Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hosts reception for Chicago delegation ahead of key budget meetings in Springfield, Illinois
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Springfield on Tuesday night as he prepares for a series of important budget meetings happening Wednesday with the governor and leading lawmakers.

But he’s not the only one lobbying Springfield for money.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Johnson hosted a reception for the Chicago delegation as he seeks to build better relationships with lawmakers and secure funding for his city.

But with just over a month left in the legislative session and much of the budget work already done, he came with a modest wish list.

His biggest ask is the $90 million Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker had called for in his budget address, for the one system initiative to provide shelter for anyone in the city facing homelessness.

“What they’re asking for is already in the budget, and so, I, myself, am ready to protect that, because we have a major issue with not enough access to homeless shelters in the City of Chicago,” said State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, a Democrat who represents the Northwest Side of Chicago.

Johnson has meetings planned with the governor, Senate president and speaker of the House on Wednesday.

Lawmakers are split over how effective the meetings can be this late in the session.

“He still has an opportunity to at least talk to the legislator, give us a clear plan, talk to us about whatever the modest ask is,” said State Sen. Lakesia Collins a Democrat who represents the West Side of Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez is also in Springfield, with students and parents asking for $200 million more in school funding.

“So, all we’re saying is, look, you’re at $350 [million] now. If you can go to $550 [million], you can help a lot more children, especially around the state, because so many districts have a lot of poverty, a lot of need,” Martinez said.

While the budget remains fluid until it is finalized at the end of May, the mayor is hoping to persuade lawmakers to come through for Chicago.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Suspect captured after 3 women found dead in southern Utah

Suspect Apprehended Following Discovery of Three Deceased Women in Southern Utah

A suspect has been apprehended following the discovery of three deceased women…
Dem Jewish pols get pressured on Israel

Jewish Lawmakers Face Intensifying Pressure Over Israel Stance

When President Trump gave the green light for U.S. military strikes on…
Army reservist, 20, killed in Iranian drone strike in Kuwait spent final hours reassuring family: ‘I’m good’

20-Year-Old Army Reservist Tragically Killed in Iranian Drone Strike in Kuwait; Spent Last Moments Comforting Family with ‘I’m Good

In the tense atmosphere of conflict, 20-year-old U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Declan…
Austin bar shooting bodycam due out as DA makes major call about cops who shot suspected terrorist

Bodycam Footage from Austin Bar Shooting to be Released as DA Announces Key Decision on Officers Involved in Shooting Suspected Terrorist

The bodycam footage from the Austin mass shooting, which is under investigation…
Sink hole at golf course reveals long-lost 19th century wine cellar

Unexpected Sinkhole at Golf Course Uncovers Hidden 19th-Century Wine Cellar

Aged to perfection indeed! In a surprising turn of events, a small…
Former New York D.A.R.E. officer admits to selling drugs while in uniform in squad car

Ex-New York D.A.R.E. Officer Confesses to Selling Drugs from Squad Car in Uniform

A former New York state police officer, who once played a pivotal…
Severe weather possible tomorrow in Chicago area, with more storms expected early Saturday, including hail, gusty winds

Brace for Impact: Chicago’s Weekend Forecast Predicts Severe Storms with Hail and Strong Winds

CHICAGO (WLS) — Prepare for potential severe weather conditions this Friday and…
Declan Coady, youngest of six US soldiers killed in Iranian drone strike in Kuwait called his brother hours before death

Declan Coady, the youngest among six US soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, reached out to his brother just hours before the tragic event.

In a tragic turn of events, Declan Coady, the youngest among six…
Small plane crashes into Phoenix home minutes after takeoff, injuring 3

Plane Crashes into Phoenix Home Shortly After Takeoff, Leaving Three Injured

Debris from a small aircraft was precariously left hanging from a rooftop…
Kim Jong Un visits 5,000-ton naval destroyer, oversees missile test

Kim Jong Un Inspects New 5,000-Ton Naval Destroyer and Leads Missile Test in Strategic Military Display

In a recent visit to a 5,000-ton destroyer, North Korean leader Kim…
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom

Iranian Refugee, Once Threatened at Gunpoint, Now Leads Prayers for Freedom in Iran

An Iranian refugee, who vividly recalls being held at gunpoint during his…
Karoline Leavitt unloads on Kaitlan Collins, says CNN wants 'to make the president look bad' with 6 service members killed in Iran war

Karoline Leavitt Criticizes Kaitlan Collins, Accuses CNN of Intentional Bias in Coverage of Iran Conflict and Service Member Casualties

In a passionate defense on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt…