SPRINGFIELD (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - For the first time as mayor, Brandon Johnson is at the capitol in Springfield.
Thursday will be the second day of his push for state lawmakers to send more money to Chicago.
The mayor said he had discussions with fellow democrats who lead the Illinois House and Senate as well as Governor Pritzker and republican leaders.
While he didn’t share specifics, Mayor Johnson told reporters Wednesday he’s making pitches for more money for Chicago Public Schools, a new Bears stadium and replacing lead water lines.
“It’s a level-setting, it’s making sure that we’re building on relationships, but it’s also clear that in order for the State of Illinois to be the great state that it is that the City of Chicago has to have its fair share of resources.”
The mayor’s prior request of $1 billion for school funding is significantly higher than increases the state has provided in the past.
The mayor said meetings with legislative leaders in Springfield have been positive as he backs a plan by the Chicago Bears to use public funds to help replace Soldier Field.
“We have a structural damaged situation that really needs a solution, and that’s what this is about, providing solutions to a problem that like everything else I’ve inherited.
Governor Pritzker has said he does not support using public dollars to pay for a new stadium.
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