Brandon Johnson, the incoming mayor of Chicago, will speak before the joint session of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday.
Why it matters: Despite not taking office until next month, Johnson is already attempting to enlist Springfield in his plans for Chicago.
Be wise: Johnson is connected to state legislators. They will appear together on stage during a press conference. He worked for Senate President Don Harmon.
What’s going on: Johnson is anticipated to speak about everything from housing and public safety to education. In addition, he will meet with a number of Democratic caucuses.
This is how newly elected mayors conduct themselves. In April 2019, Mayor Lori Lightfoot discussed her legislative priorities with the Illinois House, which included enacting a bill creating a casino in Chicago.
Public safety: If Johnson hadn’t planned on talking up public safety and policing, he definitely will do so now after last weekend’s chaos downtown. Johnson will talk about what he thinks Chicago needs to deter crime and provide youth opportunities.
He might also discuss what he wants from a new police superintendent.
📚 School funding: Johnson will bring education experience to the mayor’s office. His education plan calls for more funding for neighborhood public schools and higher pay for teachers.
He will need to persuade Springfield to provide more funding for those plans while also bridging a looming budget chasm for Chicago schools.
💰 Financial plan: Johnson met with Gov. JB Pritzker this month, unveiling his plan for adding a transaction tax for financial service companies. Pritzker came out against that proposal, saying it would prompt those companies to leave the state.
