| | | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award | Happy Monday, Illinois. While most of y'all are heating up the grill, Illinois lawmakers are lighting it up in Springfield for the last day of the legislative session. |  | TOP TALKER | | SPRINGFIELD — The state budget dropped in the early morning hours, giving lawmakers the day to analyze all 704 pages of it. Before it went public, the administration and Democratic lawmakers said Illinois is on the cusp of being in the best fiscal shape it's been in 30 years, thanks to federal Covid relief funding, direct checks to residents, and better-than-expected state revenue. A quick skim shows federal funding has allowed breathing room for a budget that allots at least $1.1 billion to the Department of Health Care and Family Services, hundreds of millions of dollars each to transportation and education, and the promised $350 million for the new school spending formula that went into effect in 2017 but was unfunded last year amid the pandemic. The measure will be voted on sometime today, the last day of the legislative session, before going to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The governor's staff and legislative budgeteers also hope the new $42 billion budget will lead to the state getting a credit upgrade. "I feel good about the budget," Anne Caprara, Pritzker's chief of staff, told Playbook in an interview over the weekend in her office. "There's absolutely no world where a year ago I thought we were going to come out like this. I just did not think that we would be in a position to pay off a massive amount of debt" while also funding education, municipalities, infrastructure. What might have been "hugely contentious budget issues" a few years ago became "easily solvable," said Caprara, contrasting the spending decisions to the life-and-death stresses of dealing with the pandemic — from ordering body bags and refrigeration trucks to keeping up with Covid deaths, mitigations, and closings. | 
Illinois state Sen. Elgie Sims, pictured in the state Senate chamber, says budget negotiations are "fluid" as lawmakers approach the final hours of the legislative session. | Photo via the Illinois State Senate | Late Sunday, Sen. Elgie Sims, who heads the Senate Appropriations Committee, said budget talks were "fluid." He told reporters the goal was to land a "responsible, balanced budget" that puts money into education, small business, and local governments "so we can have a path to a brighter future." The three big challenges were determining how to allocate (a portion of) $8.1 billion in federal funds according to rules set by the U.S. Treasury, how to weave that federal funding into the budget, and making sure the overall budget is balanced, Sims said. The budget does not include tax increases. It pays off $2 billion in debt — and it pays that early, saving more than $100 million in interest, according to a source close to the process. The budget also spends $1 billion on capital, a move designed to help get people back to work. Note: We'll be dissecting the budget today along with legislators. Email your thoughts on the budget lines that stand out — skapos@politico.com. | | THE BUZZ | | There are still some big-issue bills that need to be resolved today. — Energy bill: Negotiations hit an impasse over the weekend about how much funding the state should provide Exelon to keep two nuclear power plants operating. Research the state is relying on to determine how it wants to fund the power plants has yielded a number that is less than what Exelon says is needed to keep the units open. Sen. Sue Rezin, whose district is home to the plants, is concerned about jeopardizing thousands of jobs if the reactors shut down. According to NPR's Hannah Meisel, Exelon wants "a 10-year plan for subsidies with a credit in the first year that nearly amounts to what Pritzker's office is offering in total." Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell, who's leading the governor's negotiations, told Exelon the state's final offer is $540 million in subsidies for three plants over five years. Exelon spokesman Bill Gibbons told Playbook Sunday night that the company remains "hopeful that further discussions will lead to a compromise that will allow the plants to remain viable." — Ethics: Efforts to tighten up the revolving door between government work to lobbying government are still in flux. There's also a proposal to ban elected officials from being paid to lobby other branches of government. — Elected school board in Chicago: A bill calling for an elected school board in the city has passed the House but Senate President Don Harmon and the governor's office are hoping to see a compromise reached with Mayor Lori Lightfoot before it goes to the Senate for a final vote. The House approved a bill that calls for an all-elected board while the mayor wants a hybrid system. — Fingerprinting for FOID card applicants: "All legal gun owners would need to be fingerprinted under legislation that narrowly passed the Illinois House on Saturday — a practice that gun rights advocates say will prevent violence, but which critics say is an example of excessive government overreach. The measure is Illinois' belated response to a mass shooting in suburban Aurora that occurred more than two years ago, but a true response may be further off, given the bill's uncertain future in the state Senate," by WTTW's Amanda Vinicky. — Preserving telehealth protections: "Barring quick action from the General Assembly, when Pritzker's related pandemic executive orders lift, so too will the requirement that health insurance companies treat virtual visits as they would regular, in-person appointments. Lawmakers appear to be on the verge of extending that mandate before Monday's planned adjournment," by WTTW's Amanda Vinicky. — NEW PRIMARY DATE: It's looking like June 28, 2022, according to an amendment filed Sunday. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com | | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award: Nominations are open for the inaugural Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award, inspired by the service of former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, a Democrat, and former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, a Republican. It will be presented each year to an Illinois elected official at the state or local level who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship. Honor an Illinois statesperson by submitting a nomination by June 15. | | |
| | WHERE'S J.B. | | No official public events — though he's tuned in to the Capitol action. | | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events. | | Where's Toni | | No official public events. | | THE LATEST NUMBERS | | — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Sunday reported 18 additional deaths and 602 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease. That's a total of 22,794 fatalities and 1,381,665 cases in Illinois. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from May 20 through 26 is 1.7 percent. Chicago's positivity rate is at 2.4 percent. | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO WEST WING PLAYBOOK: Add West Wing Playbook to keep up with the power players, latest policy developments and intriguing whispers percolating inside the West Wing and across the highest levels of the Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | |
| | LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | | — SHOT AND A BEER: "The cocktails-to-go law prompted by the pandemic would be extended for three more years, and bars and restaurants would be able to give a free drink to people who've been vaccinated against the coronavirus under a measure overwhelmingly approved Sunday in the Illinois Senate," by Tribune's Dan Petrella. — Good analysis: Dems roll Republicans to keep control, reward allies: "Illinois Democrats are turning the spring session into a partisan tour de force, wielding their power to push legislation aimed at maintaining their control of Springfield, rewarding their allies and advancing social policies. With supermajorities in the House and Senate under two new Democratic leaders, the moves bring home to Illinois the hyperpartisan divides of Washington as both parties move further toward catering to their extremes," by Tribune's Rick Pearson, Dan Petrella and Bill Ruthhart. | 
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaks to House members who passed legislative redistricting maps on May 28, 2021. | John Berry, Illinois House of Representatives | — Welch speaks on redistricting: House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch compared the efforts by Illinois Republicans to stop redistricting efforts to those of Republican legislatures across the country that have changed election laws that have been criticized for keeping people from voting. Video courtesy BlueRoomStream — Speaking of redistricting: Watch for a last-minute bill that would call for lowering the threshold to approve redistricting of Chicago wards from 41 votes to a simple majority of 26. — College athletes could profit from likeness under bill passed by House: "It's the latest development in a decades-old debate regarding policies overseen by the NCAA, which is the governing body of most intercollegiate athletics. It still needs approval from the state Senate and the governor to become law," by Capitol News' Grace Barbic. — Pritzker says he'll sign newly approved plan to create 110 new marijuana shops in Illinois, by Tribune's Robert McCoppin — Senate passes bill creating affordable housing incentives: "The program would supplement affordable housing developments that qualify for federal tax credits. Funds for the program, which are subject to appropriation, will be made available through federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act with statutory language to be repealed in April 2025," by Capitol News' Tim Kirsininkas. — Bill passes banning school workers from locking children in seclusion spaces, limiting isolated timeouts and restraint: "A main feature of the legislation — and the element that proved most contentious among lawmakers over the past 18 months — is an immediate ban on schools' use of prone, or face-down, restraint for most students. Restraining a student that way would be permitted only for children whose special-education plans specifically allow it as an emergency measure," by Tribune's Jennifer Smith Richard and ProPublica's Jodi S. Cohen. — House passes bill requiring 30 minutes of recess for K-5 students: "It's personal to me, because I never had recess growing up, ever," Rep. Aaron Ortiz said on the House floor. "And I don't want to see any child in our state to go without an opportunity to have recess." Capitol News' Peter Hancock reports. — Plan to create commission on high-speed rail heads to governor: "The bill, sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Marty Moylan of Des Plaines, creates a High-Speed Railway Commission, which would address plans to build the rail system," by Daily Herald's J.J. Bullock. — Trailer licensing fee could be reduced to $36: Lawmakers said next to concerns about unemployment, this issue drew the most complaints last year. "House lawmakers passed a bill Sunday that could finally reduce trailer fees. Members hoped to bring the current $118 fee back down to $18. However, Democrats and Republicans had to reach a compromise….'Today ladies and gentlemen, the citizens of the great state of Illinois won,' said Rep. Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines). 'Now, I can take my little snowmobile and my little trailer and drive down the highway for a reasonable price,'" WGEM's Ali Rasper reports. — Community Emergency Services and Support Act heads to Pritzker's desk: "Mental health professionals could soon treat people experiencing mental health crises instead of police. Sponsors say the change can truly help people feel safer if they're going through trauma by ensuring they receive care from professionals trained to do it. Rep. Kelly Cassidy was in tears as the legislation passed on concurrence. The Chicago Democrat said it's impossible to overstate the impact of this shift in policy for the most vulnerable people in Illinois," by WGEM's Mike Miletich. — DCFS reform bills head to governor's desk: "A series of bills aimed at helping the state's most vulnerable youth that are now making their way to the governor's desk. SB 2177 is more commonly known as the duffel bag bill. It means that instead of DCFS youth getting a trash bag for their belongings when they move around, they're required to get a real bag instead," writes ABC/20's Jordan Elder. — Legislature OKs steps for Brush College Road, Faries Parkway projects: "State lawmakers voted Sunday to grant the city of Decatur quick-take authority for the acquisition of three properties needed for the Brush College Road and Faries Parkway grade separation project," by Harold & Review's Brenden Moore. | | | |   | | |
| | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | A big shift in Democratic leadership was announced Saturday. Rep. LaToya Greenwood of East St. Louis takes over for Rep. Carol Ammons of Urbana as House majority conference chair. The move, which drew praise from Democratic moderates, came after an apparent power grab on the House floor. Rep. Delia Ramirez was taking her turn presiding as speaker when Rep. Terra Costa Howard's bill on handling "unfounded" DCFS reports came up. Ramirez said she needed a break and stepped aside, allowing Ammons to take the gavel — a position that requires neutrality toward lawmakers and legislation. Ammons opposed the DCFS bill and tapped Rep. Mary Flowers, a fellow Democrat critical of the measure, to question Costa-Howard. Onlookers said Flowers was abusive and that Ammons allowed her to go on too long. Lawmakers said Ammons misused the podium and that the whole episode looked choreographed, though Flowers says it wasn't. Rep. Rita Mayfield also made a move to reconsider the vote before that was withdrawn. The bill passed. In announcing Ammons' exit, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said, "I am grateful for the work she has done" and that he's "happy" to have Greenwood on board. | | CHICAGO | | — For Memorial Day, remembering Col. Helen L. McCormick, who cared for soldiers from WWII to Vietnam war: "During the pandemic, the Army Nurse Corps vet, who died at 100, told family, 'I've never seen anything like this.' They planted flags at her grave this Memorial Day weekend," by Sun-Times' Maureen O'Donnell. — Moody Bible Institute 'ill-equipped' to investigate sexual misconduct, independent probe finds: "In light of the findings, Moody leaders apologized to those who "experienced a lack of empathy and follow-through" after filing abuse claims," by Sun-Times' Madeline Kenney. — Bridgeport bank failure a big headache for 2 prominent Chicagoans: "Police consent decree monitor Maggie Hickey and chef Kevin Hickey are dealing with their late father's losses from Washington Federal Bank for Savings's shutdown," by Sun-Times' Tim Novak. | | | | JOIN TUESDAY FOR A TALK ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY AFTER COVID-19: The U.S. economy is picking up speed, sparking fears of inflation and financial bubbles even as millions are still out of work following the Covid recession. Join us for an interview with Federal Reserve Vice Chair of Supervision Randal Quarles to discuss the U.S. economic outlook, how the nation's banks are holding up, and what to expect from the Fed on interest rates and regulations. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Re: Columbus Day debate, commissioner reveals he is descended from slaves owned by Choctaw tribe: "Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore said while he does not agree with celebrating the divisive explorer, he wants to halt changing the paid holiday in Cook County until the remaining four of the Five Tribes grant Freedmen their full rights. 'If we decide to move forward, then I have no choice,' Moore said during the meeting. 'If we decide that it's more important that Black Freedman lives do not matter, then I will have to urge a 'no' vote,'" by Tribune's Alice Yin. — Ruling on Jones as mayor: Here's the Supreme Court ruling that makes final Rep. Thaddeus Jones can serve as Calumet City mayor. — Sneak peek of Frida Kahlo exhibit at College of DuPage: "This summer exhibition devoted to the iconic 20th century Mexican artist has all but taken over the college's McAninch Arts Center. It's also the largest Chicago-area Kahlo exhibit in more than 40 years, and officially opens on Saturday, June 5, after a yearlong postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic," by Daily Herald's Scott C. Morgan. | | DAY IN COURT | | Fugitive paroled killer recaptured, but family of slain teen wants to know why he was ever let go: "Tony Casolari doesn't get how the state could release Ray Larsen, who was a fugitive for more than a week — until his recapture Friday," reports Sun-Times' Frank Main. | | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Empty airports and full delivery trucks: Covid's toll on infrastructure, by the numbers, by POLITICO's Annette Choi — Shadow primary: GOP 2024 hopefuls dive into House races to get around Trump, by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt — Wall Street struggles to sell Washington on Bitcoin for the masses, by POLITICO's Kellie Mejdrich — Tulsa churches honor 'holy ground' 100 years after massacre, by The Associated Press | | IN MEMORIAM | | Thomas Sullivan dies at 91; Investigated corruption in Chicago's courts: "He helped start an undercover sting that led to the convictions of judges, lawyers and sheriffs. As a renowned lawyer in high-profile cases he helped end capital punishment in Illinois," via New York Times. | | TRIVIA | | FRIDAY'S ANSWER: Congrats to Thomas Leinenweber, newly graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law, for correctly answering that former Chicago Mayor Levi Boone was arrested and held on suspicion for helping a Confederate prisoner try to escape. TODAY's QUESTION: Which former Illinois member of Congress served as chair of the board of directors at Lincoln Park Zoo? Email to skapos@politico.com | | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award: The annual Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award will be presented to an elected state or local government official in Illinois who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship.
As we prepare to present the inaugural award, we ask for your guidance. We urge citizens from the Prairie State to nominate an Illinoisan serving in state or local government who has displayed exceptional leadership.
We are not seeking the perfect public servant, but a leader who has consistently endeavored to serve the public good and prepare his or her constituents for future challenges and opportunities.
Nominations close on June 15. Please join us in celebrating the Prairie State's best traditions and nominate an Illinois statesperson. | | |
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | 40th Ward Democratic Committeeperson Maggie O'Keefe, and Pillars Fund co-founder Kashif Shaikh. -30-
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