Mayor-elect Johnson calls for bringing Chicago, state together in Springfield speech
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) – He's not even in office yet, but Chicago's mayor-elect, Brandon Johnson, is already reaching out to lawmakers across the state.
CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov was in Springfield where Johnson spoke during a joint legislative session on Wednesday.
Johnson gave a passionate and, at times, fiery speech about brining Chicago and the rest of the state together. But much of it echoed what he's repeatedly said on the campaign trail, and he bristled afterwards when CBS 2 asked him when he might give more specifics about what he needs from Springfield to accomplish his goals.
"It's a new day for Chicago and it's a new day for the state of Illinois," Johnson said.
An enthusiastic mayor-elect channeled his hope for bipartisan cooperation during his 26-minute speech to lawmakers at the state capitol.
"Chicago and Springfield can work together," he said. "It doesn't mean that we always get along."
Not surprisingly may of his comments about the dawn of a new progressive era in Illinois were met with a divided response right down party lines.
"In my view, the state of Illinois, led by Gov. Pritzker and this legislative body has become the vanguard for progressive policy all over this country," Johnson said.
But both Democrats and Republicans applauded Johnson's comments about ensuring businesses thrive statewide. Johnson also reiterated many of his campaign promises, including fully funding all public schools, re-opening the city's mental health centers and curbing violence.
"We have a mandate to make bold, necessary investments that address the root causes of violence," he said. "And we must do a better job of supporting, of course, our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every single day."
But he'll need money from the state to accomplish many of his goals. Republicans expected more details about the tax dollars required. They pointed out Johnson will need legislative approval for some of his goals.Those details never came, but this response to CBS 2's question did.
"So you're saying that the Republicans expected me to come down here and dictate how much money I want for the city of Chicago?" Johnson said. "But just understand the frame of that question though. So how do I call myself a collaborator? And then I'm dictating."
Johnson gave his speech after being official greeted by House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. The two have known each other for years.
The mayor-elect was a Chicago Teachers Union organizer and he was backed by the union. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates was at the capitol on Wednesday as well but stayed behind the scenes.
Johnson was also asked about last weekend's violence in the Loop and his statement that he didn't condone it, but that we can't demonize young people. He defended that statement and said the city doesn't have to make false choices about public safety.
