Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says sense of urgency needed for IL mass transit funding as city faces budget shortfall
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson said creative revenue ideas are needed for Chicago to deal with its looming budget problems.

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

The Chicago mayor adding that there needs to be a sense of urgency after lawmakers failed to come up with a plan to fund mass transit.

Chicago is looking at a projected budget shortfall of more than $1 billion for next year.

Lawmakers wrapped up the spring session without voting on any revenue measures to help the CTA, Metra and Pace.

“I’ve emphasized with great urgency the importance of ensuring all our stakeholders are involved,” Johnson stated at a press conference on Tuesday.

Several proposals to raise money for the CTA, including a new delivery tax and higher taxes on rideshare failed to get enough support in Springfield.

The mayor suggesting lawmakers look in other areas.

“The ultra-wealthy continue to evade contributing more significantly,” Johnson commented. “Thus, we need to hold discussions about revenue streams that encourage the wealthy in this state to contribute in a way that does not further burden working families.”

However, Chicago faces its own budget problems, including another downgrade in credit rating.

The mayor supports maintaining the one percent tax on groceries when the state ceases its collection later this year, although this still requires city council approval.

“I’ll say this: I’m confident that my colleagues are not going to leave $80 million on the table,” Sixth Ward Alderman William Hall and Chair of the Revenue Committee said.

Alderman Hall said that bringing the Formula 1 race to Chicago could also help raise hundreds of millions of dollars.

As city hall continues to work with Springfield to find new progressive revenue sources that require state approval, the focus remains local.

“If you look at some of the trends for our revenue growth, the areas of revenue that the city of Chicago controls, those are the revenues that are showing the strongest promise. It’s the local taxes, because we have direct oversight over,” Johnson said.

The Mayor also blamed the Trump administration for creating uncertainty in the economy and further complicating the budget process.

READ ALSO | Illinois lawmakers pass $55.2B budget with new taxes, immigrant health cuts, no transit funding

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago O'Hare flight cancellations today: More than 300 O'Hare flights canceled; airport delays averaging 50 minutes

Flight Disruptions Hit Chicago O’Hare: Over 300 Cancellations and 50-Minute Delays Reported

On Sunday, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport faced significant disruptions, with over 300…
Princeton offering gender studies course exploring reproductive life in Gaza 'genocide'

Princeton University Introduces Controversial Gender Studies Course on Reproductive Life Amid Gaza Conflict

Princeton University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is introducing a thought-provoking course…
Chicago shooting: 2 men shot, killed during jewelry store armed robbery on West 26th Street in Little Village, police say

Reward Alert: Cash Incentive Offered for Information on Fatal Little Village Jewelry Heist

In a somber turn of events in Chicago’s Little Village, Cook County…
Trump says he's ending trade talks with Canada over TV ads

Trump Proposes $2,000 ‘Dividend’ Checks: A Game-Changer in Tariff Revenue Strategy

In a recent Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump proposed an…
NYC firefighter dies after battling all-hands blaze on Brooklyn rooftop

Tragic Loss: NYC Firefighter Succumbs After Combating Intense Brooklyn Rooftop Blaze

In a tragic turn of events, the Fire Department of the City…
Veteran FDNY firefighter Patrick Brady dies battling Brooklyn blaze

Tragic Loss: Esteemed FDNY Hero Patrick Brady Falls in Brooklyn Fire Battle

An FDNY firefighter suffered a medical episode and died while battling a…

Heroic Kids Save Neighbor’s Life in Dramatic Indiana House Fire Rescue

In a heartwarming tale of bravery and community spirit, a group of…
A Number of Progressive Democrats Are Coming Out Hard Against Schumer Shutdown Deal

Progressive Democrats Rally Against Schumer’s Shutdown Deal: A New Wave of Opposition Emerges

As more information emerges about a potential agreement to conclude the government…
Pennsylvania girl’s church murder solved after family confession helps identify killer

Family Confession Leads to Breakthrough in Pennsylvania Church Murder Case

Over sixty years after the harrowing incident, authorities in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,…
Jets takeaways, report card from NFL Week 10 win over Browns

Jets’ Analysis and Performance Evaluation Following NFL Week 10 Victory Against the Browns

Observations from the Jets’ 27-20 triumph over the Browns on Sunday offer…
Speaker of the Money: After 38 Years in Congress, Pelosi Stocks Up 16,930 Percent, Now Worth $280 Million

Speaker of the House Sees Wealth Surge: Nancy Pelosi’s Net Worth Climbs 16,930% Over 38-Year Congressional Career, Reaching $280 Million

Recent reports confirm that Nancy Pelosi, often referred to as “Speaker Emerita,”…
SNAP benefits go out to New Yorkers despite Supreme Court ruling

New York Triumphs: SNAP Benefits Continue Uninterrupted After Supreme Court Decision

Despite a recent Supreme Court decision, New York has successfully secured funding…