"The House will be in order. Members will be in their Chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Emeritus John M. Ryan, who is with St. Dismas Catholic Church in Waukegan. Pastor Emeritus Ryan is the guest of Representative Yingling. The Members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Reverend, Mr. John M. Ryan on the occasion of his 80th birthday and on the 55th anniversary of his ordination in to the priesthood. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, rise for the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Ryan."
"Thank you for that welcome. Morning… good afternoon, I guess. Let us now pause for a moment and each in our own way ask our God to bless this Session. Almighty eternal God, grant counsel and fortitude to the Members of this Assembly. May their discussions and deliberations be conducted in righteousness and be beneficial to the people that they serve. May they enact laws with justice and mercy. May they seek to restrain crime, violence, and injustice. May this Legislative Body seek to preserve peace, promote harmony, and continue to bring to the citizens of Illinois the blessings of liberty and equality. Grant the… guard their hearts and minds from pride and selfishness. Let them always be mindful that despite partisan politics it is not us against them, but us, all of us, working together for the welfare and tranquility of the citizens of Illinois. Continue to pour forth upon them, upon this House of Representatives, and the citizens of our great state. We ask that you bless each and every person in the State of Illinois. And finally, let us each in our own way 10100046.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 ask our God to bless our first responders as well as the women and men serving our armed forces throughout the world. We beseech you, heavenly Father, to guard and protect them as they guard and protect us. Amen. Now, Sam, it's time for the collection. Start with Moylan. And I don't want to hear any jingling of coins."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Connor."
"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 Willis is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"I'm proud to say there are no excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Representative Butler is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm even more proud to announce that there's no Republican excused absences today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With 116 Members present, a quorum is here, and we're ready to conduct business. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor today to make two introductions to the Members. First, I would like to recognize the presence in the chamber of General Mike Glisson of the Illinois National Guard. Welcome, General. And it's my honor to introduce the Consul- General of Australia, Mr. David Bushby, who is here to address 10100046.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 us today. Mr. Bushby is Australia's new Consul-General to… in Chicago, following his appointment in 2019. Mr. Bushby took up the position after a distinguished career in both public and private sectors in Australia. He served 12 years in the Australian Parliament representing Tasmania in the Senate, including as party Whip for 10 years and Chief Government Whip in the Senate for over 4 years. During his time in the Senate, Mr. Bushby focused particularly on economic and security matters as a member of the Senate's Economics Legislation and References Committee and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. His committee service saw him Chair the Senate Environment and Communication Committee, the Parliamentary Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, and both the Senate Economics Legislation and References Committees. Prior to entering the Senate, Mr. Bushby worked extensively as a commercial international trade lawyer, as director of a number of private companies and is an advisor to senior federal and state politicians. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Law from the University of Tasmania and post- graduate qualifications in Business from the Australian Maritime College. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like all Members to please be in your seats and would staff retire to the rear of the chamber? So Ladies and Gentlemen, the Consul-General of Australia, Mr. David Bushby."
"Thank you very much for that very kind welcome. Mr. Speaker, thank you also for the great honor of having the opportunity to address this chamber representing the people of Australia. Almost 101 years ago on July 4, 1918, 10100046.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 three Australian infantry brigades joined together with soldiers from the United States, which had only recently joined the war effort, to liberate the Village of Hamel. It was the first time that the allied forces had coordinated an all-arms battle to this extent, and the success of this battle provided a model for larger offensives in August and September of 1918, ultimately leading to victory in November of that year. The significance of the Battle of Hamel rested not in the size of the success or the territory it gained, but in the fact that it drew together for the first time hard fought painfully learned lessons on how to fight and win a battle on the Western Front. For these reasons, although a small battle, it was an historic victory. However, it was also historic for another reason. The Battle of Hamel was the first time American troops fought alongside Australian troops in an offensive action. On that battlefield, some 1200 Australians and more than 170 Americans were killed or wounded. It may have been the first time Australian and American soldiers fought, were injured, and died together, but it was not the last. Since then, Australia has fought alongside the United States in every major conflict in which your nation has been involved. Indeed, Australia is the only nation that can make this claim. Last year, on the centenary of that battle, this first 100 years of what Australians like to call 'Mateship' was celebrated. The friendship has blossomed and developed into a deep and enduring bond, mutual respect, and close cooperation which continues to exist and grow between Australia and the United States. As Americans, I am sure each of you understands and appreciates the bond and on behalf of 10100046.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 the Australian people, I thank your nation for everything you bring to that relationship. As Illinoisans, I would like to go a little further. Those Americans who joined with Australians at the Battle of Hamel were comprised of soldiers from the 131st and 132nd Infantry Regiments of the 65th Brigade. As you would no doubt be aware, the 131st Infantry Regiment is a regiment in the Illinois Army National Guard and the 132nd was also a regiment in the Illinois Army National Guard, until 1954. And at this point, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge General Glisson, who is in the Chamber and who has already been acknowledged for his attendance out of respect for the events 101 years ago. Each of you should be proud of those brave Illinoisans who fought so well alongside Australians in such an important battle on American Independence Day of 1918, a battle which is the symbolic foundation of the deep relationship between our two great nations. Of course, although the strength of our relationship has been demonstrated over and again in times of conflict, its nature is far broader. We currently have around 500 Australian defense force personnel and their families posted across 30 states. Our 75-year-old intelligence sharing relationship has helped make both of our countries safer and more secure. Australia's population is 25 million representing around just 0.3 percent of the global population. Yet Australia delivers around 2 percent of global economic activity and has the 13th largest economy in the world. On the back of 28 years of uninterrupted economic growth. It achieves this in part, because it is a clever country, producing almost 4 percent of new knowledge to the 10100046.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 world. Australia and the United States conduct around U.S. $65 billion annually in two way trade and have an investment relationship valued at $1.1 trillion making the United States, Australia's largest economic partner. Australian companies directly employ an estimated 180 thousand people in the United States and have invested between 20 and 30 billion dollars on new capital projects in the U.S. in the last 15 years. More broadly, trade with Australia supports around 300 thousand American jobs. Over 1.3 million Australian tourists visit the United States each year, and they spend over $8.7 billion when they do. Australia athletes are increasingly making their presence felt across professional sports leagues in the United States. Most notably the NBA and the NFL as well as in college sports. In 2018, there were 29 Australian Division 1 athletes based in Illinois and Sam Kerr, who is the captain of Australia's women's soccer team, lives in Chicago and plays for the Chicago Red Stars. Australians and Americans also work side by side in the film and television, theater, and music industries. Australia is a crucial partner to the United States space program. Our facilities supported the Apollo moon landings and remain vital to ongoing space exploration to this day. Getting a bit more local, Australia is the 5th largest market for Illinois exports worth approximately $2.6 billion in 2017. Boeing, John Deere, CNH Industrial, and Caterpillar are top exporters to Australia. Additionally, Australia is the 7th largest investor in Chicago with $200 million invested in the last decade. Australian companies with significant presence in Illinois include: CSL(Behring), Nufarm, the Macquarie Group, the 10100046.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Australian Securities Exchange, Lend Lease, Rabobank, Westfield, Akuna Capital, BHP Billiton, Computershare, and James Hardie. And there is potential for more. Just a week ago, the Australian Financial Review ran a story highlighting why Australian investors should focus on the Midwest. The catalyst for the article was a report prepared by Sydney University in conjunction with Indiana University. The report found that the Midwest should be at the top of potential destinations for Australian companies and investors looking to broaden their horizons. Interestingly, amongst many other facts and statistics included in the report, it confirmed that Australians are good employers. It found that Australian firms in the U.S. support jobs with relatively higher wages, with workers at Australian companies earning an average of U.S. $98 thousand, some $20 thousand more than the average paid by European firms in the U.S. It also noted that other countries might have larger direct investment footprints, but in many cases, Australian firms outspend firms from other countries on property, plant, and equipment. Immediately prior to taking up the position of Australia's Consul-General in the Midwest, as mentioned only a couple of months ago, I undertook pre-posting consultations, which saw me travel to the major business centers in Australia to meet with businesses and cultural and academic institutions who currently, or could potentially, have engagement with the Midwest. The single most consistent message I heard throughout those consultations is that Australians have too often failed to properly consider the Midwest as an investment, travel, or collaborative destination. And 10100046.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 further, that this is about to change. The Australian Financial Review article recommending Australians 'go Midwest' reinforces that this change is happening. As does the recent Sister Cities Agreement between the cities of Chicago and Sydney. So don't be surprised if increasing numbers of Australians come knocking on Illinois' front door to discuss investment and other collaborative opportunities. But please invite them in, I'm sure you will find them excellent house guests. Before I conclude, I would like to briefly delve into a particular area where I think Australia's recent experience and the expertise of Australian companies may have potential benefit to some challenges that Illinois currently faces. And this is in the area of infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers has estimated that an additional $4.5 trillion is needed over the next 7 years just to bring existing U.S. infrastructure up to acceptable standards. If they are correct, a lot of money needs to be spent. And I am sure that Illinois has its fair share of projects to fund. The challenge is where to find that funding. Like Australia, U.S. states are generally the owner of most infrastructure, and like Australia, much of that asset base is underutilized and underperforming, yet collectively worth many billions and in the U.S. even trillions of dollars. And although government's ability to fund infrastructure might be somewhat constrained, the private sector has money ready and waiting to be invested. I think this is readily acknowledged, but what makes private investment in government infrastructure hard is regulation, competition with cheap public sector funds, and all too often local politics. 10100046.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Australia also faced all these issues and like any other government, we didn't have the money to do this ourselves, so we had to be innovative. Some measures we adopted included using our AAA credit rating to guarantee private sector asset- backed debt and provide mezzanine fund financial debt facilities. For green… infrastructure, we provided seed funding as either a grant or a loan to remove some of the political risk. Additionally, to encourage state and local governments to also be innovate, the Australian Government provided a 15 percent bonus if they were prepared to sell or lease assets and invest the proceeds into new infrastructure. This had the multiple benefit of both turning non-tax paying assets into local, state, and federal taxpayers in perpetuity as well as funding new infrastructure. And these measures in Australia have been successful. For example, there are now more cranes and tunnel boring machines in Sydney than any other city in the world, and construction jobs now account for one in ten jobs in Australia. And Australia is now spending more public money on new transportation infrastructure than any other major developed economy. It is clear that the sale and lease of assets has helped spur this growth. Australia's experience is not unique, but it has applied a concept that wins on both the economics and on the politics. And what Australia's experience has helped develop over decades is respected expertise in sell side advisors, who are able to provide vendor advice to first time administration vendors. Mr. Speaker, can I thank you again for the opportunity to address this chamber. It has been a 10100046.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 genuine honor and on behalf of all Australians, I wish you and all Illinoisans the very best. Thank you."
"The Consul General will be available in the well for those who would like greet him or take pictures. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 131. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on May 07, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1377, Senate Bill 1449, Senate Bill 2085. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1724. Representative Moylan, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 24. Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1568, Senate Bill 1743; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 191, Senate Bill 193, Senate Bill 1778; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1239. Representative Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1392, Senate Bill 1651, Senate Bill 1847; do 10100046.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 2146; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 47, House Resolution 61. Representative Lilly, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1514. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 246, Senate Bill 1536; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 2136. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 69, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 1599, Senate Bill 1609, Senate Bill 1882, Senate Bill 1968. Representative Kifowit, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports the following committee action taken on May 7, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1007, Senate Bill 1468. Representative Hurley, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 162, Senate Bill 447, Senate Bill 1573, Senate Bill 1735, Senate Bill 1828, Senate Bill 2026; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1506; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 54, House Resolution 214, House Resolution 225. Representative Thapedi, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 181, Senate Bill 1191, Senate Bill 1290, Senate Bill 1378, Senate Bill 1504, Senate 10100046.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Bill 1526, Senate Bill 1623, Senate Bill 2076. Representative Welch, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 827. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 455, Senate Bill 456, Senate Bill 1601, Senate Bill 1658, Senate Bill 1694, Senate Bill 1798, Senate Bill 1941, Senate Bill 2124; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 449, Senate Bill 1371, Senate Bill 1498. Representative D'Amico, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 102, Senate Bill 728, Senate Bill 1496, Senate Bill 1862, Senate Bill 1934, Senate Bill 1993; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 86, Senate Bill 946, Senate Bill 1750; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 944. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 656, Senate Bill 659, Senate Bill 1214, Senate Bill 1665, Senate Bill 1702, Senate Bill 1888. Representative Guzzardi, Chairperson from the Committee on Prescription Drug Affordability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1557. Representative Ammons, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on May 8, 2019: do pass Short Debate is Senate 10100046.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Bill 244, Senate Bill 450, Senate Bill 1524, Senate Bill 1788; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 326. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 355, offered by Representative Skillicorn. House Resolution 356, offered by Representative Thapedi. House Resolution 357, offered by Representative Thapedi. House Resolution 359, offered by Representative Buckner. And House Resolution 362, offered by Representative Flowers, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative Robinson, for what reason do you seek recognition? Representative Robinson."
"Thank you, Leader Harris. I would like to make a special announcement to the Body."
"Please proceed."
"Personal privilege. I would like to welcome a dear friend of mine to the House Floor, President Toni Preckwinkle of the county board. If we could please welcome her to the floor."
"Welcome, President Preckwinkle. Thank you for joining us. And Leader Willis in the Chair."
"Representative Smith, for what do you wish to be acknowledged for?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Today I'd like to recognize students from Chicago State University in the gallery here. If you'd stand and let everybody see you. We have with us today the current Mr. and Ms. Chicago State University, Ms. Kenyatta Jackson and Johnathan Riley as well as the incoming Mr. and Ms. CSU, Mario Noles and Clark Taylor Griffith. Thank you. Please. I do have 10100046.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 a Resolution that has not been filed yet, but once it gets filed I will present it to this Body as well the students at Chicago State University. Thank you very much."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Scherer, for what do you wish recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have two points of personal privilege please."
"Please proceed."
"Okay. First of all, they're all up here to our left. And we'll start out with the Illinois 4-H Legislative Connection, our friends in the green shirts. We would like to welcome 30 4-H members from across Illinois who are attending the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Legislative Connection Event being held today and tomorrow at the Capitol. These youth represent 22 different 4-H programs from counties throughout the state with nearly 200 thousand 4-H participants in all 102 counties. Wow. These teens are active in their clubs, communities, and counties, in community service and 4-H projects raging… ranging from animal science to aerospace, shooting sports to visual arts, nutrition and wellness to environmental studies, and more. These youth represent the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team and the Speaking for Illinois 4-H Program. And I might add a little point, that when I decided to run for this job, it was the 4- H teacher that was going to do it and backed out and kind of talked me into it, Cassie Crouch. So let's first give them a round of applause, please."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Scherer, please continue." 10100046.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
"I also have a second point of personal privilege. After they sit, the people behind them are the young people from Ball Charter School in Springfield. Today, we have the student council group and yesterday we had the TECH 2019 group. So if we can give a big round of applause to Ball Charter School from Springfield, Illinois. They're standing in the gallery to the left. Welcome to the Capitol."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Stuart, for what do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I just wanted to take a minute to introduce the Body to two special Pages that I have with me today. If they could stand up? They both attend Edwardsville's Lincoln Middle School which happens to have the greatest principal in the entire State of Illinois. We have Andrew Brown, he's a sixth grader. He's a members of a lot of programs and organizations at Lincoln. He's an honor roll student, takes part in the drama program, Friends In Touch program, and he's a peer buddy who works with students with special needs. He likes deer hunting and camping, soccer and baseball. He has two younger sisters and they recently adopted a family pet, a Great Dane puppy. And I'm sure he'll show people pictures if he has them. And then we have Matthew Reames, he's a seventh grader at Lincoln. He's an honor roll student. He loves being outdoors as well. He loves baseball, and he has an interest in eventually joining the high school track team like one of his older cousins. In addition to his own sports schedule when he can he likes to attend the sporting events 10100046.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 of his two brothers, one who's a high schooler and who's in the third grade. This is their second time here this year because they enjoyed it so much the first time. So if we could give them another warm welcome I'd appreciate it."
Speaker Willis: "Welcome to the Capitol. Members, on the Supplemental Calendar #1, under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 326, offered by Representative Greenwood. Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution."
"House Resolution 326, offered by Representative Greenwood. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the date of May 8, 2019 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in the State of Illinois in honor of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated."
"Representative Greenwood is recognized on the Resolution."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. I am honored to present House Resolution 326 which declares the date of May 8 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in the State of Illinois. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908 and incorporated in 1913. And it has established a mandate for carrying out the vision of a new day of excellence and performance. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the nation's oldest African-American sorority. The sorority has never changed its mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, help alleviate problems 10100046.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 concerning girls and women, in order to improve their social status, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind. I would like to welcome all the dynamic ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated to the Capitol today. Especially members of my chapter who are seated in the Speaker's Gallery, the East St. Louis Chapter of Delta Delta Omega. Vernessa Streater is our president. I would also like to recognize our sorror Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton as well as Assistant Majority Leader Mattie Hunter and Senator Toi Hutchinson as well as our Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who is on the floor with us today also. Welcome, sorrors, to your Capitol."
"Representative Greenwood moves for the adoption of House Resolution 326. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Ammons, for what do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege please."
"Please proceed."
"I just wanted to take a moment and recognize, again, our President Preckwinkle, who is the President of the Cook County Board. What is important about President Preckwinkle is her commitment to criminal justice reform that has been happening for decades in the State of Illinois. And so if… we do want to ask the Members just to recognize the hard work of our president from Cook County. She has been so committed to criminal justice reform and have put so many resources behind this issue. We just want to, again, acknowledge her certainly 10100046.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 on behalf of the Members of the General Assembly and all of the entire State of Illinois. Many of what we have been able to do is largely attributable to the work of President Preckwinkle in Cook County. And we do want to acknowledge her and thank her for her work. Thank you, Madam Speaker."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Thank you. Representative Keicher, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Ma'am."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I have with my today a young man, David Smith, from Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School. He's an eighth grader who enjoys hanging out with friends and is excited to be in the State Capitol to learn a little bit more about how Illinois State Government works. He will be our Page for the day. And if anybody needs any help, this is David Smith. Welcome."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Jones, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just want to bring to the attention of the Members an incident that happened to me this morning regarding security that many Members have expressed and just caution to Members be aware of what you ask for and every action, you know, also comes up with an equal reaction. This morning in Judiciary – Civil one of the State Police Officers came up to me and not only racial profiled me but disrespected me. And not only did he, after being identified by Representative and Chairman Thapedi, insist that I provide my ID, which I had my ID, but 10100046.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 he continued to disrespect me, Members of the committee, Members that were in the audience, all because, you know, we've put a heightened awareness on security. And I just want the Members to be cautious. And I know we have fears that are going on in this Capitol, many of us have received death threat letters. I was one of the Members that received that letter. But today went overboard with this security officer that works for the Secretary of State Police in his disrespect in our committee. There is no way that a Member of the State Police should come in our committee and disrespect any Representative. And hopefully that State Police Officer apologizes. But I just want to caution Members, we're asking them to do their jobs and there is some fine State Police that protect us, but let's be cautious in what we're doing and what we're saying is not being done by these State Police Officers. Because it's asking them to go above and beyond what they should do in their… actually making… making sure that they're respecting us in our committees. You know, I'm trying to feel a certain way about this but I just want our Members to be really cautious in what we do. Thank you, Madam Speaker."
"Representative Slaughter, for what do you wish to be recognized?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. It's that time again that we recognize the greatest fraternity in the world, ever, as they again this year invade the Capitol. That's right, the great men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated are in 10100046.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 the House. Our motto is, first of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all. The aims of our great fraternity are mainly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. Since 1906 we've been at forefront of advocating for underserved communities whether it's been education, public health initiatives, economic development, or even fair housing. We want you to know that we're here. We have a passion for working with individuals of all different backgrounds to make our world a better place. You work with us every day whether it be State Rep Chris Welch, Leader Art Turner, myself, or State Senator Elgie Sims, or some of the lobbyists that are around here, some of the staffers that are around here. Alpha Phi Alpha is here to make this a better place. So help me in welcoming the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Members, can we try to keep the noise level down please? Representative Ugaste, for what do you wish to be recognized?"
"Point of personal privilege please."
"Please proceed."
"I have a Page here today, I would like to introduce. I believe, a future aquatics star for the State of Illinois, Miss Quinn Bryant, who’s here with her mother, Mylane, from St. Charles. She attends Thompson Middle School, is currently in the sixth grade, formerly on a swim team and a water polo team, and currently training to be a diver. Just like to welcome her and thank her for coming down today. And if we'd all extend a warm welcome, I'd appreciate it. Thank you." 10100046.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Spain, for what do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it's my honor to introduce my Page for the day, Alton Humphreys. He is an eighth grader at Mossville Grade School and getting ready for eighth grade graduation and making the transition to high school. He's very, very active and busy. So thank you for joining us here today. Involved in the band, playing the trombone, involved in choir, Scholastic Bowl, school musicals, you name it. He's a great young leader in our district and I ask that we all give a warm Springfield welcome to my Page, Alton."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Martwick, for what do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Body, I would ask you to join me in welcoming my Page for the day. Jack Smith is a freshman at Michigan State University. And he is here to learn and shadow me for the day to learn all about how government works in the great State of Illinois. So please give him a warm welcome."
"Welcome to the Capitol. We have House Resolution 347, offered by Representative Welch. Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution." 10100046.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
"House Resolution 347, offered by Representative Welch. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Anthony T. Calderone on the occasion of his retirement as Mayor of Forest Park, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
"Representative Welch on the Resolution."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members of the House. Today I have one of my dear friends from the 7th District joining us in the House gallery. He's sitting up on my left and I'd ask him to stand so that he can be recognized by the Members of the House. He is the Mayor of Forest Park, Mayor Anthony Calderone. He has served the Village of Forest Park and his residents honorably as its mayor for 20 consecutive years. He's leaving the same way he came in, his way. He is a lifelong resident of this town who has a great record of public service from Forest Park Little League, the West Suburban Senior Services, the Proviso Council on Aging, our Proviso Municipal League, and the West Central Municipal League Conference which brings him to town today. Mayor Calderone truly has overseen the renaissance… Mayor Calderone truly has overseen the renaissance of Forest Park: from the vibrant Madison Avenue, which I know many of you have visited and participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, to major redevelopment on Roosevelt Road. Forest Park is a place to be. And I will tell you from a personal note, I'll miss Mayor Calderone as one of our leaders. He is someone that I went to 18 years ago and shared my vision of becoming an elected official when I 10100046.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 wanted to run for the local school board, and Mayor Calerdone immediately said he would help me in that quest. Along the way we went back to the mayor and asked him for his help to build a third high school in Proviso Township High School District 209, which is also located in Forest Park. And today because the mayor supported us in our vision and we believed in the vision that he had for Forest Park, the Proviso Math and Science Academy is the number seven ranked high school the entire State of Illinois. This because of strong leadership like the leadership of Mayor Anthony Calderone. He's a friend of mine. He's a friend of yours. He's a friend of our great state. Let's please congratulate Mayor Anthony Calderone from the Village of Forest Park on his retirement."
"This Resolution was adopted on a previous day. Thank you, Members. Representative Ammons, for what do you wish recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege please."
"Please proceed."
"I wanted to go back to recognize the hard working chapter of Zeta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated out of the great City of Champaign, Illinois. Chartered September 1, 2004, they're standing to the right of me in the gallery. We have had the personal good fortune to work with these good brothers in Champaign to give scholarships to youth, largely African-American youth, men to make their way to college, to work with families who are in crisis with children at the Crisis Nursery Center that provides emergency child care for our children when their 10100046.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 families are in need of help. We are so happy to have these men working on our behalf. I want to acknowledge our president in Champaign, Mr. Sam Mosley, Jr., who is in the gallery here and is a hard worker. Please, please don't let this moment pass without really recognizing the hard work of our Alpha men. Thank you all so much. Congratulations on all the good work that you do and we look forward to continuing our work with you in the future. Welcome them, again, General Assembly in the House."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Thank you. Representative Walsh, for what do you wish recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A purpose of an announcement."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, tonight is the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus annual reception and auction. Please come out. It's at the Windham from 5:30… starts at 5:30. We've got tons of silent auction items, live auction items, and raffles. So please come out. It's a… largest bipartisan caucus in the State of Illinois. And hope to see everyone there tonight. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Under of the Order of Agreed Resolutions, we have House Resolution 361, offered by Representative Severin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution. Will the Members please rise?"
"House Resolution 361, offered by Representative Severin. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kody Michael Vanfossan and extend our sincere 10100046.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him."
"Representative Severin is recognized on the Resolution."
"Thank you. I appreciate that. You may have noticed on your way in today that the flags were at half-staff and that is to memorialize and to honor Kody Vanfossan. And I want to just share a few pieces of information and thoughts about this young man. But before I do that I want to thank the Governor publicly. He actually made a phone call to the family personally and I appreciate that also. And also, the Governor's Office has put together a proclamation for the family and his service will be on Friday. And also, I want to say thank you to the State Fire Marshal Mr. Perez. He actually is going to be down in Christopher tomorrow and Friday. So I appreciate that. But I want to share with you just a little bit about this young man. Actually 45 years ago Kody Vanfossan's grandfather and I went to high school together, 35 years ago Kody Vanfossan's father was in my youth group. And Kody was 24 and we're saddened today to hear the death of this young man. He was a volunteer fireman. His name is Kody Michael Vanfossan of Christopher. He passed away while responding to building fire on May 5, Sunday morning about 4:33. He's a third generation firefighter. He joined the Christopher Fire Department as a cadet at the age 16. He was a nine-year veteran. He also was employed at a facility, a business in Nashville called Nascote Industries. He was known for his kind heart, his willingness to help others, and his countless friends and family are going to miss him 10100046.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 tremendously. He was just a great kid. And 24 years old, he actually is survived by his fiancé Casey Garrett and also his son, Erik, and his parents, grandparents. And actually his grandfather, Mr. Gary Bartelotti, is the Mayor of Christopher in the city that he passed away in. And something interesting also to know that he was actually fighting… this was a six- alarm fire and he was fighting this fire along with his father. The staircase went down on the second floor, his father was actually on that staircase. His father did survive, but Kody did not. He was on the second floor and when they found him he was nonresponsive. So again, I thank you for the opportunity to share our story about a young man in Christopher. Again, he'll be laid to rest on Friday. And the City of Christopher mourns his death. And I appreciate the opportunity to share this with you and I would request a moment of silence. Thank you."
Speaker Willis: "The Body will take a moment of silence. Representative Severin moves for the adoption of House Resolution 361. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Upon adjournment the Democrats will caucus in Room 114. Attention Members, upon adjournment the Democrats will caucus in Room 114. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 354, offered by Representative Brady. House Resolution 358, offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz. And House Representative… correction, House Resolution 360, offered by Representative Smith." 10100046.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
"Leader Harris moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "House Joint Resolution #72, offered by Representative Harris. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, May 9, 2019, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 14, 2019, or until the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 14, 2019, or until the call of the President."
"Leader Harris moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Representative Thapedi, for what do you wish to be recognized?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just as a matter of an announcement. The Judiciary – Civil Committee, that we will complete our work tomorrow at 8:00 in Room 122B. Thank you."
"Thank you for the announcement. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Harris moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, May 9 at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 10100046.docx 27