Pritzker points to November session for Bears stadium bill
A preliminary proposal would place a new stadium under a public authority, but no agreement has been reached.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says the November veto session could give lawmakers an opportunity to consider legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in the state. Lawmakers are due back in Springfield on 17 November.
The proposal reported by ABC7 would have a stadium authority own a new Bears stadium. That structure would exempt the team from property taxes, according to sources cited by the broadcaster.
Pritzker told Capital News Illinois he was hopeful the legislature would take up a bill during the session. His comments followed a meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, legislative leaders and a Bears minority owner.
The authority proposal is one idea under consideration, and no deal has been reached. A similar measure passed the Senate earlier this year but did not receive a House vote.
The Bears previously identified Hammond, Indiana, as their sole focus. Their plans there now appear uncertain, while the team’s 326-acre Arlington Heights property could again be considered as a stadium site.
