By Illinois Review
In a vote that is drawing sharp criticism from fiscal conservatives across Illinois, 10 House Republicans broke ranks and sided with Democrats to pass the controversial “megaprojects” bill – legislation tied to a potential taxpayer-backed deal to keep the Chicago Bears in Arlington Heights.
Even more striking is who some of those Republicans are. At least five of the GOP lawmakers who voted “yes” on the bill – Kevin Schmidt, Amy Elik, Martin McLaughlin, Brandun Schweizer, and Patrick Sheehan – were honored just months ago by Americans for Prosperity Illinois with the “Prairie State Policy Champion” award for standing up for taxpayers.
Now, critics say that record is being called into question.
The bill passed the Illinois House on April 22 by a 78-32 vote. While 27 Republicans voted “no,” holding the line against what many see as a taxpayer-risking measure, 10 Republicans voted “yes,” providing bipartisan cover for a Democrat-led effort backed by Gov. JB Pritzker.
The full list of Republican “yes” votes includes John Cabello, Mike Coffey, Amy Elik, Dan Fritts, Martin McLaughlin, Jennifer Sanalitro, Kevin Schmidt, Patrick Sheehan, Brad Stephens, and Brandun Schweizer.
For taxpayers and grassroots conservatives, the irony is hard to ignore.
Just months ago, these same lawmakers were praised by AFP Illinois for opposing tax increases, reining in government spending, and protecting working families from financial overreach. The awards were meant to recognize legislators committed to fiscal responsibility and limited government.
Rep. Schmidt, in accepting the award, emphasized that “standing up for taxpayers should be a no-brainer” and praised AFP for holding elected officials accountable.
Rep. Elik highlighted her efforts to “rein in government spending” and “protect taxpayers,” while Rep. Schweizer touted his work advancing lower taxes and economic freedom.
Rep. Sheehan, also honored as a 2025 Prairie State Policy Champion, said at the time, “I’m honored to be named one of the 2025 Prairie State Award winners… Together, we’re building a future where opportunity expands, hard work is respected, and every child has the freedom to learn and thrive.” His recognition was based on his work on fiscal responsibility, tax issues, and education choice – months before his “yes” vote on the megaprojects bill.
Yet AFP Illinois itself came out strongly against the legislation. The organization warned the bill could shift property tax burdens onto homeowners while giving financial certainty to large developments – namely, a multi-billion-dollar stadium project for the Chicago Bears.
AFP specifically praised the 27 Republicans who voted “no,” reinforcing its position that the bill runs counter to taxpayer protections.
That leaves a glaring contradiction. How do lawmakers recognized for defending taxpayers justify supporting a bill that watchdog groups say could do the opposite?
Supporters argue the measure is necessary to keep the Bears in Illinois and drive economic development. But critics see another example of the government favoring powerful interests over everyday residents already struggling under high taxes and rising costs.
The bill now heads to the Illinois Senate, where further negotiations are expected. But for many voters, the damage may already be done. Because when lawmakers campaign on protecting taxpayers – then vote for policies that raise new concerns about financial risk – trust becomes harder to earn.
And for at least five AFP award winners, that contradiction is now impossible to ignore.
