Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has made an about-face on his 2026 budget plan, reversing deep cuts to funding for domestic violence programs that were set to devastate services. The move comes as the city faces a nearly $1.2 billion shortfall and Johnson seeks to appease critics from City Council.
As part of his original budget proposal, Johnson's administration had earmarked just $12 million for domestic violence services in 2026, down from $21 million in 2025 – a reduction of over 43% that would have left organizations scrambling. However, the mayor has since drawn an additional $9 million from the city's corporate fund to restore funding levels.
The decision has been welcomed by advocates for survivors and victims of domestic violence, who had strongly criticized Johnson's initial plan. A letter from the mayoral-appointed gender-based violence task force, which had previously expressed opposition to the cut, now praises the mayor for his "renewed commitment" to fully funding services at 2025 levels.
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue in Chicago, with homicides of this type climbing by 23% as of November 14 – a concerning trend that contrasts with overall drops in other violent crime categories. The programs funded by the city are crucial for providing support and resources, including counseling, advocacy services, hotel stays, and one-time payments to victims.
Johnson's decision to restore funding has been made possible by another concession: boosting the tax on cloud storage to make his corporate head tax more palatable. Under the new plan, companies with 200 or more employees will be affected, down from an initial threshold of 100.
As part of his original budget proposal, Johnson's administration had earmarked just $12 million for domestic violence services in 2026, down from $21 million in 2025 – a reduction of over 43% that would have left organizations scrambling. However, the mayor has since drawn an additional $9 million from the city's corporate fund to restore funding levels.
The decision has been welcomed by advocates for survivors and victims of domestic violence, who had strongly criticized Johnson's initial plan. A letter from the mayoral-appointed gender-based violence task force, which had previously expressed opposition to the cut, now praises the mayor for his "renewed commitment" to fully funding services at 2025 levels.
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue in Chicago, with homicides of this type climbing by 23% as of November 14 – a concerning trend that contrasts with overall drops in other violent crime categories. The programs funded by the city are crucial for providing support and resources, including counseling, advocacy services, hotel stays, and one-time payments to victims.
Johnson's decision to restore funding has been made possible by another concession: boosting the tax on cloud storage to make his corporate head tax more palatable. Under the new plan, companies with 200 or more employees will be affected, down from an initial threshold of 100.
so its kinda interesting that johnson had to scramble around and figure out a way to not mess up on domestic violence programs after getting roasted by city council members. i mean think about it, the original plan was gonna cut funding by over 43% which is huge considering these orgs are literally on the frontline providing support to survivors of abuse. its actually pretty cool that he was able to come back from the brink and restore funds. however now theres this weird tradeoff where we have to pay more for cloud storage services just so corporate heads can cough up some extra cash. its like, i get the need to fund these programs but we should be finding ways to make it work without having to screw over other people who use our public resources 
! i'm all for it when it comes to supporting those in need 
. like a diagram of a pivot point 
, johnson is making a turn in the right direction 
.
! and now, with $21 million back on the table 
, more people can access the help they need 
. i'm also loving the corporate head tax tweak 
, it's like adding another gear to the city's economic engine 
.
!
just when you think it's gonna get better, domestic violence is on the rise in chicago and those services are getting a major boost to funding... but only because the mayor had to backtrack after all those angry ppl from city council 
kinda like how cloud storage gets more expensive so corporations have to cough up some cash 
at least it's about supporting victims, i guess 
... sounds like he listened to the critics and reversed those deep cuts on domestic violence programs - that's a good move! 
. gotta commend Johnson for putting people over politics in this case 
... any thoughts? 
... like, who needs that kinda drama? anyway, glad to see some $$$ going back to orgs that actually need it 
guess that's what happens when you gotta make some tough choices 
can u believe what's happening in chicago!!! 
mayor brandon johnson is literally saving lives here! 
advocates are super stoked and so am i 
the city needs more support for survivors not less 
let's keep spreading positivity about people in power doing good things 
. Whatever the motivations, one thing is clear: Chicago's residents, particularly those affected by domestic violence, will reap the benefits of this revised budget plan 
.
. But now it seems like the mayor is listening to criticism and making some much-needed adjustments 
. It's great to see advocates for survivors coming out in support of this decision - it just goes to show that there are people who care about this issue deeply 
.
.
. All in all, this decision feels like a step in the right direction 
, but hey, at least victims of domestic violence are gonna be better off 
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seems like a pretty convenient solution. and what's with the 200-employee threshold? do they not think smaller businesses can afford to cough up a bit more dough?