State Representative Dan Ugaste issued a statement on Apr. 30 regarding the megaprojects bill that passed the Illinois House last week.
The bill is significant because it could impact economic development in Illinois and influence whether the Chicago Bears remain in the state. Ugaste said, “I support a statewide economic development plan that allows the Chicago Bears to have a competitive option to stay in Illinois, but the megaprojects bill that passed the Illinois House last week needs more work. I voted no because I don’t believe we should be supporting a bill before all the necessary guardrails are in place to protect the taxpayers. This bill, as it stands now, does not provide those safeguards, nor does it contain sensible, substantial property tax relief for all Illinoisans. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate, and House Republicans will do what we can to work with the Senate to make this legislation better. I want to reiterate that I support increased economic development and want the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois, but it must not come at the expense of the taxpayers.”
Ugaste’s remarks highlight concerns about taxpayer protections and property tax relief within current legislative proposals related to large-scale projects.
Ugaste has represented Illinois’ 65th House District since his election in 2019 after replacing Steven Andersson according to Ballotpedia.
As debate continues over this legislation, its outcome may affect both major sports franchises and broader economic strategies across Illinois.
