| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by CVS Health | Happy Thursday, Illinois. Fake spring was nice while it lasted. Today's weather: snow, wind, blech. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Illinois Playbook won't publish Monday in observance of President's Day. After the long weekend, we'll be back Tuesday.
|  | TOP TALKER | | The Democratic-controlled state Senate made the surprise move of confirming former federal Judge Michael McCuskey as legislative inspector general yesterday, and the House is expected to act quickly and approve him today. Republicans, who operate in the minority of both chambers, are complaining the process is being rammed through without following all the processes and procedures required for an appointment. But Democrats are fed up with what they see as the GOP delaying the search process. Former LIG Carol Pope left office Jan. 6 and state law requires that a replacement be named within weeks or the state auditor general fills the position. Call it a case of process vs. prudence. Once McCuskey emerged having top-tier bipartisan qualifications, Democrats ran with it. The LIG job "is too important to stay vacant for as long as it has," Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement after his chamber approved McCuskey. "An impasse is not an option, so we are taking decisive action to move forward with an excellent candidate." Harmon, who carried the resolution for McCuskey's appointment, said the jurist "has an impeccable record" with a reputation for working in "a bipartisan manner." Even Republican Sen. Jil Tracy, who heads the bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission charged with selecting a candidate, acknowledged McCuskey's impressive credentials. "He'll be approved by the House and will be very good in the position," she said in an interview with Playbook. The problem, Tracy says, is that he didn't go through the entire process of being vetted by the commission. Three days after putting his name in, he was approved, she noted. "It's the kind of thing that the public questions because the process wasn't followed," Tracy said. Other Republicans were less polite, saying it's a case of Democrats just flexing their power. Watch for Rep. Maurice Evans to carry the resolution for McCuskey's appointment in the House today. Once in office, he'll be busy. There's at least one new complaint that was made in December and left by Pope for the new LIG. ALSO FROM SPRINGFIELD Temperature checks delay House debate as clash heats up over masks and other Covid-19 restrictions: "State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, unsuccessfully sought a vote on a resolution to lift the chamber's face covering requirement. He next asked that everyone be removed from the chamber since they were in violation of another rule requiring temperature checks prior to entry," by Capitol News' Grace Kinnicutt.
| | THE BUZZ | | FROM BLOOMBERG: Illinois lawmakers are weighing whether to sell $1 billion of debt to pay for pension buyouts, reports Shruti Singh. The bipartisan effort is aimed at reducing "the worst-rated state's massive unfunded liability for its retirement systems." A bill introduced by Democratic state Rep. Bob Morgan "would approve borrowing to extend a buyout option for many employees of the state, its universities and school systems. The debt would be on top of a previous authorization from 2018 to issue $1 billion of so-called pension-obligation acceleration debt, most of which has been sold," according to the Bloomberg story. "It chips away at a much larger problem," Eric Kim, an analyst for Fitch Ratings, said in an interview. "But you are paying for it with debt." Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com
| | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in communities across the country, CVS Health has been there. We've opened more than 4,800 COVID-19 test sites, administered 41 million tests and given 59 million vaccines. We've expanded access to prenatal and postpartum care via telemedicine, increased remote access to mental health services and invested in affordable housing to help build healthier communities. We've been on the frontlines, making health care easier to access and afford. Learn more. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
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| | Covid-19 Update | | — Pritzker says legislative panel's suspension of emergency rules doesn't affect his school mask mandate: The governor says "his executive order requiring masks in schools and other measures remains in place, at least in districts not named in a pending lawsuit — even though a legislative panel voted Tuesday not to renew a set of emergency rules meant to implement that executive order," by Capitol News' Peter Hancock. — Still, the school mask mandate is losing steam as school districts go mask optional, by Tribune's Jeremy Gorner, Dan Petrella, Clare Spaulding and Karen Ann Cullotta — And a south suburban Catholic school principal is ousted after refusing to comply with the Archdiocese mask mandate, by Sun-Times' Madeline Kenney
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Suburban mayors seek greater share of state tax money: "For decades, towns and counties have received a share of the state income tax dollars paid by their residents and businesses. But to bolster its budget, the state since 2011 has gradually chipped away at the tax revenues funneled back to municipalities through the Local Government Distributive Fund. [The] improved outlook for the state's finances could alter the equation. 'The timing is right. The Illinois economy is strong,' said Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, chairman of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, which represents 275 municipalities," by Daily Herald's Katlyn Smith. — Man who pleaded guilty to arson named fire chief after Pritzker grants clemency: "Jerame Simmons got his long-held wish in December when he became the chief of the fire department that dismissed him 24 years ago after he was charged with setting fire to a vacant house and attempting to burn down his high school," by Capitol News' Beth Hundsdorfer. — New partnerships help Illinois schools address student trauma and support teachers' mental health, according to The 74 education report — Illinois just ended ICE detention. What happened to the people detained here? Injustice Watch's Carlos Ballesteros reports — Workers at dozens of Metro East warehouses have no safe rooms to shelter from tornadoes, by St. Louis Public Radio's Eric Schmid
| | | | BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now. | | | | | | | LEGISLATION | | — A Democratic state lawmaker proposes shining more light on the judicial branch: Rep. Curtis Tarver II's proposal would amend the Freedom of Information Act so it covers "judicial bodies of the State," records show. "With three co-equal branches of government, there should be equal transparency — as much transparency as possible for the public," Tarver told WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos. — Illinois legislature poised to be next arena on school mask, vaccine mandate debate: "Republican lawmakers have filed several bills about masking and vaccine mandates in schools that would limit decision-making by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the state board of education, and the Illinois Department of Public Health," by Chalkbeat's Samantha Smylie. — CPS could face another union at the bargaining table if principals get law changed: "A bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize passed an Illinois House committee Wednesday," by Sun-Times' Nader Issa … CPS lobbyists working in Springfield to block pay equity for Chicago principals: "House Bill 5405, which was set to be called in committee [Wednesday], was pulled from the agenda at the last minute, reports the Chicago Defender.
| | CHICAGO | | — Lightfoot will try to push forward her plan to sue gang members: "The City Council's public safety committee is scheduled to vote on the proposed ordinance five months after Lightfoot first floated trying to reduce the city's staggeringly high levels of gun violence by suing gang leaders for their profits from alleged crimes. The mayor has continued to defend that plan in the face of mounting opposition," reports WBEZ's Patrick Smith. — Independent monitor provides update on CPD compliance with consent decree: "An independent monitor said the Chicago Police Department is making improvements in its compliance to the consent decree, though it still has a long way to go," by Sun-Times' Madeline Kenney. — Chicago Park District board picks new president: "Myetie Hamilton replaces Avis LaVelle, who resigned in November under pressure for what mayoral allies called her negligent, "tone deaf" response to the sexual harassment and abuse of lifeguards at the city's pools and beaches," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman and Lauren FitzPatrick. — Southeast Side residents and officials call for permit for scrap shredder to be rejected, by Tribune's Tatyana Turner and Michael Hawthorne — Woman dragged by cops at Brickyard Mall to receive $1.67M settlement, reports Sun-Times' Fran Spielman — COPA releases video footage of Irene Chavez's final moments after found in South Side police station, by Sun-Times' Sophie Sherry — Chicago Architect Juan Gabriel Moreno is featured in Hispanic Executive Magazine talking about INVEST South/West. He's at the helm of a project that's transforming a 1920s bank building into affordable housing. — Cafeterias and food vendors in 9 Chicago hospitals failed inspections in 2021. Two failed four times, according to Tribune's Diana Leane and Hayley Starshak — Fast Track, a legendary West Loop hot dog stand has closed after 31 years to make room for a high-rise, Block Club's Mack Liederman reports. | | MAPMAKER, MAPMAKER | | An effort to redraw Chicago's wards into a 'People's Map' ends: "Organizers of the effort threw their support behind the Latino Caucus' plan to redraw Chicago's wards for the first time in a decade," by WBEZ's Becky Vevea. What about the Irish? "'The media has continued to focus on the Black Caucus versus the Latino Caucus, and I think the question here is really: What are the South Side Irish doing in all of this?' Ramirez Rosa said. He took aim at the Rules Committee's lawyer, Michael Kasper, who has also represented Michael Madigan."
| | | |   | | | | | The Campaign Trail | | — Billionaire donor Richard Uihlein, conservative activist and former state lawmaker Jeanne Ives, and Republican Congresswoman Mary Miller are headlining a fundraiser in Oak Brook on Feb. 26 to support one of former President Donald Trump's fiercest supporters, Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel. The event also features state Republican Rep. Tom Morrison, dentist Jim Economos, who's known as "Jim from South Elgin" on conservative talk radio programs, and businessman Mike Ryan. The event is organized by the conservative Family-Pac Federal political action committee, which is headed by Paul Caprio — a former Illinois guy who now lives in Ohio. Caprio helped Ives in her campaign for governor four years ago. — Bailey calls Uihlein's $1M donation a 'significant breakthrough' in his campaign, writes Tribune's Rick Pearson. — Irvin's new ad targets Bailey: Richard Irvin, the Aurora mayor running in the GOP primary for governor, has identified his primary opponent: Darren Bailey, a conservative downstate senator. In a new digital ad, Irvin links Bailey's voting record to Gov. JB Pritzker on the issue of taxes. The goal: chip away at Bailey's conserative base. — ENDORSEMENTS: David Moore has secured the support of dozens of Black clergy members from across the state in his bid for secretary of state. Among some of the notable names: Chief Apostle William McCoy, Bishop Larry Trotter, and Rev. Stephen Thurston. It's a reminder that the Democratic primary is a competitive three-person race. Moore is a Chicago alderman. Here's the full list — Jaylin McClinton has been endorsed by Run For Something, a national group that works to elect young people to state and local offices. McClinton is running for Cook County commissioner in the 5th District.
| | ...SWAMP THINGS... | | Suburban woman from Brazil arrested in U.S. Capitol breach: Leticia Vilhena Ferreira, 32, "followed the crowd from the site of Trump's speech into the Capitol building, where she stayed for about 20 minutes and took photographs and videos of the event with her mobile phone. She shared some of the videos and photos with agents during the interview, according to the complaint," by Tribune's Jason Meisner.
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Feds allege another scam at North Side elementary school, charge 3 former administrators: "An indictment said the administrators helped cheat the Chicago Public Schools out of $250,000 by submitting bogus orders and invoices for school supplies that really concealed the receipt of iPhones, iPads and $30,000 in gift cards for a former principal," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — Prosecutors agree to drop another 19 cases tied to disgraced former Chicago police sergeant: "Sgt. Ronald Watts and his team of tactical officers were accused of orchestrating a decadelong reign of terror starting in the early 2000s at the now-razed Ida B. Wells public housing complex on the South Side, systematically forcing residents and drug dealers alike to pay a 'protection' tax and putting bogus cases on those who refused to do so," by Tribune's Megan Crepeau
| | Reader Digest | | We asked for your guiltiest pleasure, but apparently that crosses the line in what folks are willing to discuss. So we're moving on. Which film portrayal of a U.S. president do you like best? OK, which film portrayal of a U.S. president do you like best that is not played by Daniel Day-Lewis? Email skapos@politico.com
| | SPOTTED | | Congresswoman Robin Kelly's virtual fundraising reception last night had an appearance by Congressman Jamie Raskin, who's on the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Along with well-wishes, Raskin announced that Kelly's campaign would partner with Democracy Summer, a program he founded that teaches high school and college students about voter registration and political organizing. Applause came from the reception's attendees, including former state Rep. Lisa Dugan, political fundraiser Bettylu Saltzman, political and nonprofit consultant Kevin Conlon, Judge Patricia Holmes, businesswoman Cheryl Jackson, attorney Janice Rodgers, and nonprofit leader Nina Vinik.
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | DELEGATION | | Ms. magazine showcases Bustos' bill: Legislation ending forced arbitation frees survivors to file a claim in court — and allows them to share their experiences with co-workers, discuss their cases publicly and warn others about companies that tolerate harassment and abuse of women.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — 'My clients are going RINO hunting': How the 2022 primaries will rewire the GOP, by POLITICO's David Siders — Workers' historic wage gains at risk in Fed inflation fight, by POLITICO's Victoria Guida — Crist is leading the Democratic pack. Taking on DeSantis is a different story, by POLITICO's Gary Fineout
| | TRANSITIONS | | — BIG HIRES: Bill Evans is now chief of police for the city of Joliet. Evans is a retired Cook County Sheriff's lieutenant and most recently served with the U.S. Department of Defense at the National Security Agency in Maryland. Joliet also has hired Westmont-based attorney Sean Connolly to serve as independent inspector general. Connolly is also a commander in the U.S. Army Reserves. — Melanie Meyers is now campaign manager for Regan Deering's Republican congressional campaign in the 13th District. She most recently was campaign manager for Jeanine Lawson's Virginia congressional campaign, and is a Pete Stauber (Minnesota) and Tom Tiffany (Wisconsin) alum.
| | EVENTS | | — Tonight at 5:30 p.m.: Secretary of state candidate David Moore celebrates his birthday (it's Monday) with a campaign fundraiser in Chicago. Special guest is singer/songwriter Maurice Mahon. Details here — Today at 6:30 p.m.: Sun-Times' Laura Washington and Lynn Sweet's At the Table conversation will examine Biden's Supreme Court pick, the gubernatorial primary, key congressional races, and Trump's influence on politics with former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar, WBEZ's Dave McKinney, and CNN's Laura Coates, — Tuesday: WTTW launchesFIRSTHAND: Segregation, a year-long initiative designed to put a human face on the impact that racial divisions have on Chicago. It will feature an online documentary series, community conversations and experts talks.
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Playbooker Robert Christie for correctly answering that Pontiac Trail was the name of the Illinois segment of Route 66 before it was called Route 66. TODAY's QUESTION: What organization founded in Illinois started Black History Week (now Month) and why was the second week of February chosen? Email skapos@politico.com
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Healthier Happens Together. Learn more. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | State Rep. Margaret Croke, LaHood for Congress' political director Jim Reis, Lightfoot for Chicago's deputy political director Madison Olinger, The Vistria Group's general counsel and former deputy governor Jesse Ruiz, government relations consultant Dan Shomon, media and marketing pro Kim Vatis. -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 | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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