"The House will come to order. Members, please get in your chairs. We will be led in prayer today by Reverend Dr. William D. Rosser who is with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois. Reverend Rosser is the guest of Representative Scherer. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off your cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Rosser."
"Let us pray. Awesome and wondrous God, we thank you for your protection until this very moment. We're deeply grateful for your traveling mercy, your love and care as we traverse this great state. Thank you for a country that is filled with free and brave people attempting on every hand to fulfill your will. We ask for your blessing on this Assembly, the business that will be conducted, and for each lawmaker, staff member, and support person who assist in this servitude. Guide and order the steps of your people as they carefully and lovingly represent the interest of their various constituencies. Allow your wisdom to guide their decisions and love to order their debates and discussions. Let the work on this floor be a reflection of what your desire on earth in those and for those who are made in your image. Protect our soldiers that are stationed, both domestically and abroad. Protect our law enforcement and fire personnel as they intercede and interact with people who seek help. Allow your spirit to fall fresh on the public servants in all capacities that they are called to serve. Finally, God, bless and endow all leaders with your divine insight and knowledge. Not just in the great State of Illinois, but the breadth and depth of 10100016.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 this nation known as the United States of America. We humbly submit this prayer sealed, signed, and delivered in the redemptive work made manifest on our behalf. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Welch."
"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. Representative Harris is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle. Representative Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representatives Ammons, Chapa LaVia, Conyears-Ervin, Gabel, and Walker are excused today."
"Representative Butler is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side. Representative Butler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the Journal reflect that the party of Lincoln has no absences today."
"Have all… have all recorded themselves? There being 113 being present… Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Representative Kifowit, for what reason do you arise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
Speaker Hoffman: "Please proceed. Members, please. Members. Representative, please proceed."
"Thank you Mr. Chairman. To the Members of the Body, today, on Friday at 2:27 p.m., I posted on Facebook, praying 10100016.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 for our officers and a safe resolve to this situation, as I posted the live feed to my page of an active shooter in Aurora. As we now know, the situation did not end as I think everyone in the state wanted it to. Friday, February 15, is the day that changed many peoples' lives forever. An active shooter cut short the lives of innocent people who were at work on a Friday afternoon, most likely looking forward to the weekend, at Henry Pratt Company in Aurora. This shooter, who I won't dignify with saying his name, made the decision that five innocent people… would not return home that day, and their lives were cut short as a result of his actions. He fired upon five decorated police officers, who also would not return home, and instead were in the hospital, several in surgery being treated for wounds, who thankfully will recover. But I am told the recovery will be long. Today, I rise to remember the innocent victims that are mourned by their families and the police officers who risked their lives and suffered wounds at the hand of a coward gunman. The residents that the State of Illinois lost… that we all lost are: Trevor Wehner, 21 of Sheridan. He was a student of my alumni, NIU, and was set to graduate in May. As we know, it was his first day of his internship. Vincente Juarez, 54, of Oswego, and lived in my subdivision, was a forklift operator. Clayton Parks, 32, another NIU grad, human resources director, from DeKalb. Josh Pickard, 37, plant manager, who lived in Oswego. Russell Beyer, 47, mold operator, who lived in Yorkville. All these individuals left behind families and friends who loved them and cherished them as a part of their lives. They are forever in our hearts and our thoughts at 10100016.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 such a senseless loss of life. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding job our first responders do for us every day without the knowledge of the general public in many instances. The ones who run toward gunfire. The ones who run into a burning building. The ones who make our neighborhoods safe. I ask that we hold these families in our thoughts and prayers, for our wounded first responders to heal, for the individuals who have such a devastating loss for comfort, and for those who are emotionally wounded to mend. Every day is an unknown, and we are blessed here today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. Representative Wheeler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are dealing with a moment of tragedy and some heroics. We find the best of us dealing with the worst moments imaginable for others. I'd like to thank the people of the City of Aurora, Mayor Irvin, the amazing officers of the Aurora Police Department, Chief Ziman. Many things happened that were incredible, amazingly brave. We deeply honor you all. I also want to mention the mutual aid that came from ever… from Naperville, Kane County, Kendall County, Montgomery-Oswego Fire. We're all amazingly proud of the response, and we're very grateful for those who are willing to do those jobs that are beyond the moment of what you can prepare for. Special people, I'm proud of them. The tragedy that Representative Kifowit just outlined, when it's on the news it may not seem personal, you may not know anybody. In this case, like in every case, it's personal to someone. In this case it's personal to me. It's personal to my district, to my community. My family has a lot of friends that work in Henry Pratt, some very special people. When we 10100016.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 found out the names of the victims… Mr. Beyer, the union steward, his career at Henry Pratt, was my wife's cousin's son. The intern, Trevor Wehner, was the son of a high school classmate of mine. I just talked to his father for a while this morning, to try and understand how he's doing. I don't know how he has the strength to even talk, but I'm impressed, as I always have been. A great family. The only wish that I can pass along is that our community, our state, and our nation continue to pray for their healing, knowing that that they have very difficult days ahead, and they will need all of our support as we move forward. Mr. Speaker, at the end of these comments I would like to respect a moment of silence in their honor, if you would. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. We shall have a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Keicher, for what reason do you arise?"
"On behalf of NIU, in remembrance of the tragedy that we occurred this week. Brothers and Sisters of the General Assembly, and in Illinois, just last week, Northern Illinois University held a candlelight vigil and reflection to mark the anniversary of a campus shooting that occurred and took five young innocent lives in 2008. Tragically, the NIU community was called to suffer again on Friday morning. As we remember the life of Trevor Wehner, a 21-year-old senior, set to graduate in May with a degree in human resources, his peer and his leader, Clayton Parks, also an NIU alum. Words cannot effectively express the profound grief the family of NIU students, faculty, and alumni are feeling today as we mourn their losses. I wanted to take this moment to echo the 10100016.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 sentiments of my colleagues from Aurora who spoke in the memory of all of the victims of Friday's tragedy and to acknowledge NIU's sad place at the center of some of these tragedies that have occurred. I ask you to join me in a moment of silence in memory of those lost and remember the words that NIU continues to go back to after this tragedy, that we will go forward, together forward as a part of our… our alma mater. Thank you."
"The Body shall have a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Bennett, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A personal of privilege please, Sir."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you very much. I have a Page today. I'd like to recognize him, if I may? His name is Charlie Drayer. Charlie, if you'd stand up over here to the side. He's 18 years old and he's a senior at Marmion Academy, a college prep school for young men in Aurora, Illinois. Favorite subjects: accounting… and God bless you on that one… theology, and his military class. Hobbies include: baseball, running, and he enjoys social gatherings with friends and classmates. If you would please help me give him a warm Springfield welcome and glad to have to have you here today, Charlie."
"Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Could I request the Clerk to put House Resolution 67 up on the board for me? Today, I rise to speak about 10100016.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 something that we can all celebrate. Today, I have with me, right behind me in the gallery, the 2018 Illinois Elementary School Association Large Cheer Division Champions. These… these are… we've got… this is the first time they've competed in the large cheer division. We've got sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. They are amazing athletes and… and I'm impressed by them as we… I got to have them on the floor earlier today, got to enjoy some pizza and… and cookies earlier, but I want to introduce you to… to this great group. We've got their coach, Emily Hudson, if you can wave for us. When I say your name, if you could wave. So the eighth grade Crimsons are: Rylee Brogdon, Claire Burrus, Meredith Gallo, Leah Hoffman, Kayleigh Sullivan. The seventh graders: we've got Bentley Clayton, Kimmy Davis, Mackenzie Gerard, Bella Summers, Elle Van Noy, Julia Zoellner. And the sixth graders: we've got Taylor Deweese, Annemarie Fraas, Madison Helmich, Brennen Leifheit, Ella Rajaguru, Olivia Stewart, and Isla Willis. As I said earlier, these are some amazing athletes. This is your 2018 State Champion IESA Large Cheer Division Squad. Thank you and congratulations, and we look forward to all your future success."
"Representative, it's my understanding that House Resolution 67 has already been adopted. Representative Murphy, for what reason do you arise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I have two Pages with me today from the 99th District. I'd like to introduce them. Kaitlynn Kunz, from Auburn Junior High and William Golladay, from Lutheran Grade school. I would 10100016.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 hope everybody would give them a nice welcome to the General Assembly."
"Representative Marron, what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I would like to take a brief moment to introduce my Page, Tina Wayne. She is from Danville, Illinois. She's a senior at Uni High in Urbana. And she is going into political science and has aspirations of a being a public servant someday. So please welcome Tina."
"Representative Charlie Meier, please… please proceed."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Today, in the gallery to my left, I have Alan Blumhorst, who is the owner of the Rainbow Petting Zoo at Okawville, the Rainbow Ranch. And he lives on and owns the farm that was owned by my great great grandparents, so we are very distant cousins. I'm happy to have Alan here in Springfield today. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Sangamon, Representative Butler, for what do you arise?"
"A point of personal privilege please, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed with your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to invite Members and staff out. The Illinois Emergency Management Caucus, yes we have the Illinois Emergency Management Caucus, it's hosting a reception out at IEMA this evening if you'd 10100016.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 like to check out the State Emergency Operation Center. It's a pretty cool place, 4 to 6 p.m. at IEMA, which is on Dirksen Parkway just by IDOT. We invite everyone out there."
"Representative Stava-Murray, for what reason do you arise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed with your point."
"I wanted to acknowledge and thank the Stop Sterigenics Group that came to lobby today. They had a good encouraging closure and we have the Governor to thank for that of one of the sterigenics facilities in Illinois. There are others operating, so there's lots of work left for us to do. But if anyone has a chance to talk to them… I appreciate them coming down here today."
"Thank you. Representative Meyers-Martin, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to bring the Black History Month recognition today."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I am honored to bring the black history moment to the General Assembly this morning recognizing a renowned citizen in the 38th District. He is Mr. Paul E. Cruz Sr., Staff Sergeant, 157th Quartermaster Battalion Mobile Unit, U.S. Army. Paul Cruz Sr. was born on July 5, 1923 in Sedalia, Missouri to Almeda and Ernest Cruz. Upon graduating from high school, Paul enrolled in Lincoln University, a historically black university located in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army as a private. Later on, Paul was promoted to Staff Sergeant of the 157th 10100016.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 Quartermaster Battalion where he was in charge of the medical and surgical technicians. During this time, the Army was segregated and blacks were not placed in combat units. Blacks were assigned to Quartermaster Battalions, where they were truck drivers and transported supplies such as fuel for tanks. Nevertheless, Paul Cruz participated in five battles of World War II and was awarded five medals. The first medal was for his service on D-Day, where the soldiers were forced to jump from barges into the water and when they reached the beach, they encountered heavy enemy fire and had to jump into holes for cover. For that he received his first medal. The second medal was for the Battle of the Bulge, which he considered the worst battle of the war. Not only did the German troops outnumber American soldiers 200 thousand to 83 thousand, but they also knew about the intense December fog. Despite these advantages, when the fog finally lifted on a Sunday morning in December, 1944, our Air Force was able to fly in and stop the German offense causing them to retreat. The U.S. suffered over 100 thousand casualties in that battle. Staff Sergeant Cruz was awarded his third medal for the Battle of Ardennes, Belgium, his fourth medal for the Battle of Ryland, Germany, and his fifth and last medal was in the central Europe… in central Europe where the American soldiers stopped in Metzger, Germany. In the beginning of the war, on… on the trip over to Europe on the Queen Mary, black soldiers were placed in the E-deck, which is the bottom, below sea level. Conditions were poor and seasickness was prevalent. However, after victory in Europe, the soldiers returned to France where white officers were able to leave home… leave for home first 10100016.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 while the black soldiers had to wait until last. Black soldiers complained to Staff Sergeant Cruz and asked him to find a way to get them home faster. He decided to write a letter to the Commanding General to describe how black soldiers had served their country tirelessly during the war. Because of this sincere, yet persuasive, letter black soldiers were able to leave for home and were placed on the higher C-Deck of the Queen Mary where conditions were much better. Despite those terrible times, Staff Sergeant Cruz remains proud of the men he fought with and the country he served. And he is proud of the progress that we have made as African Americans in this country since that time. In civilian life, he has served in several leadership positions with the U.S. Postal Service, including Chief of the Postal Police. So today, we honor Staff Sergeant Paul E. Cruz of the 157th Quartermaster Battalion, United States Army. Thank you."
"Representative Willis, for what reason do you arise?"
"Point of personal privilege please."
"Please proceed."
"I would like to invite all Members of the House to the Bipartisan Bicameral Fire Caucus meet and greet tomorrow morning which will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. in the cafeteria of the Stratton Building. Please come by, meet members of the fire service all walks of life from there, and learn what we do in the Fire Caucus. Thank you."
"Thank you. Representative Hammond, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege." 10100016.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019
"Please proceed with your point."
"I would like to acknowledge and thank the jazz band, award winning jazz band from Western Illinois University. At different moments this afternoon, we've been able to hear and share the music that they have brought to the State Capitol today. And if you would like to hear some more of that they will be preforming at the reception this evening at 6:00 at the Windham and everybody's invited. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. Mr. Clerk, Committee Announcements."
"The following Committees were cancelled for this afternoon. Appropriations-Elementary & Secretary Education has been cancelled. Agriculture & Conservation was cancelled. Insurance was cancelled. Cities & Villages was canceled. Meeting at 2:00 is Public Utilities in Room 114, Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges in C-1, Adoption & Child Welfare in 122. Meeting at 3 p.m. is Consumer Protection in Room 122, Energy & Environment in Room 114, Health Care Availability & Accessibility in Room 115, and Judiciary-Criminal in C-1."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 116, offered by Representative Jones. House Resolution 119, offered by Representative Wheeler. House Resolution 120, offered by Representative Connor. And House Resolution 123, offered by Representative Mayfield."
"Leader Harris moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. In the opinion… in the opinion of the 10100016.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 Chair, the 'ayes' have it. Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr… Representative Butler, for an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans will caucus immediately upon adjournment."
"The Republicans will caucus immediately upon adjournment. The Democrats will not caucus. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Harris moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 20, at the hour 11:30 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 114, offered by Representative Zalewski. House Resolution 115, offered by Representative Arroyo. House Resolution 117, offered by Representative Skillicorn. House Resolution 118, offered by Representative Ammons. House Resolution 121, offered by Representative Williams. House Resolution 122, offered by Representative Connor. House Resolution 124, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. House Resolution 126, offered by Representative Ramirez. House Resolution 127, offered by Representative Bennett. House Joint Resolution 34, offered by Representative Bailey. House Joint Resolution 35, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Joint Resolution 36, offered by Representative Meier. House Joint Resolution 37, offered by Representative Windhorst. House Joint Resolution 38, offered by Representative Costello. And House Joint Resolution 39, offered by Representative Morrison, are referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3714, offered by Representative McSweeney, a Bill 10100016.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 2/19/2019 for an Act concerning health. House Bill 3715, offered by Representative Batinick, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 3716, offered by Representative Cassidy, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 3717, offered by Representative Harris, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10100016.docx 14