Indiana ‘deadline’ approaches for possible Chicago Bears stadium deal

(INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — The countdown clock is ticking louder for a potential deal locating the new Chicago Bears stadium in northwest Indiana.

Indiana General Assembly leaders say they expect any financial agreement for a football stadium project will need to be finalized ahead of the scheduled Feb. 27 adjournment of this year’s legislative session.

“I think I made it pretty clear,” Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said Thursday. “If this is going to happen, we need to get done before we leave. That is the deadline.”

That declaration comes as the House Ways and Means Committee faces a Feb. 19 deadline to advance Senate Bill 27 that would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority enabling state involvement in the project.

Legislative leaders have said Gov. Mike Braun’s administration is taking the lead on negotiations with the Bears and are re...