Mayor Brandon Johnson meets with Gov. JB Pritzker, others in Springfield, Illinois over funding requests for Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson was in Springfield Wednesday lobbying the governor and leading lawmakers for funding for Chicago.

The visit came with just one month left in the session amidst some criticism from lawmakers that this visit might be a little too late.

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

Mayor Johnson arrived at the State Capitol just before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning for a series of important meetings about funding that he has put on his priority ask list for this session.

The mayor called his requests modest, but the state is facing its own budget constraints this visit.

“We do know that there are budget challenges all over the country; so, this is not unique to the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago. What we have put forth, we believe is a reasonable presentation that gets us a step closer to solving critical issues that we have,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s asks have a lot to do with trying to maintain the funding the city was already counting on.

“Some of the priorities this year’s budget that we plan to discuss: the telecommunications tax amendment, the 911 surcharge extension, the One System Initiative funding and the Illinois State Board of Education mandated categories,” Johnson said.

The mayor’s first meeting behind closed doors was with Gov. JB Pritzker.

SEE MORE: Mayor Johnson hosts reception for Chicago delegation ahead of key budget meetings in Springfield

About an hour later, the mayor met with Senate President Don Harmon for just over 10 minutes.

From there, it was on to a meeting with House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch in his office on the other side of the Capitol. With the state facing its own fiscal challenges, the mayor is moderating his expectations.

“I always appreciate the opportunity to speak with Mayor Johnson about Chicago’s priorities-many of which are already part of the ongoing conversations happening in the Capitol. Chicago is an economic and cultural engine for our state; when Chicago succeeds, we all succeed. It’s clear that the Trump Administration sees Chicago and Illinois as a top target of their cruel and chaotic agenda, so it’s critical that the leaders of our state maintain an open dialogue about how we keep Illinois moving in a better direction,” Welch said in a statement.

Johnson’s visit with Welch came during a week when scores of other politicians and organizations are scrapping for their share of the state revenue pie.

And while the mayor’s team has had ongoing discussion with lawmakers, some are critical of this visit coming so late in the session.

“I think it, again, is indicative of the ineptitude and the ineffectiveness of the mayor and the entire fifth floor, those asks. Again, I don’t think they’re minimal at all. And the fact that he’s coming down, we have 20 legislative days, just again shows he’s not ready to lead,” said Democratic state Rep. Curtis Tarver, assistant majority leader. Tarver represents southeast Chicago.

The mayor’s time at the Capitol was brief, as he had an unrelated ribbon cutting outside Springfield at 11 a.m., and then needed to be back in Chicago for a 3 p.m. event.

The visit lasted less than two and a half hours.

The effectiveness of this visit won’t be known until the end of session.

“I think there are some things that we can do as a legislature to help our biggest city. And when you look at the very specific asks that have been put on the table, some of those are actually already in the governor’s proposed budget,” said Democratic state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, who represents the Northwest Side of Chicago.

Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner, who represents Chicago and is speaker pro temp, said he wants the relationship between the state Capitol and Chicago to improve.

“We want the relationship with Springfield to improve because, at the end of the day, that’s better for the people that we serve. So hoping that this can be a step forward, but I will admit that, 19 days left in the session, it’s pretty late,” Buckner said.

State budgets tend to remain very fluid, until they’re finalized.

But the x-factor for state lawmakers and the mayor is what happens in Washington, and if any federal funds will get cut off.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Elon Musk to hold Tesla investor vote on xAI investment, rules out merger

Elon Musk Plans Tesla Investor Vote on xAI Investment, Rules Out Merger

Elon Musk has dismissed the possibility of merging Tesla with xAI, but…

Introducing the ‘Sea Spaceship’: A Futuristic Luxury Yacht Promising a Refined, Million-Dollar Getaway

A FUTURISTIC luxury yacht that’s dubbed a “sea spaceship” has been unveiled.…
Elmo peeking through a hole in a blue background.

Elmo’s X Account Compromised, Unleashes Wave of Offensive Posts

ELMO’S X account was hacked as a string of antisemitic posts were…
Yankees voice Dave Sims fires back at Boomer Esiason over games he 'blew off'

Yankees Announcer Dave Sims Responds to Boomer Esiason’s Criticism About Skipping Games

Yankees radio announcer Dave Sims has no regrets about taking time off…
‘Scrubs’ Reboot Gets Series Order From ABC, with Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke All Returning

ABC Orders ‘Scrubs’ Reboot Series with Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke Set to Return

TLC might not have wanted “No Scrubs,” but ABC wants some —…
Idaho four murder victim's sister reveals 'weird' three-word text message hours before stabbings

Sister of Idaho murder victim shares eerie three-word text sent hours prior to attack

Ethan Chapin’s sister, Mazie, revealed the final message sent by her brother,…
Waterspout over rooftops.

Severe Weather in Spain: Flooding Halts Search for Two Missing and Lightning Strikes Woman, Waterspout Photo Surfaces

SPAIN has been pummelled by devastating freak storms and floods, with two…
Mets draft Mitch Voit, who went viral for cocaine-snorting celebration

Mets Select Viral Sensation Mitch Voit, Known for Celebrating with Bold Cocaine-Snorting Gesture

Mitch Voit made a name for himself long before his first-round MLB…
Sen. Rand Paul Exposes Secret Service Failures. Assassination

Sen. Rand Paul Unveils Secret Service Shortcomings: A Security Breach Insight

A scathing Senate report from Rand Paul details how Secret Service failures…
St. Augustine lightning strike victims identified

Victims of St. Augustine Lightning Strike Have Been Identified

Phillip, Diana and Jayme Schuyler were struck by lightning Saturday. Phillip, in…
Former NHL player Joe Pavelski wins the celebrity American Century Championship

Ex-NHL Star Joe Pavelski Claims Victory at Celebrity American Century Championship

The golf event included famous athletes, actors, musicians and more. In South…
Trump economic adviser says White House probing Fed renovation costs, authority to fire Powell

Trump Economic Adviser Reports White House Investigation into Federal Reserve Renovation Costs and Authority to Dismiss Fed Chair Powell

President Trump holds the power to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell…