"The House will be in order. Members, please be in your chairs. We will be led in prayer today by Reverend Gary Fairchild, the Reverend of Gibson City United Methodist Church in Gibson City, Illinois. Reverend Fairchild is the guest of Representative Bennett. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cells, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Fairchild."
"About 15 years ago, I had this notion that God gave me that we all could be a bit more evangelic… or evangelistic, okay? So, take just a minute, I guarantee you're going to smile. Look around you. Right, left, behind you, and say these three words, God loves you. It is amazing what God does through those three little words and how our hearts feel. Would you pray with me? Good morning, God. Well, with your clock, afternoon. It is with great praise and thankfulness that we gather and we ask once again for your guidance and grace to rest upon each one of us here. Allow us to focus on the tasks that will help move this great State of Illinois forward. And guide us as we seek ways to help our brothers and sisters throughout the world, particularly in the Ukraine. We ask that you would show us ways that will help us make a positive difference for the Ukrainian people. Hold and protect them as they fight to defend their right to be free and live in a democracy. As we once again are drawn into the new and unchartered waters, we openly admit that without your guidance we stand a strong chance of doing more harm than we do good. Help us to stand firm in our faith as we go about the business of doing your business. Bless and keep each 10200086.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 person here, his or her family, all their loved ones, and all the people that they represent. To the one who loves us first and most, may we all be doing things that bring glory and honor to you. It is in your strong and holy name that we dare to take our next step. Continue to bless and keep us, guide and protect us, and help us to make this world a more loving place. Because we believe that as long as we stand firm and fast in you, there is nothing in, above, or below us that can keep us from accomplishing the goodness that you have placed in each one of us. We love you. We thank you. And we praise you. Amen."
"Thank you, Reverend. We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Halpin."
"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."
"God loves all of you. Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Greenwood is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Barbara Hernandez is excused today."
"Leader Welter is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side."
"Mr. Speaker, there are no excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 113 Members 10200086.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3972. Representative Willis, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3833. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3103, Senate Bill 3433, Senate Bill 3482; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 63. Representative Moylan, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3006, Senate Bill 3082, and Senate Bill 3848. Representative Carroll, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3838. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5098, Senate Bill 1016, and Senate Bill 3497. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3178, Senate Bill 3633, Senate Bill 3790, Senate Bill 10200086.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 3905; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 3073. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2963, Senate Bill 3819. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2803. Representative Walker, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3787, Senate Bill 3847, and Senate Bill 3971. Representative Kifowit, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports the following committee action taken on March 15, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1411, Senate Bill 3459. Representative Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3263. Representative Hurley, Chairperson from the Committee on Police & Fire reports the following committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1571. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1405, Senate Bill 1633, Senate Bill 3132, Senate Bill 3156, Senate Bill 3163, Senate Bill 3172, Senate Bill 3490, Senate Bill 3682; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 3470. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following 10200086.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3036, Senate Bill 3083, Senate Bill 3092, Senate Bill 3467, Senate Bill 3737. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3474, Senate Bill 3845, Senate Bill 3902, Senate Bill 3990, Senate Bill 4056; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 615 and House Resolution 681. Representative Mah, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2974, Senate Bill 3011, Senate Bill 3127, Senate Bill 3166, Senate Bill 3198 (sic-3498), Senate Bill 4013, Senate Bill 4016, Senate Bill 4025; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 687. The Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 16, 2022: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5100, Senate Bill 1234, Senate Bill 3007, Senate Bill 3216, Senate Bill 3495, Senate Bill 3609; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 623. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 732, offered by Representative Caulkins, is referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"So, I rise today, I have a young man with me. His name is Jacob Janello. He's from Normal, Illinois. He goes to 10200086.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 Kingsley Junior High. He's a sixth grader, and he's a Page for today. And his father actually grew up in my district, and his grandparents, great-grandparents. And believe or not, he wants to be an attorney when he grows up. But we're thinking after… he just met the Governor. He's been… met several Representatives on both sides of the aisle. And so, he… who knows, we may get him to be a Legislator someday. And I just… I wanted to say this on behalf of Representative Windhorst, he is a Cardinal fan. And so, we appreciate him being here today. Let's give him a big hand. This is Jacob Janello."
"Welcome, Jacob. Go, Cards. Leader Andrade, for what reason do you rise?"
"I move that Representatives Kelly Cassidy, Leader Lisa Hernandez, and Representative Charlie Meier be allowed to participate and cast their vote remotely."
Speaker Hoffman: "Leader Andrade has made a Motion that Representatives Kelly Cassidy, Lisa Hernandez, and Charlie Meier be allowed to participate and cast their vote remotely. This is a roll call vote. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 81 voting 'yes', 19 voting 'no', 7 voting 'present'. And Representatives Cassidy, Hernandez, and Meier will be allowed to vote remotely. Mr. Clerk."
"Is Representative Cassidy present?"
"Cassidy is present." 10200086.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy is present. Is Representative Lisa Hernandez present?" Hernandez, L.: "Hernandez is present."
"Representative Lisa Hernandez is present. Is Representative Meier present?"
"Present."
"Representative Meier is present."
"Leader Welter."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"Members of the General Assembly, I also have down here with me a Page for the day, Christine Eldrenkamp. She's from Lisle, Illinois and is currently a sophomore at Eastern Illinois University. She's majoring in political science. And as I had the opportunity to speak with her down here on the floor, she was explaining to me her interest in international politics and history and what's going on in Ukraine and around the world. She hopes one day maybe to get out of college and work for the U.N. or do something on the international stage. Very interesting that somebody of her age has that kind of interest. If you would please welcome her to her Capitol."
"Welcome. Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise as a point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Today, 88 years ago, March 16, one of Illinois' great Irishman, Donald J. Killian, was born in Bloomington. Donald married Lori Sullivan, who's New Berlin farm now is the 10200086.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 Danenberger Vineyard. Don and Lori raised seven children in Bloomington and in Chicago. Don was a member of the U.S. Navy. He was a pilot in the U.S. Navy, attended the University of Notre Dame, started three businesses in Illinois, and was extremely successful in innovating trust operations at State Farm Insurance, another great Illinois company. Don was a completely unique individual. Frank Sinatra summed him up best with song 'My Way'. Don passed away about eight months ago, but I don’t want this Body to be sad. I want this Body to celebrate a man who lived life to the fullest and lived it well. Don was so unique that when he would attend events he would yell out 'yo' before anyone ever had a chance to clap so that his grandchildren and children would know he was in the audience. He did this a few times at the opera in Chicago, which to the great displeasure of a few conductors. He's done it at many events around the world. So, I wanted to honor my father-in-law, Don Killian, today, a true Irishman born on March 16. We miss him greatly, but if the Body would join me please in a rousting 'yo' at the count of one, two, three, I'm sure his Irish eyes would be smiling down upon us all. So, one, two, three, yo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. Leader Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"It's great having Pages and people in the gallery. I, too, have somebody in the gallery. I have Jack Starkey, Gloria Starkey, and Colleen Yale, also known as Uncle Jack, Aunt Gloria, and Cousin Colleen. So, give them a round of applause. Thank you." 10200086.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022
"Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, if I may."
"Yes, please state your point."
"Thank you. When you came in the gallery today, to all the Members, you found at your desk an invitation to attend what I see as a great opportunity to bring back to your districts to help the young men and women in your schools and in your districts. Lincoln's ChalleNGe is a program that's offered and ran within the Illinois… within the Department of Military Affairs, specifically the Illinois National Guard. It's a program to help youth who are 15 and a half to 18 years old who have dropped out of school looking for a career path that can be a career path back to provide to their communities for their communities. Lincoln's ChalleNGe is a several month program. And when the young men and women complete the six- month program, they are offered a GED or they go back to their local schools and walk across the stage and earn their high school diploma. A good friend of mine, Colonel (retired) Michael Haerr, is the director. He's going to be here tomorrow in Room 118. He's got a presentation, and he'll also have some of the cadets from this year's class to give you an opportunity to talk to them and see what it's like to be a cadet within Lincoln's ChalleNGe. Lincoln's ChalleNGe is located near Rantoul, Illinois in a brand-new complex that was built and opened up just a couple years ago. So, I offer the opportunity that everyone attends this. You're certainly going to learn a lot about what things you can offer to the 10200086.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 young men and women in your… your communities to help your community grow too. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. Representative Costa Howard."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Mr. Speaker, and to this Body, today many of you received a pair of socks. I ask all of you on Monday to acknowledge that it is World Down Syndrome Day. And while we won't all be together on that day, many of you have a pair of socks, or I ask you to rock whatever awesome socks that you have in your drawer, to raise awareness for down syndrome. This is a… one of my constituents brings me these socks every year, and this is a really important day for all of us. These are individuals who deserve that recognition. So, please rock your socks on Monday."
"Speaker Welch in the Chair."
"Members, can we have your attention, please? Turn off your computers. It's good to see everybody. Members of the General Assembly, I am delighted to welcome our first guest to this chamber in more than two years. We really are getting back to normal here in the Illinois House of Representatives. Today I have the distinct pleasure of introducing a friend of mine. And we have the pleasure of hearing from the Honorable Carl Heastie, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly. Speaker Heastie is also the first African American to serve as the Leader of the House chamber in New York. Since he was elected in 2015, Speaker Heastie has led the assembly Democratic Majority efforts to uplift communities and promote a families first agenda that 10200086.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 prioritizes strategic investments in the health, safety, economic and social well-being of New York's families. He is a lifelong advocate for workers' rights and was the principal negotiator in securing an increase in their state's minimum wage. He's a product of public schools and is a vocal advocate for high quality public education for New York students. Members of the Illinois House of Representatives, let's give a warm Illinois welcome to Speaker Heastie."
"Well, I still like to tell people I'm just the shy boy from the Bronx. So, I… one, I want to thank your incredible Speaker for this welcome, this invite. And just to let you all know, I'm going to return the favor. I'm going to invite him to come to Albany, New York 'cause I want to show him off as well. But before I… just wanted to have a little fun with all of you. I asked my staff to put together a New York versus Illinois kind of a… kind of a fact sheet. And I actually learned some things that I didn’t really know. Like I did not know that Illinois has more square mileage than the State of New York. If you look at that map, you actually think that New York is bigger than Illinois. That’s the good news for y'all. Let me give you the bad news for y'all. In sports, my beloved Yankees have a 1,087 versus 853 record against your White Sox. My Yankees have a 20 in 4 record against your Cubs. In all of the championships… 'cause I know y'all are going to tell me Michael Jordan and all that. I'm not even Knicks fan, but y'all going to tell me about Michael Jordan. But in total championships, the City of New York is beating Chicago 62 to 32. Now, that was the bad news, but some more good news. You have the privilege of having elected the first 10200086.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 African American, bald, good-looking Speaker of the House. But really, I really wanted to come here, and this isn’t my first time. I actually have family in Chicago. But it's an honor for me to be the first visitor here in two years. Who thought two years ago what we were going to have to deal with over the following two years? Having to navigate a world which we had not even begun to understand was about to change. And it's still changing because now we have to… as your Speaker said, we're trying to get back to normal. I think it's a new normal because COVID is here to stay. And thankfully, it looks like we're coming out of it. But I do see a lot of similarities between the State of Illinois and the State of New York. Being a big state with a… you know, a huge mecca city, we do have a lot of similarities. So, I just really wanted to just come in, thank all of you for helping to get your state and this country back on track to live in the… in the new normal. And I think that we should continue to do things like this. Y'all get to know a little bit about how New York works, and I'm here to get to know a little bit of more about how Illinois works. But it's really born out of the friendship and the kinship that I have with… with your Speaker. And I would always would say this, and I have relationships on both sides of the aisle. Democrats like me a little more than Republicans, but I still have friends on both sides of the aisle. But the important thing is to always remember, you still have to negotiate with the Senate and you still have to negotiate with the Governor. And I always say, the Speaker of the Assembly, he's not a boss, he's more like a quarterback or the team captain. And the important thing is, you got to 10200086.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 support the captain, you got to do your job. If your job is to be the right tackle, don’t worry about what the quarterback's doing. Do your job. Because if you do your job, it'll allow him to be the best quarterback he can be. And that helps all of you when the Speaker of the Assembly is the best that he can be. So, I just wanted to come and give you greetings from the 19 million people of the greatest state in the nation of New York. And I want to thank you for your Midwestern, lake-oriented hospitality. So, thank you all for having me here. God Bless you. Oh, I just have one more thing. One more thing. One more thing. One more joke I forgot to say. It's some more bad news for y'all. So, the highest point in Illinois is Charles Mound, which is 1,235 feet. And the highest point in New York is Mount Mossy, which is 5,343 feet. So, I was just going to say we are a little closer to God then y'all are. So, no offense. But really, thank you all for your hospitality."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, he didn’t have any statistics on the Cardinals, Jay. We are going to have photos here in the well. The Speaker is happy to take photos with any Members who would like to meet him down to my right in the well. At this time, I will have Speaker Hoffman in the Chair."
"Leader Greenwood, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." 10200086.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022
"I would like to wish my mother a very happy birthday. Today, March 16, is her birthday. And I love you, mommy, and have a great day."
"Happy birthday, Mrs. Greenwood. Happy birthday. Representative Mah."
"I'd like a point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to remind the Body that it was exactly one year ago today that eight women were gunned down and murdered at a spa in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a horrific mass shooting in which six of the victims were Asian American women. Today is a timely opportunity to reflect on the fact that while we know there has been anti-Asian American hate throughout the history of this country, there has been a dramatic increase over the last two years stirred by the racist rhetoric related to the pandemic. A new national study by Stop AAPI Hate found that one in five Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders had experienced a hate incident within the last year. Here in Illinois, examples range from verbal assaults at the botanic garden, to a man beaten with a bat in uptown in Chicago, to the senseless murder of my constituent, Woom Sing Tse, in Chicago's Chinatown. Other cases in the news include the horrific incident in which Michelle Go was pushed onto the subway tracks in New York City. Just this week, we learned of the story of the man who punched and beat a Yonkers woman over the head 125 times after he addressed her using a racial slur. This increase in hate and racism against Asian Americans has affected our communities deeply. But we are also grateful to our colleagues here in Illinois 10200086.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 for standing with us when we passed historic legislation last year, the TEAACH Act, requiring the teaching of Asian American history in our schools. Amidst this darkness, there has been a light of hope that will allow us to fight ignorance and hate with knowledge and understanding and instill a firm sense of equity and belonging with regard to Asian Americans in our state and nation. This evening, the Asian American Caucus, a group of Asian American elected officials across the state, will be holding a virtual vigil with Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, and we ask that you join us. As an Asian American elected officials, we call for an end to these heinous acts against our community and we ask you to stand with us and learn about our efforts to implement the TEAACH Act in schools across the state. Our statewide virtual vigil with Senator Duckworth will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. You can register at asianamericancaucus.org. Thank you for helping us stand against AAPI hate and for helping us ensure that Asian American history is taught to future generations of Illinoisans. I ask for a moment of silence to remember all the victims of Asian American hate crimes."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Stoneback prior to the moment of silence. Representative Stoneback."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to honor the lives lost in the Atlanta shootings that occurred exactly one year ago today. A gunman entered three separate spas killing eight people, including six women of Asian descent. In addition to the reminder of anti-Asian hate, this anniversary is yet another reminder of the deadly intersection between hate and firearms in the people… in the hands of people filled with 10200086.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 hate. Mass shootings by people filled with hate have affected many groups and minorities, such as the African Americans who were shot dead as they prayed during a bible study in Charleston, South Carolina, the Jewish people who were murdered mercilessly in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by a person filled with hate against Jews, and young people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando who were hated because of their sexual orientation. These tragedies remind us that the accessibility to firearms by people filled with hate is far too easy. Last year, this House adopted HR163 to commit to passing meaningful legislation that will prevent people filled with hate from obtaining the means by which to end innocent lives. As Legislators, we cannot stand idly by for the next person who's filled to hate to easily obtain firearms. We are elected by the people of Illinois to debate and pass meaningful legislation in their best interest. When a tragedy occurs, it behooves us to examine the status quo and decide how we can improve State Laws to prevent another tragedy from occurring. When guns are used in the commission of a hate crime, the tragedies are often too lethal. And so, again, I ask all of you, my fellow Legislators, to work together to pass meaningful legislation that will prevent people filled with hate from obtaining the means by which to end innocent lives and protect people from becoming the victims, becoming victims because of their color, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. And in honor of the victims in Atlanta and all hate crimes, I ask for a moment of silence." 10200086.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022
"The House shall observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Leader Butler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And just a point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Today I'd like to thank those of us in the American Irish Legislative Caucus. I know tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. Today is actually Irish Flag Day. And our friend, Fran Hurley, has received a flag that's in the capable hands of Clerk Hollman, the tricolors of Ireland that has flown in the same place that the tricolors first flew in Waterford in 1848. This is a great week for those of us of Irish descent. Tomorrow's a great day, obviously, kind of a national celebration… an international celebration of Irish people. Here in Illinois, I thank the Body for your strong support of our legislation to create Republic of Ireland Day in Illinois, which will be April 18 every year, which is the anniversary of when the nation of Ireland became the nation of Ireland and free from the crown of England in 1949. So, as a grandson of Irish descent, I'm glad Speaker Heastie is still here, even if he's not paying attention. Speaker Heastie, Cook County is the largest Irish county in the United States. So, we've got something up on New York on you when it comes to the Irish people. Thank you, Speaker."
"We move to page 5 of the Calendar. Under the Order of Resolutions appears House Resolution 296, Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I move and urge the House to adopt House Resolution 296. I think you 10200086.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 all recall, recently the cadets that passed from opioid overdose recently. It just shows that there is a serious problem with opioids in our country and in the State of Illinois. A few facts about opioids. Every year, 30 thousand Illinoisans use heroin, 74 thousand have an opioid use disorder, and nearly 400 thousand misuse prescribed opioids. Illinois saw 2,151 opioid-related deaths in the first 3 quarters of 2020, a 36 percent increase from 2019. In 2019, there were a total of 14,592 nonfatal opioid-related overdose across the state prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID- 19 pandemic has generated a surge in heroin and other opioid emergency department visits for overdoses in the State of Illinois. The total economic and social cost of overdose and fatal overdose to the State of Illinois exceeds $41 billion annually, equating to about 600 thousand for every Illinoisan with a opioid use disorder. While only 121 million of the total, less than 0.3 percent is for an overdose treatment. So, I urge for this Body to consider ways to help those struggling with substance use disorders, and we urge the Attorney General to do the best that he can with the settlement that has come to Illinois. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Ford moves for the adoption of House Resolution 296. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. On page 5 of the Calendar appears House Resolution 549, Representative Collins. Representative Collins, please proceed." 10200086.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022
"House Resolution 549 creates a task force on foster youth transitioning out of care to investigate the decline in foster youth living successful lives after transitioning out of care to develop recommendations to DCFS on how to improve the transition for people leaving foster care."
"This requires a recorded roll call vote. Representative Collins moves for the adoption of House Resolution 549. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Yes."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Lisa Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Hernandez votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Hernandez votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. Returning to page 5 of the Calendar, appears House Resolution 636, Representative Ortiz. Out of the record. Leader Greenwood on House Resolution 661. Leader Greenwood."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House… House Resolution 661 is a call for Central Management Services Department to do an 10200086.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 audit of office spaces and usage in state regional buildings throughout our state. I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"Leader Greenwood moves for the adoption of House Resolution 661. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. The Resolution is adopted. I apologize. Representative Ammons."
"Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Thank you."
"Please proceed."
"All right. Let me see if my computer will open back up since I wasn’t paying attention. Maybe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this afternoon for Women's History Month, and it's my great privilege to present to you all Mary McLeod Bethune. Dr. McLeod… Mary McLeod Bethune, the woman we are celebrating today for Woman's History Month, was a black activist who helped lay the foundation for the modern civil rights and feminist movements throughout almost 60 years of public service. In 1875, she was born the 15th of 17 children in the heart of Jim Crow era South Carolina. Despite the anti- black violence that plagued the south for the duration of her life, Bethune quickly became an outspoken advocate for black education, women's education, and the rights of underserved groups in general. Bethune was an extraordinary educator, leader, and philanthropist. Bethune was lucky to receive an uncommonly high level of education, which helped develop her political views, especially during the years she spent at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She began to apply her ideas regarding female uplift, strength, and growth through education to real life leadership in affected communities. 10200086.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 Bethune's most lasting legacy was her work building in advanced education institute targeted at women and black students, the Bethune-Cookman University, which originally as Bethune University and joined Cookman. This institution continues to serve thousands of black students to this day. She also founded the National Council of Negro Women, of which I'm a member, and cofounded the United Negro College Fund. Following the lasting high-profile success she achieved in education, Bethune capitalized on an invitation to the White House to become a nationwide leader for black Americans. She later played a significant role as a policy advisor, working with President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Her many accomplishments included founding Bethune-Cookman University. She also served as an advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt. Bethune often expressed the sentiment that, 'A woman is free if she lives by her own standards and creates her own destiny, if she prizes herself individually and puts no boundaries on her hopes for tomorrow.' She put this into practice. And as a… as a result, today we celebrate her legacy. I'll close with her quote. 'We have fought for America with all of her imperfections, not so much for what she is, but for what she knows she can become.' This year, a statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune will be unveiled in the United States Capitol in the Hall of Statues in Washington, D.C., representing Florida in the National Statuary Hall Collection. And this year, we also have the distinction that the University of Illinois' Black Chorus sang for the honoring and unveiling of Dr. McLeod Bethune's 10200086.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 statue in Florida, and we honor her today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Representative. Leader Greenwood for an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Democrats will caucus immediately at the end."
"In Room 114, I believe. Representative Moeller, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"I have a brief point of personal privilege."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Thank you. Well, it's wonderful to see people back in the gallery, inviting guests from all over our great state. And today I am happy to welcome the students from the University of Illinois Environmental Leadership Program. Welcome to Springfield."
"Members, the Democrats will caucus immediately in Room 114. It's my understanding that the Republicans will not be caucusing. Following caucus, I believe there will be committees. And now, allowing perfunctory time… Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Greenwood moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, March 17, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, 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 5725, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of this House Bill. 10200086.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 86th Legislative Day 3/16/2022 Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 2803, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. This will be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10200086.docx 23