Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A bill passed in the Illinois House that could keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois and not move to Indiana as threatened is one the Governor says the Bears ownership mostly likes.  But, not all of it.

Speaking Tuesday following a ribbon-cutting for the new Scheels Sports Park, Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters there may be some things in the “Mega Projects Bill” that the Bears like.  But, one of the things they don’t like is a proposed amusement tax.

“That was tacked on to this bill,” said Pritzker. “That was not something that was originally part of the deal that was made.  That’s something that’s of great concern to the Bears. Is there some kind of compromise?  I don’t think so, to be honest with you.  I do think that will have to be removed from the bill.”

Pritzker does say he wants the Senate to act on the measure soon, and not necessarily wait until the end of May, when the legislative session is scheduled to end.  The House has already approved the bill.

Pritzker also spoke about an ongoing strike involving workers at Illinois State University. About 350 building, dining, and grounds workers have spent the last couple weeks walking the picket line — and Pritzker says his November election opponent — Darren Bailey — is putting up a false front.

“Darren Bailey, who likes to say that somehow he’s standing with the workers, has never stood with workers in this state,” said Pritzker.  “He voted against raising the minimum wage in our state.  He’s voted against the worker’s rights amendment.  He voted against every provision that we’ve put forward that’s good for workers in the State of Illinois.”

Pritzker says he would love to see all the striking workers start negotiating again, and doesn’t believe in what are called “strike-breakers” taking jobs.

Pritzker is also calling for the completion of a monthslong investigation by the Legislative Inspector General involving State Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield), who has been stripped of committee assignments and been ousted from a legislative caucus, amid reported allegations of sexual harassment.

He says the investigation has been going on for too long.

“We should already have had some kind of report to the leadership, and there should already have been some action.  I’d like to see that happen…truly soon,” said Pritzker.  “I think the voters want to know how to proceed.  I think the legislature wants to know how to proceed.  Someone who has been accused deserves due process.  But, I think this has been taking longer than anyone has expected.”

Benton is running for reelection in November against Gabby Shanahan, who has been affiliated with the Illinois Policy Institute, and who lost to Benton in 2024. For the most part, House leadership has been tight-lipped over Benton’s status.