Illinois Senate weighs Bears stadium bill amid team objections to tax plan

The big picture: The IL House passed the 377-page "megaprojects" bill last week, which was 10 times the size of the bill the House negotiated over in February.

• The measure goes beyond the Bears, bundling in economic development incentives — including property tax relief — for municipalities statewide.

How it works: The bill allows developers to negotiate and lock in property tax payments, potentially freezing them for 25–35 years.

Yes, but: The proposal has hit roadblocks, including from an unexpected source: the Bears.

Friction point: Gov. JB Pritzker said Saturday the team has concerns about the House-passed bill, signaling changes may be needed to win their support.

• At issue: a proposed 9% amusement tax on entertainment districts. While it wouldn't apply to the stadium, it would hit surrounding restaurants, bars and venues planned for Arlington Heights.
• "They had said at the outset that an amusement tax is something that really won't work," Pritzker said at a press conference Saturday. "They really don't want to see [it] on top of all the other taxes that are imposed here."

Reality check: Opposition isn't limited to the team.

What they're saying: The Illinois Revenue Alliance, made up of unions, advocacy groups, and community organizations, urged lawmakers to find "the political will to tax billionaires and wealthy corporations" instead of giving potential tax breaks.

What's next: The Bears are set to meet with the NFL stadium committee this week to provide an update on the stadium search, adding pressure to Springfield to act.

• Pritzker is hoping the Senate passes the bill before the end of the spring session on May 31.

The bottom line: Lawmakers are racing the clock to pass a bill that satisfies the Bears and a long list of competing interests.