Pritzker Rejects Tax Break for Bears, Calls for Transit Reform

Governor JB Pritzker has dismissed the idea of providing a property tax break for the Chicago Bears’ proposed stadium in Arlington Heights. Speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago on October 24, 2023, Pritzker emphasized the need for taxpayers not to bear excessive burdens for private ventures, while also addressing pressing issues in public transit funding.

The Bears are planning a mixed-use development at the former Arlington Park site and are seeking an extended property tax reprieve along with $855 million in infrastructure subsidies. Pritzker noted the franchise’s robust valuation of $9 billion and stated, “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.”

In his remarks, the governor highlighted the state’s support for businesses looking to expand or invest in Illinois, but he firmly opposed the notion of taxpayers footing the bill for private infrastructure needs. “We help them with infrastructure, we help them in a lot of different ways,” he said, adding that responsibility for building factories or new headquarters lies with the companies themselves.

Pritzker also addressed the looming budget crisis facing public transit systems, which is projected to reach a shortfall of $230 million in 2026 and escalate to $834 million in 2027. Lawmakers are currently considering a bailout for the regional transit authorities, including Metra, Pace, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), during the fall veto session that concludes on October 30, 2023.

“It’s not just a state effort,” Pritzker said when responding to a question regarding transit funding. He emphasized the need for efficiency reforms within the transportation systems, stating, “Counties and the city are contributors… along with the state. It’s not just, ‘what are you going to do about it?’ It’s, ‘what are we going to do about it?’”

The governor acknowledged potential resistance from some Republican lawmakers toward a Democratic rescue plan but maintained that a “world-class system” is vital for regional economic growth. “And guess what — that means you’ve got to pay for it. Somebody’s got to pay. We all have to pay,” he asserted, pointing out that everyone, including riders, must contribute to the system’s improvement.

Pritzker also took a stance against a proposal in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget that suggested implementing a “head tax” on larger businesses. He expressed strong opposition, noting, “It penalizes the very thing that we want, which is more employment in the city.” The governor argued that such a tax would hinder both the attraction of new companies to Chicago and the retention of existing ones.

As discussions regarding the future of both the Bears’ stadium development and public transit funding continue, Pritzker’s firm positions reflect a broader effort to balance business interests with taxpayer responsibilities.