Mayor-Elect Johnson Pitches Unity to State Legislators in Springfield: ‘Our challenges are not that unique’

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on Wednesday told Illinois legislators Chicago has its needs — including funding for public schools, mental health clinics and public safety — but “there is more than enough for everybody.”

Johnson’s ceremonial trip to Springfield, ahead of his May 15 swearing-in ceremony, also included some closed-door meetings with Democratic leaders and their caucuses. There are several provisions within Johnson’s tax proposal to fund public safety that would require legislative approval, including a transfer tax on high-end home sales, a security trading tax and a Chicago jet fuel tax.