Republican to offer Bears stadium bill, new property tax initiatives

Republican to offer Bears stadium bill, new property tax initiatives

Spread the love

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers

Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy...
WCO 2025-09-27 at 9.04.10 AM

Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township

Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a special use permit for The Second Story Foundation to operate a long-term residential recovery program for men on a 68-acre horse...
Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law

Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state lawmaker who also serves as a police officer says the recent stabbing of non-police...
Illinois quick hits: DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm; bill allows campaign funds for security

Illinois quick hits: DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm; bill allows campaign funds for security

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says more than 200 rioters blocked access to a...
Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC guidance

Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC guidance

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials recommend all adults get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, defying recent U.S. Centers...
Grocery tax stalls in Chicago council, measure approved in Bloomington

Grocery tax stalls in Chicago council, measure approved in Bloomington

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Bloomington has joined hundreds of Illinois municipalities by reinstating a one-percent grocery tax that will soon be...
Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; 'peacekeeper' arrested for battery

Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; ‘peacekeeper’ arrested for battery

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to being illegally present in the United States after...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.4

Joliet Junior College Honors Seven Long-Serving Employees Upon Retirement

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees formally recognized seven long-serving employees who are retiring, including Dr. Robert "Bob"...

WATCH: 2022 GOP nominee makes second run for governor

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, is making a second run for Illinois governor. Bailey launched his...
WATCH: Pritzker creates governors group as IL legislators debate increased energy bills

WATCH: Pritzker creates governors group as IL legislators debate increased energy bills

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday announced the creation of a new group of governors impacted by...
Attorneys general file amicus brief supporting DEI policies

Attorneys general file amicus brief supporting DEI policies

By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois, California and Massachusetts are co-leading a coalition of Democratic attorneys general from 17 states filing an...
Illinois lawmaker, physician pushes back on Trump Tylenol announcement

Illinois lawmaker, physician pushes back on Trump Tylenol announcement

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials push back on new federal guidance, saying Tylenol use in pregnancy does not...

Illinois quick hits: Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs; temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of...
Meeting-Briefs-5

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Green Garden Township Board for September 22, 2025

The Green Garden Township Board held a workshop meeting on September 22 to discuss several key administrative and planning items. The board is now tasked with appointing a new trustee...
Screenshot 2025-09-23 at 8.37.08 PM

Green Garden Township Plans Overhaul of Cyber Security Measures

Article Summary: The Green Garden Township Board is planning a significant upgrade to its cyber security, focusing on migrating its systems to Microsoft 365 and weighing options for professional IT...