| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | | | Happy Tuesday, Illinois. Election Day is five weeks away.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivers her fourth budget address to the City Council on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. | Screen shot from ABC 7 | BUDGET BONANZA: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot took two unusual steps in her $16.4 billion budget plan Monday: She nixed a planned property tax increase and proposed prepaying future pension obligations. "Be bold with me," she said. Indeed: Property tax increases are the go-to revenue boosters for mayors, though Lightfoot acknowledged the pause could be a one-time thing. But paying toward the city's four pension funds ahead of a municipal election is revolutionary for Chicago. Remembering Rahm: In 2014, right before the 2015 municipal election, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel's budget avoided altogether paying toward the unfunded pension obligations. The City Council passed the budget that year on a 46-4 vote. Now comes Lightfoot's proposal, which takes a stab at shoring up pension woes, holds back on property tax hikes and still funds public safety (New police helicopters!), boosts spending on abortion services and includes programs to prevent homelessness (A Tiny Homes initiative.). Ald. Pat Dowell, the chair of the budget committee, called the pension prepayment plan "a novel idea" and said removing the property tax increase "takes a lot of pressure off of all the aldermen who are going through Election Day." Well, not all of them: The three City Council members running against Lightfoot in 2023 had a few words to say about the mayor's budget plan. Ald. Raymond Lopez called Lightfoot's budget "$16 billion in fiction." He told reporters, "It's a continuation of bloated smoke-and-mirrors budgeting that we've seen over the last two-and-a-half years." Ald. Roderick Sawyer called delaying the property tax increase a political move. "Occasional, responsible, modest increases in property taxes [are] a fiscally responsible thing to do,." he said. And Ald. Sophia King didn't outright criticize, but said "the devil is always in the details." — Lightfoot pitches a $16.4B spending plan she's dubbed Chicago's 'stability budget,' by WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel — The Civic Federation President Laurence Msall was positively giddy, writes Sun-Times' Fran Spielman — It's the first year the city will begin using casino revenues to supplement pension payments, the Tribune notes in a story by Alice Yin, A.D. Quig and Gregory Pratt — ABC 7's Diane Pathieu and Craig Wall has a video recap RELATED Housing advocates stage tent encampment in City Hall during mayor's budget address, by WTTW's Nick Blumberg
| | A message from World Business Chicago: Chicago's transportation, distribution and logistics (TD&L) industry is one of the nation's largest, and a significant pillar in our local economy. The metro area boasts the nation's #1 port (by value), the largest intermodal facility, the most TD&L firms in the country, and the second largest TD&L workforce in the U.S. Chicago's logistics tech vertical saw a 802% increase in growth capital, private equity and VC between 2019 and 2021. Find out why Chicago leads by following the Chicago Venture Summit online. | | | | | THE BUZZ | | THE DEBATE DEBATE: Lake County candidates skipping League of Women Voters forums: 'We consider this a real problem': "No forums are scheduled in the races for Lake County clerk, treasurer and sheriff, with candidates weaving different narratives about why and what is to blame," reports Lake County News-Sun's Gavin Good. Among those turning down the forum is Democratic Congressman Brad Schneider, who says he won't debate his opponent, Republican Joseph Severino, because of his far-right views, some of which have been posted on Facebook. "Severino has a long record of spreading conspiracies, from whether Covid was a hoax to the election, you name it. I'm not willing to give these conspiracies the legitimacy of a forum, especially the way things are structured. It's not a debate over ideas, but a fight over what is reality." Severino pushes back. He says Schneider has opted to put "out these unhinged Facebook ads, lying about my positions," rather than take the stage next to him. Have a news tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? I'd like to hear from you: skapos@politico.com | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don't miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY. | | | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | At Civic Opera House at 6:30 p.m. for Chi Hack Night to discuss Project Rainbow, a new Cook County initiative that addresses learning loss and early childhood programming in wake of Covid-19.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — POT POURI | Illinois' 1st predominantly Black-owned licensed pot business and craft grower opens in Rockford: "SB IL Grow LLC is two-thirds Black-owned [and] is doing business as partners with Star Buds, an established weed company from out of state that had the experience to help get the venture started here," reports Tribune's Robert McCoppin. — ALTERNATE LEGAL REALITY: Nearly 1,300 state laws prevent people with criminal records from moving on after serving their sentences: "Once you're a felon it's almost like you're never forgiven. No matter how much time you do, you can never be vindicated," Javier Reyes says. "You're not fully free. None of your rights are fully restored. No matter, I'm a taxpayer. No matter, I'm a law-abiding citizen. No matter, I'm a husband, a father — that felon trumps everything else." WTTW's Brandis Friedman reports. — Attorney General Kwame Raoul is part of a coalition of 11 AGs pushing for global credit card companies to adopt a new merchant category code for the sale of firearms and ammunition that will support law enforcement efforts to fight gun violence, according to his office. — The new 988 suicide prevention line shows promise in Illinois, but questions remain: "Illinois invested millions of dollars to bolster mental health call centers, but few are well-positioned to serve communities of color," by MindSite News' Josh McGhee and WBEZ's Ola Giwa. — Planned Parenthood launching a mobile abortion unit in southern Illinois, by Tribune's Angie Leventis Lourgos
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — In Duckworth v. Salvi for Senate, abortion takes center stage, hosted by the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors association and the Daily Herald. (The abortion debate starts at about 27.45 minutes) — GOTV: Illinois Democratic Party workers contacted 188,778 voters last weekend, according to the organization. Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Brad Schneider, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and party Chair Lisa Hernandez were among those participating. — Congressman Brad Schneider is out with a new ad titled " Brad's Our Guy," which addresses lowering prescription drug prices, preventing gun violence and protecting reproductive rights. Schneider is running for reelection in the IL-10 District. — Esther Joy King, Republican nominee in the IL-17 congressional race, has been endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge. — Susana Mendoza, a Democrat, has been endorsed by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in her reelection bid for state comptroller. The news here: The chamber generally doesn't endorse Dems but notes: "Mendoza approaches her job with a tenacious zeal for fiscal integrity and a bipartisan reach." — Maria Peterson, running for the state Senate's 26th District has been endorsed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth . The senator cited Peterson's support for "working families" and reproductive rights as a reason for backing Peterson.
| | MIGRANTS IN ILLINOIS | | — Des Plaines got a heads-up and the response to 80 asylum-seekers was 'overwhelmingly positive': "Two buses arrived in Des Plaines on Saturday, carrying largely women and families, though not many very young children, Mayor Andrew Goczkowski said Monday. The migrants initially entered the U.S. in Texas, then were loaded onto buses and sent to the Chicago area," by Daily Herald's Eric Peterson. — WELCOME: Chicago saw 48 new migrants arrive Sunday, according to the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. The city has now seen 1,982 asylum-seekers bused from the Texas border with Mexico since Aug. 31.
| | | | A message from World Business Chicago:   | | | | | 2023 MUNICIPAL RACES | | — SCOOP: Retiring Ald. Sue Garza is endorsing Aida Flores, a public school teacher who's challenging incumbent Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez , to lead Chicago's 25th Ward. Garza sits on the council's progressive caucus with Sigcho-Lopez, so the endorsement seems a surprise. Though Sigcho-Lopez grates on some members of the council for not wanting to play in the sandbox all the time. Garza, the first Chicago Teachers Union member elected to the City Council, praised Flores for being "a thoughtful, progressive leader who fosters collaboration." — SCOOP: Sen. Dick Durbin is dipping his big toe in Chicago's aldermanic race. Illinois' senior senator is endorsing Kim Walz in her bid to lead the 46th Ward. Current Ald. James Cappleman isn't seeking reelection. Turns out Walz volunteered on Durbin's early Senate campaign before she became chief of staff to Congressman Mike Quigley when he served on the Cook County Board. Walz was a top aide to Quigley when he was elected to Congress in 2009. Walz also was part of the first Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training in 2000, which was founded by Durbin's wife, Loretta Durbin. — Ana Santoyo, a community activist and library page at a Chicago Public Library, is running for the 45th ward City Council seat now held by Ald. Jim Gardner. She says she's running to bring attention to the case of Anthony Alvarez, who was shot and killed by a police officer after a foot chase in Portage Park. Santoyo also touts her AFSCME union membership.
| | CHICAGO | | — Mayor says voters this fall should 'be educated' about judges on ballot who let dangerous people out before trial: Asked if she'll get involved in issuing a list of unworthy judges who ought to be dumped, Lightfoot replied, "I have not made a decision. I'm talking to people all around the city about the necessity of doing that." Crain's Greg Hinz reports. — Community group releases first report on Chicago police use-of-force policies: "The key policy changes include that sanctity of all life is the overarching principle of all of CPD's policies. The group was also successful at making CPD change its language to 'affirm the humanity of all community members.' Officers were previously instructed to see community members as "subjects," "suspects" and 'offenders,' but now CPD agreed to change any mention of 'subjects' to 'persons,'" by Tribune's Paige Fry. — Renewing LaSalle Street a matter of keeping up with the neighbors: "City officials are offering landlords money if they come up with new ideas for buildings that have lost their allure amid downtown's expansion," by Sun-Times' David Roeder. — While Chicago recycling rate remains stubbornly low, advocates and officials eye improvements, by WTTW's Patty Wetli and Paul Caine — How the 'Black Metropolis' made a comeback: A look at Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, via Planet Money
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Getting old sucks: Tony La Russa steps down after health issues make it 'impossible' to continue, by Tribune's LaMond Pope. And, btw, today is La Russa's birthday!
| | DAY IN COURT | | — 11 years after off-duty Chicago cop's murder, the case against his alleged killers has frayed: " The prosecution of three men charged in the 2011 murder of Chicago Police Officer Clifton Lewis has been plagued by misconduct allegations," by Sun-Times' Andy Grimm. — Attorneys allege broad misconduct in investigation of off-duty officer's killing, by Tribune's Megan Crepea
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked for about your Halloween decorating plans: Brent Pruim: "My plan for Halloween decorating is to enjoy other people's decorating!" (Can relate.) Elizabeth Grisanzio: "Heirloom pumpkins, gourds and jack-o-lanterns." Andy Shaw: "We'll be trick-or-treating with grandchildren at one of their houses and our place will be empty. so our decoration will be a 'No Trespassing — Rabid Dog in the Yard' sign." Laura Bagby, comms director for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, says, "I live in a condo, so I won't decorate my home much. But I will be sure my dog is in costume." In a sentence, what do you like, or not, about Mayor Lori Lightfoot's budget proposal? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Election officials confront a new problem: Whether they can trust their own poll workers, by POLITICO's Zach Montellaro — Ukrainian officials and allies rail against Elon Musk tweet, by POLITICO's Kelly Garrity — Biden wants to use Medicaid to address abortion 'crisis.' States aren't biting, by POLITICO's Megan Messerly — Herschel Walker denies in 'strongest possible terms' report he paid for abortion, via CNN
| | EVENTS | | — Wednesday at 7 p.m.: Ald. Raymond Lopez, a candidate for mayor of Chicago, will visit the 41st Ward to discuss his plans for public safety, supporting small businesses and first responders. Location: Emerald Isle at 6686 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago. — Thursday: Congresswoman Cheri Bustos headlines an event moderated by businesswoman Christie Hefner about legislation that ends forced arbitration for sexual assault and harassment. Bustos carried the bill. Also on the panel: Scott D'Angelo, chief legal officer for CTS Corp., and attorney Kristen Prinz . Sponsored by the Executives' Club. Register here
| | TRANSITIONS | | Robert Dow Jr. will be the next counselor/chief of staff to Justice John Roberts. He currently is a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
| | TRIVIA | | MONDAY's ANSWER: After serving time for bank fraud and embezzlement, Gov. Orville Hodge was released in 1970 and went to work at his sister's hardware store, then as a car salesman and finally as a real estate agent in Granite City, Ill. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the Chicago gospel singer who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and helped inspire his "I Have a Dream Speech"? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Rep. Lauren Underwood, Ald. Debra Silverstein, former state Rep. Jeanne Ives, campaign manager for Regan Deering Melanie Meyers, former Cook County Clerk David Orr, Assistant State's Attorney Margaret Hillmann, CMAP program director Timothy McMahon, American Business Immigration Coalition co-founder Josh Hoyt, health tech exec (and Obama for America alum) Eliza Adelson, Block Club co-founder Jen Sabella and White Sox manager Tony La Russa. -30-
| | A message from World Business Chicago: Chicago has long been heralded as the world's best transportation, distribution, and logistics, hub. The Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Logistics will put this history on display showing the world how Chicago is leading the way globally in capital investments for logistics tech.
"Chicago is the country's leading transportation and logistics hub. From a central location to our diverse talent pipeline and rapidly expanding tech and innovation, logistics tech companies and startups are well positioned for success here," said Michael Fassnacht, President and CEO of World Business Chicago, and Chief Marketing Officer for the City of Chicago. "With an 802% increase in growth capital between 2019 and 2021, we're excited to host investors, corporate innovators, and founders from around the world at the inaugural Chicago Venture Summit, Future of Logistics."
Join us for the city's flagship startup and venture capital conference on October 6. Learn more at ChicagoVentureSummit.com | | | | | | | 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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