Pritzker Rejects Bears’ Tax Break, Demands Transit Reform Action

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker ruled out a property tax break for the Chicago Bears’ proposed stadium in Arlington Heights during a forum held by the Economic Club of Chicago on October 24, 2023. While emphasizing the importance of infrastructure support, Pritzker firmly stated that taxpayers should not shoulder the financial burden of such incentives for a franchise valued at $9 billion.

The Bears are seeking an extended property tax reprieve and $855 million in infrastructure subsidies for their planned mixed-use development at the site of the former Arlington Park racetrack. Pritzker made clear that the state has a responsibility to assist growing businesses, but not at the expense of taxpayers. “Building a couple billion-dollar stadium for them, promising that they won’t pay any property taxes, we shouldn’t do that. That’s not good for the taxpayers,” he said.

Pritzker elaborated on the state’s role in supporting business development. “When companies come to the state of Illinois and they want help to grow, or build something new and big — we help. We help them with infrastructure, we help them in a lot of different ways,” he noted. He stressed that taxpayers should not be left on the hook for the debt incurred from previous renovations to Soldier Field.

Transit Funding Crisis and Calls for Reform

During the forum, the governor also addressed the looming financial crisis facing public transit systems in Chicago and surrounding areas. Officials predict a shortfall of $230 million in 2026, which could escalate to $834 million by 2027. Pritzker remarked on the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the budget issues facing Metra, Pace, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

“It’s not just a state effort. The transportation systems themselves need to find efficiencies, and we’ve demanded that of them,” Pritzker stated. He called for reforms in governance and emphasized that all stakeholders, including counties and the city, must contribute to the solution. “It’s not just, ‘what are you going to do about it?’ It’s, ‘what are we going to do about it?’”

Pritzker anticipates resistance from some Republican lawmakers regarding a potential Democratic rescue plan for transit. However, he maintained that investing in a “world-class system” would be transformative for the economy and for commuters. He added, “And guess what — that means you’ve got to pay for it. Somebody’s got to pay. We all have to pay.”

Opposition to Proposed Head Tax

Additionally, Pritzker expressed strong opposition to a proposed “head tax” on employees at larger businesses included in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget. “I am absolutely foursquare opposed to a head tax for the city of Chicago,” he stated. He argued that such a tax would hinder employment growth and deter companies from both entering and remaining in the city.

As the fall veto session approaches its conclusion on October 30, 2023, Pritzker urged the legislature to take decisive action on transit funding. The governor’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that the needs of taxpayers and the economic vitality of the state are balanced in infrastructure and development discussions.