Republican to offer Bears stadium bill, new property tax initiatives

By Sean Reed | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A Republican state representative announced he will be releasing his own framework that will take a crack at solving the ongoing issues that might be pushing the Chicago Bears in Indiana’s direction.

Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-St. Charles, announced he’ll be introducing his own legislation Tuesday at 10 a.m. to keep the team in the state. The news comes just a week after lawmakers failed to send a bill to the governor’s desk on the matter.

The new bill, according to a release, isn’t just aimed at giving the team a major tax break. Instead, it claims the measure would provide property tax relief for residents and businesses statewide.

“This entire debacle has exposed the serious flaws in our property tax system, not just for the Bears or large businesses, but for every homeowner and business owner in Illinois. My legislation will help keep the Bears in Illinois while lowering property taxes for everyone,” Ugaste said in the statement Monday.

The General Assembly wrapped up its spring legislative session June 1, and aren’t scheduled to return to Springfield until November. Despite that, the body could come back sooner if a special session is called, either by the governor or House and Senate leadership.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the decision was in the hands of House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon early last week, though neither indicated a special session would be particularly likely.