Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday asked the Illinois General Assembly to make $150 million in state funds available for Chicago Public Schools. He said the request is backed by a record $1 billion tax‑increment financing surplus that the city has set aside for the district and by a newly negotiated teachers contract.
The mayor’s appeal comes as CPS confronts a budget shortfall that threatens its ability to maintain operations and services. Johnson told state leaders that the $150 million would close the gap and keep the district financially stable through the coming fiscal year.
Illinois officials have previously pledged to fully fund public education, a commitment the mayor says has not yet been met. By releasing the requested money, the legislature would fulfill that pledge and support the city’s effort to sustain classroom staffing and programs.
The $1 billion tax‑increment financing reserve, created under the mayor’s administration, is intended to supplement state support and ensure that critical initiatives, such as the new teachers contract, can be funded without further cuts. Johnson emphasized that the combination of state aid and the surplus is essential for the district’s fiscal health.
The requested $150 million is earmarked to cover the costs associated with the newly negotiated teachers contract, ensuring that salaries and benefits outlined in the agreement are met without further strain on the district’s budget.
City officials have indicated that without the additional state funding, CPS may need to consider program reductions or staff layoffs, options the mayor aims to avoid.
State lawmakers have not yet responded publicly to the mayor’s demand. The request adds pressure on the General Assembly as it considers its budget priorities for the year. If approved, the $150 million would represent a significant portion of the resources needed to address the current shortfall and honor the city’s commitment to its educators and students.