UPDATE: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued a grave warning that mid-year layoffs could be on the horizon for public employees due to a newly passed budget that he did not support. This urgent announcement comes as tensions rise between the mayor and the City Council, which approved an alternative budget that Johnson claims fails to meet critical revenue expectations.
In a statement made earlier today, Johnson expressed concerns over the revenue projections tied to video gaming, suggesting that the anticipated funds may not materialize as planned. “I am bracing for what could be mid-year layoffs,” Johnson stated, highlighting the potential impact on community safety and public services.
The budget, which Johnson asserts gave him 98.4 percent of his original proposals, notably excluded a corporate head tax he had fought for, leading to his continued discontent. His comments reflect a deepening worry about the city’s financial stability amidst ongoing discussions about efficiency and revenue generation.
In response, leaders of the alternative budget coalition, including 39th Ward Ald. Samantha Nugent, are pushing back against the mayor’s dire predictions. Nugent defended their plan as balanced and pointed out that the administration now faces a potential $26 million deficit due to a lawsuit filed by sports betting companies. These companies are challenging a new tax exceeding 10% on revenue, claiming it unconstitutional.
Ald. Nicole Lee from the 11th Ward acknowledged that while there is a risk of layoffs, she believes it is “very premature” to invoke alarm. “We need to focus on getting the year started off right,” she stated, downplaying the mayor’s concerns.
Johnson, however, has reiterated his commitment to working closely with the City Council to address these challenges and mitigate the potential impact on workers. “I’m continuously working with City Council and rolling up my sleeves to ensure that you can mitigate that type of harm,” he said, underscoring the human stakes involved.
As the city moves forward, all eyes will be on the monthly revenue reports and the unfolding legal situation concerning the tax. The ongoing debate signals a crucial moment for Chicago’s financial future, and the implications for public safety and community services could be significant.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
