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CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a $16.6 billion budget plan for 2026, which incorporates over $400 million in new tax measures.
In an interview with ABC7 on Tuesday, Mayor Johnson discussed the implications of the proposed budget.
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“Ninety-seven percent of businesses will remain unaffected by this new revenue initiative,” Johnson explained. “Only three percent of businesses will experience any impact. The funds generated are earmarked for essential services, including mental and behavioral health support for first responders, resources for domestic violence survivors, and youth employment programs, which have seen significant success in job placements over the summer. Additionally, it will support our Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workers.”
The Chicago City Council’s committee is set to commence its annual departmental examination of the city budget on Tuesday.
RELATED: Mayor Johnson proposes social media tax to fund mental health clinics in 2026 budget
The committee meeting will concentrate on budgetary and financial matters, with departmental reviews scheduled to continue until November 14.
While some aldermen have expressed reservations regarding certain aspects of the mayor’s budget proposals, Johnson stands firm on his priorities. “I will not compromise on the safety of Chicago’s residents. We have made remarkable progress, achieving the lowest number of homicides during the summer months in recent years. We cannot afford to regress; this budget is about moving forward,” Johnson stated.
When asked about the lawsuit the city filed against President Donald Trump over federal grant funding, Johnson said, “Every single lawsuit that we have filed against the Trump administration, we have won. This lawsuit is part of a larger group. Eight other cities are joining us. And here is the thing, we are talking about withholding grants or he is talking about withholding grants that allow for us in the event of an emergency to be able to get equipment to people to make sure that our first responders have the resources that they need.”
