Budget hearings began in City Council on Friday for Chicago’s 2022 spending plan. Mayor Lightfoot presented her $16.7 billion budget to City Council on Monday. It includes a basic income pilot program, investments in mental health and violence prevention, and an increase in funding to the police department.

Lightfoot has received criticism from some alderpeople, including Ald. Gilbert Villegas who said the mayor copied his basic income ordinance proposed in the spring.

This week the City Council also held its first public hearing on new ward maps. Chicago’s Latino population grew by 5% from 2010 to 2020, according to the latest Census. City Council’s Latino Caucus hopes to increase the number of Latino-majority wards, and some organizations are pushing for the first ever Asian American-majority ward.

CPS COVID Protocols

The Chicago Teachers Union and some parents raised concerns over Chicago Public Schools’ COVID-19 testing and tracing roll out. Lighfoot told “Chicago Tonight” on Monday she’s disappointed in the district’s efforts.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Board of Education approved Pedro Martinez to be CPS’ next CEO. It also renewed an $11 million, one-year contract with the Chicago Police Department for school resource officers.

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Lightfoot doubled down on the Oct. 15 deadline for city workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, saying she wouldn’t delay the requirement even amid pushback from unions representing Chicago police officers. Meanwhile, Governor J.B. Pritzker reached the first deal related to COVID vaccine requirements with state union workers.

This comes as President Joe Biden plans to visit Chicago on Wednesday to promote business vaccine mandates.

Guests

Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ | @MariahWoelfel @WBEZ

Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times | @NaderDIssa @Suntimes

Sarah Schulte, ABC7 Chicago | @SchulteABC7 @ABC7Chicago

Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic | @kfishbain @TheAthleticCHI

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