SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Indiana lawmakers meeting Thursday appear to be focusing on Hammond as a potential site if the Chicago Bears choose to move to the state.
The Bears said in a statement, “The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”
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A stadium bill for the Hammond site passed out of an Indiana Senate committee 24-0 and will go back to the Indiana House.
The news comes as an Illinois House committee that could have brought the Bears a step closer to a new stadium in Illinois was canceled.
The House Revenue and Finance Committee canceled a meeting Wednesday to hear the “Mega Project” bill.
No date has been set on a new hearing.
The bill could give the Bears a long-term property tax break for their proposed stadium in Arlington Heights.
Wednesday, Governor Pritzker mentioned progress is being made towards keeping the stadium in Illinois.
Pritzker and his staff, and lawmakers have been meeting with Bears brass behind closed doors.
SEE ALSO | Talks of Bears moving to suburbs progressing, Pritzker says, amid attempts to lure team to Indiana
The renewed urgency comes as Indiana is looking to bring the team across state lines.
Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would create a stadium authority similar to Illinois Sports facilities authority.
The bill out of Indiana faces a deadline of Thursday to pass out of a House Committee.
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