Overview
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he expects movement on the House bill enabling payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes deals after lawmakers return March 18, calling the proposal something the Bears like.
- Indiana finalized a law creating the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority after swift bipartisan passage, with Gov. Mike Braun signing the measure last week.
- The Indiana framework relies on a 1% food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties, a 5% hotel tax increase in Lake County, a 12% admissions tax, toll projects, a special taxing district, and bonding authority.
- The Bears have not chosen between Hammond and team‑owned land in Arlington Heights, saying they plan about $2 billion in private construction while seeking state help for surrounding infrastructure.
- Northwest Indiana residents and groups such as Americans for Prosperity are opposing taxpayer exposure, as Chicago leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, continue a public push for a city option.