"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5497. Committee Report. Representative Ford, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4746, House Bill 4805, House Bill 5497."
"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Reverend Dr. James Brooks who is with First Christian Church in Edwardsville. Reverend Dr. Brooks is the guest of Representative Katie Stuart. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off cell phones and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Brooks."
"Let us pray. Gracious God, we are thankful for each day that You provide and for those we call neighbor. We are thankful for the freedoms we enjoy as members of this country and especially in the great State of Illinois, including our freedom of religion. We are mindful of those who protect our freedom and those who legislate with vision of a just and merciful community. Today we are specifically mindful of those who legislate. We ask Your favor upon their work. May You guide and inspire them to seek the best for all they represent. May their efforts be fruitful and beneficial for all. Keep them in Your embrace as they undertake a task 10000108.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 too often thankless and too often misunderstood, for we place in them our trust and our hope. Bless Illinois and all who live in her borders. Bless this Session of the House and keep us mindful of those in need and of our ability to live out the ideals of our faith, our family and our state, Amen."
"Be led in the Pledge by Representative Cassidy." Cassidy – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Arroyo, Dan Burke, Flowers, Jones, Hernandez, Rita, Slaughter, Tabares and Wallace are excused today."
"Mr. Demmer, is your list that long?"
"Not quite, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Cavaletto and Barb Wheeler are excused."
"You're night… you're right. Not that long. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. 102 Members being present, we do have a quorum. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4822. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4331, House Bill 4707, House Bill 4847, House Bill 5031; recommends be adopted is Floor 10000108.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 Amendment 1 to House Bill 1042, House Resolution 707, Floor Amendment #2 to House Resolution 751. Representative Crespo, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4860, House Bill 4908, House Bill 5561; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4193; House Resolution 796. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4595, House Bill 4872; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 813. Representative Costello, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4783, House Bill 4999; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5459; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 830. Representative Evans, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5167, House Bill 5206, House Bill 5057; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 74, House Resolution 784. Representative Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Tourism, Hospitality & Craft Industries reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4987. Representative Hernandez, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 838. Representative 10000108.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 Turner, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on March 06, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4348, House Bill 4581, House Bill 4796. Representative Thapedi, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4260, House Bill 4309, House Bill 4317, House Bill 4397, House Bill 4754, House Bill 4951. Representative Daniel Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4319, House Bill 4408, House Bill 4495; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4243, House Bill 4247. Representative D'Amico, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4405, House Bill 4476, House Bill 4729; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4259, House Bill 4472, House Bill 5056. Representative Mayfield, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Licensing, Administration & Oversight reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4706, House Bill 4870; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 683. Representative Soto, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4664, House Bill 4688, House Bill 5070, House Bill 5580. Representative Riley, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken 10000108.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4217, House Bill 4379, House Bill 4594, House Bill 4735, House Bill 5686; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4751. Representative Lilly, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance: Property & Casualty reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5160. Representative Wallace, Chairperson from the Committee on Economic Justice & Equity reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5544. Representative Welch, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on March 07, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4781, House Bill 5020, House Bill 47…; do pass Standard Debate is House Bill 4710. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4271; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4697. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, & IT reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5139. Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4288; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4310; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 801. Representative Sente, Chairperson from the Committee on Business Growth & Incentives reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass as amended Short 10000108.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 Debate is House Bill 5349. Representative Conroy, Chairperson from the Committee on Mental Health reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4949, House Bill 5109, House Bill 5110, House Bill 5111, House Bill 5464. Representative Greg Harris, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Human Services reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4165. Representative Zalewski, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on March 08, 2018: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4853; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2717. Introduction to Resolutions. House Resolution 902, offered by Representative Mayfield; House Resolution 906, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia; House Joint Resolution 114, offered by Representative Phelps; and House Joint Resolution 115, offered by Representative Harper are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Page… Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 901, offered by Representative Bourne. House Resolution 903, offered by Representative Crespo. House Resolution 904, offered by Representative Welch. And House Resolution 905, offered by Representative Ford."
"Leader Currie moves for the adoption of Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And Agreed Resolutions are adopted. The Chair recognizes Representative McDermed. For what reason do you rise?" 10000108.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018
"Point of personal privilege…"
"Please proceed."
"…Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And everyone, it's International Women's Day. Congratulations, women. Here in the United States, there's almost no path women can't take anymore. When I first started out as a lawyer in the cutthroat corporate business world, I was surrounded by men. Today I'm proud to see that women have expanded into all facets of every industry. It is clear women are no longer second class citizens here in the U.S. We should take pride in how far we've come, but never give up on the fight for equal treatment. This year's International Women's Day theme is #PressforProgress. The recent revelations about the environment for women here in Springfield which was, unfortunately, not surprising to many, proves that culturally, if not under the law, we have a ways to go. To do that we must overcome generational misconceptions engrained among women and men that we are not capable of doing certain things and that women can be treated with less respect than male colleagues in the workforce. It starts at home; it continues in our schools and communities. And finally, if necessary, it ends here in the political process. Men and women are persons of equal dignity and they should count equally before the law. That should be our goal here in Springfield. Where unequal treatment and injustice in general… in gender parity exists in the law, we should legislate to fix it. But where inequality exists from cultural permissions, we cannot use the power we hold to engineer legal outcomes we want for others. We have to challenge the culture 10000108.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 of condescension directly rather than indirectly through changes in the law. We have to address that condescension here and at home in our districts. On International Women's Day and every other day, we must remember it's our responsibility in the chamber not only to ensure that women and men are equal in the law… eyes of the law, but to use our positions as role models to help society make the cultural changes that empower women to be capable of making whatever choices they want for their lives. Thank you."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representative. Mr. Harris is recognized, I think to tell us what's right about Illinois today." Harris, D.: "Well, Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege please."
"Yes, Sir." Harris, D.: "Thank you very much. Before I give… what's right about Illinois, I'm… I'm really curious that as of now, no one in this chamber has stood up to say that perhaps like my distinguished colleague from the 44th District, to talk about the fact that the Loyola Ramblers are going to the NCAA big dance. But for the good news of Illinois, this is a little bit dated information, but you know what Ladies and Gentlemen, we represent good people. About a year ago, Illinois ranked number one in volunteer rates among the country's largest states. The… the report volunteering in civic life in America showed that 2.4 million Illinoisans volunteered and helped to make Illinois the top volunteering state out of the five most populated states in the country. We did all right and they… 10000108.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 all of our citizens deserve credit for that. Thank you very much."
"Mr. Costello is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"I just want to make the Body aware that the annual Sportsmen's Caucus dinner and auction… the Sportsmen's Caucus is the largest bipartisan group in the Capitol. I want to make everybody aware that that date is April 17; Tuesday, April 17, at the Wyndham. We certainly welcome everyone to come and enjoy some fellowship. And at the end of the day, most of this money goes towards getting kids involved in the outdoors. Thank you. Love to see you there."
"Representative Moeller is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege."
"You may proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In honor of Women's History Month and in recognition of International Women's Day, I'm pleased to highlight a woman who I was privileged to know and who served as an early inspiration and mentor to me when I was starting out my career in public service. Former State Senator Adeline Geo-Karis was a pioneer for women in Illinois. She was the first woman to become Dean of the Illinois Senate and the first woman to serve in Senate Leadership as Assistant… as Assistant Majority Leader. In Lake County, she was the first woman elected to the House and Senate, the first female prosecutor in the State's Attorneys Office, the first woman elected Justice of the Peace and the first female mayor of Zion. She was known simply as Geo and anyone who knew her 10000108.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 or worked with her knew she was a force to be reckoned with. And she suffered no fools. She was a former Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve and the… as the only… and was a tireless fighter for her district and the community she served. One example was her dogged efforts to save the Ann Kiley Center for disabled adults in Waukegan when then Governor Jim Edgar proposed closing the facility. Geo was the kind of leader who cared about the people she served and took an interest in their lives. I remember having lunch with her back towards the end of her career and every person in that restaurant came up to her to introduce themselves and to talk to her and she knew the names of every individual, the names of their spouses, their children. She really cared about the people that she served. Adeline Geo-Karis, you know, there's a saying that you can't be what you can't see and in my experience, Adeline was the… the woman that I saw in my community leading and driving social issues that were important to you, the State of Illinois. And she was a true trailblazer and leader who I am proud to have known and hope to emulate and I am proud to recognize her today. Thank you very much."
"Mr. Demmer is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"Today, as we're celebrating International Women's Day, I wanted to call attention to one of our distinguished colleagues who is celebrating her final International Women's Day here in the General Assembly. Representative Patti Bellock has been a good friend to all of us, a distinguished 10000108.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 leader in the General Assembly. She's serving in her tenth term in the Illinois House of Representatives. She's our Deputy Minority Leader, she's our chief budget negotiator, she is a expert held in… in high esteem across the entire State of Illinois in the health care, developmental disability, mental health worlds. She was appointed to serve on the National Health Care Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures. She's been a tireless volunteer and serves as Midwest director for Women in Government. She's a past chairman of the Conference of Women's… Women Legislators. And she has been honored and awarded by far too many organizations for me to list here today and been involved as a… as a volunteer, as a member of board directors and as a supporter of so many more in her community and across the entire State of Illinois. She's a, as we all know, a dedicated Sox fan from birth. She is… she is one of the hardest working Legislators. If you drive into the Stratton Building before dawn, her car is there and it's there well after sunset. Any time you go to see Patti in her office she has a line of people lined up outside waiting to talk to her because they value her input on legislation, they seek her support for Bills. We all know that when we see Representative Bellock's name on the board, we know that she's paid attention to that legislation, that she's worked to make it better, worked to make it… it the right Bill for the people of the State of Illinois. Patti is also one of the kindest, most generous people. We… we have a running joke on the Republican side of people who serve in the Human Services and Appropriation for Human Services Committees, which you might 10000108.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 know meet pretty early in the morning. And we always have pre-meetings even earlier than that in Patti's office. She's always there on time and has a plate of pastries out… set out that she went to the grocery store that day to obtain and shares them with everybody who comes by. Representative Bellock has been a mentor to me and to so many others in the Republican side of the aisle and the Democratic side of the aisle. And on International Women's Day, I just want to recognize her tireless efforts and her great friendship. And to Representative Bellock and all the women who serve in this chamber, happy International Women's Day and thank you so much for your service."
"Mr. Crespo is recognized."
"Thank… thank you, Speaker. It's a point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"Just want to thank Representative Harris for bringing up the fact that the Illinois Loyola basketball team is going to make it to the NCAA tournament. I'm a proud Rambler. I graduated from there in… back in 1898. Met my wife, and my youngest daughter went to school there as well. I'm proud to say that several years ago their volleyball team won the NCAA Division 1 Title two years in a row. And we're the only basketball team in the State of Illinois who's ever won the NCAA Division 1 Title. So I think that's pretty incredible. And… I also want to say that I love Patti Bellock. We're going to miss her. Thank you, Speaker."
"Representative Chapa LaVia, for what reason do you rise?" 10000108.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018
"You… point of personal privilege."
"Whatever you want, Representative."
"You look pretty amazing up there. So, this is to Representative Moeller first. So, Geo-Karis, when she came into the House Floor, by that time she was already in one of those carts, those driving cars; she ran over my feet. Okay. Also, I'd like to acknowledge today is national ‘JuJu day’ in honor of Robyn; Robyn down there who got married a couple weeks ago that we didn't even know about. So, it's national ‘JuJu day’. So congratulations, Robyn."
"National what day? Think we need a task force to study that. Mr. Butler is recognized."
"I don’t know how I follow all this stuff up, but hey. Point of personal privilege, please, Mr. Speaker."
"Absolutely, Sir."
"I'm glad Representative Costello mentioned the Sportsmen's Caucus on April 17 because, since that was scheduled on the 17th, we rescheduled the Diabetes Caucus bowling tournament from the 17th to Tuesday, April 24. So, mark your calendars. Tuesday, April 24 is the funnest event that we do all year that… the annual Diabetes Caucus bowling tournament. Representative Davis and I are cochairs of the Diabetes Caucus. I do not see Representative Davis on the floor, but I'm sure he’ll be unveiling his bowling shirt before long. And I would just say, because of the generosity of Members and everyone that's involved, the Diabetes Caucus Foundation approved $18 thousand last week to go to Diabetes Association camps this summer for kids to attend these camps. 10000108.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 So, please participate April 24, and we'll be having more information as we get closer."
"Mr. Phillips."
"Thank you. A point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"I wanted to continue with the good news for the State of Illinois in my particular district. On the Higher Ed Committee this morning, we heard some news from some of the universities, the one that I happen to represent, Eastern Illinois University. And I'm proud to say in applications, Eastern Illinois University is up 28 percent. In admits, they're up 38 percent. In deposits, they're up 36 percent. In transfer students, they're up 13 percent. In admits, they're up 5… in graduate students, up 13 percent. They're up in full admits and graduate students, 86 percent. And international students are even up. So, I think the great news of turning around our universities might've started. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you for the good news, Sir. Representative Williams, do you have good news?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Proceed, please."
"Feisty, fearless, a political leader that just happened to be a woman. Today on International Women's Day, I wanted to recognize the first and only female mayor of the City of Chicago, Jane Byrne. Jane Byrne served as the 40th Mayor of Chicago from April 16, 1979 until 1983. She won the mayoral election, becoming the first female mayor of Chicago which was the second largest city in the United States at the time. 10000108.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 Prior to her tenure as mayor, she was Commissioner of Chicago's Consumer Affairs Department which made her the first woman to be a part of then Mayor Richard J. Daley's cabinet. Over her single term in office, Byrne launched Taste of Chicago and crowd pleasing celebrations like the Blues Fest. She inspired the redevelopment of Navy Pier and the Museum Campus and encouraged moviemaking in Chicago in a big way by luring production of box office hits like the Blues Brother. She put Chicago on the path to being a modern city. She could mix it up with the old boys, but she fought hard for the ratification of the ERA. Apparently, she never wore stockings, which at the time was quite a statement. But she made inclusive moves as mayor such as hiring the first African-American and female school superintendent. And she was the first mayor to recognize the gay community. In her first three months in office, however, she faced strikes by labor unions, as the city's transit workers, public school teachers and firefighters all went on strike. Her tenure was not without some controversy, and yes, some drama. In 1981, she decided to move into and clean up the crime-ridden Cabrini-Green Homes housing project on the near north side of Chicago after 37 shootings resulted in 11 murders, which incurred in only a three-month period from January to March 1981. In her memoir, she reflected about this decision saying, How could I put Cabrini on a bigger map? Suddenly I knew I could move in there. She stayed at the housing project for three weeks to bring attention to the project's issues. Her stay ended in 1981, following an Easter celebration at the project, which drew a protest and demonstration, who said 10000108.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 Byrne's move was only about publicity. That's not what everyone said though as she frequently visited the projects after her initial stay throughout her term as mayor. She was a leader on gun violence prevention. In January '82, Byrne proposed an ordinance banning new handgun registration, which was considered quite controversial at the time. The ordinance was created to put a freeze on the number of legally owned handguns into Chicago and to help crack down on violence in the city. Her election as mayor was a glass ceiling shattering event at city hall an insular bastion of white male dominated power at the time and some might say, still today. We're working on it. But her four years in office proved quite transitional and she set the stage for another change with the election of Harold Washington, a groundbreaking election of the city's first African-American mayor, who was her successor. She passed away on November 14, 2014 in Chicago, aged 81. She was survived by her daughter, Katherine, and her grandson, Willy. Her funeral Mass was held at St. Vincent de Paul and she was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Evanston, Illinois. She was quite a groundbreaker and quite a first."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Conyears-Ervin is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"No problem. I see you have your staff person filming you. Go right ahead, Representative."
"Thank you. Today is International Women's Day and I rise to salute all the women of the 100th General Assembly. Not only do we tend to our spouses, tend to our 10000108.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 children, work tirelessly in district, but we come to Springfield spending countless hours in committees and in Session. We're so busy fighting for our communities, looking out for others, that I stand to salute you on today. People sometimes just see us as Legislators, but we are regular people with regular problems. We have kids, we have spouses, we have sick parents, we have loved ones that we lose. Yet all the while, never missing a beat, fighting to pass legislation to benefit our communities. As I salute the women of the 100th General Assembly, I salute all women across the world who does it all on a daily basis. I make the joke all the time that it's amazing that our hair is combed or our colors match because we do so much for others that we have limited time for ourselves. What we see today doesn't scratch the surface of what's to come. Just like women are running for office in record numbers, we know that this is just the beginning. I'm reminded of the passage of scripture, that eyes have not seen, nor ears have heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God have prepared for them that love Him. To sum it up, you ain't seen nothing yet. I am so proud to be a woman and I salute the women that make it look so easy. I salute the women that has paved the way for us and great women to follow. And at this time, I have one of faith Legislators, Representative Phelps Finnie, that will have a small excerpt to add to what I just stated."
"I'd like to ask all the women in the chamber, if they would, to stand with me. Please, all the women in the chamber to stand on this national day of recognition for women. If you know this old song, please sing it with me. I shall not 10000108.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 be, I shall not be moved. I shall not be, I shall not be moved. Just like a tree that's planted by the water. I shall not be moved. We shall not be moved."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representatives. Mr. Sauer is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Is there singing involved?"
"No, that's a hard act to follow."
"Proceed, Sir."
"There's been a little talk of March Madness. There's been some talk of teams that are going to the tournament and I wanted to make mention, last year we had a bracket challenge. This year we're going to continue the tradition of doing a General Assembly bracket challenge, so you'll be getting an email and a letter from me. When the bracket comes out, if you want to play, let me know. But this is a good way for, I think, us to work across the aisle, have a little bit of fun. We'll even open it up to the Senate this year. So, look for the email and I hope you'll participate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Sounds like a great idea. Representative Bourne."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not speaking as the defending champ of the NCAA bracket, but I'd be happy to participate again this year. Point of personal privilege, please."
Speaker Lang: "That wasn't, already, a point of personal privilege? Proceed."
"Thank you. I want to echo my colleagues who've wished everyone in this chamber a happy International Women's Day. But it's a lot more than what happens in this chamber, and 10000108.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 I've spent these last few days in March thinking about the women in my life and the history that they've seen. My great- grandma, Ruby Skinner, is a hundred years old. And I was talking to her the other day about the first that she has seen in her life. The first car in her community, the first plane to fly overhead, but also the firsts she's seen for women. Women getting the right to vote, women going to war, women being elected to office here and across the country. So many firsts; women flying in space, female Supreme Court Justices, but she hasn't seen enough firsts. And that's what International Women's Day is about, is creating more firsts. Because yesterday, my Page here, she was on a tour with me of the Capitol, this building, and we were walking around talking about the history of our state and the people who make decisions here. And one of them turned to me in the hall of Governors and said, where are all the girls? And I said, That's on us and that's on you. And so, today on International Women's Day, it's great to look back at what we've done, but we also have to look forward. So, I would encourage you, within today and in the next coming weeks, talk to the young girls in your life. Tell them they can be another first and show them what they can do. There's an organization I worked with and their favorite saying is, you can't be what you can't see. We have to promote women so other young girls can see what happens and know that they, too, can be a first. So, thank you. Happy International Women's Day. Take some time today to thank the women in your life and to talk to the young girls about what they can be." 10000108.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018
"Thank you, Representative. The Chair has a point of personal privilege. We'd like to go do the Calendar now. Supplemental Calendar #1, Order of Resolutions. House Resolution 801, Mr. Riley. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, House Resolution 801 essentially urges the Federal Government to grant the request of George Leighton to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. On today, a few people that I've talked about this Resolution to really didn't know who George Leighton was… everybody, basically, should know. George Leighton grew out of poverty and got a scholarship to go to Howard University. From there, he was accepted to Harvard Law School. His law degree was postponed as he was a commissioned officer in World War II. Coming back from World War II, he finished Harvard Law School and came to Chicago where he litigated many, many important cases; civil rights, discrimination cases, a matter of fact, housing discrimination cases. He's a personal family friend. He worked with my father with regard to some of those discrimination cases in housing. He was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge; one of the first African Americans to be appointed to the Circuit Court. And from there he was the first African American to be appointed to the Appellate Court. He also served as a U.S. District Court Judge. The building… Everybody knows about 26th and California; that building was named after George Leighton. Knowing so much about the man personally, myself, evidently there were a few things that I didn't know. Someone, today, asked me how old is George Leighton? I said, he's about 95 years old. That's not true. 10000108.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 I missed it by 10 years. He's 105 years old, living in Massachusetts. And the only thing he essentially wants to do, as a Bronze Star recipient, loves his country so much, that he wants to be buried in the most hallowed ground here in America and that is his request. So, there's a number of entities, the City Council of the City of Chicago, veterans groups, Senator Durbin, that's joining with me and hopefully joining with all of us, making that appeal for this wish to be granted. I haven’t been to Arlington in a while. I plan on going back this summer. Many of you have been. It's just a stunning place and one that he dreams about being buried in. It's difficult sometimes, as I said in committee today, to kind of look at your mortality, but certainly people who have served this country, especially in combat zones, deal with looking at their mortality all the time. So, it would be a tremendous honor for this Resolution to pass to honor a great jurist, a great litigator, a great Illinoisan and a great American by granting his wish to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery."
"Mr. Thapedi on the Resolution."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And… and Al, please add me to this Resolution. I… I spent several years at Earl Neal and Associates with Judge Leighton. He was always someone that we could knock on his door and get his counsel, especially as young lawyers as to, you know, what we're supposed to do next in the world of litigation. Also, I spent time with… with Judge Leighton in law school, taking a class, a special class that he had that all was related to prisoners' rights. And I know that my colleague, La Shawn Ford, works on that stuff 10000108.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 every day, but Judge Leighton actually taught a class on prisoners' rights and teaching young law students, you know, what we're supposed to do in… in those scenarios. So, thank you, Al, for bringing this and thank you very much for doing this."
"Those in favor of the Resolution will vote 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record, Mr. Clerk. There are 101 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Page 2 of the Calendar, House Bills- Second Reading, House Bill 536, Mr. Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 751, Mr. Davidsmeyer. Waiting. Waiting. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 751, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bills-Third Reading, House Bill 3920, Mr. Ford. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3920, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. First, I want to start off by thanking Governor Bruce Rauner and the entire Republican Party for changing the tone in Springfield on criminal justice reform. It's been great that we've been able to pass a lot of criminal justice reform Bills in Springfield. And… so, I present to you today House Bill 3920 which continues that effort. House Bill 3920 simply asks that 10000108.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 we no longer put people in jail for having license suspended for red light cameras or parking tickets. As it stands today, if a person has too many red light camera tickets or parking tickets, they can be arrested for suspended license. I ask that we just give citations to those people, up to three, before there can be an arrest. I move for the passage of House Bill 3920, as amended, with House Amendment #3."
"Mr. Breen."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"And Representative, I just wanted to clarify for the Body that there are really two main ways you can have your license suspended. One is if you actually committed some crimes that were very serious and you properly had your driving privileges revoked. And the other is you get some red light camera tickets or some speed camera tickets and eventually they pull your license as an administrative process. And what your Bill is trying to do is to make sure that if, in the latter case, where your license was suspended based on nonpayment of red light camera tickets or the like, we're not going to then throw you in jail, if you drive on the suspended license. We're not condoning the practice, but you shouldn't be tossed into jail for it, right?"
"That's exactly right."
"Okay. And again… and… and there are some others… so as standing… citations for standing, parking, compliance, automated speed enforcement, automated traffic law. And then, as well, if you did not comply with an order to pay support or to comply with a visitation order, that is another reason… 10000108.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 I didn’t realize… you know, we'll pull your license, but you've not done something that was dangerous to the public…"
"That's right."
"…that caused your license to be revoked?"
"You're exactly right. And, in fact, Representative Breen, House Bill 3920 makes sure that people that have arrestable offense remain arrestable. And so…"
"Sure."
"…this will not change that and it also holds people more accountable for arrestable offenses."
"Fair enough. And… and to some extent, your concern is also driven by the fact that in our society today, while driving is a privilege, it is a privilege that is absolutely necessary for many people to be able to work to pay their obligations that they may have been unable to meet… that might've been the reason that they had their license pulled in the first place."
"Exactly. I mean it makes no sense for us to have laws on the books that will limit a person's ability to pay. But then, at the same time, demand that they pay."
"And… and to the Bill. You know, I've signed on to this Bill after doing a pretty careful review of it. Certainly we don't want to condone folks driving without a valid license or have been suspended for these administrative reasons. But what this Bill does is merely resets the balance so that folks aren't thrown in jail, essentially thrown into a debtor's prison, based on those administrative violations. And so, hopefully we can help people to get back their licenses, to 10000108.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 pay off their debts instead of tossing them in prison. So, for that reason, I respectfully urge an 'aye' vote."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 22 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4223, Representative Feigenholtz. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4223, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We spoke about House Bill 4223, its replacement Amendment, yesterday. This is a Bill about repurposing Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago that will include 199 apartments and 74 units for a very large population of seniors who want to live independently in a supportive living facility. This will permit them to do that. I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Mr. Breen."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, we… we discussed this the other day, but just to reiterate, with your Amendment, all of the opponents have fallen off and all we have now are proponents and neutrals?"
"That is correct." 10000108.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018
"Great. Thank you. To the Bill. It is a reduction of a regulation that doesn’t make sense in every case and apparently not in this case. And so, for that reason, I'd urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Just want to thank Representative Feigenholtz for working with this on it… with all of us on this Bill because it definitely is something that we want to do to have more housing for seniors. And with her Amendment, takes off all the opposition and we appreciate all her work. Thank you."
"Those in favor of Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record. On this question, there are 100 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 6 of the Calendar, under the Order of Concurrence, appears House Bill 2771, Mr. Mitchell. Out of the record. Page 7 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 651, Mr. Thapedi. Please proceed, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Resolution essentially calls upon the General Assembly and a lot of the other stakeholders to do what's necessary to modernize our grid. I'm available to answer any and all questions."
"Those in favor of the Resolution will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take… DeLuca. Please take the record. On this question, there are 10000108.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 101 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 751, Representative Parkhurst. Please proceed."
"Yes, I'd first of all request that the Amendment be adopted. The Amendment just added sexual assault to the Resolution."
"Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Hollman: "Floor Amendment #2 has been approved for consideration is offered by Representative Parkhurst."
"Representative Parkhurst, did you just explain the Amendment?"
"Yes, I did."
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Representative Parkhurst on the Resolution."
"Thank you. I think this is appropriate to be called on International Women's Day. One in three women in the United States experience domestic violence. That means approximately 1.67 million women in Illinois experiences domestic violence at least once."
"Those in favor of the Resolution will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 755, Representative Gabel. Out of the record. House Resolution 809, Representative Willis. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Resolution is to draw awareness to the continuing opioid epidemic and how it is affecting our first responders as they respond to it. This is to call for an awareness so that we have better standard 10000108.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 3/8/2018 operating procedures for our first responders and we give them all of the support and education they need to be able to help in this epidemic time."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Page 8 of the Calendar, on Motions in Writing, Mr. Bennett moves on House Bill 5556 that this Bill be tabled. Is there leave? Leave is granted. The Gentleman's Motion is granted and the Bill is tabled. Allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie now moves that the House stand adjourned ’til Monday, April 9 at noon. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5845, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5846, offered by Representative Crespo, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10000108.docx 28