Illinois House Floor Debate — March 2, 2023

"The House shall be in order. The House shall be in order. Members in their chairs. We shall be led in the 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."

"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative West."

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

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

"Leader Keicher is recognized for reporting excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."

"Have all those recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? All recorded themselves who wish? Clerk, please take the record. There being 109 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Representative Ortiz is recognized."

"Representative Tipsword is recognized."

"Representative Kelly is recognized."

"Thank you, Speaker. Yet again, we mourn the sudden, tragic loss of a police officer in the line of duty. Those who willingly risk their lives each and every day to promote and 10300016.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023 enhance safety of our neighborhoods, families, and businesses know what happened yesterday afternoon is a possibility every time they put on their uniform. It is because, despite this, they continue to patrol our communities and stand ready to stand between each of us and sudden danger that we honor them. Andrés Vásquez Lasso represents the very best that the best that the City of Chicago has to offer. His dedication, selflessness, courage, and sense of duty should inspire each of us to reach for a higher standard. Chicago is a diverse city, but admiration and respect for the example of those who put the public good ahead of their own are among the many things that unite us. Officer Vásquez Lasso's sacrifice is a monument to the city for which he gave his life. And I know I am not alone in that, and I will be forever grateful for him and the many others like him. To the family and loved ones of this outstanding young hero unjustly taken far too soon, I am personally very sorry for your loss. As a firefighter myself, Officer Vásquez Lasso is a member of a siblinghood to which I also belong. I feel this loss acutely. In the wake of this tragedy, we must each recommit ourselves to a great task of continuing to promote and enhance public safety and to ensuring a safe and equitable society to every person in this great state. At times like this, it can be easy to find ourselves divided, but we should challenge ourselves to have the strength to remain united and continue addressing the issues facing the state together. The memory of Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso is worthy of nothing less. And I would like to do a policeman's poem, a prayer, that in my 20 years as a Chicago firefighter, I've heard entirely too 10300016.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023 much. 'The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass. 'Step forward now, policeman, how shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church, have you been true?' The policeman squared his shoulders and said, 'No, Lord, I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough. But that is only because the streets are awfully tough. I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep. I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand.' There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod, as the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God. 'Step forward now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, you've done your time in hell.' Rest in peace."

"Thank you, Representative. Moment of silence for one of our best and one of our bravest. Thank you. Leader Hoffman is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could have the Body's attention. Mr. Speaker, I stand today on House Resolution 23. House Resolution 23, which we will formally take up next week, indicates the marking of the 145th anniversary of the 10300016.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023 liberation of Bulgaria. This Resolution proclaims March 2023 as Bulgarian American Heritage Month in Illinois. I am proud that we are joined today and honored to welcome to the Capitol Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago, Consul General Stankov. Welcome him to the Capitol, as well as his group. Please welcome them. Bulgaria and the United States are strategic partners and allies, sharing strong ties of culture, tradition, and common interest. Our relationship dates back 120 years, and Illinois in particular has a significant population of residents who possess Bulgarian heritage. By some accounts, the metropolitan Chicago area is considered to be the home of the largest Bulgarian diaspora. And this population traces its roots back to our area in the Metro East. Granite City hosts the oldest Bulgarian American community in the country. And if you visit our area today, you can see the Holy Trinity Church in Madison, Illinois, which is the oldest Bulgarian Orthodox church in the state and has been a pillar of the community for over a century. I think it's also important to touch on the strength and enduring national spirit the people of Bulgaria possess. Bulgaria has faced significant challenge and dark times throughout its history. Whether it was standing up for Bulgarian Jews and resisting Nazi pressure during World War II or persevering through the darkest days of the Iron Curtain, the people of Bulgaria have fought injustice and determine… with determined resolution. Today, they are our partners in NATO and have been active in cooperation with the United States on numerous defense efforts. There's no question that Bulgarian Americans have greatly enriched our 10300016.docx 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023 culture, technological, and civic life here in Illinois. From innovation in computers to conservation… contributions to aviation, Bulgarian Americans have left an enduring impact on all of our lives in Illinois and the United States. Again, please welcome… please welcome, and I am honored to welcome, the Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago, Consul General Stankov and his group, to the Capitol today. Here's to our rich and continued friendship. Please welcome them."

"Representative Hauter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please speak your point."

"Representative Windhorst, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please speak your point."

"On Supplemental Calendar #1, under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 110, offered by Leader Gabel. Leader Gabel is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, today I present the Resolution nominating Nicole Hill to the position of Head Doorkeeper of the House. As many of you know, Lee Crawford retired from this position at the conclusion of the 2022 Legislative Session, and we have since conducted a thorough search to find someone as qualified and professional, as kind as Lee was. Ms. Nicole Hill is that person. Our search committee received more than 80 applicants and conducted 4 rounds of interviews. Out of many qualified candidates, Ms. Hill stands out. For more than 12 years, she led security efforts at Springfield Public Schools. As many of my colleagues had said, 'If she can deal with all those parents at Springfield Public Schools, she can certainly help us.' She is a certified nursing assistant and holds an associate degree in criminal justice. Ms. Hill's also certified in CPR and has spent years working as a CNA in local hospitals in Springfield. Members who have interviewed her left feeling that protecting and caring for people is not simply a job to Ms. Hill, but it is her calling. I know she will work well with all Members of this House and our team of Doorkeepers. She will keep us safe, and she will make us proud. I ask for your 'aye' vote."

"Leader McCombie is recognized."

"Seeing no further discussion, Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of House Resolution 110. This is a recorded vote. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 2 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. Representative Norma Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, N. "Hi there. I meant to vote 'yes' on the Resolution."

Speaker Evans: "The record will reflect your request. Representative Elik, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please speak your point."

"Representative Ammons is recognized."

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

"Please speak your point."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In honor of Women's History Month, we recognize the great and late Maya Angelou. 'You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies. You may try me and trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, with certainty of tides, just like hopes springing high, still I rise.' Maya Angelou, poet, dancer, singer, activist, scholar, was a world-famous author. She was best known for her unique and pioneering autographical writing style. On April 4, 1928, Marguerite Ann Johnson, known to the world as Maya Angelou, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to the start of World War II, she attended George Washington High School in Oakland, California, studied dance and drama at the Oakland Labor School. During her youth, Angelou was employed for a semester 10300016.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023 as the first African American woman to be a train conductor, but then decided to return to school. She graduated from Missouri… Mission High School in the summer of 1944 and soon gave birth to her only child, Clyde Bailey Guy Johnson. In 1949, she married Tosh Angelos, an electrician in the U.S. Navy. She adopted a form of his surname and kept it throughout her life. Angelou was also noted for her talents as a singer and dancer, particularly in calypso and cabaret styles. In 1950, African American writers in New York formed the Harlem Writers Guild to nurture and support the publication of black authors. Angelou joined the Guild in 1959. She also became a civil rights movement… she also became an active member of the civil rights movement and served as the northern coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a preeminent African American advocacy organization. In 1969, Angelou published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiographical of her own life. Her tale of personal strength amid childhood trauma and racism resonated with readers and was nominated for the National Book Award. Many schools sought to ban the book for its frank description and depiction of sexual abuse, but it is credited with helping other abuse survivors tell their stories. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings has been translated into numerous languages and has sold over a million copies worldwide. Angelou eventually published six more autobiographies, culminated in 2013's Mom & Me & Mom. She wrote numerous poetry volumes, such as the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Just Give Me a Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie in 1971, as well as several essay collections. She also recorded spoken word albums of her poetry, including On 10300016.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023 the Pulse of the Morning for which she won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album. The poem was originally written for and delivered by Bill Clinton inauguration in 1993. She also won a Grammy in 1995 and again in 2002 for her spoken word poetry. Angelou carried out a wide variety of activities on stage and screen as a writer, actor, director, and producer. And in 1972, she became the first African American woman to have her screenplay turned into a film with the production of Georgia, Georgia. Angelou earned a Tony nomination in 1973 for her supporting role in Jerome Kilty's play Look Away and portrayed Kunta Kinte's grandmother in the television miniseries Roots in 1977. In 1981, Wake Forest University offered Angelou the Reynolds Professorship of American Studies. President Clinton awarded Angelou the National Medal of Arts in 2000. And in 2012, she was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the Wake Forest University Writers Hall of Fame. The following year, she received the National Book Foundation's Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. Angelou also gave many commencement speeches, and awards of more than 30 honorary degrees have been given to her in her time. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. It was a fitting recognition for Angelou's remarkable and inspiring career in the arts. Unfortunately, she passed away May 28, 2014. To honor her legacy, the U.S. Postal Service also adopted a stamp of her likeness on its 2015 stamp. And thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions." 10300016.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 16th Legislative Day 3/2/2023

"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. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 7, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."