Lightfoot opposes legislation to help McCormick Place

With an expanded restaurant tax to benefit McCormick Place seemingly sailing toward legislative approval, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday issued a statement opposing the proposal.

Her opposition could put the plan on hold for the current legislative session, which is due to end Friday. The Illinois Senate approved the measure Wednesday and a House committee was scheduled to take it up Thursday evening.

The proposal would expand the area within central Chicago where the 1% tax on restaurant meals and drinks would apply. The added revenue would help the convention complex borrow an additional $600 million to fund a new building and a partial demolition of the Lakeside Center.

But in a statement, Lightfoot's office focused on a clause in the legislation that exempts sports stadiums such as Wrigley Field and the United Center from the tax.

"The mayor is committed to ensuring that Chicago's convention industry remains vibrant, and supports making investments that will enhance McCormick Place and drive new economic growth for the City of Chicago," the statement read. "However, we are concerned about this proposal in its current form, specifically the exemption favoring large venue owners, whose customer base includes visitors and conventioneers, and the potential unintended consequences for small businesses in Chicago."

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