Chicago mayor visits Illinois Capitol to meet with governor and legislative leaders

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke with reporters Wednesday during his visit at the Capitol. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spent Wednesday meeting with leaders at the Illinois Capitol.

The goal was to lay the groundwork for some state dollars – maybe up to $1 billion.

Now. What’s the real goal?

“We have to continue to make sure that the state of Illinois is doing right by the economic engine of the state of Illinois, which is the city of Chicago,” Johnson told reporters after a day of meetings, “but it’s also to continue relationships with the opportunity that we have in this moment as a state to really build the type of operation that speaks to equity and justice.

“This is a unique chance for us to do that.”

The mood was more subdued than when Johnson was here as mayor-elect. Back then, he addressed the House of Representatives and posed for pictures outside with the Speaker and the Senate president.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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