A contingent of Chicago aldermen has journeyed to Springfield, Illinois, with a mission to advocate for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ambitious initiative aimed at securing what he describes as “progressive revenue.”

The delegation is actively championing the mayor’s proposal, which includes a substantial corporate tax increase, the introduction of a new digital advertising levy, and modifications to the current rates of personal property replacement taxes.

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Despite their concerted efforts, it appears unlikely that these measures will impact the budget for the coming year.

Last week, Governor JB Pritzker made it clear that he does not endorse the idea of a head tax.

Gov. JB Pritzker said last week he doesn’t support a head tax.

Chicago business leaders and aldermen have also pushed back on the head tax proposal, saying it’s a job killer.

Mayor Johnson touted the head tax as a corporate investment in public safety.

The city is facing a nearly $1.2 billion shortfall in 2026.

Johnson doubled down Tuesday, calling on big corporations in Chicago to do some soul-searching.

“The best way we do it is that we invest in people and asking our corporate partners to put a little bit more skin in the game so that we don’t continue to balance budgets off the backs of working people,” Johnson said.

During a press conference, the mayor continued his campaign to reinstate a $21-per-employee tax on larger businesses

“I don’t see where he’s going to get the 26 votes in order to pass this budget that has a head tax,” 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas said.

The mayor’s argument is corporations should help pay for a continued reduction of crime and for consequences of President Donald Trump’s cuts to health care and SNAP benefits.

“Without health care, people will die. They will. And without access to food, more children, we would have been hungry,” Johnson said.

Villegas says the mayor must consider breaking two campaign promises: cuts and raising property taxes.

“The two levers that you have in order to neutralize a budget are reductions in right-sizing government and also creating revenue,” Villegas said.

“For so long, we have constantly asked working people to accept less. That’s not what my ask is in this moment,” Johnson said.

At this point, the mayor has no plans to call on the unions to negotiate cuts or furloughs. Property tax hikes are unlikely, as well as any additional help from Springfield. A balanced budget must pass by the end of the year.