Gov Says “OK” to $250 Million for Games

Chicago 2016 wants the State of Illinois to increase its financial guarantee for Chicago’s 2016 Summer Olympic Games bid. Bid officials want the state to increase its financial guarantee from the $150 million in taxpayer funds pledged in 2007 by former Governor Rod Blagojevich to $250 million, reports CBS Chicago. And the Governor has agreed. The Chicago Tribune adds to the story reporting that the Mayor says “So, what we have to do, we have to go locally and state and try to get a guarantee, whihc is really important.”

That’s a total of $880 million in public money that is already committed to the games. $250 million from the state. $500 million from the city. $85 million from the city to buy the site for the village and another $45 million for security. All this is for starters. Remember, the London summer games are $9 billion over budget right now.

Meanwhile 23% of all Illinois school districts in 2008 were running deficits – spending more than they bring in. Call the Governor and tell him to use our tax dollars for the public good – like fixing our roads, improving our mass transit, hiring more teachers, opening health clinics – mundane things like that.

The Governor can be reached at 217-782-6830 and 312-814-2121.