CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Lightfoot said she's disappointed hearing that Democrats on Capitol Hill might accept a stimulus bill without aid for cities and states.
Mayor Lightfoot said passing a coronavirus stimulus bill that doesn't help local governments is unacceptable. She said COVID-19 has destroyed local economies in areas run by Democrats and Republicans.
"The notion that somehow a package would move and get to the President's desk for signature, and there would be zero relief for state and local governments is absolutely unacceptable," she said.
"COVID-19 has wrecked out economy and the notion that we should just stand here with nothing, no hope from the federal government and accept that is okay? No. Absolutely not."
She also downplays concerns of some Congressional Republicans who suggest stimulus money would be bailing out fiscal mismanagement.
"$1.2 billion budget deficit for 2021 - 65 percent of which - $783 million is directly related to the impact of COVID-19. This has nothing to do with long-term, legacy fiscal issues or pension issues," Lightfoot said.
She urges Illinois' delegation not to give in to the pressure.
The Mayor said Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell should not hold such power over the needs of cities.
