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Lawmakers advance the ball on measure helping Chicago Bears

Lawmakers advance the ball on measure helping Chicago Bears

State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) presents an economic development bill in committee, Feb. 26, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee Thursday passed a bill on a partisan 13-7 vote that could lead to the Chicago Bears building a new stadium in Arlington Heights (D-Chicago).

State Rep. Kam Buckner (pictured) (D-Chicago) said the bill is responsible and allows any business attempting a “mega-project” to pursue “tax certainty” through PILOT – Payment in Lieu of Taxes.

Brian Costin, deputy state director for Americans for Prosperity, said it’s just too much. “Is this equality before the law? Is this uniform taxation?” he asked. “These are foundational principals in the Illinois Constitution that are going to be destroyed by this bill.”

Indiana’s legislative session is all but over, and lawmakers there plan to throw an incentive-laden package for the Bears to move to Hammond, Ind.

“I think what they have rolled out has not risen to the level of the pandemonium” which has consumed the story, said Buckner after the hearing. “I think that there are still people who don’t know or are unsure of the smorgasbord of tax increases that is attached to (Indiana’s) proposal. We are doing our job. We are operating in our lane.”

The House adjourned until March 18 without taking action on the bill.

 

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