| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Happy Thursday, Illinois. Not a record, yet: 10 inches of snow and more on the way, reports the Tribune. Photos of Winter Storm Landon by WBEZ photographer Manuel Martinez. | 
Illinois Gob JB Pritzker speaks during his State of the State address at the Old State Capitol Building on Wednesday Feb. 2, 2022, in Springfield, Ill. | The State Journal-Register via AP | Illinois has some extra cash in a $1.7 billion budget surplus, and Gov. JB Pritzker would like to share some of it with y'all even if it rubs Republicans the wrong way. The governor kept it simple in yesterday's State of the State and budget address. He is on a mission to pay down old bills, control spending, and grow the economy. Pritzker says it's the recipe he's followed since he took office in 2019 and it's paying off. Brass tax: If approved by the Democratic-led General Assembly, Illinoisans will see temporary tax relief when purchasing groceries and gasoline. Homeowners will get a bit of a break on property taxes. And health care workers won't have to pay licensing fees. There's even a pension fix: Pritzker said "for the first time since 1994" Illinois will reduce pension debt more than its required contribution.
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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker presented his budget proposal Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. | Pritzker administration | Republicans call it all a gimmick. "The governor's budget address is always a wish-list, and this year it's clear that the governor wishes to be reelected," House Minority Leader Jim Durkin said in a statement. Pritzker called on Republicans and Democrats "to work together with me to get this done." But he also threw down the gauntlet to those who push back against other policy areas, saying his Democratic Party will fight efforts to pull back on voting rights or women's reproductive rights or misguided efforts on how to manage the pandemic. "[A]t a time when politicians in some places have dipped their toes into the waters of sedition, or pulled chairs up for the ghosts of Jim Crow, or spurned the fires of educational curiosity in favor of book banning, or are telling women you have to take your reproductive health choices back to the 1950's… at a time when some would question the very foundations of science and medicine…at a time when some would condemn simple acts of courtesy and kindness like wearing a mask so that fewer people die… THIS government in THIS state said… Not Here," Pritzker said in the prepared remarks. Here's the excerpt of that portion of the speech. — REPORTING FROM SPRINGFIELD: "The Democrat's plan is catered to please voters and credit ratings agencies alike, with increases for education and violence prevention and a temporary elimination of a 1% tax on groceries, while also paying a half billion dollars more than the state's legally required $9.6 billion pension contribution," reports WTTW's Amanda Vinicky. WITH VIDEO — More money for anti-violence programs, state troopers: "Crime is a complex and multifaceted problem to tackle, and it's cynical and counterproductive to simply shout 'Lock them up' while providing fewer resources to the people and programs that prevent crime in the first place," Pritzker said in his speech. Tribune's Rick Pearson, Dan Petrella and Jeremy Gorner report — Read the full budget proposal here. |  | THE BUZZ | | DONOR KING OF CHICAGO: Ken Griffin hasn't yet put his money into the governor's race, but he's spreading his wealth in plenty of other places. He's contributed the maximum $5,800 to at least 53 Republican congressional candidates in 27 states and dropped big sums into PACs and super PACs, according to data from the Federal Election Commission. It's propelled him to be the No. 1 Republican donor so far this cycle and a powerful voice in shaping the GOP in years to come. "It's not just a significant investment today. It's a significant down payment in the future of the party and in broadening our appeal," Congressional Leadership Fund President Dan Conston, a former Illinois political operative, told Playbook. Griffin gave $5 million to The CLF. POLITICO's Brittany Gibson and your Playbook host document more of Griffin's donations in our homepage story. What Griffin hasn't (yet) done is contribute to what could be his biggest project of all the midterms: trying to elect a Republican governor in Illinois. That may be in due time. Griffin is expected to donate to Richard Irvin's primary campaign for governor. Political watchers say Irvin is spending like a candidate who knows money is coming, even putting up TV ads on during the NFL playoffs. Speaking of Irvin: He gave his first one-on-one interviews to the Daily Herald's Marni Pyke and NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern. In both, Irvin dispelled the question about whether he's a true Republican. Why would Barack Obama campaign against him in his first political campaign, Irvin noted in both interviews. (In 2005, then-state Sen. Obama backed Democrat Tom Weisner for mayor.) And regarding Griffin, Irvin said, "He's done a lot for the state of Illinois, [but] it's just one person, one vote, and I look forward to listening to all the residents of Illinois about what we can do to take the state back." Irvin says he's 'nobody's pushover,' by Marni Pyke Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
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| | Covid-19 Update | | — So long, Omicron: White House eyes next phase of pandemic: "Biden and his top health officials have already begun hinting at an impending 'new normal,'" by POLITICO's Adam Cancryn. — They knocked on strangers' doors and persuaded naysayers to get the vaccine: "Many times, people just desire someone to listen to their fears without bombarding them with immediate criticism, said Armani Nightengale, a member of Chicago's Covid-19 Community Response Corpssaid. It's also important to gauge where that distrust comes from because many times, it'll surprise you." Tribune's Alice Yin reports. — School districts call for 'off ramp' from masking and quarantines, with a 'measured return to normalcy' by Tribune's Karen ann Cullotta and Joe Mahr | | REMAP ROAD MAP | | Concerns — and campaign plans — mount as Chicago remap battle drags on: "Relationships have been damaged," Ald. Jason Ervin said. "I think it will create a much harsher and much different climate in the city council than there has been in the past." Better Government Association's Rachel Hinton reports.
| | CHICAGO | | — Van Dyke expected to be released from custody today after serving 3 ¼ years for Laquan McDonald's murder: "Since his January 2019 sentencing, Van Dyke has served time at a downstate prison, a federal detention center in Connecticut, and at an undisclosed location as part of an interstate agreement where high-profile prisoners can be kept off databases of inmates available to the public online," by Tribune's Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau. Calling the time served a "supreme disappointment," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, in a statement this morning , tried to emphasize the legal and legislative progress made. "While I know this moment is disappointing, it should not prevent us from seeing the significant progress Van Dyke's prosecution and conviction represent. He was the first officer in more than half a century to be convicted of a crime committed purportedly in the line of duty. This prosecution led to historic reforms, including comprehensive legislation that created the first-ever community police oversight body in Chicago, and a consent decree to oversee CPD reform. There is much more work to do, and it is by doing that work that we can heal from this and move forward towards justice and accountability every day." … Security officials brief business owners on security plans before Jason Van Dyke's likely release, by ABC 7. … Feds were investigating Jason Van Dyke in 2014. Why didn't they charge him? Sun-Times' Andy Grimm reports. — Jesse Sharkey won't seek reelection as head of 25,000-member Chicago Teachers Union: "The former social studies teacher will step away from CTU leadership when his fourth term ends June 30 and plans to return to the classroom," by Sun-Times' Nader Issa and Fran Spielman. … Sharkey's exit makes room for VP Stacy Davis Gates, by WBEZ's Sarah Karp. — CPD reassigning 320 officers in push for more arrests amid hiring slowdown and a spike in retirements: "The latest reshuffling of officers has led some police supervisors to once again raise alarms about Supt. David Brown's leadership," by Sun-Times' Tom Schuba. — City's tech dreams hit another hurdle: Crime: "An out-of-town company scraps its plan for a local office after a shootout near the Fulton Market tech hub, as scary street violence chills recruiting in the fast-growing sector," by Crain's John Pletz. — Chicago's spring, summer festivals back on track for 2022 — in pre-pandemic size and scope: "The Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Air and Water Show, World Music Festival Chicago and more are all scheduled to return as in-person events this year," by Sun-Times' Miriam Di Nunzio. — U. of Chicago Medicine plans to build $633M cancer hospital on its Hyde Park campus, by Tribune's Lisa Schencker — Nini's Deli – embattled for allegedly homophobic, anti-Black Lives Matters messaging – is cited for violating vax mandate, reports Tribune's Angie Leventis Lourgos — The Garfield Park Conservatory has an incredibly tall plant that you've got to see, reports WBEZ's Charmaine Runes
| | | | 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 | | Chief Judge Evans concedes on electronic monitors statement: "The head of Cook County Circuit Court gave incomplete information last week on what happens to accused murderers," by Crain's Greg Hinz.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — State Rep. Delia Ramirez has secured an endorsement from the Illinois Federation of Teachers in her bid for the 3rd Congressional District. In the state General Assembly, Ramirez was a co-sponsor of the Chicago elected school board bill. — State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe faces challenge by real estate broker Tina Wallace, 911 dispatcher Keith Thornton Jr.: Dem primary candidates all say public safety top issue, reports Nadig Newspapers' Brian Nadig — Jaylin McClinton has been endorsed by state Rep. Lamont Robinson, the first openly LGBTQ+ Black state legislator in Illinois. McClinton is running for Cook County commissioner in the 5th District.
| | Reader Digest | | We asked about a habit you'd really like to break: McDonald's government relations manager Marishonta Wilkerson "would like to break the habit of having more than one 'cheat meal' a week! My summer/swimsuit body will thank me later. Lol" (Can relate.) ... Timothy Thomas Jr. wants to curb his habit of "correcting people." ... And Sharon Rosenblum says she'd like to break the habit of "sending Shia Kapos so many emails." It's a habit you don't need to break, Sharon. Illinois Playbook editor Darius Dixon wants to stop staying up that one extra hour. Would you rather be an American Idol judge or Supreme Court judge — and why? Email skapos@politico.com
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Chicago connection: In his explosive lawsuit against the NFL, Brian Flores says Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told him he (Ross) would pay Flores $100,000 for every loss during his first season so the club would "tank," making it easier to get the draft's top pick. Along with owning the Dolphins, Ross heads Related development company, which owns Related Midwest in Chicago. It's one of the companies competing to build Chicago's casino. Related Midwest did not respond for comment. But Ross issued a comment, saying: "I take great personal exception to these malicious attacks, and the truth must be known. His allegations are false, malicious and defamatory. I welcome [an] investigation and I am eager to defend my personal integrity, and the integrity and values of the entire Miami Dolphins organization, from these baseless, unfair and disparaging claims." — More men behaving badly: Rocky Wirtz destroys accountability with outburst over Blackhawks' sexual assault scandal: "We're not going to talk about Kyle Beach," a furious Wirtz said Wednesday. "What we're going to do today is our business." Sun-Times' Ben Pope reports. VIDEO of the interaction | | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — 'The fight came to us': Schumer the judicial warrior heads into SCOTUS battle, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine — Biden, Adams strike up alliance as Democrats face new threat: Rising violent crime, by POLITICO's Erin Durkin and Laura Barron-Lopez — Trump interference exacerbates GOP split on election reforms, by POLITICO's Burgess Everett — Governor hopeful goes all-in on Trump … in Massachusetts, by POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky
| | TRANSITIONS | | Emil P. Khatchatourian is now a partner focused on bankruptcy and restructuring with Foley & Lardner LLP. He previously was senior counsel with the firm.
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Janet Mathis for correctly answering that Mount Pulaski is where it's illegal for boys to throw snowballs at trees. TODAY's QUESTION: Which college professor also is mayor of the town where the college is located? Email skapos@politico.com | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | POLITICO managing producer Claritza Jimenez, former Sun-Times CEO Edwin Eisendrath, Al Jazeera correspondent John Hendren, Brentano Math & Science Academy Principal Seth Lavin, and campaign operative Eli Stone, who turns the big 2-0 (not a typo). -30-
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