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
Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs in the latest round of layoffs

Amazon Announces Reduction of 16,000 Positions in Recent Workforce Restructuring

In a significant development for the tech industry, Amazon has announced plans…
Federal judge issues temporary order prohibiting removal of 5-year-old Liam COnejo and father who were detained in Minnesota

Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo and Father Detained in Minnesota

In a recent development that underscores the ongoing debates surrounding immigration in…
Times Square Billboard for ‘The Invisible Coup’ Delivers Terror-Funding Bombshell

Shocking Revelation on Times Square Billboard: ‘The Invisible Coup’ Exposes Terror Funding

A captivating digital billboard graces Times Square in New York City, showcasing…
Amazon stores closing: Amazon to close Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh locations to concentrate on Whole Foods, grocery delivery

Amazon Shifts Focus: Closing Amazon Go and Fresh Locations to Enhance Whole Foods and Grocery Delivery Services

In a strategic shift, Amazon has announced the closure of all its…
Tech tycoon husband arrested after wife found dead below mountain highway in wealthy enclave

Tech Mogul Arrested Following Wife’s Mysterious Death Near Exclusive Mountain Enclave

In a significant breakthrough, investigators have apprehended the estranged husband of a…
Alex Pretti Minneapolis, Minnesota shooting: Chicago nurses join labor, faith leaders in prayer vigil at Jesse Brown VA hospital

Chicago Nurses and Faith Leaders Unite in Prayer Vigil at Jesse Brown VA Hospital After Minneapolis Incident Involving Alex Pretti

In Chicago, a solemn prayer vigil took place on Tuesday as nurses,…
Antonio Porter released from Cook County Jail, murder conviction overturned in connection to 2022 Chicago shooting at dice game

Antonio Porter Freed: Conviction Overturned in 2022 Chicago Dice Game Shooting Case

CHICAGO (WLS) — After spending 23 years behind bars, Antonio Porter describes…
VCU anti-ICE nurse references paralytic drug in video instructing healthcare providers to 'sabotage' agents

VCU Nurse’s Controversial Video Sparks Debate: Calls to ‘Sabotage’ ICE Agents Using Paralytic Drugs

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health, in collaboration with the VCU Police Department,…
'American Icons': Budweiser Goes Full Patriot in 2026 Super Bowl Ad

Budweiser Unveils Patriotic Tribute in 2026 Super Bowl Ad: Celebrating American Icons

Budweiser embraced a patriotic theme in its 2026 Super Bowl commercial, perfectly…
West Virginia man allegedly threatened to kill Trump supporters, ICE agents in online videos: report

West Virginia Man’s Disturbing Online Threats Target Trump Supporters and ICE Agents: A Shocking Report

A man from West Virginia has been arrested after allegedly sharing videos…
Florida officials claim popular candies have high levels of arsenic following test results

Florida Health Alert: Popular Candies Found Containing Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Officials Warn

In a recent development, Florida’s Department of Health has unveiled concerning test…
Arizona man accused of human smuggling shot by federal authorities after firing at helicopter, agents: FBI

Arizona Smuggling Suspect Shot by FBI After Helicopter Shootout: Shocking Details Revealed

In a dramatic encounter on Tuesday morning, an Arizona man, suspected of…