Mayor Johnson's final push in Springfield to keep Bears at Soldier Field, revenue wish list

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson began his rounds in Springfield Wednesday, lobbying lawmakers for a number of items on his revenue wish list.

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He also is making a pitch to keep the Bears in Chicago.

It comes as lawmakers consider a bill to clear the way for the team to move to Arlington Heights.

The coordinated revenue pitch was created with other mayors to convince state lawmakers to not cut the portion of state income tax that is passed along to local municipalities.

But he's also fighting an uphill battle to prevent the Bears from moving out of Soldier Field.

Johnson hosted a breakfast reception for members of the Chicago delegation. He aimed to win support for a host of progressive revenue ideas that include a digital ad tax.

He was joined by several progressive city council members to help make his case as the legislature heads into the final weeks of this session.

"I think there's plenty of time. I mean, the revenue part is going to be part of the budget package. And we are, you know, we're well into the process, but there is plenty of room to move on this. So, I think his visit is well timed," State Sen. Robert Martwick said.

As for the Bears, the push continues even though the team has made it clear they are only considering Arlington Heights or Hammond, Indiana.

"As a Chicago legislator, I want to see the Bears stay in Chicago, but we can't force the Bears to play where they don't want to play. And given the option between Arlington Heights and Hammond, and I would prefer the Bears play in Arlington Heights," State Sen. Bill Cunningham said.

SEE ALSO | Gov. Pritzker says he wants Bears stadium deal done 'as fast as possible' as team meets with NFL

The senate is working on changes to a "mega projects bill" that would provide tax breaks for the Bears and clear the way for them to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights.

It included some broader property tax relief for homeowners, but a hypothetical analysis by the governor's office said it would have a negligible impact.

"So, we need to be having conversations about how that bill can be improved to make sure that that happens, and if not, then maybe it's not the right time to get it," State Sen. Karina Villa said.

SEE ALSO | 'Megaprojects' bill passes Illinois House, Bears say changes needed for Arlington Heights stadium

Mayor Johnson also met with House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch and is not giving up hope of keeping the Bears in Chicago.

"The reason why the Bears did not proceed with the plans in Chicago is because we didn't get any cooperation from the State of Illinois. Now, the State of Illinois is saying that they're willing to cooperate. So, let's take that level of cooperation that's being applied to the suburbs that was not applied to the city of Chicago," Johnson said.

Illinois lawmakers' spring session ends on May 31.

The Bears have said they plan to share an update on their new stadium plans by late spring or early summer.