| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by CVS Health | TGIF, Illinois. State lawmakers might just meet their self-imposed midnight deadline after all. LATE-BREAKING: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will attend White House ceremony celebrating Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation to the Supreme Court.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Democratic legislative leaders Don Harmon, left, and Emanuel "Chris" Welch announced Thursday, April 7, 2022, that they have nailed down an election-year state budget. | Screen shot | Gov. JB Pritzker and leaders of the House and Senate, the Three Tops, agreed on a $45 billion state spending plan that they're expected to pass today, the last day of an election-year-stunted legislative session. How it affects taxpayers: The bill would suspend 1 percent sales tax on groceries for a year, freeze the state's fuel tax at 39 cents a gallon through Jan. 1, give $300 property tax rebates, and send direct checks of up to $50 per individual. Democrats say it's about offering relief to taxpayers, but Republicans call it a gimmick conveniently timed with the upcoming primary and general elections. Timing is everything: "Much of the relief will hit around the time that voters will be casting their ballots in the June 28 primary contest or Nov. 8 general election," reports WTTW's Amanda Vinicky. Dems aren't just handing out money. They want to put $1 billion into the state's near-empty rainy day fund and pay an additional $200 million into the pension system (on top of the required $9.6 billion payment). Unified front: Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Senate President Don Harmon stood together in announcing the budget plan. It's important to show a unified front after a few days this week of friction between moderate and progressives Democrats as they head into the midterms. Not all wine and roses: There's still tension among Democrats about the public safety package, which they'll have to hammer out today. "I expect that before we adjourn, you'll see a comprehensive package of public safety legislation moved through both chambers," Harmon said in the Tribune's comprehensive story. The state budget is usually the last order of business in a legislative session that typically doesn't wrap up until the very end of May. This year, lawmakers worked longer days and weeks to cut the session short and make time for campaigning before the June 28 primary. News that Democrats already came to a deal on the budget surprised some folks. "It's only April. Is that even legal?" tweeted Carrie from Springfield. It's no crime for shorter time, Carrie. Cue the music RELATED — Lawmakers approve sweeping changes to nursing home funding meant to increase staffing and improve care: "This is the biggest reform we've done ever," said sponsoring Sen. Ann Gillespie, a Democrat from Arlington Heights. "This is going to drive accountability." Tribune's Robert McCoppin reports — This bill would allow judges to parrtially clear courtrooms for cases involving sex abuse of minors, by The Pantagraph's Taylorr Vidmar. — Bill adding years to state employee pension buyout program passes General Assembly, by WAND TV
| | THE BUZZ | | | 
Rep. Sean Casten is pressing Rep. Marie Newman to talk about the secret settlement that's at the heart of a House ethics probe of her office. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald/Associated Press (Casten); Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press (Newman) | GLOVES OFF IN THE 6TH: Rep. Sean Casten is calling on Rep. Marie Newman to disclose the details of the legal settlement at the heart of a House ethics probe into how she hired a top aide. "Ethics matter," Casten said in a statement. "Until now, I have declined to comment on the investigation into Marie Newman to give her the opportunity to clear the record herself." It's the first time Casten has criticized Newman in the 6th District Democratic primary, as they head toward the June 28 primary. A spokesman for Newman's campaign responded, saying, "Our campaign cannot legally comment on the settlement that Rep. Casten is referring to." Instead, it pivoted to Casten's handling of a business deal that faced legal troubles in 2015. ...OK. But it's the ethics probe that continues to hang over this intra-party race. It centers on how Newman came to employ Iymen Chehade as a policy adviser. He had worked on her 2020 campaign, but he sued when she didn't hire him on staff. There was a settlement. And then Newman hired him after all. The question is whether Newman hired Chehade to keep him from running against her in the 3rd District she now represents. Newman says that's not so. And though it's not uncommon, the move is still drawing scrutiny from the Office of Congressional Ethics. It's been problematic for Newman, whose campaign is finding it harder to raise money and secure new endorsements than Casten. Casten's salvo is an attempt to make it even more difficult. "How much of the money entrusted to her by her campaign donors has she promised to pay Iymen Chehade?" Casten's campaign poses in its statement. Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet has more about the lawsuit filed by Chehade and how he came to be hired.
| | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in Illinois and 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.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | At the White House at 12:15 p.m. ET for an event celebrating the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as associate justice of the Supreme Court.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | | 
Chicago city clerk Anna Valencia, right, takes her oath as her husband Reyahd Kazmi, center, looks on during the 2019 inauguration ceremony in Chicago. | AP Photo/Jim Young | — INVESTIGATION | Emails show Valencia promoted smart city development while her lobbyist husband profited from it, by WCIA's Mark Maxwell: "The most notable instances occurred between late 2018 and early 2022 when [Anna] Valencia, the City Clerk of Chicago, at times used text messages, and personal and government email accounts to discuss investment strategies for a smart city development project in the Illinois Medical District that involved [her husband's] clients." Valencia is a Democratic candidate for secretary of state. … "At times, Valencia's staff urged her to use personal email to make invitations, and advised her against using her official government logo to promote the development project. She insisted on using the logo anyway." — Gov. JB Pritzker has been endorsed by the Illinois National Organization for Women PAC in his bid for reelection. The PAC also endorsed him in 2018. — Sullivan denies charges of signature fraud on primary petitions, by Daily Herald's Marni Pyke — Kina Collins, a congressional candidate in the 7th District, has been endorsed by Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez. Collins calls the endorsement "a turning point in the race." — GOP candidate Starrett drops out of 14th Congressional race, citing family medical issues, by Daily Herald's Russell Lissau. — Judicial candidates Julian, Huddleston off the ballot over petition errors, via Madison-St. Clair Record
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder gives "State of Downtown" address: He highlighted "a number of upcoming projects – including Public Works' effort to address the two-way version along the Fourth Street corridor and the knockdown of the Fourth and Washington garage," writes State Journal Register's Steven Spearie. — After year of planning, renovations for Springfield's dilapidated Armory slated for July start, by NPR Illinois' Hannah Meisel
| | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | CHICAGO | | — South Loop residents tell developers gambling complex 'inconsistent with the original vision' for site: "Known as "The 78" for its potential to become the city's 78th official community area, the site's 62 vacant acres have seen other grand plans surface and fail repeatedly over the years — and many in the community say they want the casino proposal to meet the same fate," by Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout. — Lightfoot: We'll make a 'far greater' economic case for the Bears than Arlington Heights can: "The Arlington Heights mayor is kind of hedging his bets," Lightfoot said during an interview on WSCR 670-AM The Score. "Look, of course he's interested in embracing the idea of the Bears moving there. But what will the Arlington taxpayers say? And are they able to, on their dime, raise billions -- and that's billions with a B and plural -- that it's going to take to put up a (stadium)? I'm dubious." by Daily Herald's Christopher Placek — CITY CLUB SELLOUT: Mayor Lori Lightfoot headlines a City Club luncheon event April 19, and tickets sold out within 15 minutes. The mayor is expected to focus on policy, not politics. The last time Lightfoot headlined a City Club event was in February 2020. — Monument committee won't recommend Christopher Columbus statues' return, sources say, by Tribune's Gregory Pratt. — Sharing life lessons and career advice, Obama connects with Chicago high school students: Asked if he knew what he wanted to do after high school, Obama said, " I did not … Sometimes there's so much pressure [about] what are you going to do; what are you going to be? And the truth is, you've got room to explore a bunch of different ideas. And you shouldn't feel bad, if you haven't already decided at your age and 16, 17. I think [what] you can start figuring out now is getting good habits, which is not something I did." by WBEZ's Natalie Moore. — Cook County Treasurer Marie Pappas says the Magnificent Mile has become "unmagnificent." In an interview pegged off of Water Tower's ownership change, Pappas blamed crime as the reason for the exit. "There is a permeated sense of fear on Michigan Avenue about crime, about getting car jacked, about getting mugged," said Pappas, who lives in Water Tower, told WGN Radio's Anna Davlantes. — Starbucks in Edgewater Beach becomes sixth Chicago store to file for union representation, by Tribune's Talia Soglin — See the Midwest's largest art fair come to life in 60 seconds, by WBEZ's Cassie Walker Burke, Manuel Martinez and Justine Tobiasz
| | MAYOR'S RACE 2023 | | — Mayor Lori Lightfoot hasn't officially announced her reelection bid, but she sure sounds like a candidate. In a fundraising message to supporters yesterday, her political team took a jab at Ald. Raymond Lopez, who announced his run for mayor earlier this week. Without saying his name, the email says: "This new candidate has a brazen history of slandering Chicago on Fox News. Instead of pressing for solutions for our great city, this opponent has invested in self-promotion by appearing on shows like Fox's Tucker Carlson Tonight where he's repeatedly disparaged Chicago on national television." — SCOOP: Willie Wilson to run for Chicago mayor, by Erick Johnson for The Chicago Crusader — Another candidate in the race: Gay media owner Dennis J. 'DJ' Doran to run for mayor, by Andrew Davis for Windy City Times
| | TAKING NAMES | | Buckner says he wants to move forward after pleading guilty to second DUI: "I learned kind of about … how to really handle stress and if you ever have to ask yourself if you should be behind the wheel the answer is just you shouldn't. Just straight up like that." Tribune's John Byrne and Jeremy Gorner.
| | | |   | | | | | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Better mental health care, affordable housing, public transportation all priorities for Cook County equity task force, by Sun-Times' Stefano Esposito. — DuPage voters can now register to vote by mail permanently, by Patch's Lisa Marie Farver. — New allegations against Fenwick teacher already accused of misconduct, by Wednesday Journal's F. Amanda Tugade. — Kane County panel suggests raises for only some leaders while health insurance perk questioned, by Daily Herald's James Fuller
| | DAY IN COURT | | — MEGA MRA FRAUD: A former director of operations for Rep. Brad Schneider's (D-Ill.)pleaded guilty on Thursday to fraudulently inflating his salary and bonus payments. "Between November 2019 and January 2021, Sterling Carter, 24, submitted fraudulent paperwork authorizing an inflated salary and higher bonus payments for himself. He received $79,491.67 in unauthorized salary and bonus payments and concealed his scheme by showing Schneider and Chief of Staff Casey O'Shea falsified spreadsheets. (Yes, the"congressional salary by calendar year" graph on LegiStorm is laughable.)," via POLITICO's Huddle. — Feds want 2 1⁄2 years for Chicago Heights man who threatened Biden's inauguration, by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — Lyons brothers buried mother in backyard and continued cashing Social Security checks, police say. by Sun-Times' David Struett reports. — Orland Park woman accused of throwing drink at Near North Side bartender charged with hate crime, by Sun-Times' Matthew Hendrickson
| | SCOTUS WATCH | | |  President Joe Biden and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson watch together as the U.S. Senate votes on April 07, 2022 to confirm her to be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court in the White House. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images | — Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed as first Black woman on Supreme Court: "The Thursday vote marks a historic moment for the high court and a massive victory for President Joe Biden," by POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Marianne LeVine. — What Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson means for the country: "Legal scholars believe she can have a significant impact, even in the minority," by POLITICO's Brakkton Booker — From judge to justice in 6 weeks: How Schumer, Durbin got Jackson confirmed, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine and Burgess Everett | 
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney is a lone Republican clapping after the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on April 7, 2022. | Screen shot | — Sen. Mitt Romney's classy statement: "Sen. Mitt Romney stood alone on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon, surrounded by a sea of empty desks. He was the lone Republican standing to applaud the final vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court," via Salt Lake Tribune. Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine also voted to confirm Jackson. — Illinois Democrats praised the confirmation, too: "The U.S. Senate just made long-overdue history," Gov. JB Pitzker said in a tweet thread… From Mayor Lori Lightfoot: "As a Black female lawyer myself, I am beaming with pride and add my voice to the chorus of well-wishers who are congratulating Judge Jackson on making history today. She may be the first, but she will certainly not be the last." ... From House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said Jackson will "inspire young women of color to dream their biggest dreams." … And from Don Harmon's state Senate: "We were in a caucus meeting when Sen. Adriane Johnson spoke up to let everyone know Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson had just received enough votes to be confirmed for the United States Supreme Court. Cheers and applause ensued," said spokesman John Patterson.
| | Reader Digest | | We asked what you do when your video is turned off during Zooms: And political consultant Kevin Lampe made us chuckle. He googles everyone in the Zoom. In a sentence, what's your favorite opening day memory? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | RUSSIA-UKRAINE | | — Ukraine's 'iron general' is a hero, but he's no star: "Meet Valeriy Zaluzhnyy, the commander in chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who's quietly leading the fight against Russia's invaders," by POLITICO's David M. Herszenhorn and Paul McLeary. — West seeks to ramp up arms deliveries to Ukraine as war enters new phase, by POLITICO's Lili Bayer, Hans von der Burchard and Christina Gallardo — BREAKING: Russian missile kills 30 civilians at Ukraine train station, by The Associated Press
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Ro Khanna had some BBB advice for the president. Biden called it 'homicide,' via POLITICO — Democrats spread organizing strategy that flipped Georgia to other states, by POLITICO's Elena Schneider — Covid creeps ever closer to Biden, by POLITICO's Adam Cancryn — Yellowstone is selling park passes for 2172. The idea came from a Chicago ad agency, by The Associated Press
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — Lee Flaherty, promoter of the Chicago Marathon, Rolls Royces, himself, dead at 90: "He helped start the marathon and the World's Largest Block Party and was a pioneer in redeveloping River North and a real-life character straight out of 'Mad Men.' I can say that because I knew him," by Sun-Times' Neil Steinberg. — Tony Mockus, Chicago actor for seven decades, directed Goodman Theatre's first 'A Christmas Carol,' dead at 91: "Even if you never saw him on stage, you might know his face from movies. He played a fire chief in 'Backdraft,' a judge in 'The Untouchables' and a minister in 'She's Having a Baby,'" by Sun-Times' Maureen O'Donnell.
| | EVENTS | | April 19: A candidate forum in the first congressional district will be held at Antioch Baptist Missionary Church. Moderators are WCIU's Brandon Pope and Imagine Englewood's Michelle Rashad. Register here
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Myles Nelson, campaign manager for Rep. Mike Bost, for correctly answering that IL-12 Dem candidate Ray Lenzi once had someone dress in a chicken costume to protest Bost refusing to debate him. Judge John Countryman correctly answered that Joe Wiegand donned a feathered suit. Another correct answer would have been Edwin Eisendrath's staffer in his unsuccessful 2006 Democratic primary campaign against then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. And to all those who remembered the West Wing's Matt Santos hired folks to dress as chickens, you're funny. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the last Republican President to win St. Clair County in a general election? Email skapos@politico.com
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Healthier Happens Together. Learn more. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Former Niles Mayor Andrew Przybylo, state Commerce Commission government affairs director Sarah Ryan, state Executive Ethics Commission chair Amalia Rioja, former Illinois GOP chair Pat Brady, Playbooker Lisa Muller, and Lee Enterprises' political reporter Brenden Moore (who's celebrating in grand style at the Capitol as the legislature wraps up its session). Saturday: Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, former first lady of Illinois Patti Blagojevich, Terrace Strategies president Anne-Marie St. Germaine, Hawthorne Strategy Group VP Brad Goodman, legislative affairs aide to president of the Cook County Board Lisbeth Leanos, comms consultant Tom Kolovos, and Highschoolers for Biden national co-chair Eli Moog, who is now old enough to vote (welcome him to the club!). Sunday: Civic leader Marci Holzer, author Stuart Dybek, and BrEpic Communications CEO Justin Breen. -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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