Overview
- Mayor Brandon Johnson is meeting with Governor JB Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, and House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch in Springfield to address Chicago's $1 billion budget shortfall.
- Johnson's revised funding request includes $12.5 million from a prepaid phone tax, $27.5 million from extending a 911 surcharge, $90 million for a unified shelter system, and $200 million more for Chicago Public Schools.
- Governor Pritzker has expressed willingness to listen but emphasized the need to balance Chicago's requests with statewide priorities.
- Republican lawmakers criticized Johnson's proposals, with some labeling him 'Billion Dollar Brandon' and rejecting Chicago's reliance on state funds.
- The legislative session ends on May 31, leaving limited time for negotiations on the city's financial relief measures.