Illinois State Representative Steven Reick said on May 10 that House Bill 910, which includes provisions for megaproject developments such as the Chicago Bears’ Arlington Park property, offers little real benefit to most Illinois homeowners. The bill would allow developers like the Bears to negotiate a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with local taxing bodies, generally set at a minimum of 10% of pre-development property taxes. However, this requirement can be waived for projects exceeding $2 billion.
The topic is significant because it involves both major sports franchises and state policy on tax incentives and relief. According to Reick, while the legislation claims to provide direct property tax cuts for every homeowner in Illinois, analysis from the Governor’s office suggests otherwise.
“It is a direct property tax cut for every single homeowner in the state of Illinois,” said Rep. Dan Didech (D-Buffalo Grove), who called it “a win, win, win, win!”
Reick pointed out that an analysis conducted by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office found that from a hypothetical $20 million PILOT payment made for a large industrial development, an average Illinois homeowner would receive only $1.29 in property tax relief. The analysis was shared with legislators but not directly with Republican members like Reick; he said details appeared through media reports rather than official channels.
The bill also contains measures meant to protect local control over megaprojects and prohibits lawmakers from accepting free sports tickets from teams involved in such deals unless those offers are made available to the public at large. Megaprojects would qualify for sales tax exemptions on building materials under existing state programs and could receive additional years if environmental remediation is needed.
Reick said he voted against House Bill 910 due to what he sees as negligible benefits for ordinary taxpayers compared to potential gains by major developers like the Bears.
