{"id":500263,"date":"2026-01-08T01:55:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T01:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/500263\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T01:55:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T01:55:10","slug":"chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-warns-layoffs-could-come-mid-year-after-alternative-budget-passed-aldermen-push-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/500263\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warns layoffs could come mid-year after alternative budget passed; aldermen push back"},"content":{"rendered":"

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday warned that layoffs could be coming later this year due to the budget that was passed without his support.<\/p>\n

But some City Council members, who led the charge to pass the alternative budget, are pushing back.<\/p>\n

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24\/7. Click here to watch<\/a><\/p>\n

Johnson is still simmering over the budget <\/a>that gave him 98.4 percent of what he wanted, but did not include the corporate head tax that he fought so hard to get.<\/p>\n

“But there are still some concerns about whether or not the budget projections that were put forward by those other alders, that those projections will actually materialize. So, now I am bracing for what could be mid-year layoffs,” Johnson said.<\/p>\n

The mayor raised particular concerns about the revenue projections for video gaming, saying he’s concerned it will fall short. It will be monitored month by month.<\/p>\n

“You know, as far as individuals who could be laid off being we’re talking about you know, public employees, right? It could be, you know, you know, real serious consequences to workers who are attached to community safety,” Johnson said.<\/p>\n

Leaders of the alternative budget coalition pushed back on the mayor’s dire predictions, defending their plan as balanced.<\/p>\n

“The administration now is having to deal with a lawsuit that might put a $26 million hole in the budget that they presented. We’re looking to move forward with the efficiencies and revenue proposal that we presented, and we want to work with the administration on how we get that revenue,” 39th Ward Ald. Samantha Nugent said.<\/p>\n

That lawsuit was filed by sports betting companies<\/a> challenging a new tax of more than 10% on revenue, a tax that the companies claim is unconstitutional.<\/p>\n

Other alders are downplaying talk of layoffs.<\/p>\n

“Is there a risk? Sure, like, I wouldn’t sit here and lie to you and say that it’s not. But I think it’s very premature. I wish we would focus on the things that we need to focus on, which is getting the year started off right,” 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee said.<\/p>\n

The mayor had previously raised concerns about public safety layoffs during the heat of the budget battle, and now alders suggest he’s prematurely causing alarm.<\/p>\n

The mayor is hoping it won’t come to that.<\/p>\n

“Again, I’m continuously working with City Council and rolling up my sleeves to ensure that you can mitigate that type of harm,” Johnson said.<\/p>\n

Aldermen would not speculate on the mayor’s motives for bringing up the possibility of layoffs, but have previously noted that budgets always undergo changes and adjustments as the year goes on.<\/p>\n

After a difficult budget year, and with so many potential challengers out there Johnson was asked about whether he’s committed to running for reelection.<\/p>\n

“Politicians will do what politicians will do. They will project and forecast what their intentions are. This politician is focused on driving down violence and building more affordable homes,” Johnson said. “That’s what my focus is, and that’s what my focus will remain. And when it’s time to talk politics, you know, we’ll get into that.”<\/p>\n

“He could play as coy as he wishes, but I would imagine that we heard a great reelection kickoff speech when he gave his budget address last year,” 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez said.<\/p>\n

Mayor Johnson may not want to say it now, but he is expected to run for reelection. He is also expected to face a crowded field. But that race won’t likely kick into high gear before the end of the summer.<\/p>\n

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