illegal criminal aliens released in Illinois, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
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