Overview
- Team leaders met with Gov. J. B. Pritzker’s staff Wednesday as negotiators worked on a “megaprojects” tax-certainty bill for a domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
- The bill would let developments over $500 million negotiate or freeze property-tax assessments, and it passed a House committee in February but still lacks the support to reach the floor.
- Negotiations now include Republican Rep. Brad Stephens, and sponsor Kam Buckner says an amended bill with stronger taxpayer protections and incentives will be filed soon.
- Indiana has already created a regional stadium authority and set favorable tax terms for a Hammond site, which the Bears are weighing against their team-owned land in Arlington Heights.
- The NFL stadium committee set a virtual update for the week of April 27, and any site choice will need league approval as the team targets a late spring or early summer decision before Illinois’ May 31 adjournment.