Illinois Pushes New Tax Exemption Plan to Retain Bears

The Chicago Bears have been seeking a new home since the team announced its interest in leaving the state. A new report indicates that negotiations to keep the franchise in Illinois are accelerating.

Crain’s Chicago Business reported on Thursday that a deal to retain the team is gaining traction. Lawmakers believe a vote in the Illinois General Assembly after the midterm elections could finalize the agreement. The proposal centers on creating a stadium district for municipalities like Arlington Heights. This structure would permit the team to construct a facility on public land while exempting it from property taxes. Property taxes have been a primary obstacle preventing a prior state deal.

The plan also keeps the possibility open for Chicago to bid for the stadium. This approach aims to secure support from city-based legislators who previously hesitated to approve a deal benefiting only suburban Arlington Heights. The Bears currently own the former Arlington International Racecourse site in that town.

Indiana officials remain skeptical of Illinois’ progress. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. stated that the current focus remains on Hammond, Indiana. He dismissed the prospect of Arlington Heights or Bridgeport, noting that Bridgeport faces similar affordability issues as Illinois. He told reporters, 'They’re not looking at Arlington Heights, I just read another one about Bridgeport. Get out of here. Bridgeport has the same problems, you can’t afford them Illinois!'

The Bears have repeatedly stated that Indiana is their primary focus. However, that has not stopped meetings between Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and other public officials regarding state retention. Residents in Indiana, such as Luis Aguilar in Whiting, expect the state to continue fighting to keep the team.

In Arlington Heights, local fans are becoming more optimistic about the team staying. One fan noted on social media that the threat of an Indiana move appears to have worked. The next critical step occurs when the fall veto session begins in mid-November. Unlike the spring session, which requires a simple majority, the veto session demands supermajorities to pass legislation. Democrats must gather enough votes to overcome this higher threshold if they wish to pass the measure keeping the Bears in the state.