Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says won’t spend additional pandemic relief funds for migrant care after already reallocating $95M
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made an announcement regarding the allocation of federal pandemic relief funds, affirming that the city will not allocate further resources for migrant care. The declaration follows inquiries from journalists on Thursday, subsequent to the unveiling of plans by state and county leaders to earmark an additional $250 million for migrant support. Mayor Johnson opted against committing an extra $70 million, emphasizing that the issue transcends mere financial considerations.
Johnson underscored the complexities involved, referencing Illinois’ previous commitment to providing 2,000 beds for migrants, with ongoing efforts to finalize logistical details. Proposing alternative strategies, the mayor suggested augmenting the citie’s real-estate transfer tax to combat homelessness, leveraging the fact that over 70% of Chicago’s federal American Rescue Plan Act pandemic assistance funds remain unutilized. Dismissing suggestions of diverting ARPA funds towards migrant support, Johnson emphasized a commitment to equitable distribution, ensuring that communities most impacted by disinvestment receive due consideration.