Pritzker Opposes Property Tax Break for Bears, Calls for Transit Action

Governor JB Pritzker has dismissed the possibility of granting a property tax break for the Chicago Bears’ proposed stadium in Arlington Heights. Speaking at an Economic Club of Chicago forum, he emphasized the need for responsible taxpayer funding while also urging immediate action to address the city’s public transit budget shortfall.

The Bears are pushing for a mixed-use development at the site of the former Arlington Park racetrack. This project includes a request for an extended property tax reprieve and $855 million in infrastructure subsidies. Pritzker, however, firmly 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 Bears’ status as a successful franchise valued at $9 billion. He reiterated that while the state is willing to assist businesses with infrastructure support, taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of private ventures. “What I’m not for — is that we’re responsible for building your factory. Or we’re responsible for building your new headquarters. We’re not,” he explained.

Transit Funding Challenges and Solutions

Pritzker also addressed the looming financial crisis facing public transit in Chicago. Officials anticipate a $230 million shortfall by 2026, escalating to $834 million in 2027. During the fall veto session, which concludes on October 30, 2023, state lawmakers are exploring potential bailouts for regional transit agencies, including Metra, Pace, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

“It’s not just a state effort,” Pritzker said, responding to questions from moderator Chris Jones, a Chicago Tribune editor. He emphasized the need for reforms within the transportation systems and insisted that cities and counties also contribute to funding solutions. “We need reforms in the way that it’s governed, and that is going to be part of a bill,” he added.

The governor acknowledged that some Republican legislators might resist a Democratic plan for transit funding but maintained that a “world-class system” is essential for both the economy and commuters. “And guess what — that means you’ve got to pay for it. Somebody’s got to pay. We all have to pay,” he stated, calling on the legislature to take action.

Rejection of Head Tax Proposal

In addition to his comments on transit and the Bears, Pritzker expressed strong opposition to a proposed “head tax” on larger businesses in Chicago, as suggested in Mayor Brandon Johnson‘s budget proposal. “I am absolutely foursquare opposed to a head tax for the city of Chicago,” he declared. “It penalizes the very thing that we want, which is more employment in the city. And it makes it very hard to attract companies from outside of Chicago to come in and harder for companies that are in Chicago to stay.”

Pritzker’s remarks reflect a broader debate on balancing public funding and private interests within Illinois, particularly in high-stakes projects like the Bears’ stadium and the ongoing challenges faced by public transit systems. As discussions progress, the state government will have to navigate these complex issues to find viable solutions that serve both taxpayers and the economy.