Optimism may be peaking among the Bears fanbase, but that isn't carrying over to the state legislature.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch once again shot down the idea of taxpayers kicking in any money for a new stadium for the Bears this week, saying November's election is unlikely to change minds.

"You know, even after the election, I just think it's, things we have to focus on: the kitchen table issues," Welch said. "People want to make sure their groceries are affordable, their rent is affordable, you know, that they have a roof over their head. The last thing they want us to be talking about is stadiums for sports teams."

Taxpayer-funded stadiums have become increasingly unpopular among citizens in recent years. Even hardcore sports fans have pushed back on the notion of subsidizing a stadium for billionaires and millionaires during a time when inflation rates are soaring at stores and rent prices are rising faster than raises.