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
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Orionid Meteor Shower returns | What to know

Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower 2023: Essential Viewing Tips and Peak Dates Revealed

Prepare to witness nature’s celestial display as the Orionid meteor shower returns…
Medicare costs are rising in 2026. Here's how to save during open enrollment

Unlock Savings: Navigate Rising Medicare Costs with Expert Tips for 2026 Open Enrollment

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, nearly 64% of Americans are…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
NTSB shares early findings in crash that killed country songwriter Brett James

Breaking: NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Fatal Crash Involving Renowned Country Songwriter Brett James

A preliminary report has surfaced, shedding light on the tragic accident that…
DNA testing shows police found remains connected to Kada Scott: Sources

Breakthrough in Kada Scott Case: DNA Evidence Links Discovered Remains

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — According to law enforcement sources, DNA analysis from the…
Shooting at Oklahoma State University residence hall leaves multiple victims

Multiple Injuries Reported in Oklahoma State University Dorm Shooting Incident

A shooting incident at an Oklahoma State University (OSU) dormitory resulted in…
Sharon Osbourne mourns death of beloved dog Elvis

Sharon Osbourne Heartbroken Over Loss of Cherished Dog Elvis

Sharon Osbourne recently mourned the passing of her beloved 14-year-old dog, Elvis,…
Convicted child killer of Etan Patz must be retried by June deadline or walk free from custody: judge

Urgent Retrial Deadline Looms for Convicted Child Killer of Etan Patz: Freedom at Stake

In a significant development, a federal judge has ruled that a man…
Israel strikes Gaza after it says Hamas attacked across ceasefire line

Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Gaza Following Alleged Hamas Ceasefire Breach

Israel launched strikes on targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday…
Brandy and Monica Chicago news: Brandy walks off stage during United Center concert for 'The Boy Is Mine' tour

Brandy’s Unexpected Exit at United Center: ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour Takes Dramatic Turn in Chicago

CHICAGO—During a Saturday night performance at the United Center, acclaimed singer Brandy…
Driver plows into child's birthday party in Maryland killing woman, injuring 13 others

Tragic Incident at Maryland Birthday Party: Vehicle Collision Claims Life and Injures 13

Tragedy struck at a child’s birthday celebration in Maryland on Saturday night…