Illinois budget battle: What Chicago needs from Springfield

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago officials are keeping a close eye on Springfield as lawmakers there work in the final days of the legislative session to hammer out a state budget that appeases interest groups and municipalities while protecting taxpayers.

Clouding the talks is smaller-than-projected revenue and uncertainly from the federal government. For Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration in Chicago, millions of dollars are at stake.

“These last few days become paramount,” the mayor said Tuesday. “There is still work to be done, right? But what I will say is we take nothing for granted.”

Regional officials are closely monitoring progress on a transportation bailout. The Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, is seeking $1.5 billion in new funding, warning if lawmakers don’t act, they’ll face 40 percent service cuts and possible layoffs.

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“There is some urgency to respond to the financial needs that exist today,” Johnson said. “We’re going to have a fully funded well-supported transit system, safe, affordable and reliable.”

In exchange for a bailout, lawmakers are demanding reform, pushing to consolidate the transportation agencies, but their proposals have been met by resistance from labor groups. The legislature is also looking to beef up security on buses and trains with some floating the idea of a single police force for Chicago area systems.

“It has to be the full force of government approach to have a transportation system that continues to grow and show up for working people,” Johnson said.

The mayor has also asked lawmakers to amend the prepaid cellphone and calling card tax to generate $12.5 million, extend the $5-a-month 911 surcharge to raise $27.5 million, boost funding for the city’s unified shelter system and improve state reimbursement rates for various services, including education.

There’s little new about Springfield cramming until the last day of session, but what’s different this year is that leaders say they may have to return later this summer to finish up work.