Illinois lawmakers approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget over the weekend—without reaching a deal to keep the Chicago Bears in–state.
Here’s a breakdown of the budget and what it means for the future of the team.
Breaking down the FY27 budget
The Illinois General Assembly (ILGA) passed the $55.9 billion FY27 budget early Monday morning, just before the spring legislative session deadline, according to a release.
The FY27 budget passed in a 76-31 vote, according to a report from WGN, and is the largest budget in state history. The bill will now head to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s for signing.
The budget includes funding for public education, new taxes on social media companies, and measures to ensure affordability for everyday necessities.
“Every element of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year was thoroughly deliberated with the aim of achieving widespread affordability for all Illinoisans,” said Gov. JB Pritzker in a statement.
“I look forward to signing the FY27 budget and delivering for Illinois’ working families in all stages of life.”
Highlights of the budget include the following:
- Motor Fuel Tax Pause: Six month pause on the annual July 1 Motor Fuel Tax increase amid surging gas prices.
- Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Pause on sales tax for back to school necessities from August 7-16, 2026. Includes products like school supplies, clothing, and computers.
- Grocery and Food affordability funding: $100 million investment in food affordability initiatives, including support for free lunch programs and fresh food access in underserved communities.
Bears stadium deal hangs in limbo
The FY27 budget omits a plan for the Chicago Bears efforts to vacate Soldier Field and build a new stadium complex.
The team has considered various sites in recent years for its stadium goals. Notable proposed locations include suburban Arlington Heights and Northwest Indiana.
The Illinois Senate voted to pass a modified bill which would permit some municipalities in Cook County to create public stadium authorities, according to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times.
The measure would remove property taxes for the Bears, potentially incentivizing them to stay in Illinois.
However, the Illinois House did not act on the bill, leaving the measure in limbo for now.
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch reportedly said officials will continue discussions on the matter this summer. An exact timeline remains unclear.
