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
Mamdani must use tech to tackle affordability

Tech-Driven Solutions: Mamdani’s Strategy to Combat Housing Affordability Crisis

The unexpected ascent of Zohran Mamdani can largely be attributed to the…
Palatine's Tievoli Pizza Bar offers Thanksgiving leftovers recipes

Palatine’s Tievoli Pizza Bar Unveils Creative Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes for a Tasty Twist

PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) — Now that the Thanksgiving celebrations have come to…
Chicago weather forecast: More snow for PM commute Monday | O'Hare, Midway airports recover from weekend flight cancellations

Snowy Monday Commute Expected in Chicago as Airports Recover from Weekend Cancellations

CHICAGO — As the Chicago area continues to recover from a significant…
Altadena, California man finds bear living in crawl space underneath home

Altadena Homeowner Discovers Unexpected Bear Resident in Crawl Space

ALTADENA, Calif. — In an unexpected encounter last week, a Southern California…
Mayor-elect Mamdani and Bernie Sanders picket with striking Starbucks workers

Mayor-Elect Mamdani and Bernie Sanders Unite with Striking Starbucks Workers in Show of Solidarity

The newly elected Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, joined forces with Senator Bernie Sanders…
Jaxson Dart returns in time for Joe Schoen’s last Giants stand

Jaxson Dart’s Timely Comeback Marks Pivotal Moment for Joe Schoen’s Final Giants Game

Jaxson Dart’s anticipated comeback to the field for the New York Giants…
Drug kingpin El Chapo's son enters plea in multibillion-dollar drug trafficking case

El Chapo’s Son Pleads in Major Multibillion-Dollar Drug Trafficking Case: Key Developments Unfold

Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of infamous cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo”…
Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump's military strikes on boats

Lawmakers Advocate for Congressional Oversight of Trump’s Naval Strike Decisions

WASHINGTON — On Sunday, lawmakers from both political parties expressed their support…
Doctor, wife gunned down in shooting outside California home; authorities probing possibly-linked suicide

California Double Shooting: Authorities Investigate Possible Suicide Connection in Tragic Murder of Doctor and Wife

A couple tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident outside their…
Trump confirms Diddy requested pardon in sex crimes case

Netflix and 50 Cent to Release Comprehensive 4-Part Documentary on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs This Tuesday

The upcoming project delves into Sean Combs’ journey, chronicling his evolution from…
School bus driver knits beanies for students to spread warmth and love

Heartfelt Stitches: School Bus Driver Warms Students’ Heads and Hearts with Handmade Beanies

Tina Hutcherson, a dedicated school bus driver, is knitting beanies to ensure…
'El Chapo' son and Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin Guzman Lopez confesses to drug trafficking, kidnapping in court in Chicago

El Chapo’s Son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, Admits to Drug Trafficking and Kidnapping in Chicago Court

CHICAGO — Intense scenes played out in a federal courtroom in Chicago…