Deering Appalled by Democrats’ Fumble of the Bears Deal

June 6, 2026 |

State Representative Regan Deering

DECATUR, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) issued the following statement after the Chicago Bears announced plans to relocate to Hammond, Indiana.

“The potential loss of the Bears would be devastating for our state,” said Rep. Deering. “Not only would more than 100 years of history be uprooted, but our economy would suffer due to the habitual inaction of the Democrat supermajority. Governor Pritzker and Speaker Welch can blame anyone they want, but the reality is that Illinois’ anti-business policies and high-tax, high-cost environment are driving businesses away.”

In their statement, Chairman George H. McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren said the move to Hammond would “transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city.”

Deering, a lifelong Bears fan, said the Bears’ decision should serve as a wake-up call for Illinois leaders.

“If Illinois cannot keep the Chicago Bears, it should be a warning sign that something is fundamentally wrong with the direction Democrats are taking our state,” continued Deering. “In 2023 alone, Illinois lost nearly 220 businesses, ranking second in the nation for business losses. That business exodus is further evidence that Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrats have fostered a failed business climate.”

“Instead of prioritizing a competitive economic environment, Democrats continue to impose higher taxes and fees on businesses and families, and the Bears’ departure is a glaring example of the consequences. We need real tax relief and meaningful reforms. During the spring legislative session, several proposals were introduced to keep the Bears in Illinois, but in true Springfield fashion, those efforts came far too late.”

To contact Rep. Deering, please call (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.