State Representative Dan Ugaste issued a statement on Apr. 30 regarding the megaprojects bill that recently passed the Illinois House.
The topic is significant as it involves economic development efforts and the future of the Chicago Bears in Illinois, with potential impacts for taxpayers across the state.
“I support a statewide economic development plan that allows the Chicago Bears to have a competitive option to stay in Illinois, but the megaprojects bill that passed the Illinois House last week needs more work. I voted no because I don’t believe we should be supporting a bill before all the necessary guardrails are in place to protect the taxpayers. This bill, as it stands now, does not provide those safeguards, nor does it contain sensible, substantial property tax relief for all Illinoisans. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate, and House Republicans will do what we can to work with the Senate to make this legislation better. I want to reiterate that I support increased economic development and want the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois, but it must not come at the expense of the taxpayers,” Ugaste said.
Ugaste has served as a Republican member of the Illinois State House since 2019 representing District 65 after succeeding Steven Andersson, according to Ballotpedia.
The next steps for this legislation involve consideration by the Senate. Ugaste said he and other House Republicans intend to collaborate with senators in hopes of improving protections for taxpayers.
