Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is heading to Springfield for important meetings with lawmakers starting Tuesday night. His goal is to gather new ideas for revenue and ensure the Chicago Bears remain at Soldier Field.
As the legislative session wraps up, there’s pressure to adapt a bill that could help the Bears build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Johnson’s proposals may face tough challenges in Springfield, but he’s determined to fight for the team’s future in Chicago.
“It’s not just a great place for the Bears to play,” Johnson stated. “It’s also the most economically sound option for keeping the team here.” The Bears have considered Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, for their new stadium.
Johnson expressed concerns about a bill in the Illinois Senate that enables developers to make payments to local taxing authorities in exchange for property tax freezes. While this could facilitate the Bears’ stadium project, an analysis indicated the tax relief for homeowners would be minimal, raising alarms for the mayor.
“Without a clear path to equitable solutions for working people, I believe that’s a problem,” he said.
The mayor also wants to ensure state income tax cuts do not impact funding for local municipalities. Currently, Chicago stands to lose over $12 million due to the governor’s budget plan. Johnson emphasized that even a small increase in revenue share could bring in an extra $80 million for the city.
Progressive lawmakers support new revenue streams, including a potential digital ad tax, with Sen. Robert Peters stating, “This is a unique opportunity to address budget issues and wider community concerns.”
Peters, whose district includes Soldier Field, is also advocating for state support to enhance the venue for concerts, regardless of the Bears’ presence.
Johnson will engage with lawmakers over dinner and breakfast, gearing up for a busy day of advocacy. The Illinois spring session concludes on May 31, and the Bears plan to share updates on their stadium plans by late spring or early summer.
As discussions unfold, this issue highlights the tension between city leadership and the shifting landscape of sports franchises. Johnson aims to balance the city’s needs with the aspirations of a beloved local team.
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