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Speaker Madigan Proposes $100 Million For Obama Library

BarackObama.com
Credit BarackObama.com

  The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Illinois House are taking opposing views on whether Illinois should promise taxpayer money to try and lure President Barack Obama's library and museum to Chicago.

Amanda Vinicky reports on Speaker Michael Madigan's proposal to locate President Barack Obama's presidential library to Chicago.

The head of Illinois' Democratic Party, Michael Madigan, wants Illinois to spend $100 million dollars on a Presidential Library and Museum for Barack Obama.

It's up to Obama to choose where it'll be located.

In a press release, Madigan — who's also Speaker of the Illinois House — says for Obama to pick Illinois would be a "lasting testament to his contributions and leadership as an Illinois state senator, U.S. Senator and president of the United States."

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says if Illinois could get back to rosier budget days, he'd give the idea consideration.

Durkin says it's a question of priorities. He also says the proposal is premature, given that other states -- like Hawaii, where Obama was born -- are still in the running.

Madigan's plan gives no indication of where Illinois would get the money.

Copyright 2014 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
Amanda Vinicky
Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.