Republican to offer Bears stadium bill, new property tax initiatives
[June 09, 2026]
By Sean Reed | 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. |
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, speaks during a news conference in
Springfield, Illinois. Photo: Greg Bishop / The Center Square |
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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.
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