Illinois gives early OK to $100M for Obama museum
4/17/2014CHICAGO — An Illinois House committee has advanced a plan to devote $100 million in state funds to help bring President Obama’s presidential museum and library to Chicago.
The committee voted unanimously today following a hearing in Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was among several officials who spoke in favor of the funding.
He says the money would return dividends “well beyond” $100 million. Emanuel also says the funding would be a fitting way to welcome Obama back to his hometown.
Several Chicago sites — most on the city’s South Side — want to become home to the library and museum. Hawaii and New York also are vying for it.
The $100 million for construction costs would be part of a new capital construction plan, which the Legislature still must approve.