Chicago residents are voicing their dissatisfaction as the city grapples with a billion-dollar budget deficit. During a city council meeting Monday, public comments reflected growing frustrations with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s policies, particularly his approach to sanctuary city initiatives and proposed tax increases.
Danielle Carter, a resident who spoke during the public comment period, criticized Johnson and urged President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar to prioritize Chicago for action. “Trump, Tom Homan, make an example out of this [mayor] here first, please come here first,” Carter said, also calling for a forensic audit of the city’s finances. Johnson interrupted Carter mid-speech, cutting her microphone and warning her to use appropriate language. Carter resumed her remarks, accusing Johnson of misusing taxpayer dollars to protect illegal immigrants.
Another speaker, Mrs. Lawrence, warned Johnson about legal consequences for what she called harboring illegal aliens, stating, “There’s a 10-year prison sentence when you want to stand up here for those illegals.”
P Rae Eastly expressed gratitude to the city council for rejecting Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax increase. “The city of Chicago is out of the business of funding illegals,” Eastly said, emphasizing the need to prioritize American citizens over non-citizens. She urged the council to oppose further tax hikes amid the city’s financial woes.
Despite the rejection of the property tax increase, Johnson maintained that the city is exploring “progressive revenue” options to balance the budget. Speaking after the meeting, he described the process as requiring “progressive bold leadership” and noted ongoing discussions with state and federal leaders.
During the budget hearing, Mr. Cruz, another resident, argued that Chicago’s financial troubles stem from overspending rather than a lack of revenue. He warned against tax increases, stating, “The only way to get out of this budget crisis and insolvency is to increase the population and keep people here, encourage people to want to move here, encourage businesses to want to hire here. Raising taxes does the exact opposite of that.”
With the fiscal year deadline approaching at the end of the month, the city faces mounting pressure to address the billion-dollar deficit. Public comments at the meeting underscored the divide between residents and city leadership on the best path forward. While Johnson and his allies push for progressive solutions, many Chicagoans are calling for fiscal restraint and a focus on keeping businesses and residents in the city.
