In a significant move for Illinois sports fans, state lawmakers are poised to advance legislation aimed at ensuring the Chicago Bears remain within state lines. This pivotal step could unfold as early as Wednesday, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing saga of the Bears’ stadium ambitions.
With the legislative session set to conclude by May 31, Illinois lawmakers are racing against the clock to push a bill through. This effort has been the subject of intense discussions within the Democratic caucus in Springfield, and insiders suggest that the mega-projects bill might soon be presented to the house committee for a decisive vote.
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The centerpiece of this legislative push is a revised bill designed to offer property tax incentives to the Bears. These incentives would facilitate the construction of a new stadium in Arlington Heights, a site that the team has owned for over three years.
Despite possessing the former Arlington racetrack property for such an extended period, the Bears have yet to commence construction. They are holding out for a favorable agreement that could see them benefit from reduced property tax obligations, which is crucial for moving forward with their stadium plans.
The team has owned the former home of the Arlington racetrack for more than three years.
But they have yet to put a shovel in the ground, while they await a deal that allows them to negotiate potentially lower property taxes.
“So this is a three-step process. Caucus was first and I think we had some really good conversations. I think today was a success. Next is to actually file an amendment based on some of the feedback. And then third would be getting it through committee,” state Rep. Kam Buckner (D-26th District), said.
Sources said the Illinois Federation of Teachers are lobbying for language in the bill that would guarantee big developments won’t drain school funds.
The fear is a tax freeze for the wealthy could impact the bill for homeowners.
An internal IFT memo sent on behalf of Stacy Davis Gates shows labor organization leaders have “concerns with the megaprojects language as currently filed,” that include risks to operational school funding.
The labor organization noting in the memo they “have not yet taken a final or declarative position on the bill.”
The Bears are expected to meet with NFL leadership next week to share an update on their stadium search, adding pressure for Illinois lawmakers to get a bill passed.
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