News : POLITICO Illinois Playbook: EMANUEL HEADING TO JAPAN? — RUSH ON POLICE REFORM

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

POLITICO Illinois Playbook: EMANUEL HEADING TO JAPAN? — RUSH ON POLICE REFORM — ILLINOIS GOP SPLIT ON CHENEY

May 11, 2021

Presented by Illini for Affordable Rx

Happy Tuesday, Illinois. The only worry in our house this week is that the teenager doesn't get the vax in his pitching arm.

SCOOP FROM FINANCIAL TIMES: Biden to pick Rahm Emanuel for U.S. ambassador to Japan. Emanuel offered a "no comment" when Playbook reached out early this morning. It's a White House announcement after all. This is a major appointment for Chicago's former mayor. As FT points out: "Emanuel will resurrect a tradition of sending influential former lawmakers to Japan, a trend Tokyo has appreciated because it is felt they have gravitas and more direct access to the White House."

TOP TALKER

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush is hopeful that Congress will reach a compromise on a police reform bill.

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush is hopeful that Congress will reach a compromise on a police reform bill. | Associated Press photo

Rep. Bobby Rush, whose political career is rooted in fighting for police reform, is more optimistic than he's ever been that Congress can reach a compromise on legislation that makes law enforcement more accountable.

In an interview Monday with Playbook, he said he sees police reform as "an issue that most Republicans and Democrats will find common ground on." He cited "shared interests" in putting an end to the "preponderance of obvious and alarming police misconduct."

Rush said he appreciates Republican Sen. Tim Scott's optimism that a compromise is possible but knows it's Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who holds the cards.

The other "sticking point," Rush said, is whether Democrats can find common ground among themselves on whether and how to eliminate qualified immunity, which shields officers from civil liability for misdeeds.

"Democrats in the House won't be satisfied with any kind of police reform unless qualified immunity, whether it's narrowly defined or diminished" is part of the equation. "I don't see the House voting for a bill and allowing qualified immunity to exist in its present and most egregious manner."

Rush said "those shadows would have to be exposed to an amazing amount of sunlight in order for Democrats in the House to accept it."

That outlook stands somewhat counter to House Majority Whip James Clyburn, who suggested over the weekend that the first bite of policing reform legislation should not hinge on qualified immunity.

Rush spoke with emotion Monday during our Zoom call as he reflected on his career and the activism that propelled him into politics. The Illinois Democrat, of course, was part of the Black Panthers in Chicago that fought for the rights of Black people long before Black Lives Matter was a thing.

History lesson: Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in 1969 in his bed in a hail of gunfire by police who never were prosecuted in the shooting. The events continue to haunt Rush, who recently called on the FBI to release its files on the case whose controversy was the center of the film "Judas and the Black Messiah."

More than 50 years later, Rush said, police "never stopped killing Black men and Black women. What's changed is the Internet and social media are giving it all prominence."

He credits a confluence of cell phones and the coronavirus pandemic that kept Americans glued to their screens to witness George Floyd's killing and "his cries for his mother," with Congress taking up a serious approach to reform.

"Everyone paid attention," he said. "It wasn't something you could discuss around the water cooler at work. You had to deal with it personally."

The big question now is whether Congress has the will to act.

THE BUZZ

Congressional Republicans are set to vote Wednesday on whether to bump Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from the party's No. 3 leadership spot because she's criticized Donald Trump and his "Big Lie" promoting unfounded 2020 election fraud theories.

The irony of all the turmoil is that she's being nudged out because Republicans are thinking of 2024 and how to keep Trump's base united.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger says he'll be voting to keep Cheney on board. Over the weekend on CBS' "Face the Nation" the 16th District Republican went so far as to compare the GOP to the Titanic "in a slow sink… We have a band playing on the deck telling everybody it's fine." And Trump "is running around trying to find women's clothing and get on the first lifeboat."

Kinzinger acknowledged that some 70 percent of the GOP base "believes that the election was stolen because they've been told it was… They've been told in many cases by Republican leaders or at least Republican leaders in the least have not countered it on something so vastly crazy as the election is stolen." The truth is, said Kinzinger, "Joe Biden beat Donald Trump."

On the other side of the debate locally is Republican Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15), a Trump supporter who issued a statement Monday saying Cheney "does not represent the Republican caucus and should not be part of our leadership team."

Staying silent so far are Reps. Darin LaHood (IL-18), Rodney Davis (IL-13) and Mike Bost (IL-12). LaHood and Davis have been mentioned as potential gubernatorial candidates and seem torn about how to appeal to the Trump base given they both have recognized Biden is president.

Their offices did not respond to requests for comment on how they might vote on Cheney staying in leadership.

RELATED

What happened to Rep. Elise Stefanik? Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet writes: "I knew Rep. Elise Stefanik when she was a college student. And what I never saw coming was her decision to put herself on the fast track by becoming a truth-denying acolyte of Donald Trump."

Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com

A message from Illini for Affordable Rx:

Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation, SB 2008, that will drastically increase prescription drug costs for Illinois health plan sponsors, patients, and the state's Medicaid program while increasing profits for pharmacies. SB 2008 could increase health care spending by more than $1 billion for families and employers and well over $200 million for Medicaid. It's time to take the politics out of prescriptions. Say no to SB 2008. Learn more at Illini for Affordable Rx

WHERE'S J.B.

In Urbana at 9 a.m. to announce local infrastructure projects through Rebuild Illinois.

WHERE'S LORI

No official public event.

Where's Toni

Presiding over the virtual Cook County Forest Preserve meeting at 10 a.m.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Monday reported 12 additional deaths and 1,424 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease. That's a total of 22,235 fatalities and 1,356,391 cases in Illinois. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from May 3-9 is 2.8 percent. Chicago's positivity rate is at 4.1 percent.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

— FDA authorizes Pfizer vaccine for kids 12 to 15: "The timing of the agency's decision means that many high schoolers could be vaccinated by the time the next school year starts. Expanding vaccine eligibility to younger teens will also aid the Biden administration's push to vaccinate as many Americans as quickly as possible," by POLITICO's Lauren Morello and David Lim.

— Vax clinics offered to major office buildings in Chicago and around Illinois: "The effort will begin at Chicago landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and Merchandise Mart, Pritzker said. Building owners can register with the state to bring vaccination clinics to their facilities," by Tribune's Dan Petrella, Jenny Whidden and Gregory Pratt.

— Lightfoot says Chicago could fully reopen by mid-June: Both Chicago and the state of Illinois plan to enter a transitional Bridge Phase on Friday, via NBC/5. With video

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THE STATEWIDES

— Trillions of cicadas about to emerge; Indiana and parts of Illinois affected: "When the entire brood emerges, backyards can look like undulating waves, and the bug chorus is lawnmower loud," by The Associated Press and USA Today.

— Sports betting in Illinois breaks $600M handle mark: "Naturally, March Madness gave a big lift to the basketball-crazed state, even with a betting ban on in-state colleges. March was also the last full month of remote registration in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker did not renew his executive order from last summer that suspended the in-person registration requirement at the beginning of April, saying it was no longer necessary," by Legal Sports Report's Matthew Waters.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

ANALYSIS: Budget debate heats up as deadline looms: "With the clock ticking on the deadline to pass a state budget, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker removed one contentious issue from the table by agreeing to fund a scheduled $350 million increase in school aid. In fiscal 2021, Pritzker had bypassed the scheduled $350 million annual increase required under the evidence-based formula adopted in 2017 and bypassed it again in his fiscal 2022 budget proposal as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed over the state's already strained finances. Thanks to better-than-expected tax collections, he's now recommending lawmakers include the increase," by Bond Buyer's Yvette Shields. With CHART

— Beer budget: Some members of the beer, wine, and spirits industry have blanketed Springfield watering holes with ads opposing new taxes on beer, wine and spirits. The Coalition to Rebuild Illinois' Hospitality Industry is worried the industry, which already was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, will be hit again as lawmakers try to balance the state's budget. The group's motto: "Raise glasses, not taxes." The message comes on the heels of a bipartisan resolution opposing "any additional excise taxes on Illinois businesses that produce beer, wine, or liquor or their related industries."

— House fires warning shot at Chicago Teachers Pension Fund: "A measure that passed overwhelmingly is aimed at the $11 billion retirement system's decision to name its board chairman the interim executive director, too," by Crain's Greg Hinz.

— Advocates say Illinois should learn from Covid crisis on long-term care and nursing shortage: "Elder care advocates are urging state lawmakers to reduce the number of Illinoisans receiving long-term care at nursing homes after a study showing many of Illinois' early COVID-19 deaths occurred at facilities that were both overcrowded and understaffed," reports NPR's Derek Cantu.

... Bills seek to prevent future outbreaks, allow subpoenas for former state employees, by Capitol News' Sarah Mansur

— Springfield to reintroduce resolution supporting a casino downtown: "What the resolution does is say, 'If the state is giving out licenses, Springfield wants a license,' and then we can decide if we want a casino," Mayor Jim Langfelder said. ABC/20's Jordan Elder reports.

— D's and R's tout steps to save taxpayers money on unfunded pension liability, by Center Square's Greg Bishop

CHICAGO

— As Lightfoot ponders a fix, city's handling of fatal shootings by cops continues to violate state law: "The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is violating state law by conducting investigations into whether Chicago cops should be criminally prosecuted for fatal shootings, according to documents and sources. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been sitting on a consultant's recommendations to fix the problem since July, records show," by Sun-Times' Frank Main, Fran Spielman, and Tom Schuba.

— Lightfoot refuses to answer questions on exposed emails, says hackers demanded ransom: "The mayor on Monday questioned the legitimacy of the leaked emails that are now getting widespread attention and urged the public to be 'very, very cautious' before drawing any conclusions," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman.

— Ribbon finally cut on long-awaited Navy Pier flyover: "The flyover, which was funded by $64 million in state and federal money, carries the Lakefront Trail over Grand Avenue, Illinois Street and the Chicago River. It now features fully separated paths for cyclists and pedestrians, much of it on a new, cantilevered structure that runs alongside Lower Lake Shore Drive," by WTTW's Nick Blumberg.

— Helmut Jahn's death reignites debate over sale of renowned — and reviled — Thompson Center: "Advocates for preserving and reusing the James R. Thompson Center plan to renew their push for landmarking it in light of the pending sale and the architect's death. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker said it "was a building that never lived up to his creative genius." Sun-Times' Rachel Hinton reports.

... 'We were just shocked': Driver of vehicle that struck architect Helmut Jahn in fatal Campton Hills bike crash recounts accident, by Tribune's Megan Jones and Katherine Rosenberg-Douglas

... Photos of his buildings that changed the city and beyond, via the Tribune.

... New York Times obituary on Helmut Jahn

— City selling Michael Reese land to developers for $96.9M: "The Community Development Commission is expected to vote on the agreement covering the 48 acres, but taxpayers remain on the hook for public improvements and an environmental cleanup, by Sun-Times' David Roeder.

— Pilsen demolitions resume with anti-gentrification fees attached: "The owners of a trio of buildings on 18th Street are the first to pay the $15,000-per-building surcharge, with the money going toward affordable housing," by Dennis Rodkin in Crain's.

— Archdiocese announces restructuring of several parishes on North and Southwest Sides: "The moves are part of the Renew My Church restructuring plan," reports Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek.

— Chicago Park District starts online registration for summer camps, which will look closer to normal, via Tribune

— SWAT team responds to report of 4 men with guns in South Loop commercial building: Chicago police, by Tribune's Katherine Rosenberg-Douglas

A message from Illini for Affordable Rx:

COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS

As they embrace inclusion and equity, some schools face hostility and harassment: "After a Naperville school district seminar, participants got hate mail and threats, reflecting a national backlash against diversity efforts," by WBEZ's Susie An.

DAY IN COURT

Former Shedd employee sues over 'sexist' working environment on research boat: "A woman alleges she was subjected to 'frequent and persistent sexist commentary' while serving aboard the aquarium's Caribbean research vessel," by Crain's Steven Strahler.

FROM THE DELEGATION

— SHORT BUT REVEALING INTERVIEW: The time Jesús "Chuy" García saved Harold Washington's life: "The U.S. representative, 65, on Adam Toledo's death, growing up in Mexico, and running for mayor," by Mike Thomas in Chicago magazine.

— Earmarks are back, but Rep. Mary Miller isn't on board: "A member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, Miller signed a March 10 letter with 34 other members of the group saying that earmarks are 'widely considered one of the most wasteful and corrupt practices in Congressional history.'" News-Gazette's Tom Kacich reports.

THE NATIONAL TAKE

— Critics urge Biden to step up as violence spreads in Israel, by POLITICO's Nahal Toosi

— Fed chair has an army of Biden fans. Liberal groups have other dreams, by POLITICO's Victoria Guida and Ben White

— The ex-Marine who holds Democrats' Trumpiest district, by POLITICO's Sarah Ferris

JOIN THURSDAY FOR A CONVERSATION ON TRANSGENDER POLITICIANS: More transgender people got elected to office at all levels across the country in 2020, in both blue and red states – and that number is likely to continue to grow. During the last year, constituents across America elected six transgender candidates at the state level as transgender rights gain more attention across the country. Join POLITICO Nightly: Daytime Edition for a conversation featuring transgender elected officials as they discuss their experiences running for and serving in public office. REGISTER HERE.

TRANSITIONS

Democratic state Rep. Frances Ann Hurley joins the Illinois House leadership ranks, having been named a new whip of the Democratic Moderate Caucus (Mod Caucus). Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch's team describes the group as "a relatively new caucus of like-minded members who advocate for a balanced, steady approach to lawmaking."

TAKING NAMES

— Billionaire John Pritzker donating nearly $60M for mental health at U.C. San Francisco: The donation by the cousin of Gov. J.B. Pritzker is in honor of Nancy Pritzker, John's late sister, who died by suicide during a depressive episode in 1972. "Nancy was a brilliant, funny, beautiful young woman who struggled with mental health," says John, who recalls that when his sister died, it wasn't something anyone talked about. Later, John says he and his younger sister Gigi did discuss Nancy's illness and death, and "there was an enormous sense of relief. The more you talk about it, the easier it becomes to talk about." Forbes reports.

— Former Illinois politician is behind the bear in the California recall effort: Republican John Cox, who ran unsuccessfully for office in Illinois before moving to California, is now pushing for the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Los Angeles Times has a story

IN MEMORIAM

Jim Mabie, longtime WTTW-WFMT trustee and board chair, dies at 85: "Major projects launched under Mabie's chairmanship included the Studs Terkel Radio Archive and the '10 That Changed America' national PBS series hosted by Geoffrey Baer. Mabie's challenge grants during WTTW and WFMT fundraising campaigns were instrumental in securing support for programs such as the Chicago presentation of Ken Burns' 'The National Parks' and all three seasons of the WTTW digital series 'Firsthand,' among others," via WTTW.

TRIVIA

MONDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Scott Burgh, the former chief law librarian for the City of Chicago Law Department, for correctly answering that Herman Bundesen was the Chicago Health Department commissioner who grabbed headlines with his wild antics.

TODAY's QUESTION: What former eccentric corporation counsel also represented two different states in Congress during his career? Email to skapos@politico.com

A message from Illini for Affordable Rx:

Illinois patients' health care should not be decided by special interest groups seeking higher profits. SB 2008 is a special interest bill, backed by the powerful independent pharmacy lobby, that will increase prescription drug costs by over $1 billion for Illinois employers and patients.

Independent pharmacies are actually growing in number throughout the country. Illinois lawmakers should avoid padding independent pharmacy profits based on a misperception about pharmacy closures, especially when it means patients and employers have to pay more for health care.

It's time to stand up to the independent pharmacy lobby – say no to SB 2008, say no to higher Rx costs.

Learn more at Illini for Affordable Rx