Illinois House Floor Debate — February 28, 2023

"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. Little feedback there, huh? We shall be led in prayer today by Marilee Roethemeyer. Marilee is the sister of Rep. Meier. 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."

"Very nice. We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Hurley." Hurley – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Speaker Rita: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."

"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Andrade and Jones are excused today."

"Leader Keicher will recognize and report the excused absences from the Republican side."

"Have all recorded who wish? With 101 answering to the call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Representative Davis, for which reason do you seek recognition? Will Davis." Davis, W.: "There we go. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two points of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, when we work here at the Capitol, what we hope to have during our time down here is someone that works with us well. Staff members that we can rely on, that we can trust, who have our back, who understand the process and sometimes can think for us when we can't think for ourselves. And for the last 10 years, I have been extremely fortunate to have such a person working for me as my LA and now LC. So, today, Ladies and Gentlemen, the young lady standing behind me is Liz Kelly, and she has served as my LA and LC for the last 10 years, and today is her last day with us. She is moving on to different pursuits, I believe in the Department of Healthcare and Family 10300014.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 Services. But as she finishes out her work today… and I believe actually she is starting with HFS tomorrow, so she's not taking any time off. But as she leaves today, you know, I just want her to know how much I appreciate her, how valued she's been to me over the last 10 years working with me to make sure, to make sure that, you know, my legislation is where it needs to be, filing the Bills, my committee assignments, making sure I'm where I'm supposed to be all the time, and actually… and doing it all with a very beautiful smile like she has right here behind me today. So, again, thank you all. And I just wanted to take this opportunity, as she departs from the Illinois House, to wish her well on her endeavors. I wish her family well also. And again, would you please join me one more time in a great round of applause for Liz Kelly."

"Representative Will Davis for his second point." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm very proud today to have visiting from my district the group of individuals standing in the gallery behind me, and I would appreciate if they all just stood up for me. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the CEDA Uplift Harvey Program, group of young people from the south suburbs that either attend Thornton High School in Harvey or Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, which is in Harvey as well. And while Thornton is in my district, I actually am a product of Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School when it first opened its doors. The CEDA Uplift Harvey is a specially funded grant from the Robin Hood Foundation that promotes economic mobility, a sense of belonging and inclusion, and power and autonomy for youth in Harvey. Today, they are being chaperoned 10300014.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 by Machelle Anderson, Dr. Michae Wiley Edgecombe, Cheretha Gaston, from the CEDA staff. And then also from Thornton High School, we have Joshua Cowans and Danny Craigmile. Would you please give them all a round of applause?"

"On Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 101, under… offered by Speaker Welch. Speaker Welch is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You look really good up there, if I may say so."

"Thank you."

"Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, today I rise… it's a bittersweet occasion. I rise to present House Resolution 101. You know, I join you today to celebrate the amazing career of my friend, my colleague, my seatmate for 10 years, Representative Leader Fran Hurley. You know, we came into this General Assembly together in the same freshman class, the 98th General Assembly. And I think that kind of made her feel she could treat me a certain way, and I have so many great memories that I could share, but I won't. There's a few that I'll share, though. And let me just say that the last couple of years I've missed being out here every day because Fran Hurley always fed me good snacks. Even after I was diagnosed a diabetic in 2018, she modified the snacks that she fed me to make sure I was eating healthy. And she reported to my wife regularly when I was being bad. She took photos of me for social media before we had Scott and other photographers, and she always reminded me to give her credit on the photo. So, I thought it was about me, but it was really about Fran 'cause I had to give her credit. You know, and 10300014.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 there were a lot of times Bills would come up, she would cheer me on those Bills. But you guys would appreciate this. There were many times she jeered me on my Bills. She's like, 'That Bill sucks. I'm not going to vote for that one. I'm going to get up. I'm going to take my key. Do not vote my switch.' And she meant it. You know, but she did it to Ford more than she did it to me, just for the record. But every time I got up to speak, she would always say, 'Is this your stand-firm speech?' And I would say, 'Fran, it's not the stand-firm speech today.' But I got to tell you, Fran Hurley is a Representative who knows how to stand firm. She has been a steadfast champion for her community. And don't talk to her about law enforcement. She is a steadfast champion for law enforcement, public safety, and all the values that she holds dear. Fran Hurley knows how to stand firm. She is a fierce fighter and negotiator. And I'm sure many of you who have ended up on the other side of my seatmate know exactly what I'm talking about. For 10 years, I've sat in the middle of these two, and boy have they fought over some legislation, and I've had to be the referee. They kind of prepared me for this job that I'm in today. I can only imagine how she picked up some of this grit that she has, her ability to stand firm. And I'm sure it was learned while working as an aide to Alderman Ginger Rugai and Matt O'Shea. But I got to tell you, Fran Hurley is also someone of tremendous compassion. Tremendous. There have been many occasions where I have seen her have to pull out her tissue as she's crying over an issue. Like kind of right now. I mean, she has shown count… shown that in her countless hours of work for survivors of domestic violence, for those 10300014.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 struggling with addiction and mental illness, and definitely on behalf of Special Olympics. I'm sure there's a Bill or two on the Special Olympics that she's going to make sure we still pass even after she leaves here today. Rep. Hurley is just impressive. She's a friend. We're going to miss her. But I got to tell you, she's not going too far. I'm excited for all that the future holds for her. I'm excited for the Labor Relations Board. If there are any current members on that board listening, look out, 'cause here comes Fran Hurley. She is a perfect fit for this position and our state is lucky to have someone like Fran Hurley. Can we all give my seatmate a round of applause, please? And, Mr. Speaker, I know that there's a few others that would like to say a few words. She probably wrote their speeches for them, too. And after that, I move for adoption of this Resolution."

"Thank you. Leader Manley is recognized."

"Fran, Fran, Fran. So, I purposely didn't write anything because every time I would go to write something, I would get really, really sad. And I didn't want to be selfish because Fran has a bright future. When this chapter ends, another one begins. I don’t know if you know, but she became a grandma last week for her first time. And so, all of you that are grandparents know that pure joy is coming her way by leaps and bounds. And so, maybe not being here as much will be good for your relationship with your grandchild. You've got a lot to teach her. After all, Fran has taught me a lot. She taught me how the German people like to deal with things. Fran is on time. She was known in her committee as 'The Hammer'. She's somewhat impatient, I'm not going to lie. She cares about 10300014.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 doing a good job. She cares about people. And she's cared about her work here in the General Assembly. She and I are very different people in the way that we react to people. She would dismiss me. There was a couple times in our first General Assembly we shared here in 2013 where confusion and anxiety and these votes we were taking and we thought the world was coming to an end. We'd get upset, and I'd be like, 'It's okay.' She'd go, 'Don't touch me.' Okay. We have ridden to Springfield together many, many, many times in 10 years. We have lived together for the past eight. We have travelled together. We have laughed together. We have cried together. And one thing she asked me, 'Do you think I did a good job?' Fran Hurley, you have left your mark on this chamber. You have done good, really good. You've left your mark on the hearts of many people in the 35th District, and you've left your mark on me. I'm going to miss you more than you know, but I will continue to bother you and try to hug you every time I can. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for all your work in this chamber. And the people of the 35th District thank you for your work as well, I'm sure."

"Representative Ford is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Resolution. I would like to join my colleagues on wishing Fran a congratulations, but I do have some memories. This Lady, in case you guys didn't know, she's a white lady from Mount Greenwood. And I'm a black man from the West Side of Chicago, and we make it be known every day. Our relationship has been built on respect. Respect that you can call me black man and I can call you white woman, and we respect each other from where we come from, and we 10300014.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 listen to each other. Thank you. I've got to find another white woman in the House. I understand that doesn't sound good, but she's leaving me on this date. So, I'm going to continue. So, Mount Greenwood, let me just say, from the West Side of Chicago, I've been trying to get Fran to get me to McNally's. If you know anything about the South Side, she worked on a compromise to get me there. She said, 'If you wear a Cubs' jersey, you can come.' Well, I'm a White Sox fan, and everyone there is also a White Sox fan. So, read between the lines. They have another reason to throw tomatoes at me. Now, I got to say that you didn't vote for my Bills. It's too early to leave 'cause I've got a lot of Bills for you to vote for, but she's always respected me and I've always respected her. This place is not about you voting for my Bills. It's about you representing your district, and you've represented your district, and I respect you for that. If you were still going to be here, I would have continued to help you recognize that my Bills are good for your district and mine, but you got away. And so, I will continue to work in this House and work with you. But there was one Bill when you first came. Fran came and she asked me to sign on to her Bill. I signed on, and I got a call from someone in my district that said, 'Why are you on that Bill?' So, she's a rookie, a freshman. I didn't think she would know any better. I asked the Clerk, 'Will you please remove me from Fran's Bill?' They removed me. Fran came to me and said, 'Why did you take your name off of my Bill?' I said, 'Wow, a freshman reading all of that, reading the Bills and recognized that one person… I think she had about 50 people on her Bill, but she recognized 10300014.docx 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 that I took my name off. I always knew that there was promise for you from that day on. But the one part that allowed me to accept the fact that you don't vote for my Bills was when you first got here, my daughter was eight years old, and she came down and she had her bag, her luggage, and she was on the House Floor. I mean, I thought I was doing good. So, I told Tia, 'Go to my office over in the Stratton,' at eight years old. We were on campus. And Fran saw my daughter walking down the hall at eight years old with her luggage and said, 'Who are you?' And she marched my daughter back to me and said, 'What are you doing? Don't send your daughter out there by herself.' I said, 'She can do it.' And so she made me, a rookie, take my daughter to the office and set her up the right way. And because she loved my daughter, I love you. So, congratulations, and I look forward to much success. Thank you."

"Leader Hammond is recognized."

"Representative Severin."

"You may proceed."

"Speaker Welch moves for the adoption of House Resolution… Speaker Welch." 10300014.docx 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023

"Mr. Speaker, I just have one last request, 'cause I know Fran would want to make sure she was in charge of this process. Can you make this a Welch, Ford, Hurley, Manley, and Hammond Bill, and all other Representatives as cosponsors as well? And with that, I would move for adoption and a wonderful send-off of our friend, Representative Fran Hurley."

"Thank you. Before we do that, we have one final speaker, Leader Hoffman."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Fran, you don’t have to do this, you know. Fran, I know… I was listening in my office, and I know all the nice things that were said about you and they're all true. You're tough. You're loyal. You're giving. You're caring. You're a true friend, and we're going to miss you terribly. God bless you."

"All right. And now, Speaker Welch moves for the adoption of House Resolution 101. All of 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. Congratulations. Representative Hurley is recognized."

"I just want to say, I would do it all over again. Thank you, everyone."

"Under the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 100 is offered by Representative Hurley."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In honor of the Irish Caucus that Leader Hammond mentioned, I have a Resolution to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement represented a landmark breakthrough that provided Ireland with a political framework that 10300014.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 addresses its future. The Good Friday Agreement demonstrated democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences. And despite the historic progress of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, important issues remain unresolved in Northern Ireland, including securing justice for victims of state-sponsored violence and other violence, providing for the rights of all sections of the community. So, there's still work to do, and I ask for adoption of this Resolution."

"Representative Hurley moves for the adoption of House Resolution 100. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Gong- Gershowitz."

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Proceed."

"I would just like to introduce a very special guest that I have with me on the House Floor today. For the first time since my inauguration in 2019, my son, Zach, is here with me today to see how we do the work of the people. So, if we could all give him a warm Springfield welcome."

"Representative Kifowit, what reason do you… be recognized?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"State your point."

"Thank you. I would like to remind the Body, inform the Body, that today is the 32nd Remembrance of Desert Storm, Operation Desert Storm, of which I served on active duty during. I served from 1990 to 1991. Operation Desert Storm, the final phase of the Persian Gulf War, was initiated against 10300014.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 Iraq with United Nations authorization by the Coalition Force from 39 nations to expel Iraqi forces that had invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Air attacks began on January 17, 1991 and were followed by a ground assault on February 23. The Coalition Forces ceased their advance and declared a ceasefire on today, February 28, but in 1991, 100 hours after the ground campaign started. February 28, 2023, marks the 32nd anniversary of the ceasefire announcement of the Persian Gulf War, and we thank all the men and women who served our country in observation… in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Along with a proud and grateful nation, Illinois remembered the ultimate sacrifice made by 18 service members from our state during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. And with the Body's permission, I would like to name and honor these 18 service members. Corporal Stanley Bartusik, United States Army, Calumet City, February 25, 1991. Corporal Scott Bianco, United States Marine Corps, Edwardsville, February 17, 1991. Captain Charles W. 'Chuck' Cooper, United States Army, St. Charles, February 21, 1991. Captain Dale Thomas Cormier, United States Air Force, Crystal Lake, February 15, 1991. Specialist Gary Crask, United States Army, Springfield, January 19, 1991. Captain William Cronin, Jr., United States Marine Corps, Elmhurst, October 8, 1990. Seaman Jorge Guerrero, United States Navy, Chicago, September 14, 1991. Specialist James Heyden, United States Army, Chicago, March 12, 1991. Seaman Kevin Hills, United States Navy, Genoa, December 23, 1990. Corporal Raymond Horwath, Jr., United States Marine Corps, Waukegan, November 30, 1990. Sergeant Major Patrick Hurley, United States Army, New 10300014.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 Douglas, February 21, 1991. Captain William Hurley, United States Marine Corps, Chicago, October 8, 1990. Sergeant Kenneth Keller, United States Marine Corps, Chicago, October 8, 1990. Major Thomas Koritz, United States Air Force, from Rochelle, January 17, 1991. Sergeant First Class Earnest Mitchem, United States Army Reserve, Granite City, April 13, 1991. Captain Stephen Phillis, United States Air Force, Rock Island, February 15, 1991. Lance Corporal Christian Porter, United States Marine Corps, from Wood Dale and Springfield, February 27, 1991. And Captain Bradley Schuldt, United States Air Force, Arlington Heights, August 29, 1990. Speaker, I would like to thank the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs for their recognition of today, and I would also like to ask the Body to take a moment of silence."

"We'll have a moment of silence. Thank you. Leader Keicher, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"…point."

"Representative Sanalitro, what reason do you seek recognition?"

"State your point."

"Representative Ann Williams, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Williams, A.: "Point of personal privilege."

"State your point." Williams, A.: "I first want to recognize how fabulous it is to see you up in the Chair, Leader Rita. Secondly, I'd like to introduce and call your attention to my staff, who is in the gallery. My district office staff is down here. We have Hannah Kreischer, Sarah Butterfield, and Maddie Goodman, and they are super hardworking. They're rockstars, and I get so many compliments on them all the time. So, welcome to Springfield."

"Representative Hurley, what reason do you seek recognition?"

"One more time. Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"State your point. I think this is the most you've talked in 10 years."

"I know, right?"

"That I can remember. You're…" 10300014.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023

"I might as well do it now, right? I just want to say… wish someone a happy birthday. I think he thinks I'm leaving today as my birthday gift to him, but I am not. So, I want to wish Representative Ford a very happy birthday."

"Happy birthday. Representative Meier, what reason do you seek recognition?"

"State your point."

"Representative Mussman, what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege, please."

"State your point."

"Thank you. So, we have a new colleague who you may have noticed is a very enthusiastic spirit and very much enjoys a good birthday, and today is Mary Canty's birthday. And she would love it if, before you enjoyed her cake in the back room, delicious, flourless chocolate, by the way, we sing her Happy Birthday. And I am not a good person to start this. So, 10300014.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 Suzanne Ness, please join me somewhere, but happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Mary Beth. Happy birthday to you."

"The Clerk is in receipt of a Motion in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several Bills. Leader Gabel on the Motion."

"Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived so the following Bills can be heard tomorrow in the Higher Education Committee: House Bill 1005, House Bill 1086, House Bill 1097, House Bill 1264, House Bill 1374, House Bill 1643, House Bill 2041, House Bill 2157, and House Bill 2503."

"Leader Gabel has moved the waiving of the posting requirements. And all those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the posting requirements are waived. Representative Davis, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As all of you know, the month of February is Black History Month, and we appreciate the Members allowing us, as Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, to offer black history moments highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions in many different ways to our history, to our culture of African Americans. And as we close out today's effort, as with this being the last day of Black History Month, I would like to offer, I believe, the final point, final black history point, for the Members today, and that is to acknowledge Major General Rodney Boyd. Major General Rodney Boyd was appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General, Army of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the 10300014.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 Illinois Army National Guard on July 1 of 2021. His previous assignment was as Assistant Chief of Staff, J4 (Wartime), United States Forces Korea. As the Assistant Adjutant General, he serves as the principal assistant to the Adjutant General in all matters pertaining to supervision and management of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs and the Illinois Army National Guard, which consists of 10 thousand citizen-soldiers. General Boyd began his military career as a Marine Corps Reservist in 1982. After completing his obligation with the Marines, he joined the Illinois Army National Guard. In April of 1989, General Boyd attended the Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidate School at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Upon completion in August of 1990, he commissioned as a… he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. In addition to completing Basic Training and OCS, General Boyd's military education includes Quartermaster Officer Basic Course, Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, Transportation Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School (CAS3), Intermediate Leadership Education Course, Theater Sustainment Command Course, Combat Service Support Pre- Command Course, the U.S. Army War College, the Joint Combined Warfighter School-Hybrid, and the Dual Status Commander Course. General Boyd has held many leadership and staff positions during his more than 35 years of service, including Materiel Maintenance Officer, HHC 108th Support Battalion (BN); Platoon Leader, A Company, 108th Support BN; Platoon Leader, 120… excuse me, 1244th Transportation Company, 108th Support BN; Plans and Operations Officer, 1/65th Troop 10300014.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 Command Brigade (BDE); Commander, 1644th Transportation Company; Detachment Commander, DET 2 STARC, 1/65th Troop Command BDE; Material Management Officer, HHC 404th Chemical BDE; Ammunition Officer, Kabul, Afghanistan, 33rd Area Support Group; Supply Management Officer, 108th Sustainment BDE; Executive Officer, Logistics Management and Transition Team, 108th Sustainment BDE FWD; Branch Chief Supply, Joint Forces Headquarters, Commander, HCC, 405th Brigade Support BN; S3, 108th Sustainment BDE; Commander, 108th Sustainment BDE and J5, Director of Strategic Plans & Policies. Some of his military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Service, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. General Boyd received a bachelor's degree in criminology from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree in education from the University of Illinois Chicago Circle, and a second Master of Arts degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. General Boyd is married to Darlene Boyd and together they have two children, Rodney, Jr., Randy, and one grandson. And, Ladies and Gentlemen, as you listen to that, you're probably saying, well, a lot of his awards are more recent. So, yes, this gentleman is still alive. And the reason why it's important to acknowledge him because he is, as I said, Major General, which he is the very first two-star general in the State of Illinois and that is the highest 10300014.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 2/28/2023 command that can receive. And in that command, he commands over 11 thousand soldiers in the Illinois Army National Guard. So, sometimes history is not just people who have passed on, history is living history. And let me thank in a very special way, Dan Swanson, who made sure I had the right information for General… Major General Boyd. And thank all of you for allowing us, as Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, to share in this moment in our history. And as the year moves on, I'm sure we will continue to hear from other Members about very famous people in history that is important to you as well. But again, as a Member of the Legislative Black Caucus, we always think it's extremely important for us to take the month of February and offer these points of history to you. Some I knew, some I didn't know, but it's always good to learn. And when we stop wanting to learn things, then it's time to shut it down completely. But thank you for allowing us to have this month to do this in front of all of you and share this with the entire State of Illinois. Thank you."

"Leader Keicher for an announcement."

"Upon adjournment. The Democrats will not be caucusing today. You guys hear that? The Democrats will not be caucusing today. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, March 1, at the hour of noon. Those in favor say 'aye'; any 'nays'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."