| | | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by USA-IT | Happy Tuesday, Illinois. The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol holds its first meeting today and we'll be watching. It starts at 8:30 a.m. CT. and will be livestreamed on the committee website. |  | TOP TALKER | | Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot isn't ready to announce she's running for re-election and said as much during an up-close-and-personal interview with Kara Swisher on her New York Times podcast . But the mayor also hedged a bit, saying a second term isn't "a gimme," which set tongues wagging in Chicago. Lightfoot's team says she's singularly focused on the pandemic and its effects and doesn't want to muddle the message with a political announcement. Once you switch to campaign mode, it's difficult to go back and forth. That's the same reason Gov. J.B. Pritzker waited to announce his run for an election that comes three months ahead of the mayor's race. Keep in mind the mayor is still raising cash, talking to political operatives about campaign strategy, and putting her ear to the ground for hiring a campaign team. Her second quarter fundraising totals show her LightPAC fund with $1,179,305 and her political campaign fund with $547,812. Fundraising for now is going toward LightPAC because there is flexibility there for campaign donations. And it allows for Lightfoot to use that cash as she sees fit, including for other campaigns and causes. The political campaign cash is strictly for her election campaign and won't see much of an influx of cash until after she announces, according to a source familiar with the campaign. That won't be for a while. "It's a tough time to be mayor. I mean, I've had a lot of people tell me, man, you've got the worst job in the country. But I think I've got the best job," Lightfoot told Swisher. "I wouldn't trade any minute of it. Because every day, I find something where we're helping people who haven't been helped before. And I live off of that all day long." Here's the full transcript | | THE BUZZ | | After four years of fits and starts, the city of Chicago and its police union reached a tentative contract agreement Monday. The eight-year contract would give Chicago police officers a 20 percent raise, more than half of it retroactive. Paul Vallas, a former mayoral candidate, served as the Fraternal Order of Police negotiator. He pegged the total cost of the contract at $600 million and the cost of retroactive pay at $365 million, according to Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. Mayor Lori Lightfoot didn't blink at the price tag. "If you check our budget, we've been tucking money away for this, little by little, every year. So we feel prepared to manage the expense that will be incurred. And we can give you more details later," the mayor told reporters after an unrelated afternoon news conference. The Lightfoot administration set aside about $103 million in the 2021 budget to pay for any wage increases agreed upon in the FOP contract, and the mayor's staff said the rest of the money would come from "future refinancing." The contract deal is a huge relief for the mayor, who wouldn't want that hanging over any future political campaign. As the Tribune's Jeremy Gorner and John Byrne explain: The progression of the negotiations "has often been overshadowed by a war of words between Lightfoot and FOP President John Catanzara, who haven't been shy about bashing each other publicly." Police accountability is part of the deal. The Lightfoot administration highlighted a few features, including eliminating a requirement that police disciplinary records older than five years be destroyed; putting an end to allowing officers to change their testimony during disciplinary investigations after viewing video evidence; and recognizing that officers who report potential misconduct are "acting in the highest traditions of public service." Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com | | | | A message from USA-IT: As a major shipping hub, Illinois is exploited by international cartels, who transport and distribute drugs across its borders, making life harder and more dangerous for Illinois residents. To fight back, law enforcement follows a multipronged strategy of hitting traffickers where it hurts: their wallets. That's why our partners are proud to bring their expertise in combating illegal trade to the fight against corruption and violence in Illinois. Learn more. | | |
| | WHERE'S J.B. | | At Center on Halsted to sign legislation that advances the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Illinois. | | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events. | | Where's Toni | | At the Cook County building at 10 a.m. to preside over the Forest Preserves District board meeting. | | Covid-19 Update | | — Will masks, social distancing be long-lasting habits? "Sarah Busch, an infection preventionist at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, says good old-fashioned hand washing never goes out of style — and, maybe, neither will social distancing," by WTAX's Dave Dahl. — Mask mandate, other Covid restrictions in Chicago possible if daily cases top 200, Lightfoot warns: "Asked what her threshold is for reinstating a mask mandate, Lightfoot said, "Well, look, if we get back into an area where we feel like we're in a red zone, which we are working very hard to make sure that our daily case rate is below 200, if we start to see consistently going over that, we're not only going to look at a mask mandate, but we're going to look back at other tools that we've been compelled to use," by Tribune's Gregory Pratt, Joe Mahr and Dan Petrella. — Lollapalooza lowers Covid-19 test standard despite rising cases, by Tribune's Gregory Pratt and John Byrne — Rush Hospital mandating vaccines for workers, amid growing calls for hospitals to require shots, by Tribune's Lisa Schencker — Former Ald. Fioretti says he got Covid on the CTA, by Chicago Crusader's Chinta Strausberg | | CHICAGO | | — Moody's upgrades outlook on Chicago debt: "Moody's Investor's Service changed its outlook on $7.1 billion in outstanding general obligation debt from negative to stable. The core rating remains Ba1, "speculative" in Moody's rankings, but the change in outlook indicates it's unlikely the rating will drop further in coming months," by Crain's Greg Hinz. — Chicago casino too risky for some industry players: "Two major companies, MGM and Wynn, are cool to the city's desire for an investment that could exceed $1 billion," by Sun-Times' David Roeder and Fran Spielman. — A new city agency may try to save the city's 4M trees — and plant more: The Chicago City Council has passed an ordinance "to create the Urban Forestry Advisory Board — an unfunded agency tasked with coordinating efforts between the numerous departments that deal with trees on a daily basis. It won't have a budget, but advocates say it's a major step for the future of Chicago's tree canopy," reports WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel. — Aramark's new CPS deal could be more expensive than previous contracts: "The Board of Education's agenda for Wednesday's monthly meeting sets up a vote that would authorize up to $369 million to Aramark through June 2024, with two additional two-year renewal options," by Sun-Times' Nader Issa, Fran Spielman, and Lauren FitzPatrick. — As school year nears, some Chicago parents push back against limited virtual option: "Chicago Public Schools is requiring masks for all children, even if they are vaccinated. Still, worried parents want greater access to remote learning," by WBEZ's Sarah Karp. — Former CPS administrator named new Archdiocese of Chicago schools leader: "Greg A. Richmond, who was a CPS administrator from 1994 to 2005, and established the district's Charter Schools Office in 1997, will begin leading the archdiocese's 162 elementary and secondary schools on Aug. 16, spokeswoman Susan Thomas said in a Monday statement," by Tribune's Karen Ann Cullotta. — Friend Health continuing plans to move HQ to new facility in Woodlawn: "The $35 million facility at 63rd and Cottage Grove is set to open next spring after 25 years in Hyde Park," by Hyde Park Herald's Aaron Gettinger. — Showtime donates $500,000 to city's Greencorps Chicago and Chicago Public Art Group: "The funding will support and invest in the Chicago's South and West sides, which have served as key locations for the network's hit series 'The Chi,'" by Sun-Times' Miriam Di Nunzio. | | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | |
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Mystery surrounds the deaths of three beavers on Northwestern University campus: "Their bodies were too decomposed for veterinarians to test for a cause of death. They had been an attraction at the Evanston campus," by Sun-Times' David Struett. — Rep. Mark Walker explains why he doesn't want taxpayers footing the bill for a new Bears stadium in Arlington Heights, via interview with WGN's Anna Davlantes — After outcry from residents, Evanston decides against adopting stricter parkway planting regulations: "The amendment would have decreased the size of plantings near an intersection or alley from 3 feet to 1.5 feet and created a buffer zone between plants and trees," by Tribune's Zach Harris. | | REMAP ROAD MAP | | Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin has told his caucus that their case challenging the legislative maps drawn by Illinois Democrats will go to trial Sept. 27 through 29. The case is "moving quickly," he told Republicans in an email obtained by Playbook. A motion to dismiss was filed by Democrats earlier this month and Republicans must respond by Friday. The lawsuit was filed against House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and the State Board of Elections. It calls for the court to declare the Democratic remap to be unconstitutional and invalid. | | DAY IN COURT | | — Straw purchaser gets eight months in federal prison in 'case study' that follows Merrick Garland visit: "The feds say Eric Blackman bought a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol for an underage person in August 2019 that was then linked to a Dec. 22, 2019 mass shooting that injured 13," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — Physician convicted of illegally prescribing opioids says the DEA has turned doctoring into 'another aspect of the war on drugs,' by Tribune's John Keilman | | THE STATEWIDES | | — Illinois could soon have a new affordable housing incentive — and both developers and advocates say it could work: "One tier of the program targets the creation of affordable units in new construction buildings and gut rehabs in designated expensive areas, including downtown Chicago. If eligible buildings keep at least 20 percent of their units affordable, they can see steep cuts to their future assessed value, and the cuts will diminish over time. They are required to commit to the program for 30 years," by Tribune's Sarah Freishtat. — Grafton city officials forfeit salaries to give cops raises: "The city budget was about $60,000 short of affording pay raises for local officers, Mayor Michael Morrow said," by Fox News' Angelica Stabile. — Unemployment insurance trust fund facing $5B deficit with few solutions, by News Channel 20's Matt Roy. — Health care for older immigrants sees momentum among states: "Illinois is among a handful of Democratic-run states extending health insurance coverage to adult immigrants in the country illegally, including seniors. Supporters say the trend is crucial during a coronavirus pandemic that has left immigrants, who are disproportionately essential workers, more vulnerable to COVID-19 and as federal remedies, like an immigration overhaul or "public option" health insurance, face tough political odds," via The Associated Press. | | | |   | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | Crest Hill couple latest Illinoisans to be charged in breach of U.S. Capitol: "John A. Schubert Jr. and Amy Schubert are each charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The charges are misdemeanors," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. | | FROM THE DELEGATION | | — It's getting ugly for Kinzinger and Cheney: "Tension is spiking" now that Reps. Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney — Donald Trump's two most vocal GOP critics in Congress — are serving on the select panel thanks to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy dubbed Cheney and Kinzinger "Pelosi Republicans" on Monday, report POLITICO's Olivia Beavers and Nicholas Wu. — Davis takes a hard right turn on Jan. 6 attack: After House MInority Leader Kevin McCarthy pulled Rep. Rodney Davis and the other Republicans from the committee investigation the Jan. 6 insurrection, "Davis' campaign asked in an email for a $6 contribution — get it? — to 'help me STOP Nancy Pelosi's partisan ploy and STAND UP for the patriots who are being attacked falsely for January 6th.' That's a big U-turn for Davis, who a week after the attack on the Capitol said 'it's imperative we fully investigate how it happened and the steps needed to ensure it never happens again,'" writes the News-Gazette's Tom Kacich. | | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Why people at America's hardest-partying lake are not about to get vaccinated, by POLITICO's Natasha Korecki — Left goes all-in for Nina Turner in tightening Ohio race, by POLITICO's Ally Mutnick — How Jim Jordan went from 'legislative terrorist' to inside operator, by POLITICO's Olivia Beavers — Olympians 'embracing the chaos' as a tropical storm approaches Japan, by Tribune's Stacy St. Clair | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | TAKING NAMES | | | 
Matthew DeLeon, speaking to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, is retiring from government work but he'll still be volunteering. | Cook County Board photo | Matthew B. DeLeon, secretary for the Cook County Board of Commissioners and Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners , is retiring at week's end. DeLeon has worked in government for more than 28 years, including under five board presidents. Along with serving as board secretary the past 14 years, he served 13 years with the Cook County Bureau of Administration and a few years in the Chicago mayor's office. Though DeLeon is stepping down from the day to day, he will continue on as the county historian, an unpaid position he was appointed to in 2019. | | TRANSITIONS | | — Max Luong is now director of executive comms at SKDK. He previously was speechwriter at the DCCC for Chair Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the 2020 election cycle. — Andrea Hanis is now top editor of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. "We are excited to have found an exceptional talent in Andrea Hanis to lead our newsroom," Law Bulletin Media President and Publisher Peter Mierzwa said in announcing the move. Hanis will be responsible for leading the newsroom's digital expansion "to align with the company's growth goals." Hanis previously was an editor at the Tribune, where she led Blue Sky Innovation before becoming an editorial writer. Before that she worked at the Sun-Times and Crain's. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Darlene Hill has been named executive VP of the comms and public affairs firm Rise Strategy Group, founded by Tarrah Cooper Wright. Hill most recently was lead anchor for the NBC TV affiliate in Columbus, Ohio, but before that she worked as a reporter and anchor for FOX/32 in Chicago for 30 years, covering the Obama presidential campaign and administration and the Republican and Democratic national conventions. | | EVENTS | | Tonight at 5:30 p.m.: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton headlines a discussion with Anurima Bhargava, who worked on education opportunities in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The event is a fundraiser for Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Tonight at 6:30 p.m.: Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, Assistant Minority Leader Donald DeWitte and state Sen. Craig Wilcox host a town hall meeting in Crystal Lake. On the docket: unpacking the spring legislative session. | | TRIVIA | | MONDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Rick Bryant, senior adviser to Congresswoman Robin Kelly, for correctly answering that Ald. Ed Burke and former state Rep. Dan Burke entertained colleagues in Springfield and Chicago with their piano singalongs. TODAY's QUESTION: Which former gubernatorial nominee was a longtime White Sox season ticket holder who impeccably filled out a detailed scorecard during each game? Email to skapos@politico.com | | | | A message from USA-IT: Illinois has made great strides fighting corruption. However, because of its position as a major hub for shipment throughout the Great Lakes and the Midwest, international cartels are both major transporters and distributors of drugs in the state. These groups exploit governments and citizens, manipulate financial systems, spur corruption, and cultivate instability and violence that threatens our communities.
Their profits from illegal trade enable corruption, and often go directly back into the sales and movement of drugs, apparel, counterfeit medicines, wildlife, weapons, and even people, making life harder and more dangerous for Illinois residents. To fight back, law enforcement follows a multipronged strategy of hitting traffickers where it hurts: their wallets.
That's why our partners are proud to bring their expertise in combating illegal trade to the fight against corruption and violence in Illinois. Learn more. | | |
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett, MxD CEO Chandra Brown, MK Communications VP Brian Berg, Conlon Public Strategies executive VP Barbara Lumpkin, and Lime chief policy adviser David Spielfogel. -30-
| | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment