Indiana lawmakers are saying that a bill to provide funding for a Chicago Bears stadium won’t move forward without buy-in from the team.
State Rep. Earl Harris, whose district includes East Chicago, says the Bears need to buy into the idea of a stadium in northwest Indiana, and commit to it in order for legislation to move forward in the House.
“Once we get the sign off from the Bears, that bill will continue to work through the process, and get locked in and signed off by the governor,” he said.
The state’s Senate rapidly passed legislation setting the parameters for a deal with the Bears, including a bond issue, a lease with the team, and other agreements that a new board would make with the team.
However, that measure has not advanced in the House, with lawmakers now saying they need the Bears to show that they are serious about choosing a spot in northwest Indiana.
“We have to get things done fast, because session ends on Feb. 27. So when you look at getting a piece of legislation through the process, we’re coming up to the point where answer has to be provided,” Harris said.
As that bill remains up for debate in the Indiana House, Illinois lawmakers have been meeting frequently with the team to discuss the parameters of a deal to have a new stadium constructed in suburban Arlington Heights.
That deal would lock in property tax rates and also help to finance infrastructure improvements around the stadium, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week confirmed that lawmakers are continuing to have near-daily meetings with Bears officials.
Still, some suburban officials say the process has been taking too long.
“Our region has been asleep at the wheel for the past three years,” Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica said. “It’s a problem. It’s the only reason that Indiana looks like a more viable option than the Chicagoland area.”
Illinois lawmakers do have more time to negotiate with the Bears prior to the end of their legislative session. While Indiana’s legislature will be in session through the end of February, Illinois’ General Assembly will be in session through the end of May.