Illinois lawmakers expected to vote Wednesday on Chicago Bears stadium

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois lawmakers could take a key step forward in keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois Wednesday.

Illinois lawmakers are working to get a bill through, before the spring session ends May 31.

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After long discussions in a Democratic caucus in Springfield, leaders say it looks like the mega-projects bill could go to the house committee for a vote, as soon as Wednesday.

The revised bill would provide property tax incentives for the Bears to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights.

The team has owned the former home of the Arlington racetrack for more than three years.

But they have yet to put a shovel in the ground, while they await a deal that allows them to negotiate potentially lower property taxes.

"So this is a three-step process. Caucus was first and I think we had some really good conversations. I think today was a success. Next is to actually file an amendment based on some of the feedback. And then third would be getting it through committee," state Rep. Kam Buckner (D-26th District), said.

Sources said the Illinois Federation of Teachers are lobbying for language in the bill that would guarantee big developments won't drain school funds.

The fear is a tax freeze for the wealthy could impact the bill for homeowners.

An internal IFT memo sent on behalf of Stacy Davis Gates shows labor organization leaders have "concerns with the megaprojects language as currently filed," that include risks to operational school funding.

The labor organization noting in the memo they "have not yet taken a final or declarative position on the bill."

The Bears are expected to meet with NFL leadership next week to share an update on their stadium search, adding pressure for Illinois lawmakers to get a bill passed.