Illinois gives early OK to $100M for Obama museum
A student walking on the campus of Chicago State University in Chicago on Feb. 7, 2014. Chicago State is one of six potential sites bidding to be the location for a Barack Obama presidential library, each backed by different interests.
CHICAGO >> An Illinois House committee has advanced a plan to devote $100 million in state funds to help bring President Barack Obama’s presidential museum and library to Chicago.
The committee voted unanimously Thursday 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.
A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan says the Legislature still must determine a source for the funding.
