CHICAGO (WLS) — Significant progress unfolded late Wednesday concerning the Chicago Bears’ future location. In Springfield, a new amendment was introduced to a bill intended to facilitate state support for keeping the Bears in Illinois.
This amendment, proposed by State Representative Kam Buckner of Chicago, suggests offering tax incentives for infrastructure improvements to lure the Bears into constructing a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Notably, the McCaskey family already owns the former Arlington Raceway site, making it a prime candidate for development.
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House Bill 910, a revised version of a significant project proposal initially scheduled for review last week but postponed, is anticipated to be discussed in a committee meeting on Thursday morning in Springfield. It could potentially advance to a legislative vote shortly thereafter.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed a strong stance during a Wednesday night interview on MS NOW.
“I won’t be coerced by the Bears,” Pritzker stated. “I’ve established clear guidelines; my priority is ensuring Illinois taxpayers aren’t burdened. We’re working diligently on a plan to support the Bears without imposing costs on our taxpayers similar to those Indiana might face.”
At the same time, Indiana legislators are poised to pass a bill to their governor on Thursday, paving the way for financing a new stadium in Hammond.
“They are going to raise… taxes and I don’t think the people of Indiana have any idea what they are in for and they are going to pay for a stadium for the Chicago Bears,” Pritzker said.
House lawmakers in Indiana have approved a bill to invest $1 billion into a stadium for Hammond. The bill now heads to the state Senate before going to the governor.
While the Bears have scouted the Wolf Lake site, the team has yet to commit.
“Here in Illinois, we continue to have really positive discussions with the Bears, and I think you’ll see the progress over time here,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.
If the Indiana Senate passes the bill as expected, it heads straight to the governor’s desk for a signature.
“The excitement around northwest Indiana is at an all-time high. Every time we check another box, everybody gets a little more excited about this opportunity,” said Phil Taillon, with South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.
Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is kicking off an online petition to keep the Bears in Illinois.
Quinn will be out at the George Halas statue in front of Soldier Field to get the word out about the beardownforillinois.com petition.
He says he wants fans to band together and tell the owners to keep the team in Illinois.
Amid the battle outside the city, the city of Chicago is also still technically in the running to keep the Bears.
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