The Chicago Bears are another step closer to building their new state-of-the-art stadium in Arlington Heights after Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill on Wednesday to keep the team in state.According to WGN, the megaprojects bill would allow the Bears, as well as other developers in the state, to receive a property tax freeze for up to 40 years. This is on top of an annual "special payment" that will be negotiated with the local government.There were initially concerns about the loss of property tax revenue and its impact on school districts and homeowners, but the legislation made some late changes to the bill to garner support from Illinois lawmakers.Per WGN: "Half of the revenue generated from the special payment would be set aside for property tax relief.
That sum would be split 60-40 between local residential homeowners, and a state-controlled property tax relief fund."While it's not a done deal yet, as the bill will now advance to the Senate, where it will likely undergo some amendments, it's a big step forward as Illinois looks to keep the Bears in state. Northwest Indiana has been fighting hard to get the Bears to build a new stadium in Hammond, near Wolf Lake, following holdups with Illinois lawmakers. But they've since stepped up and are fighting to keep the Bears in Illinois.Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and InstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears another step closer to building stadium in Arlington Heights