As Indiana lawmakers take a victory lap following their vote to try to lure the Chicago Bears to the state, Gov. Mike Braun is revealing how the talks began.
During an interview with ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show,” Braun revealed that the Bears approached state lawmakers because of stagnated negotiations in Illinois.
“They came to us. We didn’t try to lure them because they thought there was no interest (in Illinois),” he said.
The Indiana Senate overwhelmingly approved the financial framework of a deal to build a new stadium in Hammond. In all, the state would be willing to kick in $1 billion, with increased food and beverage taxes in Lake and Porter counties, a doubling of Lake County’s hotel tax, and a 12% tax on tickets sold to the venue.
The Bears expressed gratitude to Indiana lawmakers for the deal, saying that the state has “taken important steps over the last few months.”
Meanwhile in Springfield, Illinois lawmakers made progress on a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) bill that would lock in property tax rates for so-called “mega developments,” which would include a Bears stadium.
A committee passed the measure, but the House will not vote on the measure until after the primary election next month.
The Bears did not issue a statement after the vote, though the legislature will remain in session through the end of May.
Another wrinkle that emerged Thursday was a representative of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testifying to the committee, expressing a desire to convince the team to build a stadium on the Museum Campus.
“The city is requesting a fair and equitable opportunity in these negotiations,” Steve Mahr said.
Some Chicago lawmakers have expressed skepticism about incentivizing the Bears to leave the city, leaving the fate of legislation up in the air as negotiations continue in Springfield.
To address that, State Rep. Kam Buckner, whose district includes Soldier Field, says there could be concessions arranged from the team to pay the city money as it exits for a new stadium.
For now, Indiana has a deal in place, and the Bears will be left to evaluate how negotiations are proceeding in Illinois as they decide where to build their new home.
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