| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. It's 2-22-22, a numbers jackpot and on a Tuesday, no less.
|  | TOP TALKER | | A Republican lawmaker is suing House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch after being kicked off the House floor last week for not wearing a mask. And the leader of the House Black Caucus wants an apology for an ugly confrontation that left a Democratic member feeling "threatened." The removal of Rep. Blaine Wilhour and eight other Republicans is not unlike debates playing out across Illinois as the statewide mask mandate is set to be lifted in most places. "We're trying to ultimately restore some sanity in Springfield," Wilhour told WGN News' Tahman Bradley. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Kam Buckner is unhappy with how Republican Rep. Steven Reick spoke to Democratic Rep. Lakesia Collins and wants an apology. During floor debate, Collins had called out the Republicans who didn't wear masks, and she included Reick. The Woodstock Republican, however, had been wearing his mask, and so his name was taken off the list of those kicked out. Still, Reick approached Collins after floor debate to complain. Reick "was upset his actions were mischaracterized," a GOP spokesperson told Playbook. The Chicago Democrat said Reick put his finger in her face and said "Keep my fucking name out of your mouth." Collins was startled by his tone and felt "threatened," she told Playbook. Two other lawmakers stepped between Collins and Reick to diffuse the situation, but Collins said she was shaken nonetheless. Buckner sent a letter to Reick, with copies to Welch and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, calling for Reick to make a public apology since the confrontation was on the House floor for all to see. "This type of behavior is not only against our rules, it is beneath this body," according to the letter obtained by Playbook. RELATED — Pritzker to take school mask case to Illinois Supreme Court: The action follows last week's ruling that leaves masking up to local districts. About 700 are mask optional; CPS staying the course, by Tribune's Karen Ann Cullotta, Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner and Clare Spaulding. — 'Paper terrorism': Parents against mask mandates bombard school districts with sham legal claims: "A group called Bonds for the Win is organizing parents (including in Illinois) to file claims against school districts' insurance policies, taking a page from the sovereign citizen playbook," reports NBC News. — Fact-check: Wilhour claims no 'observational or clinical data' exists proving benefits of masks in schools: "But a health expert says there is plenty of observational data out there," reports Better Government Association's Analisa Trofimuk. — Should doctors who spread false information about COVID-19 lose their medical licenses? Some states say yes, reports Tribune's Lisa Schencker
| | THE BUZZ | | The Illinois Black Caucus finds itself playing defense this legislative session after a historic year enacting criminal justice reform legislation in wake of a racial reckoning across the country. Republicans are sponsoring legislation they say addresses violent crime that continues to plague Illinois communities even though legislation passed last year and carried by Black Caucus aims to transform public safety. A key piece of legislation last year reforms the cash bail system, allowing defendants with misdemeanors or nonviolent offenses to be released while awaiting trial. Critics of those reforms say violent offenders are also being let out of jail while awaiting trial — and are at the root of violence. Supporters of the reforms say that's not the case since the legislation passed last year hasn't even gone into effect yet. Republicans want to reduce violent crime by diverting funds to local governments to recruit and hire police officers and purchase equipment, such as body cameras. Republicans also want stiffer sentences for violent gun offenders, especially those who commit aggravated battery against an officer. And they want funding for mental health services for incarcerated people. The debate about public safety is playing out nationwide as violent crime has gone up during the pandemic. But Democratic Sen. Robert Peters, who heads the Senate Black Caucus, told Playbook that Republicans are relying on "an old-fashioned playbook in history to use fear-mongering to push back against the expansion of civil and human rights." He points to the opposition that civil rights efforts got in the 1960s and went back as far as Reconstruction. But Republican Sen. Chapin Rose says Illinois needs to be tougher on crime. "I voted for Robert Peters' measure in the last session, and I admit this needs to be a multifaceted approach," Rose told Playbook. "But we can't require communities to do all this and pay for it." The Black Caucus' criminal justice reform package last year addressed issues such as body cameras, and the governor's budget calls for funding those programs, too, though Republicans say it's not enough. State Rep. Kam Buckner, who heads the House Black Caucus, says the pushback from Republicans isn't a surprise. "We knew when we passed our original bills that there would be efforts to chip away at our work," he told Playbook. "When you fight systems that were created to keep certain people disenfranchised and marginalized, those systems will fight back. We expected it and expected we'd have to play defense." Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com
| | | | JOIN THURSDAY TO HEAR FROM MAYORS ACROSS AMERICA: The Fifty: America's Mayors will convene mayors from across the country to discuss their policy agendas, including the enforcement of Covid measures such as vaccine and mask mandates. We'll also discuss how mayors are dealing with the fallout of the pandemic on their local economies and workforce, affordable housing and homelessness, and criminal justice reforms. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | At 1871 in Merchandise Mart at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Illinois' start up success with business creators.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | Taking part in a virtual discussion at 10 a.m. with House Rep. Jim Clyburn, and other elected and appointed leaders, including head of the Federal Communications Commission to discuss "Black Communities and the Digital Divide." The event will be live-streamed by the FCC . ... At 2 p.m. at City Hall she'll join Allison Arwady, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and Geraldine Luna for a Covid-19 update.
| | Where's Toni | | At Rich Township High School STEM Campus at 10 a.m. with representatives from Amazon to celebrate a combined $1 million donation to School Districts 159 and 227 to support STEM education resources in south suburban Cook County.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Chicago area welcoming another wave of Afghan refugees: "Scores of Afghan refugees [are] arriving in Illinois this month, as the U.S. government works to move people from military bases into communities. Since September, about 2,142 Afghans have resettled in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. In all, Illinois plans to welcome about 2,500 to 3,000 refugees," by Tribune's Madeline Buckley. — A new tax in Illinois, but one that isn't about raising revenue: Republican state Sen. Brian Stewart introduced Senate Bill 3119, "legislation that would impose a 10 percent excise tax on the book value of assets or liabilities, whichever is greater, of a bank that has been purchased by a credit union. [The tax] is intended not so much to raise revenue as it is to discourage credit unions from acquiring banks and other financial institutions." writes Forbes.
| | CHICAGO | | — Efforts to reduce residential segregation by boosting Affordable housing supply starting to work, city officials say: "During the first three months that the law was in effect, nine proposals that triggered those requirements were approved by the Chicago City Council, more than in similar periods in 2019 and 2020," by WTTW's Heather Cherone. — Chicago philanthropies urged to sign pledge to 'rectify racial inequity' in their giving: "Demand for services is increasing exponentially in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods that have borne the brunt of Covid-19 and violent crime," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Lightfoot slow to act on promises to use old industrial sites to build new, green economy: "But the mayor won praise for rejecting a permit to allow a car- and metal-shredding operation on the Southeast Side. 'This is what environmental justice looks like,' EPA Administrator Michael Regan said," by Sun-Times' Brett Chase. — Lightfoot slow to hire a new permanent city inspector general, by Tribune's Gregory Pratt. — Carl Icahn pushes McDonald's to change how it sources pork: "The billionaire investor has proposed two candidates for the company's board. The company argues that his demands are unreasonable given the current U.S. pork supply," by The New York Times. — Focus turns once again on landlord with troubled history after Albany Park fire guts apartment building, popular brewery, gym: "It's all about a landlord being guilty until they prove themselves innocent, right?" said Gary Carlson, the property owner. Sun-Times' Emmanuel Camarillo reports. — Chicago's Project44 grows by fighting supply chain blockages: "On a fast track for expansion, the company has started a free online tracker that offers information about shipping's worst chokepoints," by Sun-Times' David Roeder. — Illinois Tollway approves key agreement with City of Chicago, reports The Trucker news site
| | | | 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 | | — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Officials from eight suburbs have formed the Coalition to Stop CPKC to try to block plans for the merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and the Kansas City Southern Railroad . Chicago-area municipal leaders from Bartlett, Bensenville, Elgin, Hanover Park, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Wood Dale say it could increase freight traffic "300 percent," causing "significant adverse impact" on their communities, according to a statement. They say freight traffic would climb on Metra's Milwaukee District West rail line and cause a "detrimental impact on the quality of life" for residents and businesses in their communities. The group plans a live-streamed press conference today at 1 p.m. — Another Evanston official quits amid lifeguard abuse scandal at suburb's beaches, by WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos — Students organize walkout at Niles West High School to denounce racist comments, by Pioneer Press' Brian Cox — Lake County sheriff says drunken bus driver crashed bus with students on board, by Tribune's Stacy St. Clair.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Danny Davis wins Mayor Lori Lightfoot's endorsement: "Lightfoot cited Davis' decades of public service, including his 11 years on the Chicago City Council during what was known as the council wars. 'This year our democracy is truly on the ballot,' Lightfoot said. '[Davis] is a lion of the Civil Rights movement,'" by Fox 32. — OPPO: Richard Irvin's tough-on-crime campaign for governor ignores his years as criminal defense attorney: "Kane County court records provide a look at many of the cases he handled. In 2017, shortly before leaving his practice, Irvin represented Alexander Nunez, who was accused of kicking a police officer in the left shoulder and face, and punching someone else in the face, court records show," report Tribune's Jeremy Gorner and Megan Jones, who detail other cases handled by Irvin as well. — SCOOP: How a little-known provision in the Illinois crime bill could upend the Cook County sheriff's race: "Tucked into the end of the 700-page bill signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in February 2021, the new law that went into effect this year requires all candidates for sheriff to be certified law enforcement officers, starting this year. Sitting sheriffs are exempt," by Tribune's Alice Yin and Jeremy Gorner. — Republican Edgar warns governor candidates against scaring 'part of the state': "There's no doubt Trump has a huge following in downstate Illinois," the former governor said on the Sun-Times "At the Table" talk show, via Lynn Sweet. — Rep. Mary Miller has been endorsed by Illinois Family Action in her bid for the 15th Congressional District. "We agree with President Donald Trump's assessment" that Miller "is the right candidate" for the 15th, the organization said in a statement explaining it's endorsement. "Mary is a proud and vocal believer in Jesus Christ, and her Christian faith guides her positions on moral issues. Mary Miller is pro-life, pro-religious liberty, and pro-marriage between a man and a woman." — Lawyer who has repeatedly challenged Pritzker's Covid powers taking steps to make it happen, according to Cook County Record's Jonathan Bilyk — Judge Bianca Camargo is being endorsed by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 461 in her retention bid.
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. files motion to dismiss resisting law enforcement, reckless driving charges: "The state charges stem from a Sept. 18 incident in which Crown Point Police officers conducting a traffic stop at about 11:30 p.m. in the 9000 block of Taft Street saw a black SUV traveling northbound on Main Street 'at what appeared to be at a speed well above the 45 mph posted limit,'" by Post-Tribune's Alexandra Kukulka. — Lawsuit: Vermin, mold and sewage overflow rampant at Illinois Department of Corrections' Crest Hill facility, by Tribune's Stephanie Casanova — Lawsuit: Suburban landlord's refusal to rent to people with arrest records equals racial discrimination, by Tribune's John Keilman
| | Reader Digest | | We asked when you've lied about your age: "Does having a fake ID to get into the Poison Apple with my disco-loving friends count?" Petition circulator Sharon Rosenblum asks. Yes it does, Sharon. What's the most extravagant thing you've ever purchased for yourself? Email skapos@politico.com
| | DELEGATION | | Another aide to Newman is entangled in ethics probe: Shadin Maali, chief of district affairs for Rep. Marie Newman, "conducted outreach" to help Iymen Chehade run for Newman's seat, according to the Daily Beast, which has been covering the ethics probe. Chehade is at the center of the ethics probe, having been given a six-figure job after a legal battle with Newman. He had plans to run against Newman but is now running for a different congressional seat.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — 'War, destruction and death': U.N. Security Council members slam Russia's Ukraine escalation, by POLITICO's Alexander Ward — How Putin is dragging America back into a drawn-out military and diplomatic standoff, by POLITICO's Bryan Bender and Paul McLeary — Dems, GOP at odds over Biden's proposed science agency, by POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle — Viola Davis Transforms Into Michelle Obama in the "First Lady" Trailer, via Pop Sugar
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | Howard University will digitize Black publications, including Chicago Defender: "Howard University has received a $2 million donation to digitize a major collection of Black newspaper archives in hopes of making it more broadly available to researchers and the public," by The Associated Press.
| | TRANSITIONS | | Mary Smith is first Native American woman to become ABA president-elect nominee: "Smith, vice chair and partner at the Veng Group in Chicago, is virtually assured to become the president-elect at the close of the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago in August, when the current president-elect, Deborah Enix-Ross, assumes her position as president for the 2022-2023 term. Smith would then serve as ABA president for the 2023-2024 term," by ABA Journal's Amanda Robert.
| | EVENTS | | Today at 5:30 p.m.: State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Lightfoot chief of staff Sybil Madison, and Cook County Board president comms director Nick Shields talk about the "Next Generation of Black Leaders" at this in-person event. Sponsored by U. of Chicago Institute of Politics. WGN's Tahman Bradley is moderator.
| | SPOTTED | | American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois held an awards event last week that drew big political names. Attending in person were Chicago Ald. Gil Villegas, IDOT Secretary Omer Osman, Illinois Tollway executive director Jose Alvarez, Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi, Cook County Transportation and Highways superintendent Jennifer "Sis" Killen, Chicago Department of Water Management Commissioner Andrea Cheng. Spotted zooming in virtually: House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, state Sen. Ram Villivalam, who heads the Senate Transportation Committee, state Sen. Don DeWitte, and state Rep. Tom Demmer.
| | IN MEMORIAM | | Josephine Baskin Minow: "When she became president of the Juvenile Protective Association, board meetings were held at the University Club which did not allow women to enter through the front door. She moved the meetings to another location that allowed all members to enter through the front door," reads her obituary. She and Newton Minow, senior counsel at Sidley Austin and former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, were married 72 years.
| | TRIVIA | | FRIDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Dave Lundy for correctly answering that Michelle Obama could identify every episode of The Brady Bunch based on its opening shot. TODAY's QUESTION: What makes this day so memorable in Black and women's history in Chicago's City Hall? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Political consultant David Axelrod, Choose Chicago VP Robert Fojtik, restaurateur Rich Ciota, SupplyHive CEO Lou Sandoval, and PR pro Rob. Walton. -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 | | | | |
Comments
Post a Comment