Illinois State Senator Donald P. DeWitte announced on Mar. 17 the results of a recent survey regarding the future of the Chicago Bears, as well as updates on several legislative initiatives and an opinion piece featured in Crain’s Chicago Business.
The survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,250 residents, found that 81.3% support efforts to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois rather than allowing them to move to Indiana. Additionally, 76.4% of respondents favor using state funds for infrastructure improvements related to a potential multi-use stadium development, while 68.8% believe that if public investment is made in a stadium project, the state should receive an ownership or equity stake in return.
DeWitte said these results highlight both community pride and recognition of the economic impact an NFL franchise brings to Illinois. “While this was not a scientific survey, the results clearly show that people recognize the economic value that an NFL franchise like the Bears brings to Illinois,” DeWitte said. He added that ongoing discussions between the Bears and legislators continue.
In addition to sharing survey findings, DeWitte reported his co-sponsorship of a legislative package aimed at strengthening protections for children against trafficking, grooming, sexual exploitation, and predatory offenders. The package includes Senate Bill 284 (Andrew’s Law), which would eliminate plea deals for certain offenses involving minors; Senate Bill 1572, increasing penalties for human trafficking; and Senate Bill 2381, requiring sex offender registration for those convicted of unauthorized video recording of minors if sexually motivated.
DeWitte also highlighted his recent op-ed published by Crain’s Chicago Business addressing concerns over changes in public transit governance following passage of a new transit bill during last year’s veto session. In his article titled “Opinion: Chicago Gets a Bailout While the Collar Counties Take the Hit,” he argued that revised voting structures consolidate power among appointees from Chicago and Cook County at the expense of suburban representation.
Further legislative news included support for Senate Bill 3954 to create an Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund dedicated to research and treatment efforts statewide. The fund would be administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services with oversight measures such as annual reporting requirements.
Finally, DeWitte shared information about expanded eligibility for ABLE accounts following federal changes raising the qualifying age threshold from 26 to 46 beginning in 2026. This expansion will allow more individuals with disabilities in Illinois—estimated at around 250,000—to save money without risking access to federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.
DeWitte has served as state senator since being elected in 2018 to represent Illinois’ 33rd Senate District after replacing Karen McConnaughay according to Ballotpedia.
