Overview
- The Illinois Senate is set to review the House-passed megaprojects bill after Gov. J.B. Pritzker said it needs changes to satisfy taxpayers and the Chicago Bears.
- The measure would let certified projects freeze property assessments for 25 to 45 years and replace rising tax bills with long-term Payments in Lieu of Taxes negotiated with local governments.
- Pritzker said the Bears oppose a new 9% amusement tax on tickets, and he signaled the Senate could remove or revise that provision.
- Lawmakers face a May 31 deadline to act, and pressure is rising as the Bears weigh Illinois options against an Indiana plan already authorized for a Hammond stadium site.
- The House approved the bill 78–32 with some Republican votes, while critics including Rep. Blaine Wilhour argue it favors large developers and could shift property-tax costs onto homeowners, small businesses, and farmers.