Lawmakers target nonprofit boards

Jun 04, 2024

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Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. Election Day is five months from today.

TOP TALKER

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Illinois is poised to become the first state to spotlight the diversity of nonprofit organization boards, according to proponents of the idea.

Gov. JB Pritzker supports Senate Bill 2930, just passed by the General Assembly, which calls for Illinois-based nonprofit organizations that distribute $1 million or more to charitable groups to report their board make-up — race, gender and sexual orientation — on their web sites each year.

The goal is to nudge foundations and big nonprofits to diversify their boards, said state Sen. Adriane Johnson who carried the bill along with state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr.

“We are taking vital steps to support diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector,” Johnson told Playbook. “We are creating these spaces where people can show up as their true, unassimilated and authentic selves.”

It’s not just about board members being their authentic selves. It’s about constituents also feeling like the nonprofit board represents their community, according to Equality Illinois, which advocates for LGBTQ rights.

The take-away: “It’s important that foundations are reflective of the communities they serve. With this bill, grantees, community groups and community leaders can see how diverse the boards of directors of foundations are and proactively work with foundations to ensure that their leadership reflects the communities,” Equality Illinois CEO Brian Johnson told Playbook.

The measure echoes a recently enacted law that requires Illinois-based companies to list their corporate-board makeup based on sexual orientation, race or ethnicity. The data is similarly compiled, and a report is issued

THE BUZZ

“SAUSAGE-MAKING”: That’s how Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch described the last-minute scramble to pass the budget that's now on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk.

Get used to it, Welch told WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky on Monday. “This was a tough budget year. And next year is going to be another tough budget year,” Welch said. “We've been fiscally responsible and compassionate. Every year presents a new challenge. And I believe we're going to be able to tackle next year's challenges as well.”

Also new: Regarding public funding for sports stadiums, Welch said: "The last thing (people) want us to be talking about is stadiums for sports teams.”

Here’s the full interview starting at 5 minutes.

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WHERE'S JB

At the Hilton Chicago at 11:45 a.m. to give remarks at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce annual meeting — At Olivet Nazarene University at 2 p.m. to give remarks at the Illinois National Guard Deployment Ceremony.

WHERE's BRANDON

At the Hilton Chicago at 11:35 a.m. — At the Young Men's Educational Network at 3 p.m. for the Youth Micro-Grant Program announcement — At Gage Park at 4 p.m. for a reopening celebration.

Where's Toni

At Daley Plaza at 12:30 p.m. to give remarks at the Forest Preserves’ Live Healthy, Discover Nature event.

Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email skapos@politico.com

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CONVENTION ZONE

— YES, CHEF!: The Democratic National Convention headquarter offices are located in Chicago’s West Loop, which has been familiar territory for actors in “The Bear” TV show. It’s become a game to spot them, via POLITICO's West Wing Playbook.

— Churches near United Center left praying for guidance during Democratic Convention, by CBS 2’s Lauren Victory

— In Milwaukee: Volunteers still needed for the Republican Convention. Recruitment deadline is Wednesday, via Fox 6 Now

BUSINESS OF POLITICS

— STUMPING FOR BIDEN: Gov. JB Pritzker appeared on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” to talk about how the presidential campaign might play out following last week’s guilty verdicts against Donald Trump.

Hitting at Trump: “The campaign from now until November needs to be a reminder of who these two people are,” said Pritzker, pointing to President Joe Biden “who’s trying to make progress … and a convicted felon running against him who’s trying to make bail.”

Earlier in the day, Pritzker joined Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey in a virtual press event to urge the U.S. Senate to pass legislation that would guarantee the legal right to use contraception and allow health-care providers to supply it. WIFR’s Bridgette Fox has more details.

— Asian Americans working to translate growing numbers in Chicago into political power: “We’re a city that can elect an Asian-American woman to a ward that has been known for its racism,” Johnson declared recently. It was “a reference to the 11th Ward, now home to both Chinatown and Bridgeport,” by the Tribune’s Alice Yin.

2024 WATCH

— Fundraiser: Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch headlines a fundraiser for state Rep. Kam Buckner at Joy District Rooftop. Details here

— Endorsement: Cindy Cronin Cahill has been endorsed by three unions — the DuPage County Building Trades, IBEW Local 701 and Local 68 — in her reelection bid for DuPage County Board District 1.

THE STATEWIDES

— Former Illinois youth detainees allege widespread abuse, call for reform: “Two complaints brought by dozens of plaintiffs — one by male detainees and another by females — accuse the Illinois Department of Correction and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice of failing to protect vulnerable young people against known sexual abuse at the hands of state employees,” by the Tribune’s Madeline Buckley.

— As locksmith license requirements set to expire, will Illinois become the ‘wild west’ some critics fear? “Illinois is currently one of only 13 states that require locksmiths to be licensed and is one of the strictest states when it comes to licensing requirements, according to Bill Gibson, executive director at Associated Locksmiths of America,” by DePaul’s Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence and Carol Marin.

— Bill aimed at assisting public defenders falls short this spring, backers say they’ll try again in fall, by the Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner

— New study finds Illinois among worst states for pay gaps between men and women, by State Journal Register’s Claire Grant

A message from Amazon:

CHICAGO

— City Council examines mayor’s plans to quickly spend Covid relief money: “Mayor Brandon Johnson was questioned on his long term plans for a guaranteed income program that relies on expiring federal funds,” by WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg.

— Sidewalk snow removal pilot sparks intense debate among Chicago lawmakers: “The program would target four 1.5-square mile areas in the city to have city crews remove snow and ice from sidewalks,” by NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern.

— Three World War II veterans fly from O'Hare to France to celebrate 80th anniversary of D-Day, by ABC 7’s Craig Wall

COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS

— DOLTON DRAMA: Dolton trustees override Henyard’s veto of Lightfoot investigation: “The meeting devolved into chaos and police eventually threatened to jail anyone who failed to clear the room,” by WGN 9’s Jenna Barnes, Gabriel Castillo and Andrea Medina.

Statement from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot

Scenes from the crowd, via Fox 32’s Paris Schutz

— Suburbs face new dilemma with fate of grocery tax in their hands: “The Illinois legislature’s decision to eliminate the state’s 1 percent grocery tax, but allow cities and villages to replace it with a 1 percent tax of their own, is receiving mixed reviews from suburban leaders,” by the Daily Herald’s Eric Peterson.

— Cannabis dispensary with 1950s diner theme to open in Niles, by Pioneer Press’ Richard Requena

— Juneteenth now celebrated for entire month of June in Cook County, by the Sun-Times’ Kaitlin Washburn

HIGHER-ED

— Are We Doomed? Univeristy of Chicago students sort through the future they will inherit: “Climate change, artificial intelligence, nuclear annihilation, biological warfare—the field of existential risk is a way to reason through the dizzying, terrifying headlines,” by The New Yorker’s Rivka Galchen.

— College graduates are concerned pro-Palestinian activism could deter future employers, by the Tribune’s Zareen Syed

...SWAMP THINGS...

— Burbank man accused of wielding wasp spray at Jan. 6 Capitol riot pleads guilty: “The FBI arrested William Lewis in November, making him one of nearly 50 known Illinois residents to face federal criminal charges in connection with the attack,” by the Sun-Times’ Jon Seidel.

JOIN US ON 6/12 FOR A TALK ON THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY: As air travel soars again, policymakers and airlines are grappling with a series of contemporary challenges to the industry's future. Join POLITICO on June 12 for a topical and timely conversation with government leaders and aviation stakeholders about the state of the airline industry. From what passengers want to what airlines need amid the high demand for air traffic, workers and technology solutions. What can Washington do to ensure passengers and providers are equipped to fly right? REGISTER HERE.

Reader Digest

We asked where you like to work remotely:

Vince Brandys: Glen Flora Country Club in Libertyville.

Becky Carroll: “M2 Cafe in the West Loop - women and LGBTQ+ owned, great food and easy vibe for getting work done.”

Timothy Thomas Jr.: Union League Club of Chicago.

NEXT QUESTION: What's your favorite team rival match-up? Email skapos@politico.com

MEDIA MATTERS

— Insurance company pays WTVP $250K for damages: “Cincinnati Insurance paid the maximum amount allowed under the [PBS-member] station’s insurance policy. John Wieland, chairman of the WTVP Board of Directors, said the payout was validation of concerns about questionable spending that has caused turmoil at the station since last year,” by the Peoria Journal Star’s JJ Bullock.

THE NATIONAL TAKE

— Border mayors, Democratic allies to join Biden as he announces asylum limits, by Myah Ward and Jennifer Haberkorn

— Anthony Fauci defends his Covid response, distances himself from adviser accused of misconduct, by POLITICO’s Carmen Paun

— Why did Donald Trump win the working class? Blame yuppies, by Tom McGrath for POLITICO

— Multiple Trump witnesses have received significant financial benefits from his businesses and campaign, by ProPublica’s y Robert Faturechi, Justin Elliott and Alex Mierjesk

— Could Trump be forced to govern from a prison cell? Don’t count on it, by POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein

A message from Amazon:

Amazon is committed to helping its employees and the communities where it operates thrive with free on-the-job skills training and prepaid tuition benefits.

Employees like Abel who turned an interest in trucks into a transportation career with help from Amazon Career Choice. “Because of Amazon Career Choice’s prepaid tuition, I was able to reach my goal,” said Abel, who was able to get his commercial drivers license with Amazon Career Choice.

See the impact.

TRANSITIONS

— Peter Sullivan has been re-elected chair of Hinshaw & Culbertson. It’s a position he’s held since 2019.

TRIVIA

MONDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to William Kresse for correctly answering that the Chicago Sting won the North American Soccer League (NASL) championship game in 1981 and 1984 both hosted in Toronto, Ontario.

TODAY’s QUESTION: What Chicago landmark is named for the child of an attorney who was instrumental in getting Al Capone convicted of tax evasion?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Retired water commissioner Frank Avila, attorney Kevin Fanning, Good Realty Group President Sheldon Good and PR pro Lynda O’Connor.

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