Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says megaprojects legislation is shaping up in the Illinois Senate.

A reporter asked the governor on Friday if Chicago might remain an option for a Chicago Bears stadium if legislation to support team’s Arlington Heights development fails. Pritzker said the Bears and the National Football League both said there are only two options, Arlington Heights and Indiana.

Americans for Prosperity Illinois estimated that the property tax break for the Bears’ $5 billion development in Arlington Heights could reach $330 million per year, all of which could be shifted to other taxpayers in surrounding communities.

GOVERNOR CELEBRATES BRIDGE WORK IN JOLIET

Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined state and local officials in Joliet on Friday to celebrate the final phase of the $1.3 billion Interstate 80 construction project in Will County.

Work began earlier this month on two new bridges over the Des Plaines River. The $164 million bridge construction is expected to be completed in 2028, with demolition of the old bridges set for 2029.

Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report found that nine percent of Illinois’ bridges are structurally deficient, the ninth-highest percentage in the nation.

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FILINGS ARE DUE TUESDAY

The Illinois State Board of Elections says Tuesday is the final day for candidates to file new party and independent nomination papers.

The board says all petitions must be filed by 5 p.m. Central time.

ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWS, MANUFACTURING PICKS UP

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Manufacturing Activity Index increased to +38 in May from +26 in April, but the CFSEC Non-manufacturing Activity Index decreased to –5 in May from +16 the previous month.

The Chicago Fed’s Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index decreased from +20 in April to +12 in May, suggesting economic growth slowed but remained above trend.