CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson had "productive conversations" with state leaders Wednesday as he made a pitch for what he called a "modest" request for additional financial assistance for the city, his office said.
His meeting with key powerbrokers at the statehouse — Gov. JB Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch — comes as the city faces a projected budget shortfall next year exceeding $1 billion and as lawmakers work to pass a state budget by the end of the legislative session on May 31.
Johnson wants state approval to amend the prepaid cellphone and calling card tax to generate $12.5 million. He’s also hoping to raise $27.5 million by extending the $5-a-month 911 surcharge, and he’s looking for more funding for the city’s unified shelter system and to improve state reimbursement rates for various services, including education.
He said all Illinoisans could benefit from his wish list.
"This is not about who gets to stand in what place in line. This is about what we have to do as an entire state to ensure that all of Illinois is supported," Johnson said.
Pritzker has in the past accused the mayor of not forging relationships in Springfield and for sending in budget requests late. The governor has suggested he’s rarely heard from the mayor, stoking speculation of tension between the two men. Johnson downplayed the criticism.
"I bear no tension against anyone. I don’t. You know, we have worked together on a number of issues," he said.
Influential State Rep. Kam Buckner offered a subtle critique of Johnson’s lobbying.
‘I think each mayor has their own cadence in terms of how they operate in this building with members and with the leaders and the members in the legislature and the governor’s office, and I think the Johnson administration is still kind of figuring out that cadence," the Chicago Democrat said.
The mayor’s trip comes as lawmakers consider a bailout of Chicago area transit agencies. Set to run out of federal COVID relief money, The Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace and the RTA warn of a 40 percent cut in service without a lifeline.
"The CTA and the region – we generate 87 percent of ridership — the economic vibrancy of our public transit system is centered in the city of Chicago so the city of Chicago deserves its fair share and we’re going to continue advocating for that," Johnson said.
Johnson’s request comes as state and local municipalities deal consider federal funding uncertainty.
News,Region: Chicago,City: Chicago
via News | WGN TV https://wgntv.com
April 30, 2025 at 03:27PM
