Chicago Lawmakers Slow May 31 Bears Stadium Bill as Team Weighs 2 Sites
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 21
Chicago Lawmakers Slow May 31 Bears Stadium Bill as Team Weighs 2 Sites
12 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 21
Chicago legislators are delaying action on an Arlington Heights stadium bill to give Mayor Brandon Johnson more time to develop a new lakefront proposal, according to state Sen. Bill Cunningham.
The slowdown matters because the Bears told the NFL again this week that only 2 sites remain viable—Arlington Heights in Illinois and Hammond in Indiana—and a decision is expected later this spring or early summer.
Illinois lawmakers face a May 31 deadline to finish the Arlington Heights legislation; if they miss it, Indiana's bid gains leverage after Gov. Mike Braun already signed a stadium-aid package into law.
JB Pritzker sharpened the pressure by saying Johnson has had 3 years and still has "no plan" to keep the Bears in Chicago, exposing a split between city leaders trying to keep the team downtown and state officials trying at least to keep it in Illinois.
What is the backup plan for the massive Arlington Heights property if the Bears ultimately choose Indiana?
With Illinois deadlocked, is Indiana's $1 billion offer now the Bears' only realistic option for a new home?
As two states offer huge incentives, which stadium deal truly offers the best long-term value for local taxpayers?