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4mo ago

Chicago Mayor Presses Springfield Leaders for Budget Support as Deadline Looms

Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks $330 million in state funding for shelters, schools, and public safety amid criticism and tight legislative timelines.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson walks to the Blue Room to talk to lawmakers at the Illinois State Capitol, April 30, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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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.