Springfield, IL – Following reports that the Chicago Bears intend to move forward with a stadium development in Indiana, State Representative Dan Ugaste said the decision represents a major failure of state leadership and a missed opportunity for Illinois taxpayers, workers, and businesses.
“The Chicago Bears were prepared to invest between $3 billion and $5 billion into a world-class stadium and entertainment district in Illinois,” said Ugaste. “This project had the potential to generate thousands of construction jobs, create long-term economic growth, attract major national and international events, and strengthen Illinois’ position as a destination for business and tourism. Instead, state leaders allowed this opportunity to slip away.”
Ugaste noted that the Bears were never seeking money for the stadium. Rather, they were seeking certainty regarding a property tax burden that would otherwise be many times higher than what comparable stadium developments pay elsewhere.
“The Bears have repeatedly indicated they are willing to pay a reasonable property tax bill – one that would likely still be the highest stadium property tax bill in America,” Ugaste said. “What no business can justify is paying a property tax bill that is several times higher than any comparable facility in the nation. The fact that Illinois could not address this obvious competitive disadvantage is a colossal failure of the Governor and the legislative majority.”
Ugaste emphasized that the underlying issue extends far beyond a single stadium project.
“This is not just about the Bears. Every homeowner and every business in Illinois are struggling under the weight of excessive property taxes. The same tax policies that pushed a major project out of Illinois are the same policies making it harder for families to afford their homes and for employers to expand and create jobs.”
Ugaste announced that next week he will release the framework of legislation designed to keep major investments in Illinois while also delivering meaningful property tax relief to taxpayers statewide.
“There is a way to get this done,” Ugaste said. “Illinois can remain competitive for major economic development projects while also providing relief for homeowners and businesses who are carrying one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. My proposal will demonstrate that we do not have to choose between economic growth and taxpayer relief. We can, and should, have both.”
“Unfortunately, because state leaders failed to act, Illinois may now lose one of its most significant investment opportunities. The people of Illinois deserve better.”
Rep. Dan Ugaste serves Illinois House District 65, which includes parts of Kane and DuPage counties. For more information, contact Rep. Ugaste’s office at 630-797-5530 or visit his website at repugaste.com.