(Springfield, IL) — This could be a huge week in the Illinois Legislature concerning the future of the Bears. A vote on a stadium bill is expected Wednesday.
The legislation is designed to freeze property tax assessments in Arlington Heights allowing the team to negotiate a payment-in-lieu -of taxes agreement.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford says if the northwest suburbs become the home of the new sports venue, Chicago should not be forgotten. He added that the Soldier Field property should have some type of support moving forward.
The state of Indiana has already passed legislation to lure the Bears across state lines. Meanwhile, the NFL’s stadium committee is scheduled to meet with Bears leadership next week to talk about the stadium search.
April 21, 2026