Following Indiana lawmakers’ move to clear the way for a new Bears stadium, the Pritzker Administration is left scrambling to respond as negotiations continue in Springfield.

Due in part to Illinois’ crushing tax burden, the Chicago Bears are considering relocating across state lines. Senate Republicans say the ongoing stadium situation is yet another example of Governor JB Pritzker failing to recognize the damage his policies are doing to the people, employers, and job creators of this state.

Senator Syverson said that, for years, under Governor Pritzker’s anti-growth policies, it’s become increasingly difficult for businesses and families to survive in Illinois. Rather than creating a competitive environment that encourages employers to keep their business here, Democrats have continued to make Illinois harder to afford and harder to operate in.

Senator Syverson added that it should come as no surprise that the Bears are now exploring opportunities elsewhere. Despite Illinois’ many advantages, including its workforce, central location, infrastructure, and natural resources, the governor once again finds himself trying to keep a major institution from leaving the state after years of inaction. Republicans say that if this situation had been taken seriously earlier, the Governor wouldn’t have to be scrambling to respond now that Indiana has moved aggressively to make its pitch.

Indiana lawmakers have passed legislation designed to advance a potential stadium project, while discussions in Springfield remain ongoing. Illinois lawmakers have begun moving legislation and holding hearings related to keeping the Bears in the state, but the final outcome remains unclear.

If the Bears ultimately leave Illinois for Indiana, Governor Pritzker will face serious questions about why his administration failed to act to stop another major business from leaving.