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
Hot Takes: Libertarian Brain Trust Dunks on Iranian Women Celebrating Freedom, and They Dunk Right Back

Libertarian Criticism Backfires as Iranian Women Defiantly Celebrate Freedom

Social media platforms are abuzz with commentary and critique over Operation Epic…
Jacksonville caregiver arrested for stealing nearly $100,000 from patient, SJSO says

Shocking Theft: Jacksonville Caregiver Accused of Embezzling $100K from Vulnerable Patient

Authorities from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office report that between April…
A Colorado man fought for a traffic light after his wife's death. He was then killed at the same intersection.

Colorado Advocate for Traffic Light Installation Tragically Loses Life at the Same Intersection Following Wife’s Fatal Accident

In the aftermath of a tragic 2024 accident that claimed his wife’s…
Pennsylvania bus driver charged with endangering dozens of elementary students while intoxicated

Pennsylvania Bus Driver Faces Charges for Allegedly Endangering Elementary Students While Intoxicated

A troubling incident in Pennsylvania has come to light involving a school…
EXCLUSIVE: Criminal Illegal Aliens Behind Dozens of Deadly DWI Crashes in Houston Area, Says ICE

Shocking Report: Undocumented Drivers Linked to Fatal DWI Crashes in Houston, ICE Reveals

In Houston, Texas, the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) of ICE has…
Israel hammers Iranian internal security command centers to open door to uprising

Israel Targets Iranian Security Hubs: A Strategic Move to Ignite Internal Uprising

The most recent series of airstrikes launched by the Israeli military has…
California lawmakers push bill to extend last call to 4 a.m.

California’s Nightlife Revolution: Lawmakers Advocate for 4 A.M. Last Call to Boost Economy

California’s nightlife may soon receive a much-needed boost, thanks to a fresh…
Volunteer firefighter ranks hit 40-year low in NYS -- as the situation grows dire on Long Island

Long Island Faces Crisis: Volunteer Firefighter Numbers Plummet to 40-Year Low in New York State

The stress is overwhelming. Volunteer firefighter numbers in New York have hit…
Austin suspect unleashed anti-Christian, antisemitic, misogynist rants on social media before mass shooting

Austin Shooter’s Social Media Reveals Disturbing Anti-Christian and Antisemitic Views Before Tragedy

The individual behind Sunday’s tragic mass shooting in Austin has been linked…
Goon sets sleeping man on fire inside Penn Station as ghoulish pals look on: cops

Man Set on Fire in Disturbing Penn Station Incident While Onlookers Watch: Police Report

In a shocking incident at Penn Station, a pyromaniac attacked a sleeping…
Trans child's mother threatens to 'f--king kill' woman at Dem convention

Mother of Trans Child Allegedly Threatens Woman at Democratic Convention

A video has surfaced showing a mother of a transgender child making…
US, Ecuador launch joint operations targeting narco-terror groups

U.S. and Ecuador Join Forces in New Initiative to Combat Narco-Terrorism

In a significant move against narco-terrorism, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces commenced joint…