Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was pressed about how the city is managing amid the immigration crisis and whether that means raising taxes on residents.
Republican governors like Texas' Greg Abbott are sending buses of asylum seekers to Democratic-controlled states and sanctuary cities. Republicans say the measure is needed to show the rest of the country how border states are faring due to a surge in migrants. The busing of migrants to large cities like New York City and Chicago has led some Democratic leaders to believe the migrant crisis is overwhelming their cities and that President Biden has failed to take adequate action to stem the flow. I was forced to admit that.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the crisis was “unsustainable” and called for further federal support to help the city cope with rising numbers of migrants.
CBS Chicago Reporter Sabrina Franza confronted Johnson In an in-person interview earlier this month, he spoke about his management of the city, claiming that voters feel ignored by his policies that favor foreign immigrants.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was repeatedly asked in a recent interview whether he would raise taxes to address the immigration crisis. (CBS Chicago)
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“When I talk to voters, they often feel frustrated because they don't see the money being spent on the immigration crisis, and they think the administration isn't listening to them. “That's a concern. This money just came out of nowhere, and it's not being invested in our communities,” Franza said. “Why do you think they feel that way?”
Mr Johnson claimed this was because “black and brown communities, especially black communities” were being “disinvested” and told Franza: “We need policies that we really need in this migrant crisis, this international global crisis. Please keep in mind that this is necessary.” Response with federal resources. ”
Mr Johnson is one of several leaders who have called for federal action to address the migrant crisis. In December, New York City Mayor Eric Adams returned from a visit to Washington, D.C., with members of Congress and announced there would be no aid for the time being.
“When I left Washington, D.C., I didn't leave with optimism. I left with the cold reality that help wasn't coming soon,” Adams warned.
In a later interview, Mr. Franza asked Mr. Johnson, “What is the city of Chicago going to do with this money? Because you said it's not sustainable, you said it's running out of space, you're disrupting the very fabric of society.” he asked. City. ”
“That hasn't stopped my administration from investing in non-housing,” Johnson responded, speaking of how other cities are considering budget cuts, but Chicago is still in that position. He asserted that he had not yet reached that stage.
“Are we going to levy additional taxes to pay for this?” Franza asked.
Johnson said with a laugh. “Well, I think you all know my vision for the city's revenue, and of course my revenue is trying to make sure that we're doing everything we can to address this issue.”
The busing of migrants to large cities like New York City and Chicago has led some Democratic leaders to believe the migrant crisis is overwhelming their cities and that President Biden has failed to take adequate action to stem the tide. I was forced to admit that. (Fox News)
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“But add taxes to help pay for the immigration crisis?” Franza pressed.
“This is something I've said repeatedly,” he began, noting that Chicago's immigration situation is part of an “international crisis.”
Franza interjected. “I hear you say that.”
“Okay, then you know the answer,” Johnson replied.
“No, no, because the answer I wanted was, 'Are we going to add taxes?'” Franza asked.
“The answer is the federal government has to do its job,” Johnson said.
“So what if you don't?” Franza asked.
Prime Minister Johnson then said that Chicago was temporarily housing “30,000 Ukrainian refugees” during the Ukraine war following the Russian invasion, adding, “The difference between Ukrainian refugees and people seeking asylum from Central and South America is… What is it?” he asked.
“Yeah, but that's not the question Chicagoans are asking. What Chicagoans want to know is, are we going to raise taxes, whether it's property taxes, or are we going to do something else to pay for this?” Do you want to do it?” Franza continued. She presses for answers.
Johnson claims that no one asked him this question, and while he insists that “I didn't raise property taxes,” he's committed to investing in issues ranging from homelessness to mental health in his city. succeeded in.
“My administration has worked tirelessly to build an operation centered on the humanity of our people in response to this international crisis that the federal government has neglected. As we do all of that, I remain committed to “We've kept all of our promises. We were going to invest in our people,” he said.
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“So no matter how bad the situation gets, can you promise not to raise property taxes?” Franza asked.
“I think my budget, the $16.77 billion that we just passed, 41 alder trees, supported this budget,” Johnson said.
“So, does that mean 'yes'?” Franza asked.
Johnson added, “And we did all of that without raising property taxes. The proof of that is in what I passed. We made all of these investments without raising property taxes. “That's the promise I made when I ran for office, and that's the promise I continue to keep.'' ”
