Overview
- Illinois lawmakers adjourned the veto session with no vote on the Bears’ property‑tax framework or related measures, leaving the effort paused until the new year and pushing any state action into 2026.
- In a letter to legislators, the team offered a $25 million pledge starting in 2028 for Chicago uses such as park improvements, Soldier Field maintenance, or covering Illinois Sports Facilities Authority bond shortfalls.
- The offer did not move votes in Springfield, as Rep. Kam Buckner called it inadequate, Sen. Robert Peters said it didn’t change opposition, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker voiced only limited enthusiasm.
- The Bears said they have met their contractual share of the 2003 Soldier Field renovation and have no obligation to repay bonds backed by a 2% hotel tax, even as about $534 million in related public debt remains.
- Team leaders continue to seek tax certainty they say is necessary for a $5 billion mixed‑use project in Arlington Heights, and sources have indicated they could eventually weigh sites outside Cook County if support remains elusive.