State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) released the following statement regarding ongoing negotiations surrounding a potential new stadium proposal for the Chicago Bears:
“Let me be absolutely clear: families are being crushed by property taxes and rising costs. The last thing they should be forced to do is subsidize a backroom deal for the politically connected while they continue to struggle.
“What we are seeing right now is neither transparent nor fair. It is the same tired Springfield playbook where insiders get special treatment and taxpayers get stuck with the bill. If the Bears are going to get a good deal, the hardworking taxpayers of Illinois must get one too. Period.
“The Governor bragged that his team spent three hours meeting with the Bears. Why don’t the working families of my district get the same respect? They too are drowning under property tax bills.
“Illinois families are paying attention, and they are tired of being treated like an ATM for bad deals and insider politics.
“If Springfield is willing to negotiate property tax considerations for a professional sports franchise, then lawmakers must finally deliver real property tax relief for families and job creators across Illinois.
“For years, Illinois residents have lived under some of the highest property taxes in America. They do not get special carve-outs. They just get the bill.
“Enough is enough.
“Unless there are clear, enforceable guarantees that any final legislation includes meaningful property tax relief for all Illinois taxpayers, I will be urging everyone to vote no.
“We are ready to negotiate. But we will not rubber-stamp a backroom deal that once again puts powerful interests ahead of the hardworking people of Illinois.”
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