(Just The News)—A new Chicago budget is set to take effect, even though the city’s mayor refused to sign it.
Flanked by Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates and several aldermanic allies, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday he would not sign or veto the budget passed by the city council last Saturday, but he would let it take effect to avoid risk or speculation of a government shutdown.
The $16.7 billion spending plan includes higher taxes on cloud computing, liquor and plastic bags, along with rideshare surcharges and a roughly $1 billion sweep of tax-increment financing funds to Chicago Public Schools.
The “alternative” budget passed by aldermen did not include a corporate head tax proposed by the mayor. The measure would have imposed a $33 per-employee monthly tax on businesses with more than 500 workers.
“Despite the fact that there was one particular element that the people of Chicago overwhelmingly supported that we were not able to hold onto in this budget, aren’t you glad that we have many more budgets to pass?” Johnson said.
Even without the mayor’s head tax on employers, Michael K. Harris Jr. of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association said businesses are again being asked to shoulder a disproportionate share of the city’s financial burden.
“It is long past time for the city to acknowledge the cycle of continually increasing taxes and spending is unsustainable and risks undermining Chicago’s long-term viability,” Harris said before the city council last Friday.
Johnson issued executive orders prohibiting the sale of city-administered medical debt owed by individuals to private entities and banning the Chicago Police Department from exceeding the budget cap on overtime without mayoral and city council authorization.
The mayor repeated his opposition to a debt collection measure in the council-approved budget, which allows the city to sell city debt to private collectors.
Johnson suggested that he could make changes to the budget in the coming days.
“We all agree that the budget is a living document,” Johnson said.
The mayor said he wanted to clarify something when a reporter asked him about making his announcement at a “campaign-style” event.
“This is not a campaign event. The last I checked, this is the office of the mayor and I’m the mayor,” Johnson said as his supporters cheered.
The mayor said he wanted to be careful not to put the Office of Inspector General in a position where people are being investigated because of the type of question that was asked.
“In fact, what you are seeing right now is a more powerful display, because campaigns come and go. This movement is here to stay. As far as our power is concerned, who’s questioning our power right now?” Johnson asked.
Johnson said he would continue pushing Illinois state lawmakers to pass a millionaire’s tax and other forms of what he called “progressive revenue,” adding that he had had conversations with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, state Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Chicago Flips Red Vice President Danielle Carter-Walters opposed the mayor’s budget but said the alternate plan also fails taxpaying citizens.
“When I look in this budget, all it’s doing is slow-killing us, nickel-and-diming us with taxes,” Carter-Walters said.
The city is required by law to pass a budget by Dec. 31. With no action from the mayor, the 2026 budget is set to take effect.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.