"The House will be in order. Members will be in your chairs. The House will be in order. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, help me to remember that there is little I need to say and a lot I need to hear. Help me to remember that I have a little to teach and a lot to learn. Help me to remember that sometimes the most important thing I can give is simply my presence, and sometimes nothing more is even wanted. Help me to remember that all my education, all my training, all my experience, must always be secondary to my presence. Help me to remember that I must accept and reaccept and reaccept the uniqueness of the individual before me. And Lord, finally, help me to remember that I am not here for me. I am here for others. This we pray, Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Walker."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Greenwood is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10200093.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Thank you… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representatives Barbara Hernandez, Fran Hurley, Joyce Mason, and Debbie Meyers-Martin are excused today."
"Leader Welter is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Mr. Speaker, there are no excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 108 present, Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Leader Durkin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I'd like to recognize my Page for the day who is sitting in my chair. His name is Jack Hull, 15 years old, a sophomore at Lyons Township High School. And his career path is to be a meteorologist. I think that’s fascinating and he's a young man who has his… he has determination and he knows exactly where he needs to go. So, I would like if we could give him and his father, AJ, who's here, a warm Springfield welcome. His father's a 23-year veteran of the Western Springs Police Department, sergeant. Thank you both for joining us."
"Welcome to your home. Representative Swanson, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and if I could just take one minute. I would like to remind everyone of the trip to Lincoln's ChalleNGe on Friday at 12:46 p.m. At 1246 hours today, I must let the National Guard know the flight manifest. 10200093.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 So, everyone has 30 minutes, if they want to go along, to come sign the paperwork with me and we'll get you on the flight to Lincoln's ChalleNGe on CH-47s. Thank you."
"Mr. Speaker Welch in the Chair."
Speaker Welch: "Thank you, Leader. Members of the General Assembly, if I can have your attention, please, for a moment. I am delighted to welcome to the House chamber today the Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago. It is the first time the Counsel General of Bulgaria has ever been invited to the House of Representatives. The Consul General of Bulgaria is currently Mr. Svetoslav Stankov. Consul General Stankov is fairly new to his role. He was appointed in 2021, but has quite an impressive resume. From his base in Chicago, he covers all Midwest states as well as Colorado and Wyoming. Consul General Stankov has a master's in law. He's been responsible for international humanitarian organizations, with a specific focus on refugees as well as administrative and budgetary committees in peacekeeping. I'm eager to hear his message today, and I know many of you are also. Let's give a warm Illinois welcome to the honorable Consul General Stankov. Consul General."
"Thank you. Thank you. Okay, I'll get used to this. Out of precedents today, as Speaker said, but I'll get used to it. Dear Mr. Speaker, dear Leaders, House Members, I believe that thanks to your invitation I have the honor to be the first Bulgarian official to address the Illinois General Assembly. This is indeed a great privilege. I will try to present in brief my country's past and present as well as the achievements of the Bulgarian community in the 10200093.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 State of Illinois. I'm grateful that some of its prominent members are here with us. Dear Members, the Speaker of the House was extremely generous in allowing me to address you for an hour and a half, but I guarantee you that it will not reach the limits of his generosity. Dear Members, Bulgaria is situated in South-East Europe and was established in 681 at the same geographic location where it is now. My country has held proudly the same name for more than 13 centuries, which makes it one of the oldest states in the modern world. In the 9th century, Bulgaria converted to Christianity, and within several decades after that, developed and adopted its own alphabet, the Cyrillic alphabet. Bulgarian was approved for the fourth language for church service, after Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Holy Bible was translated in Bulgarian before this was done in any other modern European languages. Today various forms of the Cyrillic alphabet are used by over 400 million people around the world. Bulgarians are very proud of their contribution to the cultural heritage of the humankind and this represents an extremely important part of their self- determination. Over the centuries, Bulgaria has lived through many ups and downs, from being one of the largest and most powerful states in Europe to losing its sovereignty. During the 14th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered Bulgaria. And for nearly 500 years, my state disappeared from the political map of the world. The ties of Bulgarians with the rest of the European civilization was brutally severed. Despite the harsh assimilation policies and the cruel oppressions, Bulgarians never lost their identity and always preserved the craving for freedom and restoration of their statehood. After five 10200093.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 centuries of armed struggle and uprisings drowned in rivers of blood, at the end of the 19th century, Bulgarian statehood was restored, and in 1908 full independence was declared. At the same time, about half of the Bulgarian people remained living outside the state borders. This problem became a constant obstacle for the development of the newly- restored Bulgarian state and the underlying reason for many subsequent political choices. Moreover, this situation forced many Bulgarians, living outside Bulgaria, to leave their homes in search of safe haven, freedom, and better life. Most of them sought refuge in Bulgaria, but many followed the example of numerous other Europeans who associated the dream for a better life with the emigration to the New World. One of the regions with predominant Bulgarian population, which was left outside the borders of Bulgaria, was Macedonia. Today, with us is Mr. Thomas Lebamoff. Where is he? Thomas? Okay. Okay. Who is a heir of a family of Bulgarian refugees from Macedonia. Tom's grandfather immigrated in America in 1907. He fled the Ottoman terror in Macedonia. Tom's grandfather was known to say, 'Do you think we came to America because the water was cleaner or the mountains more beautiful? No,' he says. 'We came to America for one reason. We came for freedom.' Tom's grandfather settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana and became one of the founders of the oldest non-profit organization of Bulgarians in the United States, the Macedonian Patriotic Organization. Tom's father was a successful businessman who owned and operated the largest chain of retail liquor stores in Indiana and proudly served in the U.S. Army. Tom represents the third generation of proud Americans of Bulgarian descent 10200093.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 who came from the geographic region of Macedonia. A graduate from Purdue University and now managing partner and CEO at Exactus Advisors based in Chicago, Illinois, Tom actively contributes to the preservation of the heritage of the Bulgarian immigrants from Macedonia. Thank you, Tom, for being here with us today. In the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the restored Bulgarian state became the safe haven not only for Bulgarians living outside its borders, but also for others fleeing from oppressions and terror. Most numerous were the Armenian refugees from the Ottoman Empire. Their plight so much… their plight inspired so much compassion and empathy that only one of the greatest Bulgarian poets, Peyo Yavorov, was able to express it in words, in his poem Armenians. The descendants of these refugees are integral part of the modern Bulgarian nation. Many of them held positions of prominence and having contributed greatly to our society. The dream of ending the oppressions over Bulgarians abroad and uniting them in one state was the main factor behind Bulgaria's choices of coalition during the two world wars. These choices were to a large extent predetermined by the previous historic developments and outside influence. Despite the disastrous political decisions and their logical outcomes, however, during the World War II, Bulgaria gave the rest of the world an outstanding lesson in humanity. During the Wannsee Conference in 1942, the Nazis decided to kill all the Jews in Europe, including 48 thousand Jews who were Bulgarian citizens. No one imagined that the small country as Bulgaria, an ally of Germany, would dare to disagree. However, despite 10200093.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 the enormous pressure on Bulgaria, not a single one of the 48 thousand Bulgarian Jews was sent to the death camps. The whole Bulgarian society, the Bulgarian church, and even the ruling pro-German government and its parliamentary majority sided with the Jewish community. In fact, during World War II, despite the hardships and the discriminatory legislation, Bulgaria was the… Bulgaria was the only European country whose Jewish population grew naturally. This fact remains unparalleled. Regretfully, it was impossible to save the Jews who were not Bulgarian citizens in the parts of Greece and ex-Yugoslavia that were under temporary Bulgarian administration. The brave rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II is an enormous source of pride for Bulgarians and an extremely powerful, timeless example how one should stand against anti-Semitism. Today among us is one representative of the Bulgarian Jewish community and a member of the Bulgarian community in Chicago. I'm honored to present to you the renowned scientist from the University of Chicago, Professor Samuel Refetoff. Professor Refetoff is a graduate of McGill University and a professor of medicine, pediatrics, and genetics at the University of Chicago. He is the author of over 570 publications and is the recipient of numerous national and international prizes, three honorary doctorate degrees, and two MERIT awards from the National Institutes of Health, which has funded his research for 49 consecutive years. Professor Samuel Refetoff is famous with the discovery of the resistance to thyroid hormone, also known as Refetoff Syndrome. Today Professor Refetoff is accompanied by his wife, Heather, and I would like to thank them for being with 10200093.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 us here. After World War II, Bulgaria was occupied by the Soviet Union and left behind the Iron Curtain. Once again, Bulgaria was extracted by force from where it belonged, the civilized world. The Soviet Union installed a puppet communist regime in Bulgaria, which started its reign of terror and literally executing or expelling abroad the most educated, knowledgeable, and prosperous Bulgarians, as well as anybody who simply disagreed. Like all other Bulgarian citizens who practiced their religion, practicing Bulgarian Muslims became a target for the communist regime. Many of them were forced to flee or seek better life abroad for themselves and their loved ones. Today one of these former political refugees is among us. Let me introduce to you Mr. Shefket Chapadjiev. Practicing his religion became the reason why the communist government did not allow him to progress, and thus, forced him to flee from Bulgaria in 1963. Mr. Chapadjiev, or as everyone calls him, 'Chap', arrived in New York in 1964. From New York, he traveled by train to Chicago, the city where he began to pursuit of his American Dream. His first job as a delivery guy of promotional materials for Crisco Oil earned him $1.20 per hour. His first check was worth $37.50. But Chicago and America have made a Crisco Oil delivery guy the owner of one of Illinois' largest binderies, Continental Bindery Corporation, producing more than 40 million brochures and magazines a day. Mr. Chapadjiev's company works with some of the largest American corporations, such as Ford, GM, Macy's, and many others. Mr. Chapadjiev's financial success did not make him forget his old homeland, Bulgaria. In fact, he has become a modern symbol of Bulgarian 10200093.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 patriotism. Chap is one of the biggest donors of the Bulgarian community in Chicago and his generosity stretches back to people in Bulgaria as well. He has received many state awards for his charity work. During all these years, Chap's main credo was to do everything in his power for the good name of Bulgaria and the well-being of the Bulgarian community in Chicago. Thank you, Mr. Chapadjiev, for being here today. Thank you. Among us is another representative of the Bulgarian community in Chicago, who also fled from the communist regime to realize his dreams in the New World. Here with us today is Mr. Fil Filipov. Mr. Filipov was born in 1946 in Bulgaria and escaped communism in 1964. He met Shefket Chapadzhiev at the political refugee camp in Greece and this gave the beginning of a lifelong friendship. After Mr. Chapadzhiev left the camp, Mr. Filipov took his bed. A year later, in 1965, he came to the United States and started his career in 1966 as an hourly shop floor employee, working for International Harvester Company in Chicago. Mr. Filipov was later president and CEO of Terex Cranes and still owns companies in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria, focusing on Atlas, a German manufacturer of construction equipment. Mr. Filipov is one of the most successful Bulgarian businessmen internationally. He is also known for his generosity towards the Bulgarian community in Chicago. Fil is the author of the book Filosophies: A Bulgarian Refugee's Autobiography and Provocative Approach to Business Success. I got this book. It's good. Today Mr. Filipov is here with his spouse, Veronique. Thank you both for being here with us today. Dear Members, Communism held Bulgaria captive until the fall of 10200093.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 the Berlin Wall when the multi-party political system was restored. Since then, many positive developments took place in Bulgaria. Now my country is where it belongs, in the Euro- Atlantic community of the shared values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Today Bulgaria is a strong member of NATO and the European Union and has developed a strategic alliance with the United States. The long history of Bulgaria has taught us to cherish freedom, to defend our identity and right of self-determination, to stay resilient in the face of trouble, and to recognize and respect the moral integrity when demonstrated by others. Today, once again, Bulgaria reaches out to people in need. This time, our brothers and sisters from Ukraine. The Bulgarian government, community leaders, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs have united to provide shelter for those who flee the Russian aggression. Already about 100 thousand refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Bulgaria and more than half of them have remained in the country. Bulgaria, together with the rest of the western world, actively supports the efforts of Ukraine to preserve its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Back to America and the great State of Illinois. According to unofficial data, several hundred thousand Americans with Bulgarian descent currently live within the limits of Illinois, mainly in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The Bulgarian community is an integral part of the state's social, economic, and cultural life. The community brings fresh energy to the State of Illinois, contributes to its prosperity, and serves as one of its living bridges across the Atlantic, towards Europe. However, the 10200093.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Bulgarian community still needs to fully integrate in the political life of the State of Illinois. The members of the Bulgarian community often share that it is necessary to improve its visibility and representation. Over 75 percent of community members do not register for elections. But they are determined to change this, and I use the opportunity to kindly ask you to assist the Bulgarian community with attention, information, and guidance that will ensure that its voice are heard. The Bulgarian Americans, along with every other communities in the State of Illinois, merit equitable involvement and representation in the political life of the state. Dear Speaker, dear Members of the House, being in the State Capitol, I would like to quote one of the most beloved U.S. presidents, Abraham Lincoln, whose political career started in this House. Lincoln liked to say, 'I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me, and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.' Dear Members, you are a success today because you met a friend in the face of the Bulgarian community. Your friend believes in you, and I hope you never let him down. I am convinced that together this House and Bulgarian Americans in Illinois can make this state the greatest state in the United States of America. I do thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you."
"Thank you, honorable Consul General. Can we give him another round of applause, please? Another sign that Bulgaria is welcome in the great State of Illinois, today the Chicago Cubs signed the first Bulgarian ever to a professional contract. The honorable Consul General will be happy to take photos with Members in the well to my right. If we would line 10200093.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 up here, he will graciously take photos with each Member. Thank you all so much. Leader Andrade is back in the Chair."
"Leader… Leader Greenwood is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the following Representatives, Representative Cuellar, Cassidy, Zalewski, and Meier, be allowed to participate and cast their vote remotely."
Speaker Andrade: "Leader Greenwood has made a Motion that Representatives Guerrero-Cuellar, Representative Cassidy, Representative Zalewski, Representative Meier be allowed to participate and cast their vote remotely. This is a roll call vote. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Motion, there are 77 voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no', and 3 voting 'present'. And the Motion is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Is Representative Cassidy present?"
"Cassidy is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy is present. Is Representative Guerrero-Cuellar present? Is Representative Meier present?"
"Present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Meier is present. Is Representative Zalewski present?"
"Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Report. Representative Harris, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on March 29, 2022: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to 10200093.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Senate Bill 2942; recommends be adopted, referred to the Order of Resolutions is House Resolution 762; and approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 3215. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 763, offered by Representative Mason; House Resolution 771, offered by Representative Didech; and House Resolution 773, offered by Representative Moeller, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Hollman: "Is Representative Guerrero-Cuellar present? Sorry, Representative, could you say that again?"
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar is present."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar is present."
"On page 16 of the Calendar, under the Order of Agreed Resolutions, we have House Resolution 752, offered by Speaker Welch, presented by Representative Katie Stuart. Representative Stuart is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. And thank you, Members of the House. This is quite an honor for me, so thank you to Speaker Welch for choosing me for this. You've kind of asked an old math teacher to give a little bit of a history lesson. So, I hope I do justice to this. I first want to point out that we are joined here in the chamber by members of the Illinois State Police. We have our Director Brendan Kelly, who hails proudly from the Metro East region down by me. But importantly, we are joined by retired Captain Donald Norton, who I've been told it's okay to tell the chamber is 91 years young, and we would like to say welcome. So, we are here recognizing, as you can see on the board, the hundredth anniversary, the centennial anniversary, of the Illinois State Police. So, as 10200093.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 I said, I'm just going to try to do a brief history of this esteemed group. The Illinois State Highway Police began serving the people of Illinois under the direction of superintendent John Stack, as part of the Department of Public Works and Buildings on April 1, 1922. The Illinois State Highway Police was combined with the Illinois State Highway Maintenance Police in 1924. And then the Illinois State Police was transferred into the newly created Department of Public Safety in 1941. At that time, appointments were changed from a political patronage system and placed under the auspices of the State Police Merit Board. On September 12 of 1942, Governor Dwight Green christened a mobile crime laboratory, which was something initiated by Director T.P. Sullivan of the Department of Public Safety. That crime laboratory is… is really the continuing effort of the Illinois State Police to be modernized in dealing with the police work that they do, contained microscopes, other supplies, an X-ray unit, things for finger printing and polygraphs, and lots of other crime analysis tools. In 1950, Governor Adlai Stevenson II created an investigative arm of the Illinois State Police. This unit became known as the Criminal Investigation Bureau in 1976. Governor William Stratton created the Division of Narcotic Control, or DNC, in 1958. Governor Richard Ogilvie merged the division of narcotics control into a newly created Illinois Bureau of Investigation, or IBI, in 1969. The Illinois State Police was moved into the newly created Department of Law Enforcement in 1970. Still undergoing changes in 1977, Governor James Thompson combined the Criminal Investigative Bureau and the Illinois Bureau of Investigation into the 10200093.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Division of Criminal Investigation, and that system lasted until the mid-1990s, when they were merged into the Division of Operations. Continuing the modernization of police work, the statewide 9-1-1 responsibility was moved to the Illinois State Police in 2015, and the Illinois State Police is currently implementing the next generation 9-1-1 service. Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2019-12 in 2019, which reestablished the division of Criminal Investigation, the Division of Patrol, and the Division of the Academy and Training. Talking about the Academy, I do want to point out, the current facility of the Illinois State Police Academy opened in 1968. It has trained more than 7 thousand cadets. From its humble beginnings, the Illinois State Police has grown into 21 patrol districts, 8 investigative zones, 6 operational forensic science laboratories, 5 regional crime scene service commands today. And as of 2021, more than 70 troopers of the Illinois State Police have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in service to the state and its citizens. The mission of the Illinois State Police is to promote public safety with integrity, service, and pride to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the State of Illinois. And I don’t think we can doubt that they do that well. The Illinois State Police, as I said, is currently helmed by Director Brendan Kelly. And we want to recognize the Illinois State Police on their 100th anniversary and commend the Illinois State Police for the high standards they have always maintained through numerous administrations and departments and changes and for the Illinois State Police's preeminence in law enforcement in the nation and the forward- 10200093.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 looking objectives it has for the future. Most importantly on this day, Members of this Body want to thank the officers and staff of the Illinois State Police for their service and we wish the Illinois State Police another hundred years and more of continued success. Thank you."
"Leader Durkin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you very much. I, too, rise in support of the Illinois State Police and thank them for the hundred years of service that they have given to the residents of Illinois. And Director Kelly, thank you for following in the same tradition as your predecessors, who all served with honor and integrity. Thank you for your service. Just remember, folks, the Illinois State Police also serves with unflinching, unflinching courage to protect this institution and all of its members. Day in, day out, remember that. I want to look at one section. I just want to make sure that we understand. I want to bring it home. On page 5 of the Resolution, it says, 'The mission of the Illinois State Police is to promote public safety with integrity, service, and pride to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the State of Illinois. The ISP was created to be a group of men and women above reproach who perform their duties thoroughly, properly, and truthfully, which is culminated into a century of faith from the citizens and visitors of Illinois.' There can be no more profound statement that speaks of the men and women who wear that badge every day. Thank you. Now… I also want to just make sure that we are all aware that they are men and women, 10200093.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 they have spouses, they have families. And every day they leave for work, it's not sure of whether or not they will return home. And we have to remember that they put their lives on the line every day for us, whether it's going after… apprehending a criminal suspect, issues on the highways. There's all sorts of problems and really difficult circumstances that they deal with. And unfortunately, over the career of the Illinois State Police, they've lost 67 troopers. Sixty-seven troopers. The first two lost their lives, one was in an automobile crash. The second one was in gunfire, serving the people of Illinois. But sadly, the last two troopers who lost their lives in duty was through an act of suicide. These are real men and real women who are here to protect us. Let's remember that in our duties here as Members of the Legislature. Let's make sure that we prove ourselves honorable and worthy of their protection. Let's make sure that we do that through our votes. Whenever we think that we have to make changes regarding their mission, remember they are men and women, they have families, and they have children. Please think about that. Thank you very much for joining us today. And Director Kelly, thank you for your service, and all the men and women who are with you right now. Thank you."
"Leader Hammond is recognized. Leader Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Resolution. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would just like to offer my thanks to all of you for the service that you give to us, to our families, and the safety of all of our communities across the state. And on behalf of myself and many of my colleagues, we will always have your back. Thank you." 10200093.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Representative Conroy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I also would like to speak to the Resolution and make a personal thank you to Director Kelly, the investigators of the state police who kept myself, my staff, and possibly many of my colleagues safe in the last couple of months. I am forever grateful to you for the professionalism, for your sacrifice. Thank you."
"Leader Brady is recognized."
"To the Resolution, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and all of our honored guests in the gallery. In my previous position as county coroner, I served and worked with the Illinois State Police in a variety of capacities. In particular, forensic services with the road troopers and the investigation side of the bureau. I just want to say thank you to the men and women of the Illinois State Police. Continue the honorable, distinguished service and the pride that you exhibit for the State of Illinois and its citizens every day and know that we thank you for your service. God bless you all."
"Representative Stuart moves for the adoption of House Resolution 752. 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. Thank you, Members. Leader Greenwood is recognized."
"Mr. Speaker, the Democrats will request a caucus meeting immediately in Room 114. Thank you." 10200093.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Leader Batinick is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair. Do you have any idea how long the caucus is going to be? I've waited four years to ask that question."
"We're just adding time to the caucus. Leader Batinick, it'll be about an hour. Democrats will caucus immediately in Room 114. The House will stand at ease. The House will stand in recess to the call of the Chair."
"The House shall be in order. The House shall be in order. Leader Evans in the Chair. The Chair recognizes Leader Flowers. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Today I have a special guest. His name is Gabe Woolsey. He is a senior at Sesser-Valier High School, a small school with an enrollment of around 200 people. Sesser-Valier High School is known locally for their performance of extracurricular activities. This past football season, they won a home playoff game and they made it to the second round. Gabe is currently enrolled in an advanced placement government program, and he's doing well in that class. He has maintained an A average for all quarters. Gabe won the school's mock election, where he was elected president and he organized his own party. Gabe is also a member of the Illinois YMCA Youth and Government program and is currently a legislator and a committee chair in that particular program. And I'm proud to say that Gabe's parents are with him today. They're in the gallery. Bryan and Lacy are in the gallery. Would you please give them a hand? So, Gabe has been patiently waiting on us all day. So, he will be… he and I will be coming 10200093.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 around. I will be with him, and we're going to get signatures for his book. So, please be patient and make sure you sign Gabe's book. Thank you very much."
Speaker Evans: "Thank you, and welcome to the Capitol. Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"I'd like to say also that, Representative Flowers, your Page for the day actually is from my district, Sesser-Valier. So, we're glad to have… we're double dipping across the aisle. Appreciate it. Good seeing you, Mr. Woolsey. Sesser-Valier Red Devil right there. But I want to introduce to you my Page for the day. He's the infamous John Showalter. He's soon to be 10 years old. He goes to Dahlgren Grade School. He's in fourth grade. And he's yet to be stumped on the Presidents of the United States, from the time we became a country to current. He's been on television for the last three years as a second, third, and fourth grader, live on President's Day, and they've yet to stump him. And we've tried to stump him today and no one's got him yet. And I know this will be a surprise to you, but his goal is to be a President someday. And he's from Dahlgren Grade School. His mom and dad, Gary and Jodi Showalter, are up in the gallery. So, we welcome them. And he's… also, this will be of no surprise to you, he also likes to help in the library. And he also participates in choir. This is Johnathan Showalter, maybe your next President." 10200093.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Welcome to the Capitol. Leader Andrade, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to introduce my guest, Alissa Malagon, who is here with us today paging. Ali is 11 years old and a straight-A, sixth grade student at CICS Irving Park Chicago International Charter School in Irving Park. Outside of working hard in school, she enjoys baking cookies, attending her hip-hop classes once a week. She's also my number one volunteer helping with neighborhood cleanups. And she's also my fastest scooper when we do snow cones. She's a huge fan of aerial dance as well, which combines athleticism and creative expression while providing a full-body workout for mind and soul. Ali is visiting the Capitol today with her mother, Elvira Reyes-Malagon, who serves as my chief of staff. Can you stand up so they can see you? She's a little shy but… from my district office. Please join me in giving Ali a warm House welcome."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Mr. Clerk."
"Is Representative Zalewski present?"
"Z… Z's present."
"Representative Zalewski is present."
"Representative Stephens, for what reason do you seek recognition? Please speak your point, Sir."
"I have a special guest with me today. It's my son, Joseph. He is a nine-year-old third grader from Rosemont Elementary School. He plays piano. He's quite the geography 10200093.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 nerd, as he calls himself. And please give him a warm welcome."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Marron, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I think it's important, on a day when we recognize the 100th anniversary of the Illinois State Police, we also acknowledge in the news this morning there was another very unfortunate incident of attack on police officers. An officer was wounded and another officer was pinned by a car. Just the latest in a rash of attacks on our men and women wearing the badge. I wanted to thank a lot of you because I brought some guests yesterday from Champaign County and they were spouses of law enforcement officers. And we had some really great conversations with people. And those individuals are committed to coming back and telling their story to a lot of you. We ran out of time yesterday because we had so many good conversations, but they want to have more of those conversations and talk about what it's like, the experiences they feel as a spouse of a law enforcement officer. And I think sometimes when we're making these decisions, we lose sight of that. That are men and women that wear the badge, despite everything else, they're… they're fathers, they're mothers, they're husbands, they're wives, they're sons and daughters, and there's a whole 'nother group of people behind them that bear a lot of the burden that we don’t see. And so, I think that that's a very compelling story that a lot of us need to hear. And it's a process about building understanding, 10200093.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 not only of their situation but of other people that have a different perspective. And so, I appreciate everybody that took the time to visit with us yesterday and I hope to have more of those conversations in the future. And I think it's incumbent upon all of us as we make these decisions to remember that family, that group of support that support our men and women in uniform and keep them in mind when we make these decisions. And we have to do something to stop this rash of violence against the men and women that wear the badge because one more name on a police memorial is one name too many. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Hirschauer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also just wanted to introduce my two Pages for the day. This is my daughter, Maggie Hirschauer, who is 13 and in seventh grade at Rotolo Middle School. And her assistant Page, Teddy Hirschauer, who is seven and in first grade at J.B. Nelson in Batavia. Oh, he's six. I aged him up. Sorry about that. On the record, he's six. We just really appreciate having them here because we missed out on some fun during inauguration at the BOS Center. So, they appreciate everyone's kindness and they're having a great time in Springfield. So, thanks for having us."
"Representative Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege." 10200093.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Please speak your point."
"I'd like to direct your attention up to the gallery, and I'd like to introduce a dear friend, Irene Kawanabe. She's here from NCSL. And I call her a dear friend because we traveled together to Japan for about two weeks. And you know, any time you travel across the world with someone, they become a dear friend. But she is here today in her capacity as NCSL's liaison to the Illinois General Assembly, and she'll be here through tomorrow morning. So, if you have anything… any questions you want to ask about NCSL, the National Caucus of State Legislators, she's here to answer those questions and encourage you to attend the national conference. Thank you so much. Give her a warm welcome.
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Morrison, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, have a Page for the day today. Actually, today and tomorrow. This is my son, Alex. He's our fourth, and he's five years old. Please give him a warm Springfield welcome."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Ozinga, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Today I just wanted to invite my four daughters here to the House Floor, Ava, Aria, Zoe, and Elle. And Aria, right here, is celebrating her tenth birthday today. So, if we can give her a big happy birthday and round of applause."
"Welcome to the Capitol, ladies. Representative Swanson is recognized." 10200093.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Speak your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'm honored and humbled to talk about a special day today is, Vietnam veterans. Tuesday, March 29, 2022, like communities around the U.S., we pay tribute to Vietnam veterans and their families on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The U.S. involvement in Vietnam started slowly, with an initial deployment of advisors in the early 1950s, grew incrementally through the early 1960s, and expanded with the deployment of full combat units in July 1965. The last U.S. personnel were evacuated from Vietnam in April 1975. The Vietnam War was the second longest war in the United States history, after the war in Afghanistan. And it was the first war brought to us live on our colored TVs in our living rooms across America. Approximately 9 million Americans served during the Vietnam era, from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975. More than 6 million are still alive today. We will always remember those we lost, the over 1500 missing or unaccounted for, and honor those who came home. Everyone who served should know their sacrifices matter and they made a difference. Always remember, never forget. Promises and commitments to the people in government of South Vietnam to keep communist forces from overtaking them reached back into the Truman administration. Eisenhour placed military advisors and CIA operatives in Vietnam. And John F. Kennedy sent American soldiers to Vietnam. Lyndon Johnson ordered the first real combat by American troops. And Richard Nixon concluded the war. The average age of the American soldier in Vietnam was 19. President Nixon signed a cease 10200093.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 fire in January 1973 that formerly ended the hostilities. In 1974… 5, excuse me. In 1975, communist forces from the north overran the south and unified the nation. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, signed by President Trump, established 29 March as the day to pause and commemorate, remember, recognize, and honor Vietnam veterans, former prisoners of war, those listed as missing in action, and their families. March 29 was chosen for several reasons. It was on this date, 49 years ago, that the last combat troops departed Vietnam. It was also on this day, nearly a half century ago, that Hanoi freed the remaining prisoners of war the Republic of Vietnam was willing to acknowledge. Common terms used when discussing Vietnam timelines and events many Vietnam veterans can relate to. I include these so you can have a conversation point or piece when discussing the Vietnam War. Ho Chi Minh Trail. The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a military supply route running from North Vietnam through Laos in Cambodia to South Vietnam. It was used to transport weapons, man power, ammunition, and other supplies from communist-led North Vietnam to their supporters in South Vietnam. The Tet Offensive. The Tet Offensive was a coordinated series of North Vietnamese attacks on more than 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam. The offensive derives its name from the Vietnamese New Year holiday, during which the attacks occurred beginning in the early hours of 31 January 1968 by 85 thousand troops. Hoa Lo Prison, or Hanoi Hilton, was used by North Vietnamese Army to house, torture, and interrogate captured servicemen, mostly American pilots shot down during bombing raids. Senator John McCain and Admiral James 10200093.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Stockdale were imprisoned. Fire support base, or fire base, was a temporary military encampment to provide artillery fire support to infantry operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support. Agent Orange, a herbicide and defoliant chemical, one of the tactical-use rainbow herbicides. It is widely known for its use by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during Vietnam War. We have some members in the House, I'd like them to begin moving forward so we can recognize you. As they're moving forward, I would like to just take a moment to recognize my neighbor, Sergeant Michael Leif. He was a member of 3rd Platoon, C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 1ST Cav., Lynn Center, Illinois. He was born February 7, 1949. He was a KIA due to small arms fire on December 7, 1969. Today we are honored to recognize our own Vietnam War veterans, or those who served during the Vietnam War eras, and they are Members of our House. I'm going to start off first with Specialist 5 Mark Walker. And Specialist is a unique rank that was used in the military years ago, no longer used. Today he'd be considered a Sergeant E-5. Specialist Walker served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. He was regular Army. He was not drafted, but instead he enlisted and volunteered to go to Vietnam. He attended basic combat training and advance individual training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He also attended some specialized training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma before his deployment to Vietnam. His duty station was in the Central Highlands, Vietnam, where he was assigned to MAC-V. MAC-V stands for Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. His duties were to assist the local leaders, general population, receive 10200093.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 food for locals, and train the local security forces for self- protection. When I asked him something special about his memories, his response was, 'I would often think to myself, here I am a 20-year-old kid, sent to train the Vietnam locals as if they could learn from me.' Thank you, Specialist 5 Walker. Dr. Paul C. Jacobs, who in his military days was Petty Officer Third Class. His military duty assignment during Vietnam, he actually served on the Caribbean fleet training Marines in helicopter assault aboard the USS Boxer from 1966 to 1967. His total service was from 1965 to 1971. That’s what he did. His military duty was actually to transfer and discharge personnel man, and then also a flight deck foam operator. When I asked him about his special memory, he said, 'While serving on the USS Bockscar, which was a WWII aircraft carrier with a wooden flight deck, almost sunk after receiving major damage from a hurricane north of Cuba, streaming to South Boston Ship Yards Navy Base.' He calls that a humorous memory. He also talked about being near the equator most of the year and heading to Boston in the middle of January in a ship with no air or heat made perfect sense. He said we quickly forgot our minor discomfort when we thought about where the Marines we previously trained were being sent to. Let's go back to that funny moment. That funny moment when he was on that ship heading to the Boston Navy… Naval Yards. Boston… because of that trip, Boston is where he met his wife, Rhoda, and they've been together since. He said she's put up with him for over 53 years. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs. Welcome home. Major Dan Caulkins is one of those who we often run into when we're talking with veterans. I didn’t go to Vietnam, 10200093.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 but I served during that time. Well, that's Major Caulkins. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 509th Airborne, 8th Infantry Division, Mainz, Germany from 1967 to 1969. Major Caulkins did not go to Vietnam, instead he was sent to Germany. His mission in Germany was to defend Europe. The Fulda Gap was considered a strategic high-speed avenue of approach from communist aggression. His, too, was a real-world mission, similar to what we have in Korea and national defense, and what we saw in Vietnam. Willing to give their life in defense of this great nation. Major Caulkins expressed mixed feelings on training for war, but not sent to Vietnam. Some would say there is no rhyme or reason on who went to Vietnam and who went someplace else. Additionally, a memory he shared was he was loaded on a C-130 aircraft with all his gear, ready to go to Libya to secure the airfield in the Six-Day War and going through Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany was another special memory. Welcome home, Major Caulkins, and thank you for your service. American soldiers returning home from Vietnam often face scorn as the war they had fought in became increasingly unpopular. The men and women who returned from Vietnam were not given a ticker-tape parade. There was no big celebration. They were often spit on, called baby killers, and blamed for the unpopular war. Within days of leaving the battlefield, many warriors came home, put on their civilian clothes to once again blend in with society. So today, like every day, when you encounter a person wearing a Vietnam hat, address them by saying, 'Welcome home. Thank you for your service.' Thank you."
"Representative Kifowit is recognized." 10200093.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to commend my fellow veteran, Swanson, for his marvelous remarks today. I also would like to highlight my good friend Marine Corp veteran Vicky Cobert, who… during that time women veterans served, they served as nurses, they served as support staff, and… and my friend Vicky was actually, if you can imagine the computers of 1970 to 1973 when she served, she kept the support system going forward in her service to the war. I am just honored and blessed to call many Vietnam veterans my friends, and it is a remarkable group of veterans that did so much for the veterans of my generation. And I just want to publicly thank them from the Vietnam Era GI Bill to Operation Welcome Home so that no veteran would get the treatment that they got when they came home. And I just… the amount of effort that our Vietnam veteran generation did for the generations after them is… is almost without words. It's so amazing the efforts that they have done for the veteran community. So, I am honored. We have a Resolution honoring Vietnam Veteran Day in the House. And I think that Veteran Swanson and myself are at awe of the Vietnam veterans and definitely they deserve the welcome home that they never got. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Frese, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members and guests. Please indulge me as I read a short passage taken from a letter sent home by a Vietnam soldier, Major Michael O'Donnell. Major O'Donnell, shortly after having written the letter home, died in action in March of 1970 in Vietnam. He wrote, 'If you are able, save for them a place inside you and save one backward glance when 10200093.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you love them. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.' So, today I pause to take a backward glance for my brother, Corporal Michael Albert Frese, United States Army, killed in action May 28, 1970, age 20 years, 3 months. A member of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, ground casualty, Cambodia, Binh Duong Province. Gone but not forgotten, with love from your grateful brother and a grateful nation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Evans: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Caulkins is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Sometimes in our life, we have a defining moment. Something that we never forget. I had a very good friend, a young man that I went all through school with. We wrestled together for four years. He joined the Marine Corp, and I joined the Army. I rise today to recognize John Russell Smith, Lance Corporal, 4th Marines, third Marine killed in action October 5, 1966. Johnny was born May 19, 1947. I was on active duty when the word of his death arrived. We don’t forget him. Class of '65 will always remember John Russell Smith for the sacrifice he made to this country. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Mazzochi, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10200093.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you very much. Today, as we commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, I would like to give a shoutout to one lifelong Illinois resident. Originally, he was going to be a dentist. By 1967, he was in Vietnam. He served in an Army Air Force base in Phu Loi, Darkhorse Base, positioned just south (sic north) of Saigon. Initially trained for helicopter mechanics, his superior officer quickly moved him out of that and into operations. The military phrase, 'Amateurs taught tactics and professionals study logistics', applied to the work at Phu Loi. He and two other friends, Verney and Kosa, were routing helicopter missions 24 hours a day, day after day after day. Some days Cobras, other days Chinooks, but all to ensure that those in the field had food, water, ammunition, support. One memorable mission had a full crew in the helicopter's cabin above, towing by air a howitzer, ammunition, and mission supplies below. Enemy guns were shooting and our soldiers were firing moments after the metal cargo plate touched the ground. Thankfully, he and his helicopter crew made it back to base unscathed for that incident all through the Tet Offensive and for many other missions thereafter. Like many men of his generation who served with honor only to return to a nation where so-called elites served up nothing but contempt, he didn’t complain, he didn’t explain. He just got on with building a new life, grateful that he had one to look forward to, while so many good men he served with did not. I'm very grateful he was able to come home to Illinois to build that life. I would not 10200093.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 be here without it. And I am so sad for all the people who didn’t get to live, because others did not survive. But I would like to say to U.S Army Specialist 4th Class James L. Mazzochi, thank you for your service. We love you, dad. Welcome home."
"On page 21 of the Calendar, on the Order of Resolutions, we have Senate Joint Resolution 28, offered by Representative Moeller. Representative Moeller is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Apropos to today's ceremony honoring our veterans, I have the distinct pleasure of presenting Senate Joint Resolution 28, a Resolution designating the entire portion of U.S. Highway 20 as the 'Illinois Medal of Honor Highway'. The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest award for valor and is presented to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States for acting with conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of one's life during combat with an enemy of the United States. President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation into law in 1962 (sic 1862) creating the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is widely respected by the military and public alike. And 108 Medal of Honor recipients were born in Illinois, 209 recipients entered service from Illinois, and 110 recipients were laid to rest in Illinois. The Medal of Honor recipients with connections to Illinois served during 11 wars, from the Civil War to the Vietnam War, over a period of 114 years. And 2 Medal of Honor recipients who were born in or who entered service from Illinois received their Medal of Honor awards for valor in Vietnam and are included in the 10200093.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 71 recipients of all wars living in our nation today. The nonprofit Bend Heroes Foundation and the Oregon Legislature created a law designating all 451 miles of the border-to- border U.S. Highway 20 in Oregon as the Oregon Medal of Honor Highway. A first in our nation to honor all of a state's Medal of Honor recipients. And the Oregon law envisioned that a first ever national Medal of Honor Highway would be created on the 3,365-mile U.S. Highway 20, the longest highway in the United States, if all 11 states east of Oregon and through which U.S. Highway 20 traverses designated it's border to border Medal of Honor Highways in their states. With this passage of this Resolution, Illinois dedicates a 234-mile border to border Illinois Medal of Honor Highway on U.S. 20 to honor current and future Medal of Honor recipients from Illinois and to facilitate that 3,365-mile national Medal of Honor Highway across America. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I have the distinct pleasure to… to recognize and introduce a special guest with me today in the gallery, in the Speaker's gallery, a representative of the Illinois Veterans' Advisory Council, where this Resolution was drafted. Retired Major David Zabinski, who serves as… who is a Vietnam veteran and served in the Vietnam War and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Major Zabinski served in both the Marine Corp and Army for over 25 years. I ask that this Body support this Resolution and honor all veterans, including Major Zabinski. Thank you for being here with us today in Springfield, Major Zabinski."
"Representative Kifowit, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10200093.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Resolution. I want to just express my appreciation to Representative Moeller for bringing this forward as U.S. Route 20 runs through her district. I think that Illinois joins our neighboring states in honoring our Medal of Honor recipients, that two of which is Sergeant Allen Lynch and Lieutenant Colonel Fritz that are… call Illinois home. And now, any time that they drive on U.S. Route 20, they know that Illinois appreciates their veterans wholeheartedly and that we do all that we can for the veterans in the State of Illinois. I also want to welcome home our guests on Vietnam Veteran Day. And, Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members of the House be added to this Resolution. Thank you, Sir."
"Thank you, Representative. All Members will be added to the Resolution. Representative Moeller moves for the adopt… Representative Moeller, do you seek recognition again?"
"Well, I just wanted to thank the Body. Thank you, Representative Kifowit. Thank you, Major Zabinski, for your service in Vietnam. And I, too, would request that all Members be added to the Resolution. Thank you very much."
"Thank you, Representative. Again, all Members will be added. Representative Moeller moves for the adoption of House Resolution… excuse me… Senate Joint Resolution 28. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'. Sorry. Cassidy votes 'yes'." 10200093.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 'ayes', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. Members, please be aware that we're moving to Senate Bills on Third Reading. On page 4 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 153, Representative Didech. Out of the record. Continue down the Calendar on page 4, we have Senate Bill 645, Leader Hoffman. Out of the record. Continuing on page 4 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1097, Representative Moeller. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1097, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Moeller is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1097, it pertains to regulation of mobile home communities and provides a couple different provisions. It increases… it requires the owners of 10200093.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 manufactured home communities to state clearly the expected estimated rent when rent is calculated using a formula. It prohibits owners from assessing a pet fee, a pet maintenance fee, unless there are pet services that are provided by the mobile home community. And it also includes information to owner… to those who purchase or lease land in a manufactured home community, information that states that they are entitled to a trial by jury. I know of no opposition. This is the original Bill that came over from the Senate. There had originally been an Amendment contemplated for the House, but that was not included. And happy to answer any questions and would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1097 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Yes."
"Representative Zalewski votes 'yes'."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. 10200093.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 4 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1099, Representative Tarver. Representative Tarver. Out of the record. Continuing down page 4 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1233, Representative Kelly. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1233, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kelly is recognized."
"Senate Bill… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1233 creates the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding and Policy to examine and recommend alternative funding mechanisms for transportation projects and operations in Illinois. The commission would evaluate Illinois' existing transportation infrastructure, funding mechanism, and policies and develop alternative solutions. The commission will direct IDOT to enter into contract with a third party to assist the commission in producing a report that outlines formal recognitions… recommendations that the General Assembly can review. The commission will be dissolved and the Act will be repealed on February 1 of 2023. This Bill passed unanimously out of the Senate, passed unanimously out of committee. And I encourage a 'yes' vote."
"Is there any discussion? We have Leader Batinick for discussion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10200093.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"He indicates that he will."
"Hey, Representative. A quick question for you. What's the difference between a task force, a commission, and a blue- ribbon commission?"
"A blue-ribbon commission is more important."
"And how does that differ from a task force? In all honesty, usually we see these set up as task forces. What's the difference between a commission and a task force?"
"I think it's the same thing. I honestly don’t know, but I think it's the same thing. I would assume it is."
"Okey-doke. Thank you."
"Representative Kelly to close."
"I'd appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1233 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski votes 'yes'." 10200093.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"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 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down the Calendar on page 4, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1411, Representative Friess. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1411, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative David Friess."
"Thank you. This Bill simply provides that, if you are a veteran, it provides the clerk to provide a death certificate free of charge. And if you have additionals, that there's just a nominal fee associated. That, and I appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Thank you. Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1411 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy, 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar is a 'yes'."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski." 10200093.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Yes."
"Representative Zalewski 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 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing at the bottom of the Calendar on page 4, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1435, Representative Yednock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1435, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Yednock is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1435 is specific to my district. It would amend the Hospital Licensing Act. State Law mandates that the… that a… two hospitals that combine that just happen to be separated by a county line has to have two separate boards, two separate licenses, et cetera. What this seeks to do is to allow them, in this specific case, to have one board, one license to continue to have services for the constituents in my district. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Thank you, Representative. Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1435 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy is 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar." 10200093.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Yes."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1571, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1571, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB1571 is a Bill that brings more revenue to our local fire departments in Illinois by eliminating barriers to access the revenue that is paid by insurance companies that are domiciled outside of Illinois who provide insurance to properties in Illinois. This Bill is an initiative of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. The Bill sets the foreign fire insurance rate at two percent instead of up to two percent. The Bill eliminates the hurdle of requiring a local ordinance to participate. The Bill allows local elected boards, which exist today, they are called 10200093.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 foreign fire insurance boards, to resolve disputes that conflict with the law. And just so we state this for the record, there are 1,051 foreign fire insurance boards all across the State of Illinois. They operate smoothly and cooperatively for the purpose of collecting and spending these dollars for the benefit of their respective communities. I ask for an 'aye' vote. Happy to answer any questions, Speaker. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1571 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy, 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Yes."
"Representative Zalewski 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 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- 10200093.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2535, Representative Conroy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2535, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Conroy is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2535 requires prescribers and pharmacists, prior to prescribing or dispensing an opioid, to inform the recipient patient that opioids are addictive and either, one, in the case of a prescriber, that opioid antagonists are available by prescription or from a pharmacy; or two, in the case of a pharmacist, offer to dispense the opioid antagonist. This Bill is one more step toward our goal of making the Naloxone more available to all of our communities. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Thank you, Representative. Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2535 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy, 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski." 10200093.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2565, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2565, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB2565 is a Senate version of a House Bill that passed unanimously off the floor last spring. This Bill is an update and standardization of our three statutes that govern our problem-solving courts in Illinois. Those are our mental health courts, our veterans' courts, and our drug courts, sometimes called treatment courts. These courts are a critical tool in the menu of options that we have to provide alternatives to incarceration in a way that truly holds people accountable and gets at the root causes of crime, such as addiction, mental health, and trauma. There is significant research out there on what the evidence based of these problem-solving courts are. This is a Bill that, between last spring and now, has… we have worked hard and engaged lots of stakeholders around the State of Illinois. And I'm happy to entertain any questions about the Bill." 10200093.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2565 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy, 'yeah'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2952, Representative Delgado. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2952, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Delgado is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2952 allows the Chicago city treasurer and comptroller to designate someone to sit on the Chicago laborers pension board and the Chicago 10200093.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 fire pension board in their stead when necessary. This person must be well versed in the issues before the board and have prior approval from the board to sit in that role. I know of no opposition. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Thank you, Representative. Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2952 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to page 4 of the Calendar. Under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1099, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10200093.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Senate Bill 1099, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Tarver is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1099, the Consumer Legal Funding Act, is a Bill that was negotiated along with IDFPR, as well as the Woodstock Institute. It’s a Bill that allows the Department to kind of get its arms around the industry that’s been existing for quite some time. But now it will cap the rate of interest for consumer legal… consumer loans, excuse me, in the legal field to 36 percent. It's a good consumer protection Bill. It allows for 14 days… 14 business days, excuse me. If a consumer needs to terminate the contract, the consumer must have an attorney sign off on it. And so, I'm happy to answer any questions about the Bill."
"Is there any discussion? We got Representative Mazzochi for questions."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"One of the questions that did come up in connection with this Bill in committee is that, with the 36 percent interest and the hundred thousand dollar cap, this means that the loan company could be getting paid even more than what the original loan was for. Is that true?"
"My understanding is that this is a loan that is nonrecourse, which is why… and it's up to 36 percent. Because there's several players in the industry, it's unlikely that most loans, especially for good cases, will be at 36 percent because individuals would bid against each other. And then the last point about whether the… excuse me… whether the 10200093.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 lender would have more than the plaintiff. That's the first that I've heard of that. It's certainly not compounding interest rate."
"All right. Well, I mean, is the reason why… my understanding is that the reason why the interest rate of 36 percent per year was set is because that's basically the maximum in terms of what you would get from a payday loan, in terms of comparable interest rate. Is that fair?"
"I'm sorry. Repeat the last part again. I apologize."
"Yeah. Is it… my understanding is that the interest rate on these loans is going to be 36 percent per year. And that’s basically the maximum that you can charge before hitting… getting hit with usury under our Illinois code generally. Is that fair?"
"I think what's fair is to take a little step back and kind of understand that, when you refer to the 36 percent, that is because of the hard work of the Black Caucus and capping the interest rates at 36 percent. And I believe everyone on your side of the aisle voted against that. And now, it sounds like there's concern about the 36 percent interest rate as though that is something that is all of the sudden unconscionable when there were rates of payday loans and things north of 300 percent for quite some time here in Illinois. And then lastly, I'll just be clear, this is not a loan. It's more of an investment. These are for individuals who may not otherwise be able to pay their rent. And so, I think it's important that we keep that in context."
"Sure. Well, one of the concerns though about having this very high interest rate is that what, practically 10200093.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 speaking, is going to happen is that it's going to actually make it more difficult to settle various cases. Because what will wind up happening is, for example, if a plaintiff was advanced a hundred thousand dollars and the loan company is going to get paid back 220… effectively, 200… well, a $126 thousand, plus their loan balance, that’s $226 thousand that have to get paid back to the loan company before the plaintiff can actually see a dime. And that's after the lawyer has taken their cut and the… you know, anything medical has also taken their cut. Right?"
"You know, that is… that is an interesting way to interpret the law. The Bill, excuse me."
"Well right, but that’s a practical result of what's going to happen. If someone is advanced a hundred thousand dollars, that that money has to be paid back to the loan company. So, that’s a hundred thousand dollars there. And with a 36 percent interest rate and a cap of 42 months, that means that the interest that's going to get charged on that hundred thousand dollars is $126 thousand, right?"
"So… I'm trying my best to answer the question. It's a little confusing, but I think… you were in committee, as were many others, and one of the largest lenders in the space testified the average loan was a couple thousand dollars or so. So, when we talk about hundred thousand dollar loans, those are typically for cases that are going to settle for seven to eight figures when you get that high as far as the loan. So, that’s one. Two, I think we have to be, again, very, very clear. These loans are not typically for individuals who can otherwise afford to get up and go to work and do things. 10200093.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 These are for individuals who, but for these loans, would not have the ability to pay their bills. And then to your point about cases taking longer. Here's what happened in all practicality. And I think you all are aware of this because your side of the aisle primarily was pushing this disclosure. And so, what would happen is there'll be disclosure instead of the lawsuit. 'Hi. I, Curtis Tarver, have a loan of $10 thousand. These are the terms of it. This is the interest rate, and this is how long I have to pay it back.' And then what will happen on the defense side and the property insurers and others, they will take a little bit longer than that so that the plaintiff takes less money they would normally be able to take. So, if you ask me if a case potentially could take longer, if a case takes longer and a person gets justice, I think that’s okay."
"Right. Well, one of the reasons… one of the arguments that was made though in terms of why we had to have prejudgment interest… and that was in Leader Hoffman's Bill, I believe, awhile back… the reason why we needed to add on all this prejudgment interest is because of the length of time it would take for a case to work its way through the trial court. So, why wasn't Leader Hoffman's prejudgment interest demand a sufficient amount to handle the issue that we're dealing with here?"
"Well, I think that's a great question for Leader Hoffman and whoever supported the Bill and/or brought it to him. But what I do know about prejudgment interest, it has nothing to do with people paying their everyday bills. It has no effect on that at all." 10200093.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"All right. Well, one of the other things that did come up is whether courts can actual… or, for example, in the context of a mediation or a settlement conference, there's nothing in the Bill that prohibits a court from ordering the disclosure of the existence of a litigation financing agreement. Is that true?"
"I think you bring up a great point, which is that the best place for anyone who wants the disclosure about the agreement, is best for the court itself to make that determination because courts handle discovery and courts are who's… are best suited to determine what's relevant to a law suit. I don’t believe that's the purview of the Legislature. And as you know and others know, I'm a very big proponent of separations of a… of the three branches of government."
"That's right. I just want it to be very clear, for purposes of legislative intent, because we do know that this is going to be an issue raised in connection with discovery requests in future cases, that we are not trying to limit courts' ability to order the disclosure of these types of agreements in… either in litigation or in the context of good faith settlement discussions."
"Well, I think that’s a statement by you and not a question for me. My intent is what I've outlined in the Bill. And so, for legislative intent, I will say again that I believe in a separation of the branches of government. I don’t believe that it's within my purview to specifically say what needs to be disclosed at the outset of a lawsuit. That's my legislative intent." 10200093.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Right. And likewise… right. And likewise, I just want to make… I want the courts to know that we are also making clear that courts are not prohibited from ordering this type of disclosure as a consequence of passing this… this particular Bill."
"I don’t know that it's we. I'm telling… for legislative intent, I'm expressing what my legislative intent is in bringing the Bill. The we I'm not so sure about."
"All right."
"Thank you… thank you, Representative. Any further discussion?"
"Well, you know me Chairman, I… or Speaker, I could go on for days. But if I can just have a couple minutes to the Bill for the benefit of our side of the aisle."
"Please continue."
"And I don’t know if Representative Ugaste is also going to light his speaker button up. Maybe he will. He is? Okay. Well then, you know what? Here's the way in which I look at it is that this is a piece of legislation that has good parts and bad parts. One of the things that I think could address some of the concerns that people have about this being used as a tool not to facilitate early settlement, but which is going to harm the ability to engage in early settlement, is simply to make clear that courts actually can in fact have this produced in the context of either litigation or good faith settlement agreements. Particularly if the court is of the mindset that a litigation financing agreement may actually be a hindrance to the settlement of a case. I will say though that because there are instances where this type 10200093.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 of funding does already exist already, an argument certainly can be made that this is putting some discipline on the industry and is hopefully going to try to bring it a little bit under control. So, for that reason, there are reasons to vote 'yes', there are reasons to vote 'no', but I do think that we could make this a better and more clear Bill. So, that's just something that this chamber should take in mind. Because when courts are having to actually try to apply the legislation that we write when it's not clear and it's not setting forth clearly, the rights of the parties, mischief usually can result. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative Tarver, would you quickly just highlight the purpose behind you bringing this Bill?"
"I'm sorry. It got really loud when that door opened."
"Sure. Would you just quickly highlight for me the purpose of bringing this Bill?"
"Sure. I think… part of the purpose of bringing the Bill is so that IFDPR… well, I probably said that wrong. ID… whatever. The agency, the professional regulation has the ability to regulate an industry that’s already been in existence for quite some time. That's the primary purpose of the Bill."
"Okay. Thank you. To the Bill. I… I have no doubt in my mind as to Representative Tarver's desire to regulate this industry. I, in this situation, do not think it actually goes 10200093.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 far enough. I think 36 percent interest on any money loaned, especially when it's on a case that’s been reviewed, we're almost certain of a guaranteed payout, except for in a very minimal number of occasions, and is going to harm the judicial system to the extent that it does harm settlements. It keeps settlements from getting done because there is so much money owed on the amount that’s been loaned and on the interest that has to be paid back that there's just not enough value in the case at that point to pay it all off and make the judicial system work efficiently. It adds extra costs for business. It adds extra costs for consumers. And it adds to a delay in the system for those it's trying to help. I have no doubt that another benefit you're seeking to… to provide here is so that people who are injured and are awaiting their money can get some money. But there are other systems we can put in place to take care of something like that, which would possibly change our judicial system to some extent, but could achieve the same result. People have been going through the litigation system for years and years without systems such as these and without the loans and the amount of interest that's being charged. I, personally, think it's too much. If we're going to regulate it, I would like to see it regulated further. And I also believe that by voting 'yes' for this, even though it’s a first step, also gives tacit approval to the way the industry is being run at the present time and allows for 36 percent to continue to be collected. And instead, I think we should start over again and further regulate the industry at a much lower interest rate. So, I'm urging a 'no' vote for those reasons." 10200093.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Representative Tarver to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And just for the benefit of folks on my side of the aisle. I think the best way to think about this is, it's not… the interest rate is capped at 36 percent. So, if you think about… you know, some individuals have bought, like, property tax liens. You bid, and the lowest bid typically wins. That’s the same thing that happens in this industry. If you go to a plaintiff and say, hey, I'll charge you 36 percent, and someone else says I'll charge you 24, they're going to go to that person. So, it’s a good Bill. It allows the department to get its arms around an industry that’s already existed. It fits within the Black Caucus pillars in capping the amount of interest. And it does level the playing field actually for plaintiffs who often don’t have the ability to pay their rent, their mortgage, and get up and go to work due to no fault of their own, by the way, because they've been injured. So, I appreciate the… the conversation back and forth, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1099 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"No." 10200093.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Representative Meier votes 'no'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 67 voting in 'favor', 42 voting 'against', and 2 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." Hernandez, L.: "I'd like to ask Members of the Assembly to give a warm Springfield welcome to a few students from Morton College, located in Cicero, my home town. That's Alexis Smith, Jackie Leon, Leslie Leon, and Cristina Quevedo. Say hello. Thank you."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Returning to page 5 of the Calendar, Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2958, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2958, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB2958 makes clarifications related to the Chicago Laborers Pension Fund participants who take a leave to work for their union. The Bill does two things. It clarifies State Law to allow active members to 10200093.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 earn credit for service leave after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that a previously passed… excuse me, a previously passed State Law was in part unconstitutional. And the Bill clarifies appropriate contribution amounts for the employer and those who take the service leave as the City of Chicago transitions from fixed statutory employer contributions to actuarially determined employer contributions. There are no benefit enhancements contained in this proposal. It passed the Senate unanimously. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Thank you, Representative. Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2958 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received 10200093.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2989, Leader Andrade. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2989, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Andrade is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2989 allows members of the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund to establish up to two years of service credit with a spent… with time spent teaching at a private school recognized by Illinois State Board of Election… Education. This window was previously open by 94th General Assembly for Members of the TRS pension fund. Members who transfer service credit would need to pay the employee and employer contributions, plus interest. The state pays nothing from this option. There's no opposition. The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund has no position on this Bill. I respectfully request an 'aye' vote."
"Any discussion? We have Leader Batinick is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Hey, Representative. Let's go into the way back machine. Remember the beautiful Bank of Springfield that we had the end of the last General Assembly in? Start of this one."
"I was there for the first one but not the last, last one. I was with COVID."
"Oh, you were… okay. I'm sorry to hear about that." 10200093.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"I was in, I think, the emergency room a couple times."
"I do believe… I do believe that we passed very similar legislation during that time period when you weren’t there that didn’t affect Chicago Teacher Pension Funds. It was for TRS. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Was that during that time period?"
"Yes, it was."
"And what we did then is, in an effort to keep teachers in the system, we allowed them to buy in, at their own cost, up to two years or three years was it?"
"Two years."
"Up to two years of private school time. So, they were buying into the pension system at the actuarial value, correct?"
"Correct. Which is not very cheap. Very, very expensive, but the cost is by the employee of both sides."
"Okay. If I recall, our side was probably 50-50 on it?"
"Right."
"So, hopefully, I got the cobwebs out of my side to remember what they did last time on it for consistency purposes. But there is no extra debt put on the systems, supposedly, technically from an actuarial stand point, correct?"
"That is correct."
"So, we're just doing for the Chicago teachers what we did for downstate teachers at the BOS?"
"Yes."
"Okay." 10200093.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"And is…"
"Thank you. That's it. No further… yeah."
"Thank you."
"You got something else?"
"No. In closing, so we did that before. It's just like wine. The longer it is, is the better. So, the Bill has improved, and I hope that we increase from 50 percent to at least 75 percent if we can. So, if they can show some little bipartisan…"
"Okay. Well, you're like… you're like a fine wine too. You look a lot better than you did when you had COVID, Representative."
"I did. So, I hope… I help on the other side a lot of times, so I hope they can help me this time too."
"Awesome. Thank you, Representative."
"Thank you."
"All right. Thank you. Question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2989 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy.
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski." 10200093.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 101 voting in 'favor', 10 voting 'against', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2990, Representative Bos. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2990, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Bos is recognized."
"Yeah, this is a simple TIF extension for the Village of Palatine. They've done a great job working with all of their taxing bodies putting IGAs in place. They hope to only do this for two years, and at the year three they've got a penalty for their local bodies if they go beyond that. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2990 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier." 10200093.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 107 voting in 'favor', 3 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar, on Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2993, Representative Conroy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2993, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Conroy is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2993 amends the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Services Act by removing the Act's repeal date. What this means is that what we put in 36 months ago to require training for those who care for folks with dementia and Alzheimer's in nursing homes will now become permanent."
"Thank you, Representative. Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2993 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'." 10200093.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3005, Representative Vella. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3005, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Vella is recognized."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 3005 makes some changes to the Electric Vehicle Permitting Task Force. It adds a member representing a statewide organization and municipality, a member from association representing automobile manufacturers. House Committee Amendment #2, it also adds representative workers in the auto industry and a member of component parts manufacturing community. It makes some technical changes that allows them to submit their report 10200093.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 August 1 and gives the Bill an immediate effective date. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Any discussion? Leader Batinick is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative, have… have you ever thought about, instead of doing task force, doing a blue-ribbon commission?"
"I've thought about that. I've heard those are better."
"And?"
"Well, I thought about it, but I like task. It sounds tougher."
"Okay. No more questions. Thank you."
"Seeing no further debate, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3005 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski votes 'yes'."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. 10200093.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 On this question, there are 108 voting in 'favor', 3 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down the Calendar on page 5, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3011, Representative Guerrero- Cuellar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Thank you, Chairman."
"Senate Bill 3011, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar is recognized."
"Thank you, Chairman. Senate Bill 3011 is to address drafting errors from a Bill that was passed in a previous Assembly, which is Senate Bill 1908, and it was… received majority support. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3011 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski votes 'yes'." 10200093.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3017, Representative Yednock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3017, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Yednock is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB3017 seeks to amend the Underserved Physicians Workforce Act. It will be known as the Underserved Health Care Provider Workforce Act. The Bill seeks to address rural health care gaps by allowing an addition of advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to the possible beneficiaries of the loan assistance program in the State of Illinois under the Underserved Physician Workforce Act. I'm happy to take any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3017 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar.
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier." 10200093.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. At the bottom of page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3019, Representative Scherer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3019, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have Senate Bill 3019, and this simply fills a loophole. It was county fairs. And now we've added to that state fairs, to not allow child sex offenders to work there. I would be happy to answer any questions and appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Any discussion? We have Representative McCombie for questions."
"Just to the Bill. I would like to thank the Sponsor for bringing this Bill forward. This has been a Bill that has been around actually before my time. The person that served before me had a similar situation, and I just want to say thank you for bringing it forward. I urge an 'aye' vote." 10200093.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Any further discussion? We have Representative Butler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question of the Sponsor."
"She indicates she will yield."
"Representative Scherer, does this have to do with the contract last year at the state fair? Is that what you're referring to?"
"Yes. Yes, it does."
"Yeah. Okay. I just want to thank you for bringing this forward. This is a very serious situation. With the contract with the carnival at the state fair this year, this will rectify it. And so, I appreciate you bringing this forward. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Scherer to close."
"I just appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3019 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"No."
"Representative Cassidy votes 'no'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'." 10200093.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Representative Zalewski 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 104 voting in 'favor', 2 voting 'against', and 5 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to page 6 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3023, Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House."
"Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3023, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy is recognized."
"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 3023 represents the work of the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act Task Force. These are recommendations… an assortment of recommendations to improve the care received by sexual assault survivors. In addition, it puts some substance to the pilot project that we enabled last Session to let survivors get medical forensic exams at FQHCs. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Frese, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I'd like to thank the Sponsor for bringing this Bill. We had a great discussion in committee. I look forward to and encourage an 'aye' vote for this. And I also thank the Sponsor for agreeing to work with me on the geographical issue that was brought up during 10200093.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 the… during the committee hearing. So, again, I encourage an 'aye' vote and thank you to the Sponsor."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3023 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes."
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3024, Representative Willis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3024, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Willis is recognized." 10200093.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill allows the public health administrators or medical directors from the county and municipal health departments access to the prescription drug monitoring system simply for purposes to develop educational programs or public health interventions regarding prescription trends. Specifically looking at overdose data and prescription data regarding opioids. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Mazzochi is recognized."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"One of the ways in which this Bill was presented in committee was that it was only going to be limited to opioids, but that’s not true, correct?"
"It is for the purpose of including opioid information."
"Right. But you have… but one of the requests that we made was that this be limited to opioids and no… there was no agreement to limit this to opioids, correct?"
"Opioids are the main thing that is in the prescription drug, so it will give you access to the prescription monitoring system, which is basically set for those of… opioids are the main thing in there.
"Well, but let's go…"
"And that is the purpose. And since we are… have a very narrow scope, it is for that."
"…well, but…" 10200093.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"That is the legislative intent. Let's go with that. All right."
"Yeah, but legislative intent doesn’t matter when we've got actual clear language in the statutory language. And the statutory language in this Bill is directed towards any controlled substance use. Right? That's what it says on pages 5 to 6, for example."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"All right. And public… and controlled substances include LSD and PCP. Right?"
"You would know."
"No, it does. That's… the definition of controlled substances also includes marijuana. Right? Yes."
"That is not in the prescription monitoring system. Marijuana is not in there now that it has been legalized. And medical marijuana is not one of the ones that’s in there."
"Well, the… it also includes Adderall and Ritalin. Right?"
"You could list every one. The purpose of the Bill is to go and set up public health interventions for opioids."
"Right. But again, you… you refuse to limit the legislation to opioids or opioid analogs and that’s the problem. Because there's a lot of drugs that are on the controlled substance list, which includes Adderall, Ritalin, Ketalean, some metabolic steroids such as depo testosterone, Xanax, Valium, Halcion, Robitussin AC, which is a cough syrup with codeine. So, there's a whole host of things that are on this list that you're giving public health authorities the ability to potentially delve into. And it's not just to create 10200093.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 an educational program. They're also allowed to conduct analyses and publish reports in connection with their analysis. Right?"
"They can do that already. And so, it's not doing anything else. It is… and it is… anything that is published is aggregate information, not specific information."
"No, but that's not actually… I mean, it doesn’t. Because the problem is, is as soon as you start getting into much more granular information in connection with, for example, zip code and that type of thing, it doesn’t necessarily have to be addressed before you can reverse- engineer the data back out. So, again, I think that if the Sponsor was actually presenting this in good faith to make sure that it really was just limited to particular opioids, that would be fine. But this actually does cover a whole host of other drugs where, frankly, I don’t want the public health authorities meddling in information, including that relating to just pure mental health related issues. So, do with that what you will. Thank you."
"Representative Conroy is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question of the Sponsor."
"She indicated she will yield."
"For clarification, these types of Bills have actually led to death threats. And… so, I'd like for clarification from many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, particularly the woman who was just speaking, because I know they're very concerned about this type of language. Is there anything in your Bill, Representative, that speaks to concentration camps?" 10200093.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Absolutely not."
"Thank you so much. I urge an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any further discussion? Leader Batinick is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, I think we had a little red and green on our side of the aisle in committee. Is that correct?"
"Yes, we did. It was very mixed bag…"
"Almost split. I think three voted… or four were opposed."
"It was… yes. I think you have it pretty much where it was."
"Okay. Were you able to address any of the concerns that the… was there a thread you could address the concerns of the…"
"Well, I think the most important thing is there is a confidentiality agreement that is part of this legislation. So, it does protect private information. And I think I clarified that personal information is never going to be released. It is aggregate information. So, you wouldn’t have to worry about your neighbor knowing what prescription you had."
"Okay. And who are the opponents to the Bill?"
"I don’t believe there are any, to my knowledge."
"Okay. And I'm reading here, the Med Society was the ones that added the confidentiality provision in the Senate."
"Yes, they did." 10200093.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"So, they handled that in the Senate? Okay. It looks like a bunch of county health departments are proponents."
"Right. It is really vital for the county health departments to get this information in a timely manner so that they can be proactive instead of reactive regarding opioid abuse in their communities."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative. I think you'll see a… Christmas time over here. Red and green. But I…"
"I love Christmas."
"…will listen to the rest of the debate. Thank you."
"Representative Willis to close."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This Bill protects the confidentiality of patients, but it will allow the county health departments to do a better job of regulating and being proactive and being able to set up substance abuse control programs and educational programs in their communities in a timely manner. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3024 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"Yes." 10200093.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Representative Meier votes 'yes'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 90 voting in 'favor', 20 voting 'against', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down the Calendar on page 6, Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3032, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3032, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy to present Senate Bill 3032. It should surprise no one that crushing student debt is a growing issue facing the State of Illinois. SB3032, the Student Debt Assistance Act, addresses one of the elements of this issue, which is an ever-increasing issue that flows out of the student debt where individuals' transcripts are being withheld from these student debts. It is estimated that 6.6 million people in the country cannot get a copy of their transcript because they owe a debt to their college. Sometimes as little as $25. Twenty-five dollars is keeping them from getting access to their transcripts. SB3032 will end this practice which is holding back young people in the State of Illinois. Withholding transcripts, of course, disproportionately impacts the low-income students. This 10200093.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 issue is particularly prevalent in community colleges despite them being promoted, as we all know, as affordable and transfer-friendly options. Simply put, SB3032 will prevent debt owed to schools from hindering anyone from advancing their careers or their education. This Bill will also require schools to create a financial hardship policies for those who try to re-enroll in their future endeavors after dropping out because they can't afford school. And lastly, SB3032 prevents student debt from being sent on to collection agencies unless it's required by Federal Law. I know of no opposition of this amended Bill. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Any discussion? We got Leader Batinick for questions."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative, this… this Bill caught my eye because in committee it was an 8-2 vote. And when I'm reviewing Bills, especially when it's 8-2, it means that it was split, that maybe some on our side voted 'yes', some on our side voted 'no'. Christmas tree type Bill. But the two 'no' votes in committee were Jacobs and Ammons, which I thought was odd. Can you speak to what the opposition was in committee?"
"Sure there were several questions that we had in committee. We had a very robust debate and discussion. There were some concerns of what our public universities feel about this Bill. And we alleviated those concerns to make it clear that public universities in Illinois do not oppose this Bill. And secondly, we talked about whether or not there should be some kind of a cap. If you owe a certain amount of money, 10200093.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 maybe we should be withholding transcripts. And we had a discussion about that. And ultimately, this Bill is really focused on those who have small debts. That’s really the most common issue here. Small, $2500 debts keeping them from getting access to their transcripts. And I think we won over one of the other Members of your side of the aisle."
"Okay. So, if… 'cause it was a little bit loud in here during presentation. I couldn’t… it sounded like you said $25 debts, but $2500 debts?"
"As little as $25, or even less. So, there is no minimum or maximum. If you owe a debt to the university, a lot of universities, historically, have withheld the access to the transcripts, used as leverage against students so they don’t have access to their transcripts to get another job, to transfer and to join a graduate program. This would end that practice in Illinois."
"And there's no requirement on the person to pay back the debt in any sort of way to get the transcripts? It just… the universities are required to give the transcript to the person, even if they owe the money?"
"That's correct. It doesn’t erase the debt. You still owe the debt. You can still require the collection of the debt. You just can't condition that on access to your transcript."
"Okay. I think you'll see some red and green over here. I'm going to let another Representative continue the debate. Thank you for answering my questions."
"Any further discussion? We have Representative Jacobs for questions." 10200093.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Yeah. I was one of the 'no' votes. And I was very proud to be with Representative Ammons on that vote. That might be a new thing where we're getting the very right and the very left together and it's bipartisan. But my biggest problem with the Bill, and Representative Morgan was trying very well to get it explained, but I still think there should be some kind of a cap. I know I've been up and down on this. But I really worry about no cap at all. The Federal Law, I don’t know if that's going to be really something that is a doable thing. I worry more about the cap. The amount of money, I mean it could be very, very high. And I still am a little bit worried about that. I wish we could work on it a little bit more. That's pretty much all I have. And Representative Morgan did a very good job trying to convince me, and I was pretty convinced, but I'm still not now. So, I wish that we would vote 'no' on it now and then work on it a little bit."
"Thank you, Representative."
"Thank you."
"For further questions, we have Representative Brady."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative, could you speak a little bit to… in the discussions we had in committee, could you speak a little bit to the position it leaves the university in then from a leverage stand point? Meaning, if the transcript is… is released then for that student who owes, or former student who owes, what's the leverage for the university then to try and collect what their owed?" 10200093.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Well, we talked a little bit about the exception to… to this. It would be for the fees that are required for actually attaining the transcripts. So, if they're charging a fee to get the transcript, that is a reason that a university could still withhold the transcript. If you charge a $25 fee to get access to the transcript, and you don’t pay the $25, the university can still withhold it. The leverage itself, again, we're talking about really… largely two categories of debt. There's student loan debt and then there's all the other debt. It's the other debt that really comes into play here. Student loan debt is handled more often by not by a third independent party that really is not leading to the withholding of transcripts. These are parking tickets. These are bursar fees. These are small fees that are leading to withholding the transcripts, which is keeping individuals… again, 6.6 million people in the country can't get access to the school transcripts of the classes they took and grades they achieved because of a small debt. And that's really what this is about."
"So, if it's just small debt, any… any thoughts to why they just wouldn’t pay it?"
"I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you, Representative."
"If it's just a small debt, if it's just minimal amount of money, any theory of thoughts of why they just wouldn’t pay it?"
"There are all sorts of reasons. Again, this is disproportionately impacting those who can't afford the fees. These are individuals who've taken loans to pay for their student loans…" 10200093.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Right."
"…for their tuition and room and board. And then the other fees that come with it that are keeping them from moving forward in their lives. That's really what this Bill is about."
"And does the Bill as… speak to, moving forward from this point, that the universities have to have some type of a plan of action towards this particular concept to make a change, to make it clear what they're going to do versus… a case-by- case basis, let's say?"
"Yes, this Bill does talk about developing and implementing a hardship policy for those students who have difficulty paying their… their fees and their loans. And then there's also discussion in the Bill, I want to correct the record. The hardship policy that the university would have to pass does not require reenrollment, but its discussion about ways in which somebody could reenroll and that they can counsel students who can't afford their fees or their student loans, how they could come back to the universities in the future."
"And so, most of what we're talking about, it sounds like it's a mandate. In other words, the Bill is saying to the universities this is what you have to try and implement. You have to come up with some type of a plan moving forward regarding this issue. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"And most of the universities, if memory serves me in looking at the analysis, are neutral on the Bill. Is that correct?" 10200093.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"That's correct."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
"Any further discussion? We have Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative, I keep hearing you talk about small debts. And I've talked to a number of people on our side of the aisle that have said there's nothing in here that limits the amount of debt. Is there a limit on the debt that an individual has? In order to get their transcript. I'm saying is it…"
"There's no cap, Representative."
"…if they have $25 thousand in debt, can they still get their transcript?"
"There's no cap on this debt."
"Zero cap. So, you keep talking about parking tickets and things like that. But if there is an individual that has a large debt, who pays for that?"
"The student."
"In the long run when they haven’t paid their debt, who pays for it?"
"The student. This does nothing to change the ability of the university to recover the debts owed to them. This requires us to… requires the universities to no longer withhold their transcripts in order to get the debts paid."
"There… there is zero incentive to pay off that debt, other than maybe a bad credit rating. So, in order to cover the cost of the debts that are outstanding, what does the 10200093.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 university have to do? They have to borrow, which raises the cost of tuition. Or they have to raise the cost of tuition, which raises the cost of tuition on everyone else. So, when you're talking about not requiring individuals to pay off their debt before the last incentive is given to them, you are literally raising tuition and costs on everyone else. And that's precisely what this is doing because somebody has to pay for that cost. And if those debts are outstanding, somebody has to pay for it in the meantime. In the long term, they may pay it 10 years down the road or 20 years down the road, they may pay it off. But in the short term, current students are going to be paying that cost. That's my ultimate concern with this. I kind of understand the direction you're trying to go. I just… I just wish that we wouldn’t put that burden on the universities and the colleges themselves. I represent a small private college. And I know that they shouldn’t have to have this burden put on them, especially when larger universities don’t have it. My nephew is not looking in the State of Illinois to go to college. He's getting money from every other state. Right? Very smart kid. These are the kids that we should be trying to keep here because that's that brain drain. We're losing these kids because the tuition keeps going up, and this is just going to add to that. I encourage a 'no' vote."
"Any additional debate? We have Representative Mazzochi for questions."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will." 10200093.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"One of the reasons why this practice has been in… had been in place for so many years… were you aware that the United States Department of Education for many years had issued a guidance that specifically said this was tactic that schools should be using in order to try to get students to pay their debt?"
"That's correct, Representative."
"Right."
"And it's that same guidance that led to the U.S. Secretary of Education, very clearly, this January, saying this predatory practice must end. And last week, the U.S. Secretary of Education implemented rulemaking and it developed a rulemaking process to end this process on a national level for that exact reason that that was wrong, that's keeping people from moving forward, that's keeping people from going to our public and private universities, like my good friend from the other side of the aisle talked about."
"Yeah, I don’t need you… I don’t need you to speechify on it. I just want…"
"This is a practice that has been going on for too long. And for everybody in this chamber who wants to help the millions of people who have student debt that is crushing them and keeping them from moving forward in their careers, this is a measure that every university has said they can live with, they're okay with because it is not effective in recovering the debts that are owed."
"Yeah. I didn’t need that degree of drama. The point of…" 10200093.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"It's an answer, Representative, to your question."
"The point is, is that when the U.S. Department Education issues a guidance, anybody who is an accredited institution who wants to get access to a federal funds generally has to comply with those guidances or else they risk losing their accreditation or their access to federal funds. So, my point is, is now that this base… that this guidance is actually being withdrawn at the federal level, what makes you think then that educational institutions won't then follow suit? I mean, I think it's kind of a chicken or the egg sort of thing. You're assuming that the institutions were doing this without the absence of the… you know, with… notwithstanding the federal guideline. From my perspective, and I say this as someone who was a community college trustee, it's because the guideline was in place that colleges and institutions were living up to the guideline. Once the guidance is withdrawn, then that's fine. But if the guidance isn’t withdrawn and we have this law saying that it's barred, then you're now putting our institutions actually in between a rock and a hard place. And again, I think that when it most… at least in terms of my experience when it comes to here in Illinois, if you have those lower dollar amounts, usually you will try work with somebody. But if someone really does owe a debt to the college, and it often comes up in the context of room and board that can be in the tens of thousands of dollars, I'm not necessarily sure that this is the way to go. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Ugaste for questions." 10200093.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Just a quick question of the Sponsor if he'll yield?"
"Indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Representative Morgan, is there any type of income limit for either the student upon graduation or the family in that last year which we say the debt will not be forgiven, they absolutely have to pay it first? Because you keep referring to low-income students. So, I want to make sure we're just addressing the problem at hand."
"It's a great question. And I want to just say really clearly, this does not forgive any debt. Zero to five hundred thousand dollars, it does not forgive any debt whatsoever. It on… go ahead, Representative."
"Okay. Well, let me reword the question. Forget about forgiving the debt then. Does this only apply to those who have demonstrated an inability to afford the debt they have at the time versus those who could easily afford to pay and just are deciding not to?"
"Representative, I appreciate the comment. And this is what Representative Jacobs…"
"No, it’s a question. Is there anything in the Bill which limits that?"
"There is not. And this is what we discussed in…"
"Okay. Thank you."
"…that's what we discussed in committee. And Representative Jacobs had this point of whether or not there should be a limit that we should impose. And that was a discussion that we approached. Which, broadly, this is a policy decision that, regardless of the debt, that should not 10200093.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 be a basis for withholding the transcripts. So, thank you for the comment."
"Representative Lewis is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Representative Morgan, I understand your intent here. Have you researched any other universities and how they deal with this issue?"
"I have."
"And what have you found?"
"Well, there's this mattering over the last couple years at the universities who have either reaffirmed their policies and those who have done away with their policies. So, we have community colleges that moved away from this practice. And we have large university… public university systems who have decided this is not an effective message to send to their students and their graduates. So, it really is across the board."
"So, do you know when… are these debts cumulative over years, freshmen year, sophomore year, junior year? Or are we talking debts accumulated their last year of… their last semester of college?"
"It could be any debt, Representative."
"Okay. To the Bill. I understand what the… what the Representative is doing. I have a true story from my own boys at the University of Alabama. And I believe there's going to be a negative consequence to this Bill because, at the University of Alabama, you must pay all debt and fines before you can even register for your next classes. And I would hate 10200093.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 to see those who are having debt issues going to school and have the Illinois university system begin to prohibit the registration of our students. I encourage a 'no' vote because I believe this is not well thought out and going to have consequences on our students here in the… in the State of Illinois. Thank you."
"Any further discussion? We have Representative Willis."
"Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative, something just got brought up by the previous speaker that I think bears further discussion. In your Bill can they use that… saying that you cannot register for the next semester of courses unless you have a clean slate or is that addressed at all in your Bill?"
"That is not, Representative."
"Okay. So, to the Bill then. What we're looking at is, we're simply saying that they could use other forms to get their back payments before a student gets more debt. They would have that on another thing. But what we are saying in this Bill is, if you want to… maybe you have some debt and the only way you're going to do it is by getting a job, you need to have that transcript, possibly, to get that job to pay off that debt. Am I not correct in that, Representative? Okay. So, therefore, we are not saying that the debt… and very clearly, it is not saying that they are being forgiven that debt, whatever it may be, whether its $25 or $2500, that debt is still there. But we're giving them the opportunity to 10200093.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 get their transcript to earn money to possibly pay off that debt. I urge an 'aye' vote from this Body."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Friess is recognized. David."
"To the Bill. If colleges want to do this today, they don’t need this Bill to do that. Okay? I urge an 'aye' vote. There's other ways to get around this. Thank you. A 'no' vote…"
"Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I truly appreciate the previous speaker urging an 'aye' vote for this Bill. No, this Bill is a good step in the right direction. We talk about trying to provide relief to students and their families and there are many mechanisms to do that. And this is just one of those mechanism that’s telling our colleges and universities… and these are really true stories. Actually, I had a student at the university who couldn’t get their transcript, although they finished their PHD program. But they had some outstanding science debt that they couldn’t get the transcript to get the job that ultimately would have allowed them to pay off the rest of the debt to the university. I want to say that the University of Illinois, that I represent, supports this effort. And, yes, if they have other mechanisms to help us get rid of some of the barriers that keep people from moving forward, I certainly urge their support on not only this legislation but other legislative measures that can help our students and their families at this time. So, thank you. Thank you. And I urge a 'yes' vote on this legislation." 10200093.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Any additional questions? We have Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to side with Representative Friess. I urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the comments and questions. You know, I appreciate the discussion we had in committee, which really was in good faith. This debate on the floor is a superfluous debate. We have individuals on the other side of the aisle who are pretending that they know better than the universities and the Secretary of the Department of Education about the millions of people in Illinois suffering from student loan debt. So, when you see red up there… when you see red up there, remember that is a vote against those who are struggling with student debt. That is what your 'no' vote means, Representative, who urged a 'yes' vote. That is what your vote means. So, this Bill is something that is going to happen around the country because we've identified this policy as one that does not achieve the goals it was set out to do. It stands in the way of those who are trying to move forward in their lives to pursue other academic pursuits. So, a 'no' vote is a vote against your district, your represent… your constituents who are suffering from student loan debt. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3032 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Cassidy votes 'yes'." 10200093.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Cassidy votes 'yes'. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Yes."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar votes 'yes'. Representative Meier."
"No."
"Representative Meier votes 'no'. Representative Zalewski."
"Z votes 'yes'."
"Representative Zalewski 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 74 voting in 'favor', 33 voting 'against', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Stava-Murray, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"So, today, as we continue to recognize Women's History Month, we're highlighting Lorraine Hansberry, a playwright and activist most known for writing A Raisin in the Sun, the first play produced on Broadway by an African American woman. Born in Chicago in 1930, Lorraine Hansberry was the daughter of a successful real estate broker and school teacher. In 1938, her family moved to a white neighborhood where they faced a vehemently racist opposition and a court order to move. Instead of giving in her family stayed, resulting in a court case that eventually made it to the 10200093.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Supreme Court in Hansberry v. Lee, which would rule restrictive convenance illegal. Instilled with strong values and willingness to call attention to injustice, Hansberry would move to New York City where, in 1950, she began working for the progressive black newspaper Freedom. Throughout the decade, Hansberry would write about civil rights, activism, gender equality, colonialism, gay rights, and other justice issues. In 1959, Hansberry penned A Raisin in the Sun and it opened up on Broadway with Sidney Poitier in the lead. This play told the story of black families' experiences in Chicago, dealing with housing discrimination, racism, and other details of black life of the era. A great success, Hansberry was recognized with the New York Critics Circle Award, becoming the first black playwright and the youngest American to win the award. In the early '60s, Hansberry continued to be active in the civil rights movement. But tragically, her life was cut short in early 1965 due to pancreatic cancer. Despite being only 34 when she died, Hansberry left an indelible mark on American culture. Her works continue to be celebrated and continue to be relevant to the challenges many Americans still face today. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to check out her work. Thank you for your attention."
Speaker Evans: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Mazzochi is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today for Women's History Month to celebrate an Illinois scientist, Rosalyn Yalow. A Jewish woman born in the Bronx in 1921, Yalow was determined to be a physicist at a very young age. That wasn't 10200093.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 an easy choice back then when men controlled opportunities for training, recognition, promotion, and other professional development paths in the sciences. But after graduating from high school at the age of 15, she found she could only be a secretary to other male biochemists because graduate programs were not accepting women at the time. But she still took every opportunity she could to learn, even once hanging from the rafters in a Columbia University lecture hall so that she could hear a presentation from Enrico Fermi on the newly discovered phenomenon of nuclear fission. Thankfully for the State of Illinois, Yalow was not forever relegated to the rafters. During World War II, she applied for and received a physics teaching assistant position at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As a testament to the quality of Illinois' higher education institutions, she called U of I the most prestigious of the schools to which I had applied. She was only one woman among 400 members of the faculty and the first since 1917. Yalow ultimately earned her PHD in nuclear physics from the University of Illinois and went on to build her own radiation detection equipment. In 19… in the 1950s, after partnering with Dr. Solomon Berson, a young physician who was just completing his residency, together they discovered the diagnostic technique called radioimmunoassay, leading to new ways to use radioactive isotopes to make new and better diagnoses. Particularly in the endocrinology field, but the use was ultimately expanded so that even today blood banks use it to screen for hepatitis. It's used to identify and treat cancers, ulcers, and other critical diseases. It was also at the University of Illinois 10200093.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 where Rosalyn met fellow scientist Aaron Yalow. Yalow was a dedicated wife and mother, but it was important to her that all women be afforded opportunities to thrive both inside and outside the home should they choose. She said, 'We still live in a world in which a significant fraction of people, including women, believe that a woman belongs and wants to belong exclusively in the home.' But she warned that the world cannot afford to lose the talents of half its people if we're to solve the many problems that beset us. In 1975, she received the American Medical Association Scientific Achievement Award, and the following year she became the first female recipient and first nuclear physicist of the Albert Lasker Award for Med… Basic Medical Research. And also in 1977, she became the first American-born woman to win the Nobel Prize in a scientific field. She was also just the second woman ever in the world to win in the physiology or medicine Nobel Prize category. Numerous other accolades followed, including an induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame. I'll finish with one final quote from Yalow. 'If we are to have faith that mankind will survive and thrive on the face of the earth, we must believe that each succeeding generation will be wiser than its progenitors. We transmit to you, the next generation, the total sum of our knowledge. Yours is the responsibility to use it, add to it, and transmit it to your children.' On this day in Women's History, we honor Rosalyn Yalow. Thank you."
"Thank you. Representative Ness is recognized."
"A point of personal privilege, Speaker."
"Please speak your point." 10200093.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"Today, I rise in honor of Women's History Month to share the story of remarkable woman who is also a part of my personal history, and that is my mom, Lou Ness. Louisette Marie was born and raised in Lansing, Illinois. She joined the Army at the age of 18 and served in the USO Stateside during the Vietnam War. And I didn’t realize until a little bit ago that both my parents are Vietnam War vets. And so, I am just honored to have the chamber honor them in the way we did earlier. She met my dad while in the Army. He was the USO show director, and they had four daughters of which I am the oldest. As early as I can remember, my mom was always bringing me and my sisters to various organizations for volunteering and to spread good will. One of my earliest memories is visiting seniors in nursing homes. I was as tall as the arm of the wheelchair, and I remember looking up into the person's face as they patted me on the head. They seemed happy to see a youngster's face. My mom impressed upon us early the importance of making time for people who need a helping hand and a little good cheer, teaching us that no one should ever feel forgotten or unloved. Her advocacy work took on more focus when we moved to McHenry County. I was in middle school. She started working with a fledgling organization called Turning Point, which served battered women and their children. Those early days were rough. It was right after the Illinois Domestic Violence Act passed in 1985, and there were still many who did not… or who considered it okay to beat your wife. Women were sheltered in undisclosed safe homes. And there were a few times when I was not allowed to drive the family car because an abuser had seen the car as a woman 10200093.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 was being taken to a safe space. She did many firsts in that role. She hired the first bilingual advocates working with the Illinois Migrant Council to serve the needs of migrant women in the community, training law enforcement, and working with the courts to make… to create safe access for women who were confronting their abusers in front of judges who were not always quite so sympathetic to the issue. And one time, after I had moved out of the state, she called me on the phone and she said, 'Sue, don’t be alarmed, but I may be going to prison.' And I said, 'What?' She said she refused to honor a court order because a judge was requesting the files for one of her clients and she refused to hand them over. So, she was willing to take it to the edge. While she received recognition for her work, perhaps the most inspiring and compelling acknowledgement comes from the people that she made a difference for. Over the years, I've had the privilege of hearing from so many people who's had firsthand stories of how she changed their lives. And I'm immensely proud to hear them. In 2004, my mom left Turning Point and became a certified coach. She still works with leaders today to help them find their voice, just as she continues to use hers to serve others. In 2014, she was serving as the acting director for a Rockford agency called Sheltered (sic Shelter) Care that serves individuals and families who are homeless. Fed up with bureaucracy and red tape and the lack of action she saw, she decided to walk from Rockford, Illinois to Washington, D.C. It took her 81 days. She walked 12 to 15 miles per day, staying in people's houses, churches along the way. And she walked through some pretty rough neighborhoods, but she made 10200093.docx 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 it all the way. She gathered stories along the way from people whose stories were more compelling than any movie or novel I've read. What is most important though is her fearlessness and compassion. Not just against injustice, but also her capacity to remain present to those heartbreaking stories, offering people dignity and respect even when there's little else that she can do. That is one of the greatest lessons that I've learned from her. She continues to be a role model for me and my sisters and all of our children and those that know her. And even as she's aged, she's not lost that fighting spirit. Just yesterday she was on the phone telling me how we need continue… listen up, continue funding community-based mental health services and discussing the importance of other issues that people continue to share with her. I want to just say in this moment that it is a true honor and privilege to be able to stand in this chamber and talk about her. She used to come to Springfield back in those early days, talking to Legislators like us about funding domestic violence agencies and shelters and the importance of the work. And to stand here today and honor her is a true, true gift. So, thank you all of you for indulging me for that. I am immensely proud of her and lucky to have her in my life. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Thank you so much, Representative. Representative Stoneback is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to offer a warm Springfield welcome to some district office staff and some chiefs of staff that are here from several of us newer Legislators. Donna Wadke for the 41st District, Representative Yang Rohr's chief of staff. Hannah Cook from 10200093.docx 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 Representative Ness' office. Kat Maggio from Representative Hirschauer's office of the 49th District. And my chief of staff, Richard Moran of the 16th District. So, please join me. We know how important and how hard-working our staff is. Please join me in thanking them and honoring them. Thank you."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Butler, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. On behalf of all these Sullivans that are no longer in the General Assembly but as a person of proud Irish decent, I would invite everyone to the Sullivan Caucus tonight at the Gin Mill on 5th Street, which started two minutes ago. You are all more than welcome. It's always a good time. You didn’t get enough green two weeks ago. Go Sullivan Caucus."
"Representative Guzzardi, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"While we're recognizing our district staff, I just want to recognize Josec Galindo, who works in my district office. He's down here for a couple of days. He's heading back up right now to serve more constituents. But I wanted to give him a warm welcome and a thank you. Give him a round of applause for Josec everybody. And my chief of staff, Emily, is in the building too, but she's not in the gallery. So, we'll welcome her tomorrow."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements." 10200093.docx 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022
"The following committees are meeting immediately. Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education is meeting in Virtual Room 1. Labor & Commerce is meeting in Virtual Room 2. Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges is meeting in Virtual Room 3. Public Utilities is meeting in Virtual Room 4. Meeting in a half hour at 5:30 is Energy & Environment in Virtual Room 3, Cities & Villages in Virtual Room 1."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 764, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 765, offered by Representative Robinson. House Resolution 766, offered by Representative Ann Williams. House Resolution 767, offered by Representative Ann Williams. House Resolution 768, offered by Representative Niemerg. House Resolution 769, offered by Representative Niemerg. House Resolution 770, offered by Representative Frese. And House Resolution 772, offered by Representative Niemerg."
"Leader Greenwood moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Greenwood moves that the House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 30, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say '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 5733, offered by Representative DeLuca, a Bill for an Act 10200093.docx 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 concerning local government. First Reading of this House Bill. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 670, a Bill for an Act concerning professional regulation. Senate Bill 705, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. Senate Bill 1015, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1405, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 1486, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 1794, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2243, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3082, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3097, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3180, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 3467, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3597, a Bill for an Act concerning land. Senate Bill 3616, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Senate Bill 3626, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3629, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 3650, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3682, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3737, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 3832, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3866, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3889, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 3903, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3925, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 4028, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of these Senate Bills. They'll be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being 10200093.docx 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 93rd Legislative Day 3/29/2022 no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10200093.docx 102