Jason Burgos
The Illinois House of Representatives is contemplating legislation that would give the Chicago Bears a massive tax discount to stop the team from moving to Indiana.
The idea of the Bears leaving the state seems absurd. However, these are very different times for the NFL. With teams and the league at value highs, owners are looking to squeeze as much money out of localities, broadcasters, and fans to maximize their money-making opportunities. The Kansas City Chiefs leaving Missouri to build a new stadium in Kansas in a few years shows franchise’s are prioritizing revenue over loyalty.
While the Bears should seem above that because of their rich history in Chi-Town as one of the NFL’s original teams, they are already set to leave Chicago for a potential stadium in Arlington Heights, IL. However, the idea of leaving the state altogether became very real in recent months as Indiana has made a serious push to lure the iconic brand next door.
The idea has obviously struck fear in the hearts of Illinois natives and their state representatives, even though a stadium in Indiana would be pretty close to the border of the two states. Well, to avoid the possibility and angering their citizens, an interesting idea has emerged in the capital.
Illinois Could Put Freeze on Property Taxes For Chicago Bears Stadium in Arlington Heights
According to the Chicago Sun Times, “State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, plans to brief Illinois House Democrats on the new amendment Tuesday. The PILOT measure, shorthand for payment in lieu of taxes, would allow the Bears to renegotiate their property taxes with Arlington Heights.”
The measure would freeze property tax assessments on the land the Bears have purchased in Arlington Heights for a potential stadium. Being able to build a state-of-the-art NFL stadium without worrying about current property tax rates could save the Bears a massive amount of money. However, there is one issue.
As WGN 9 in Chicago reports, “Chicago lawmakers are hesitant, saying they want something in return for voting to let the Bears leave the city.” State Rep. La Shawn Ford mentioned recently the need for some type of support on how the city makes use of Soldier Field once the Bears head to Arlington Heights.
Lawmakers are set to meet over the next three days before taking a break until May 4. It still needs to pass through the Illinois House of Representatives, but it is a bold new escalation of the state’s attempts to avoid losing the Chicago Bears to Indiana.
