Indiana passes Stadium Bill to Attract Chicago Bears as Illinois works to make plays

SOUTH BEND, Ind.— Illinois & Indiana state lawmakers are going head-to-head to attract the Monsters of the Midway.

Illinois legislators are throwing out a Hail Mary, an amended project bill, in an effort to keep their home team in the state.

However, there are still moves to be made on the House floor.

“This discussion’s been going on for several years now, and I think the governor done a very bad job at trying to make sure we keep the pride and joy of Illinois because there is a real possibility that they could be moving and we in my opinion, should do what we need to to keep them, but we have to protect the taxpayers,” said State Rep. John Cabello.

Without a vote Wednesday, it could now be a while. The Illinois House has adjourned until mid-March.

In the Hoosier State, lawmakers are making plays of their own.

Senate Bill 27 passed with a 45-4 vote, clearing the way to fund a stadium at the Wolf Lake site in Hammond, Indiana.

Gov. Mike Braun took to Twitter after signing the bill that would invest $1 billion into the stadium in Hammond.

“We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business! I’m thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let’s get this across the goal line!” Braun wrote.

ABC57 received a statement from Republican Sen. Ryan Mishler of Mishawaka, who authored the bill, praising the bipartisan support.

“The widespread support of the bill in both chambers shows Indiana's commitment to the Chicago Bears, and it presents us with an opportunity to further foster our working relationship with them. I look forward to continued conversations with the Bears' leadership team as we work to bring the Bears

to Indiana," Mishler said.

The Bears also issued a statement thanking leadership for signing the legislature that establishes the framework for stadium development.

Statement from the Chicago Bears Regarding Governor Braun Signing SB 27

“Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Governor Braun signing SB 27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana. We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”

The team is still a way away from making that final call.