As the clock ticks down on the Illinois legislative session, lawmakers find themselves in a race against time this Sunday evening. With just hours remaining, the Senate is poised to make a pivotal first move on the state budget, which will then be handed over to the House for a decisive vote. Simultaneously, efforts are intensifying to secure an agreement that could keep the Chicago Bears rooted in Illinois.
In a last-minute development, the Senate introduced a proposal on Sunday that could pave the way for certain municipalities in Cook County, specifically those with populations exceeding 70,000 like Arlington Heights and Chicago, to form their own stadium authorities. This initiative is aimed at enabling these municipalities to negotiate directly with the Bears.
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Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham, representing Chicago, explained, “This would allow the Bears, if they opt to enter an agreement with a municipality, to finance the stadium privately. The arrangement would see the stadium owned by the municipality, and being a public building, it would be exempt from property taxes.”
This legislative effort might just reintroduce Chicago as a viable contender in the Bears’ relocation deliberations. Previously, the team had indicated that their focus was solely on Arlington Heights or an alternative location in Hammond, Indiana, where a similar proposal had been offered by state lawmakers.
Lead Bears negotiator and Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner of Chicago expressed optimism, stating, “If people recognize that this plan is specifically tailored, and as Senator Cunningham mentioned, provides a role for the city of Chicago, then we might garner some support, right?”
“I think if people can see that a plan like this is narrowly tailored, but also, as Senator Cunningham said, gives the ability for the city of Chicago to have a part to play in this as well, then, there could be some support, right?” said lead Bears negotiator and Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.
The stadium idea drew mixed reaction from Chicago lawmakers, whose support will be needed to pass it. Some have been concerned about finding a way to help the average taxpayer while helping the Bears.
“This seems to solve for that issue, in that individuals don’t have to feel as though, again, an entity is getting a tax break, and they are not,” said Illinois state Rep. Curtis Tarver II, D-Chicago.
“At the end of the day, a billion-dollar corporation can build their own stadium, pay their taxes, and leave us out of it, and that’s where I am on this,” said Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago.
As leaders try to corral support among reticent Democrats representing parts of Chicago, they may need to court Republican support.
“We represent parts of all 102 counties, and that includes Cook, so you may see some Cook County legislators be supportive of that legislation, but it will depend on how it’s written,” said House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
The proposal would not impact any development surrounding a stadium on which the Bears would still pay property taxes. Cunningham was asked if the Bears even support the idea.
“The Bears have been briefed on them. I can’t tell you if they are on board,” Cunningham said.
It is not clear if there is enough support to get the Bears deal passed before midnight.
As for the budget, Sunday was filled with hearings on many aspects. Democrats revealed they will be using a $150 million surplus from the sales tax on gasoline, caused by increased prices at the pump, to plug other holes.
“We’re going to utilize some of that excess funding that we didn’t anticipate to help make sure the budget is balanced, make it fiscally responsible, and take some pressure off of some of the services that are so needed through the state,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, D-Metro East.
“What we should be doing is halting the sales tax on gasoline and the gas tax. We tax the tax in this state and give the give the residents of Illinois a break from paying that extra tax,” said Illinois state Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Kane and DuPage counties.
“So, this is a really dangerous precedent that has been set,” Republican state Rep. Ryan Spain. “If you’re a driver who is irritated by the high price of gas that you’re paying, you should be extra irritated when you understand where the funds are going.”
Lawmakers have to pass a balanced budget by 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
Meanwhile, lawmakers also passed a major piece of legislation affecting Illinois schoolchildren.
It will ban the use of cell phones during the school day.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued a statement applauding the action, and says he looks forward to signing the bill into law.
As for a stadium deal, time is of the essence. The Bears and the NFL want a decision on the team’s future to be made soon, with Indiana’s offer waiting on the sidelines.
“So, I believe the importance of tonight is to send a message to the business community and to the Bears and to the NFL that we’re serious. We want you as a customer. The state wants you as a part of its future,” said Republican state Sen. Seth Lewis.
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