Dupage Policy Journal

Chicago, a significant transportation hub with a rich cultural landscape, is facing financial challenges. Mayor Brandon Johnson has been seeking substantial funding from the General Assembly to address these issues. Over the past six months, Johnson has made several billion-dollar funding requests.

"The General Assembly must do more!" he stated, urging for increased financial support without providing detailed accountability measures. While acknowledging Johnson's right to request funds, lawmakers assert their right to decline such requests.

One proposal involves restructuring the regional public transportation system by eliminating existing agencies like the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. This would create a single governing board dominated by Chicago and Cook County. The consolidation would distribute CTA's $5 billion debt across the entire transit system, effectively burdening suburban Metra and Pace riders.

Johnson also requested nearly $3 billion from the General Assembly for a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. This proposal received limited enthusiasm from lawmakers.

Additionally, Johnson claims that the state "owed" Chicago Public Schools (CPS) $1 billion under the Evidence Based Funding (EBF) Formula. Despite opposition from Senate and House leaders, he continues to push for increased funding beyond what CPS currently receives through EBF.

The EBF formula was developed with input from CPS and already provides advantages not available to other districts. For instance, CPS benefits from a $203 million allocation in its base funding minimum and legislation allowing it to bypass property tax limitations. It also receives at least 37% of Early Childhood Block Grants annually despite declining enrollment and claims a legacy pension credit worth hundreds of millions each year.

There are concerns that other Illinois schools with greater needs might be overlooked if CPS receives additional funds. As discussions about Chicago's nearly $1 billion budget shortfall continue, Johnson remains firm in his call for more state assistance: "The General Assembly needs to do more!"

With lawmakers set to return for Veto Session soon, it is anticipated that Mayor Johnson will seek further financial support in Springfield. However, caution is advised regarding any spending plans requiring state intervention.