"The House will be in order. The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. The invocation today will be given by Howard Katz. Howard is a Humanist Celebrant and is the guest of Representatives Kifowit and Hanson. Members and their guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Good afternoon. My name is Howard Katz. My title is that of a Humanist Celebrant. Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko once said, 'Courage is not something one can rent.' It takes courage to come to this room and decide on a daily basis what must be done to enrich the lives of all who live within the State of Illinois. Your work is to make sure that each of us can live in safety, that we can live our lives with our loved ones as we wish, that our children can learn the realities of the world in peace and safety, that health care decisions are available to all on an equal basis. Now, each of us is a minority with respect to something. It may be race, religion, sexual orientation, and nationality, or any of the other ways we may be regarded as different. Each of us is also part of some majority. And it's when we wear our majority hats that we need to be most mindful of how we treat others. We must pledge our best efforts to help those out in our communities. We can, as human beings, be rational in our approach to issues. Reason and science can help us solve the problems facing all of us, but only if we do so with the idea of cooperation and not as adversaries. By building on this, we should and can work towards a future for generations that will allow for culture that recognizes the ability of every 10300015.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 person to live up to their full potential as they wish. But this happens only when we live and lead by example, and not by coercion in thought or belief. Science educator Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson once said, 'I think the greatest people in society carved niches that… carved niches that represents the unique expression of their combinations of talents, and if everyone had the ability and luxury of expressing those unique combinations of talents in the world, our society would be transformed overnight.' We must, as a society, do what we can to encourage people's talents, not as a means of controlling ideas or thought processes, but as a means to control anyone's personal autonomy, but do it as a means to enriching each and every person in our state in their pursuit of their individual growth and potential. Today, let us remember that when we share with others that which is most important to us, listening begins. When we acknowledge the concerns of others, when we say those concerns matter, compassion begins. When we stand united against hatred, against violence, and injustice, courage begins. When we experience the full presence of each other, because of our shared humanity, in spite of our disagreements, this is where understanding begins. May we be open to each other's ideas and beliefs, respectful of our differences and not threatened by them. May we grow in understanding of our own motives. May we replace fear with knowledge, helping us to be patient and charitable in our dialogues. While we often focus on our differences, today let us also seek to understand the ideas and values we all share. Today and tomorrow, let us value one another more than we did yesterday. Thank you." 10300015.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023
"Thank you. We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Marron." Marron – 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 Burke: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representative Jones is excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Madam Speaker, let the record reflect that Representative Ozinga is excused for today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 111 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1291. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1079; and do pass as amended is House Bill 1105. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is 10300015.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 House Bill 1629. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1229, House Bill 1565, House Bill 2350; do pass as amended short debate is House Bill 1384. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1397, House Bill 2100, and House Bill 2223. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2174, House Bill 2278, House Bill 2301, House Bill 2376; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2192. Representative Croke, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions & Licensing reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1519 and House Bill 2325. Representative Collins, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 30… 1348. Representative Meyers-Martin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on February 28, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1290, House Bill 2086, and House Bill 2121. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculums & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 10300015.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 1004, House Bill 1375, House Bill 1383, and House Bill 2773. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1032, House Bill 2251, House Bill 2519; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 66. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1111, House Bill 1155, House Bill 1268, House Bill 1555, House Bill 2098, House Bill 2222, House Bill 2231, House Bill 2269, and House Bill 2477. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: do pass Short Debate are House Bills 1648- 2031, and House Bills 49-988, also House Bill 1066; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 1187. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 42, House Bill 2464, House Bill 2584, House Bill 2947. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 1, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2267, House Bill 2308, House Bill 2450, House Bill 2499, House Bill 2862; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2077; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 39. Introduction of Resolution. House Resolution 104, offered by Representative Kifowit, is referred to the Rules Committee." 10300015.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023
"Leader McCombie is recognized for a point of personal privilege. Please proceed, Leader."
"Thank you, Speaker. Good afternoon, everybody. Yesterday, as Representative Davis closed our celebration of Black History Month, today, the first day of March, I'm starting our month-long celebration of Women's History Month. This year's national theme is Women Who Tell Our Stories. And I look forward to hearing Members introduce many remarkable women. Women who have set the stage for us across all fields, not just in politics. I think all of us here, especially my female colleagues, have stories of amazing women who have influenced them. Women who have led the way for each of us to tell our own stories. Today, I'm re-introducing Lottie Holman O'Neill, who I mentioned in my inauguration speech and who I honor with a picture hanging in my office. A native of Pike County, she earned a business degree, moved to Chicago, and settled in Downers Grove in 1908, where she and her husband raised two sons. While politics in Illinois through the early 20th century were male dominated, women gained the right to vote in Illinois in 1913, seven years before the Nineteenth Amendment guaranteed our right to vote was passed across the nation. Lottie joined the ranks of women who were driven to public service and was inspired to enter politics by U.S. Representative Jeannette Rankin from Montana, who in 1916 became the first woman to be elected in the U.S. House of Representatives. Shortly thereafter, Lottie was the first woman elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1922, serving 40 years in the Assembly, which, until Barbara Flynn Currie, was the longest-serving female in the United States. 10300015.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 More than 1 thousand women attended her swearing-in, and in the following years, many followed in her footsteps, joining in the political arena. In 1930, she ran unsuccessfully for the Illinois Senate, but after returning to the House, she made history again in 1959 and became the first Illinois female Senator. She was an advocate for disabled children, parks, education, and civil rights. She fought against abusive taxes, growing state budgets, and public corruption, a lot of which we are still fighting here today. She was a leader and was never afraid to call out fellow Members for hypocrisy, selfishness, or selling out on their principles. She pushed boundaries and made lasting change for women across Illinois and our nation. Upon her retirement in 1963 at the age of 84, Lottie O'Neill declined an invitation to have a statue of her placed in the rotunda. She told her friends that she did not want a statue to face the scoundrel who defeated her in the 1930 Senate primary for all eternity across the rotunda. However, 10 years after her passing in 1976, her friends decided to honor her achievement anyway, placing her statue in the rotunda. However, in accordance to her wish, she does not face her old rival, the scoundrel. He is to her right with Mayor Daley between them. Thank you, Lottie Holman O'Neill, for inspiring women and leading the way. Your impact is remembered and celebrated today."
"Thank you, Leader. Represent… Representative Stava-Murray is recognized for a point of personal privilege."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since the very beginning, women have played a crucial role in our American experiment. 10300015.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 Coming from all states, nations, cultural and ethnic groups, walks of life, and socioeconomic strata, women of all backgrounds and descriptions, and regardless of the perceived gender they were assigned at birth, have thrown into stark relief the inadequacy of the term 'history'. From battlefield hero Molly Pitcher, to poet Phillis Wheatley, to explorer Sacagawea; to suffrage warriors Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Mary Church Terrell, and Nannie Helen Burroughs; to freedom fighters Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks; to reformers Dorothea Dix and Jane Addams; to writers Harriet Beecher Stowe, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Gloria Steinem, and Sandra Cisneros; to doctors Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Elizabeth Blackwell, and nurse Clara Barton; to labor movement and progressive icon Mary 'Mother' Jones; to pioneering First Ladies, including Dolly Madison, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Michelle Obama; to computer scientist Grace Hopper; to jurists Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor. The names of the women whose struggles, achievements, successes, inventions, contributions, courage, and perseverance are woven throughout the story of our United States are far too numerous to even attempt to do them justice here and now. Today, as we mark the start of Women's History Month 2023, honoring all those women who have worked and sacrificed and fought and bled, and sometimes just survived, to help make America better in so many ways, large and small, I want to highlight one woman in particular. LaDonna Harris is a part of the indigenous tribe Nʉmʉnʉʉ, who most Americans know as Comanche. She is a social activist, politician, and community organizer. Throughout a 10300015.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 life of community activism and challenging the status quo, Harris founded her state's first intertribal organization, testified before the Senate on behalf of tribal organizations, was appointed to multiple Presidential Commissions, received recognition and praise for her work from leaders as far apart as Lyndon Johnson and Al Gore, became a founding member of government accountability group Common Cause, and served on the board of the girl… on the boards of the Girl Scouts, National Organization for Women, National Urban League, Save the Children, and the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing, and more. Today, having turned 92 only this past Sunday, she serves on the boards of major organizations such as the ACLU, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Institute for Women of Color. Her life's work building up women and indigenous peoples stands as a monument to the iron will and indomitable spirit that make women an indispensable part of what makes America prosperous and strong. And it is now, in a time when women face attacks on reproductive rights, ongoing harassment, and stubborn discrimination in the workplace and job market, social and cultural double standards, resurgent domestic violence, and social and political patriarchy, and transphobic bigotry, when we most especially need to look to standard bearers like LaDonna Harris, and all the others I mentioned, and borrow some of their strength to keep the fight for equality moving forward. In closing, I ask for a moment of silence for all the women throughout history on whose shoulders we stand today. Thank you." 10300015.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023
"The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you, Representative. Under the Order of Agreed Resolutions, we have House Resolution 97 (sic-99), offered by Representative Tipsword. Representative Tipsword is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm honored today to welcome to the Speaker's Gallery three teams from the Metamora Grade School who have just completed their respective seasons. First, the Metamora Grade School Cheerleading Team. Wave for us, cheerleaders. This was the first year the cheer team has participated in competitive cheer, and what a first year they had. They competed in two Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association Invitationals, placing first at each. They qualified for the ICCA Championships, where they placed second in small junior high and sixth overall. They were also invited to perform at the Citrus Bowl due to their impressive performances. They finished their season by placing third in the state Small School Cheer Division. Well done, cheerleaders."
"And just a quick correction for the record. That was House Resolution number 99, not 97. Representative Elik is recognized. Oh… just hold one second, we have a little housekeeping. Representative Tipsword moves for the adoption of House Resolution 99. Representative Elik is recognized on the Resolution."
"Thank you. Point of personal privilege."
"You know what, if you could just hold that. I thought were speaking on the Resolution. All right. In relation to House Resolution 99, Representative Tipsword has 10300015.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 moved for the adoption of House Resolution 99. 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. Continuing on the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 98, offered by Representative Tipsword. Representative Tipsword is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Sorry for that confusion. This will be the eighth grade boys basketball team. Eighth graders, please take a wave. There's our eighth graders. What an outstanding run they've had as well. They finished with a record of 23 and 6. They finished their season with a victory, clinching third place in 3A at the state tournament. Congratulations on your third-place finish."
"All right. Representative Tipsword moves for the adoption of House Resolution 98. 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. Congratulations. And we have one more Resolution. Under the order of Agreed Resolutions, House Resolution 97, offered by Representative Tipsword. Representative Tipsword is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Lastly, seventh grade boys basketball team. Where you at? Raise your hands. The seventh grade basketball team finished with an unbelievable, undefeated record of 28 and 0. I'm going to say that one more time. An unbelievable, undefeated record of 28 and 0."
"Representative Tipsword moves for the adoption of House Resolution 97. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 10300015.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Congratulations to all the athletes. Representative Elik is recognized for a point of personal privilege."
"Thank you. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Today, I'd like to share with you all House Resolution 67, which honors former State Representative Robert 'Bob' Walters, who passed away in Godfrey on January 21, 2023, at the age of 92. Representative Walters was elected to this House in 1970 and proudly served two terms in the House, representing the people of Alton, Godfrey, and other areas that cover the 111th District where I currently serve. Bob was a U.S. Army veteran and worked for his family business before being elected to the House. He then worked as the executive director of the Southwestern Illinois Employers Association, which brought him back to the State House to lobby for businesses and employers in Madison County. In 2005, Bob was appointed to the Illinois State Board of Elections and served there until his retirement in 2012. Bob and his beloved wife, Jeanne, raised nine children. They were deeply committed to their Catholic faith and served the community together in many ways, sharing their faith with others. They also volunteered as youth coaches and were avid local sports fans. I first got to know Bob and Jeanne as my high school tennis coaches at Marquette Catholic High School. They taught me and hundreds of others the basics of tennis, but also the importance of good sportsmanship, playing fair, and treating everyone with respect. One of my fondest memories of high school is the drive to the away tennis matches. We would leave 10300015.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 school early, pile all of us girls into Mrs. Walters' large conversion van, stop by Mr. Walters' office to pick him up, and then travel to the match. We certainly didn't have fancy buses back then to get us there. We just had their… their giant van. They certainty knew a lot of patience with all of us noisy girls from raising their own large family. I couldn't tell stories about Bob Walters and not mention two things that set him apart in any crowd. Whenever you saw him at a local youth sports event, you would see him standing in the back of the crowd with his highlighter orange Winchester hat and an unlit cigar in his mouth. Bob was known and loved by all. And one of the things that stood out to me at his funeral and visitation was how many people said that Bob was one of their best friends. Not just a friend or an acquaintance, but a best friend. He clearly made everyone feel very special. And I feel very special, too, for having known Bob and Jeanne and their family. He was very happy that I am in this House seat that was once his, and I know that he followed my work and my campaigns. And neither he nor I would have guessed that his very average tennis player would be his Representative in his seat one day. Many Madison County Republican elected officials would not be in office today without his leadership and guidance that he gave to all of us over the decades. He was always active and supportive, giving advice, sharing stories with his dry wit, and he did this over the years to us all. He is sorely missed by his family and all of us who feel like part of his family. He will never be forgotten. His outstanding service to the State of Illinois 10300015.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 is worthy of our honor and gratitude. Therefore, I ask you all for a moment of silence today in his honor."
"Thank you. Representative Davidsmeyer, are you speaking to the Resolution? Please proceed."
"To the Resolution. I want to thank Representative Elik. She did an amazing job. Bob was one of those guys that I really appreciate because you always knew where you stood with him, and it wasn't in a… an adversarial way. He told it how it was, and… but like… like Representative Elik said, he made you feel like part of his family or one of his best friends. And I will say, every time I saw him, he had that cigar in his mouth. Just… it's sad to think of a good guy, a very good person who served in this Body. It's such a great loss to our area, and to this Body, and to the State of Illinois. I want to thank his family for giving him to us for so long and certainly would concur that we need a moment of silence. Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "The Body will take a moment of silence. Representative Scherer, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Chair. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Okay. So, on a lighter note, here we are at the capital city, and I have just discovered a new business. It is Scooter's Coffee Shop. I'm not singling out any special business, but I want to let you know that as you come off 55 or get on 55, on Clear Lake, it's right on your way home or right on your way here. So, they just wanted me to pass the word that you might consider trying them out. Have a great 10300015.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023 day. It's right on Clear Lake by Bergen Golf Course, by Starbucks."
"Representative Weaver, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal… point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"So, today I was entering the Capitol, and I had the pleasure of running into the Montessori School of Lake Forest outside taking pictures. And what an awesome bunch of seventh and eighth graders. They're down here for their history and government class. And so, first of all, Representative Morgan and I just want to welcome you down here today. If you guys wouldn't mind standing really quickly. There's one thing that I want to share with the House that I just thought was really cool and really memorable. I said, 'I'll speak on you today, but can you just share me something about yourselves?' And a young lady named Mian said, 'We're rockstars.' And I want to tell you something, Mian, you guys are rock stars. I'm so excited that you are the future of Illinois. I hope you enjoy your time down here in Springfield. Ask questions, learn, push the thinking, because you're our future leaders. Thanks for coming down."
"Welcome to your Capitol. Leader Mah for an announcement."
"Madam Speaker, Democrats would request a caucus immediately in Room 114."
"Democrats caucus immediately after adjournment at 114. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements." 10300015.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2023
"The following committees will be meeting this afternoon. Meeting at 2:00 is Immigration & Human Rights in Room 122B; Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools in Room 115; Labor & Commerce in Room 114; State Government Administration in Room 118. Meeting at 4:00 is Higher Education in Room 114, Appropriations-Public Safety in Room 122B, and Appropriations-General Services in Room C-1."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 105, offered by Representative Stephens. And House Resolution 106, offered by Representative Stephens."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, March 2, at the hour of 1 p.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4005, a Bill for an Act… offered by Representative Gordon- Booth, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. First Reading of this House Bill. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300015.docx 16