Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed allocating an additional $70 million in taxpayer funds to aid approximately 38,000 immigrants who have arrived in the city since 2022.
The mayor's office has begun briefing Wednesday City Council members on this plan, aiming to bolster the city's response to the ongoing migrant situation.
Chicago Mayor's Stance Shifts Amid $321 Million Migrant Aid Estimate
Initially, in February, State, county, and city officials estimated that $321 million would be necessary to sustain the migrant operation through the end of the year.
Governor J.B. Pritzker had sought $182 million from the Illinois General Assembly, with Cook County and the city of Chicago agreeing to contribute $70 million each to cover the remaining expenses.
However, Mayor Johnson initially distanced himself from this funding arrangement
"I'm not aware," he answered when questioned by reporters in mid-February, according to NBC Chicago.
Now, it appears there has been a shift in the mayor's stance, with plans to tap into city surpluses for the additional $70 million.
Mayor Plans to Allocate $70 Million for Migrant Support
Pending City Council approval, the $70 million would supplement the $150 million already designated in the 2024 budget for addressing the migrant issue, according to the Daily Mail.
The funds are expected to primarily cover staffing, leases, and food expenses, which have consistently represented the largest expenditures in this area, as per the officials.
They also made it clear that there would be no need for budget cuts to fund it at this time.
Chicago is currently grappling with the influx of migrants, sparking controversy in the city and state due to stretched resources, Fox News reported.
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