Seven House Republicans Unite, Vote NO on 'Pritzker Rescue Bill' in Committee

Democrats advance Chicago Bears tax break despite GOP opposition

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A so-called 'Pritzker Rescue Bill' that would provide long-term tax relief to the Chicago Bears organization cleared a House committee this week on a 13-7 party-line vote, with all seven Republican members voting against the measure. The bill would allow a 20-year freeze on property tax assessments for large 'mega-projects,' including a potential new NFL stadium in Arlington Heights, allowing the Bears to negotiate a 'special payment' directly with local government instead of paying standard property taxes.

Why it matters

Democrats argue the proposal creates certainty and levels the playing field against Indiana's aggressive incentive package to lure the Bears. But critics say it is nothing more than a last-minute bailout for failed leadership, as Democrat leaders ignored the Bears' proposal for over a year before suddenly discovering a sense of urgency only after Indiana courted the team.

The details

The seven House Republicans who voted against the measure are: State Representatives Joe Sosnowski, Amy Elik, Martin McLaughlin, Kyle Moore, Steven Reick, Jennifer Sanalitro and Travis Weaver. Their unified stand sends a clear signal ahead of an expected floor vote, putting pressure on Democrats who want to move forward with billions in long-term tax relief for a professional sports franchise while everyday Illinois families continue to shoulder some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

  • The so-called 'Pritzker Rescue Bill' cleared committee this week on a 13–7 party-line vote.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who is pushing for the 'Pritzker Rescue Bill' to provide tax relief to the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that is seeking long-term tax relief and a potential new stadium in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Tom DeVore

A former attorney general candidate who posted on Facebook about the Republican opposition to the 'Pritzker Rescue Bill'.

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What they’re saying

“REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE MEMBERS STAND OPPOSED TO THE PRITZKER RESCUE BILL”

— Tom DeVore, Former attorney general candidate (Facebook)

What’s next

The pressure now shifts to the full House, where Democrats will need to decide whether to move forward with billions in long-term tax relief for the Bears without Republican support.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the partisan divide over the 'Pritzker Rescue Bill,' with Republicans unified in their opposition to what they see as a bailout for a professional sports franchise while everyday Illinois families continue to face high property taxes. The outcome of the expected floor vote will be a test of whether Democrats can secure the necessary support to provide the Bears with long-term tax relief.