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Chicago's Budget Crisis: Mayor's Tax Proposal Sparks Controversy

12/16/2025

47 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chicago faces a budget impasse as Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council rush to finalize 2026 budget by December 30, risking a shutdown.
Johnson's proposal includes a $33-per-employee corporate head tax on large companies to raise $82 million for public safety and youth programs.
A coalition of aldermen opposes the tax and backs an alternative budget that eliminates it, while negotiators drop a proposed garbage fee hike.

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Story summary

Chicago faces a budget impasse as Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council rush to finalize 2026 budget by December 30, risking a shutdown.
Johnson's proposal includes a $33-per-employee corporate head tax on large companies to raise $82 million for public safety and youth programs.
A coalition of aldermen opposes the tax and backs an alternative budget that eliminates it, while negotiators drop a proposed garbage fee hike.