It’s been slow-going for the Chicago Bears and Illinois to reach an agreement on taxes and infrastructure projects that would be necessary for the team to build at the site in Arlington Heights.
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In the midst of their battle with Illinois, the Bears have worked with the state of Indiana to potentially build a stadium in the Northwest part of the Hoosier state.
On March 12, Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia called this a “big, big, big” week for Illinois’ chances of keeping the Bears from bolting to Indiana. State legislators returned to Springfield and were expected to debate tax breaks and other incentives for the Bears to move to Arlington Heights.
The Bears received bad news about the project on Thursday.
Per Bob Kasarda and Dan Carden of nwi.com, the Illinois House Tax Credit and Incentives Subcommittee did not resume talks on Thursday for a proposal that would designate “mega project properties” eligible for an assessment freeze.
Illinois lawmakers had previously scheduled the proposal for review.
Illinois hoped to work with the Chicago Bears this spring
Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
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Earlier in March, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker suggested lawmakers would try to help the Bears when they returned later this month.
“I think the Bears had not set themselves up well for getting something done,” Pritzker said. “And so, we’ve tried to help them along in this session, and I believe that we’re going to be successful. And the Bears seem to like what’s being put forward.”
On Thursday, nothing moved forward.
As it stands, Indiana has been more aggressive in trying to land the Bears than Illinois.
While the Bears would ideally like to stay in Illinois, their decision will come down to what Illinois is able and willing to offer.
It appears most taxpayers in Illinois don’t see the new stadium as a priority as they’re trying to worry about their grocery bill and rising prices at the gas pump.
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