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Arlington Heights officials urge Illinois lawmakers to pass 'mega projects' bill to keep Chicago Bears in state
Summary
Village officials, state lawmakers and school superintendents held a press conference in Arlington Heights urging passage of a proposed "mega projects" bill to create a predictable property-tax framework for very large private developments; speakers said the measure is designed to protect local taxing bodies and does not provide state money to build the stadium.
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tonalia and local leaders on Friday urged the Illinois General Assembly to pass a proposed "mega projects" bill they say is necessary to keep the Chicago Bears and other large private developments in the state.
Speakers at the village press conference said the legislation would create a predictable, negotiable property-tax framework for multibillion-dollar private projects and give affected taxing bodies — including school districts — a formal role in setting long-term tax structures. "This is not a Bears bill," Tonalia said. "This is a tool that will exist in the Illinois governmental toolbox to attract major projects across Illinois."
The mayor and other presenters emphasized that the Bears have not requested public funds to finance stadium construction. "The Bears have not asked anybody for money to build their stadium," Tonalia said, adding that public money would be needed only for infrastructure around any large site, as is common for major developments.
Why it matters: Officials said the proposed redevelopment of the…
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