Pritzker’s big day, not in Springfield

Presented by the Save My Scholarship Coalition: Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln

Nov 08, 2023 View in browser   By Shia Kapos Presented by the Save My Scholarship Coalition Good Wednesday morning, Illinois. Springfield feels springish. TOP TALKER SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker had a big day yesterday. He was in Miami speaking as a surrogate for President Joe Biden at a Democratic event blasting Donald Trump’s MAGA world. The governor also kept an eye on Ohio, where voters rejected a six-week ban on abortion. Pritzker’s Think Big America nonprofit donated more than $250,000 in support of the ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in the Buckeye State. Details from POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein. Not on Pritzker’s radar was the Illinois state Capitol, where lawmakers are expected to ignore the vetoed legislation that’s before them. The exception: State Sen. Sue Rezin still hopes to see her measure to lift Illinois' nuclear moratorium get through this week, via Center Square’s Andrew Hensel. What we’re hearing: A few House members say House leadership doesn’t have the stomach to go against the governor even though they have the votes to do it. The thinking is that the vetoed legislation could be tweaked and amended during the next legislative session. Big picture: The Democrats in the General Assembly expect Pritzker to run for higher office one day and they don’t want to stick him with pesky vetoes that could tarnish his progressive track record. What lawmakers are really focused on: Getting their political operations revved up to get petitions signed for the 2024 election. The filing period is Nov. 27 through Dec. 4. Still up in the air: The bipartisan resolution to continue funding for the Invest in Kids tax scholarship program. It’s opposed by the powerful Chicago Teachers Union. There’s been talk to possibly allow it to continue for a few years, but that might not be doable. The program benefits nearly 10,000 underserved children who go to private (mostly parochial) schools. RELATED — Big Ohio election: Mike Ollen, senior political adviser to the governor’s Think Big nonprofit, said Ohio’s vote on abortion “couldn’t be clearer. The anti-abortion agenda of the right, no matter how it’s disguised, is a losing one,” he told Playbook. “Americans in red, blue and purple states have made it clear: protect reproductive rights or get out of the way.” — Under a new proposal, all Chicago Board of Education members would be elected by next year: “An amendment filed by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon would allow the board to be fully elected as soon as next year by splitting up memberships to two and four-year terms,” by the Sun-Times’ Tina Sfondeles. — Advocates react angrily to delay in passing ‘Karina’s Bill,’ aimed at taking guns from those accused of domestic violence, by the Sun-Times’ Sophie Sherry THE BUZZ MORE COUNCIL DRAMA: It’s hard to believe that the Chicago City Council could out-drama itself. But that’s what happened Tuesday. Censure vote: The council voted on whether to censure Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa for intimidating and threatening alderman not to vote on a controversial bill. Here’s the back story. When the censure votes were in, Ald. Emma Mitts, who was blocked by Ramirez-Rosa when she tried to enter the chamber last week, voted against censure. She said it was part of accepting his apology. That made it a 24-24 vote. Drum roll, please: Mayor Brandon Johnson broke the tie, siding with Ramirez-Rosa against censure. The Tribune’s Alice Yin has the roll call here. The historic vote followed a cathartic debate, writes the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman. RELATED The Better Government Association is condemning recent ‘improper adjournments’ of City Council meetings: “There’s a democratic process, and it isn’t ‘Turn off the lights and mics,’” via the BGA If you are Gov. JB Pritzker, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email skapos@politico.com   A message from the Save My Scholarship Coalition: Over 9,500 students are counting on the Illinois General Assembly to save the Tax Credit Scholarship Program. If they fail to act NOW, then students from low-income families will lose their scholarships, causing many to leave their best-fit schools. Most of these students are Black or Brown, and 100% are from households with demonstrated financial need. Additionally, 26,000 more students from low-income and working-class families sit anxiously on the waitlist. Do the right thing.   WHERE'S JB No official public events. WHERE's BRANDON No official public events. Where's Toni No official public events. Put me on your to-do list and email at skapos@politico.com 2024 WATCH — He’s running again! Former Alderman Bob Fioretti has declared his candidacy to run for Cook County State's Attorney in a bid to succeed the outgoing Kim Foxx, who’s not seeking reelection. Fioretti, who was a Democratic alderman, has run in previous races as a Republican and Independent. This time, he’s “expected to run for the position as a Republican.” Fioretti ran for Cook County Board president last year as a Republican, and before that he's been a (nonpartisan) mayoral candidate. His latest announcement will be today at the Billy Goat Tavern. Fox 32 has more. — Maria Peterson, a Democrat, has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi in her bid for the 52nd Illinois House District. The seat is held by Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin.   GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.     THE STATEWIDES — Biden to meet UAW president in Illinois: President Joe Biden will meet with United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and Gov. JB Pritzker in Belvidere on Thursday. “The meeting will take place in Belvidere, where Stellantis agreed to reopen a stalled plant and add additional jobs as part of the tentative contract deal between the UAW and the company late last month,” writes POLITICO’s Olivia Olander. — State gets 9th recent credit upgrade as administration faces scrutiny for pandemic unemployment handling, by Capitol News’ Jerry Nowicki — Illinois farmers and environmentalists celebrate the defeat of $3 billion CO2 pipeline: ‘We have thrown so many stones at Goliath,’ the Tribune’s Nara Schoenberg reports — State police still drafting assault weapons registration rules as deadline nears, by Capitol News’ Peter Hancock — State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid urges Biden to call for immediate cease-fire in Gaza, by The Landmark’s Bob Skolnik. — Will County veteran’s family finally gets Purple Heart returned, via Shaw Local News Network — A familiar story in New York, about police officers disabled by Covid-19 and denied benefits, by News Nation’s Natasha Zouves CONVENTION ZONE Democratic Convention planners are starting to look for contractors to build out the structures needed to put on the Democratic Party’s nominating convention. A Construction Contractors Outreach Summit is being held today. Details here. An announcement is expected today for a critical request for proposal (RFP) for the general contractor role — essentially the construction manager for the United Center. CHICAGO — The mansion tax passed: “Voters will be asked if the city should increase the real estate transfer tax on properties over $1 million to fund homeless prevention,” by WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg — It was a key campaign promise of Mayor Brandon Johnson, by Block Club’s Quinn Myers — Shouts, tears, boos from crowd force recess of City Council committee meeting during heated migrant debate: “Later, the full Council voted to accept donated land at 115th and Halsted streets that will become the temporary site of a winterized tent camp for migrants,” by the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman and Mitchell Armentrout.   A message from the Save My Scholarship Coalition:   COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Calumet City drops disorderly conduct charges against Ald. Monet Wilson; she agrees to follow rules of conduct: “Wilson received three citations, with fines totaling $2,250, for allegedly being out of order during discussion of agenda items at an Oct. 26 meeting where she was accused of continuing to speak although she did not have the floor,” by the Daily Southtown’s Mike Nolan. — Paper restrictions at Cook County Jail signal substance abuse and mental health concerns: Hidden substance are frequently concealed “in paper-like items including photographs, books and letters mailed to detainees,” according to a report by DePaul’s Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence The Trial of Edward Burke — A sad civic commentary during jury selection: “Prospective jurors who live in Chicago were asked if they knew who their alderman was. Generally they answered that they did not,” via the Tribune’s Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau. — A public corruption display hanging at the courthouse is covered at request of Ed Burke’s lawyer, by the Sun-Times’ Jon Seidel DAY IN COURT — Former state financial officer pleads guilty to forgery: Jenny Thornley was chief financial officer for the Illinois State Police Merit Board and a volunteer in JB Pritzker’s first gubernatorial campaign. “She pleaded guilty Nov. 3 to forgery resulting in undeserved overtime pay and was sentenced to 18 months of conditional discharge,” by the Illinois Times’ Dean Olsen. Reader Digest We asked about only-in-Illinois sort of things. James Castro: “Voting twice.” Hey, we don’t do that anymore! Dave Dahl: “Lining up for the first day to file to run for election.” Eugene Daly: “We’re #1 in politicians going to prison.” Chris Kolker: “Horseshoes.” Jim Nowlan: “Illinois is the only state in the union in which all seven Class 1 railroads operate.” Mark Rosenberg: Dibs. “Holding a parking space in Chicago winter goes along with dese, dems and dose.” What past or current elected official would you like to see coaching the Bears? Email skapos@politico.com   PLAYBOOK IS GOING GLOBAL! We’re excited to introduce Global Playbook, POLITICO’s premier newsletter that brings you inside the most important conversations at the most influential events in the world. From the buzzy echoes emanating from the snowy peaks at the WEF in Davos to the discussions and personalities at Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to the heart of diplomacy at UNGA in New York City – author Suzanne Lynch brings it all to your fingertips. Experience the elite. Witness the influential. And never miss a global beat. BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION. SUBSCRIBE NOW.     THE NATIONAL TAKE — Democrats romp, Youngkin flops: 4 takeaways from Tuesday’s election, by POLITICO’s Steven Shepard, Jessica Piper and Zach Montellaro — Why Democrats’ big Virginia win is also a victory for Biden, by POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro — House passes Rashida Tlaib censure, by POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz Response to Tlaib’s censure, from Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider: “Rep. Tlaib most certainly understands the import and impact of her words and yet still chooses to use them anyway,” he says in a statement. Read it here EVENTS — Thursday: The Nature Museum is sponsoring a panel discussion on “a more equitable environmental future” with business leaders, government officials and community organizers, including Nature Museum President and CEO Erin Amico. Details here — Nov. 13: Cassidy Hutchinson, a former top aide to Mark Meadows, Donald Trump’s now-indicted chief of staff, will discuss her memoir “Enough” with Institute of Politics Pritzker Fellow and former U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy. Details here   A message from the Save My Scholarship Coalition: Voters are very clear: They support the Tax Credit Scholarship Program by an overwhelming margin of more than 2:1. What’s at stake is the best-fit education of thousands of low-income students who receive a Tax Credit Scholarship or are waiting for one. Over half of the recipients are Black or Brown, and all the recipients qualify based on financial need. We cannot fail these children and their families. The Illinois General Assembly needs to extend the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program during this fall veto session. In addition to the 9,500 students who currently receive the scholarships, 26,000 more students from low-income and working-class families sit anxiously on the waitlist hoping to receive the same opportunities as some of their peers. This commitment is an investment in poverty reduction and economic acceleration, so lawmakers should do the right thing: Extend the Tax Credit Scholarship Program.   TRIVIA TUESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Janet Mathis for correctly answering that the first Chicago performance of a Star Spangled Banner was at Comiskey Park for the 1918 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. The game was played on the South Side because the stadium had more seats than the Cubs’ joint. TODAY's QUESTION: What building is considered the first modern skyscraper and when was it built? Email skapos@politico.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ald. Brian Hopkins, former state Sen. and former East Moline Mayor Denny Jacobs, former state Sen. David Luechtefeld, businesswoman and political donor Christie Hefner, regional political director Kyle Walsh, political adviser Dick Simpson, business consultant Reyahd Kazmi, Blue Cross government relations exec Patrick Besler, Burke Burns & Pinelli office manager Maggie Koehler and PR pros Mika Stambaugh and Amelia Dellos. And raising a glass in memory of political consultant Michael Bauer. -30-   Follow us on Twitter Shia Kapos @shiakapos   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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