The state of Illinois is pushing to keep the Chicago Bears' new stadium in the state, with Indiana trying to steal it from them, but the latest development might slow the process.
Capitol News Illinois reporter Brenden Moore shared that the Illinois House Revenue Committee voted 13-7 to advance the megaproject bill, including the Bears stadium. After going to the Illinois House, they did not make any decision on the bill, as the earliest it can be passed is mid-March.
Indiana has been pushing to get its bill passed so it can make an offer to the Bears to build the stadium in Hammond, Indiana. It should be clear that, again, this update does not mean the Bears are going to Indiana; it just means the process for Illinois has slowed down.
Bears new stadium now in limbo after the latest from Illinois
Bears fans should take all of this as good news that Illinois is finally making progress on the new stadium. The franchise could try to hold out for the state to pass the bill next month so that they can finally break ground in Arlington Heights.
One concern could be that Indiana has a chance to pass its bill and get everything approved sooner, and then make a stellar offer the Bears can't refuse. The state of Indiana is serious about trying to lure the Bears to their state and get the stadium built.
Indiana has already offered to help pay for part of the stadium, and the Bears would pay for $2 billlion of it. While it isn't clear what Illinois is willing to do, state legislators are being more cautious in their approach to ensure taxpayers don't get hurt in their pockets.
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A lot can still change in the next few weeks, but Illinois is at least showing they are trying to make something happen, even if it is at a slower pace than Bears fans would like.