The Chicago City Council has approved Mayor Brandon Johnson’s request for $70 million to provide assistance for migrants, despite heated debate among councilmembers. The decision, passed by a 20-8 vote in the Budget Committee, comes after months of deliberation and amidst concerns from some aldermen regarding the allocation of funds.

Aldermen David Moore and Anthony Beale expressed reservations about the expenditure, citing concerns about the lack of resources for their own communities. Alderman Brendan Reilly echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the long-term budgetary implications of the decision.

Mayor Johnson’s administration had previously refrained from seeking additional funding for migrant services, despite increasing numbers of arrivals in the city. The administration estimates that supporting migrants has already cost the city $295 million through the end of last year.

Governor Pritzker voiced his support for the funding, emphasizing the importance of providing humanitarian care for newcomers. The approval of the $70 million request follows a $19.3 million allocation from Washington for state and city support for migrants.

In addition to the migrant care funding, the City Council also discussed Mayor Johnson’s proposal to borrow $1.25 billion for economic development and affordable housing. However, Alderman Bill Conway has called for more oversight and adjustments to the plan, citing previous issues of trust between the mayor’s office and the council.

Alderwoman Pat Dowell, chair of the Budget Committee, intends to bring the borrowing plan to a vote on Wednesday, amidst ongoing deliberations about the city’s financial priorities and responsibilities.