"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we ask today that you give those in authority wisdom in every decision and help them to think clearly. Grant them discernment and common sense so they'll be strong and effective leaders. Help them to lead and govern with integrity, and may their integrity guide them and keep them on track. Lord, we pray for your protection over our Leaders. Protect their hearts and minds, as well as their bodies, so that no evil may befall as they do their work. Bless them as well, for they carry a heavy burden on behalf of this great state. Finally, heal our state, oh Lord, of hatred and evil that has been allowed to permeate our society and make whole so that we may truthfully say we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. These things we pray, Amen." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Olickal." Olickal – 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." 10300018.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "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 Representatives Buckner, Cassidy, and Jones are excused today." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences in the Republican side of the aisle."
"Madam Speaker, I'm proud to say all Republicans are here today to conduct business." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Have all recorded… recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 113 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 8, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 42. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1541, House Bill 2219, House Bill 2263, House Bill 2480, House Bill 2552, House Bill 2875, House Bill 3133, House Bill 3445; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2132. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2317, House Bill 2500, House Bill 2557, House Bill 2793, House Bill 2879, House Bill 3087, House Bill 3257, House Bill 3526, House Bill 3556, House Bill 3557, House Bill 3627, House 10300018.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 Bill 3677, House Bill 3892; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 1533, House Bill 2461. Representative Moylan, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1342, House Bill 2437, House Bill 2910, House Bill 3126, House Bill 3311, House Bill 3406, House Bill 3722. Representative Costa Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1293, House Bill 2618, House Bill 2861, House Bill 2995, House Bill 3121, House Bill 3363, House Bill 3384, and House Bill 3705. Representative West, Chairperson from the Committee on Ethics & Elections reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 995. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2385, House Bill 2443, House Bill 2449, House Bill 2842, House Bill 3030, House Bill 3202, House Bill 3521, House Bill 3631, House Bill 3809, House Bill 3951; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 1049 and House Bill 2799. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2045, House Bill 2067, House Bill 2128, House Bill 2245, House Bill 2324, House Bill 3253, House Bill 3315, House Bill 3322, House Bill 3373, House Bill 3378, House Bill 3380, House Bill 3779; do pass Standard Debate is House Bill 1501; do pass as amended Short 10300018.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 Debate is House Bill 1016, House Bill 1294, House Bill 3375, and House Bill 3762. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1190, House Bill 1616, House Bill 2202, House Bill 2254, House Bill 2485, House Bill 2487, House Bill 2520, House Bill 2527, House Bill 2569, House Bill 2622, House Bill 2776, House Bill 2828, House Bill 2874, House Bill 2901, House Bill 2963, House Bill 3046, House Bill 3086, House Bill 3092, House Bill 3095; also do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3119, House Bill 3128, House Bill 3141, House Bill 3158, House Bill 3277, House Bill 3426, House Bill 3508, House Bill 3595, and House Bill 3597; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2788… that was, once again, do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2788; and recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2174. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3706, House Bill 3708, and House Bill 3834. Representative Yednock, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2805, House Bill 3103. Representative Croke, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions & Licensing reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1636, House Bill 2717, House Bill 2782, House Bill 3233, House Bill 3296, House Bill 3340, House Bill 3479; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2043. Representative Collins, Chairperson with 10300018.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 the Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2118, House Bill 2719, and House Bill 3021. Representative Meyers-Martin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action on March 7, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2868, House Bill 3097, House Bill 3102, House Bill 326… correction, House Bill 3236, House Bill 3281, House Bill 3461, House Bill 3572, House Bill 3575, House Bill 3808; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 3707. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1633, House Bill 2872, House Bill 3147, House Bill 3224, House Bill 3680, and House Bill 3681. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1156, House Bill 1347, House Bill 1538, House Bill 2046, House Bill 2214, House Bill 2285, House Bill 2535, House Bill 2619, House Bill 2769, House Bill 2858, House Bill 2996, House Bill 3060, House Bill 3172, House Bill 3284, House Bill 3571, House Bill 3699, House Bill 3714, House Bill 3716, House Bill 3725; also do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3743, House Bill 3890, House Bill 3955; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2860. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson with the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1434, House Bill 1497, House Bill 2123, House Bill 10300018.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 2954, House Bill 3314, House Bill 3409; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 1363, House Bill 1569, House Bill 2188, House Bill 2220, House Bill 3050. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 8, House Bill 1256, House Bill 2097, House Bill 2289, House Bill 2444, House Bill 2447, House Bill 2502, House Bill 2800, House Bill 3474, House Bill 3578, House Bill 3940; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 1635, House Bill 2154, House Bill 2207, House Bill 2465, House Bill 2492, House Bill 3594, also… Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1110, House Bill 1581, House Bill 2246, House Bill 2431, House Bill 2462, House Bill 2582, House Bill 3100, House Bill 3149, House Bill 3326, House Bill 3436, House Bill 3476, House Bill 3530, House Bill 3747, House Bill 3876, House Bill 3882; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2131, House Bill 2902; and recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 17. Representative Guzzardi, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1628, House Bill 2217, House Bill 2338, House Bill 2562, House Bill 2727, House Bill 2831, House Bill 3062, House Bill 3152, House Bill 3292; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 3104." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Spain, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." 10300018.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if I could have your attention. I have a very special guest who is here with me today as a House Page. Let me introduce Ryan Carlson. He is a sophomore at the Henry-Senachwine High School. I've really enjoyed getting to know him this morning. His family farm's in Bureau County. Henry is located in Marshall County. He's actually a constituent of Representative Tipsword. Was my constituent in the previous 73rd District, and now is a constituent of Representative Tipsword, but his family is a big part of Bureau County. A very impressive young man, who has been involved in showing cattle from a very young age, continues to do so, active in 4-H and FFA, pursuing many national opportunities, will be traveling throughout the spring to Oklahoma and Kansas City as part of a 4-H delegation. Really happy to see that we have future agricultural leaders who want to stay in Illinois, make sure that our family farms can continue to be successful, and be the future innovators for entrepreneurship and agricultural AG tech activities, and making sure this important and most precious legacy of industry is carried forward in the State of Illinois. So, please give me a warm House of Representatives and Springfield welcome to Ryan Carlson and his mom, Rita, who's here in the gallery." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Coffey, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point… point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed." 10300018.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023
"If I could get everybody in the Speaker's Gallery to stand up. I'm here today to honor the eighth grade boys basketball team from Christ the King, the alma mater of my children, right here in Springfield, Illinois. The boys amassed a record of 23 and 6, went on to win the state championship against Bloomington Cornerstone 46 to 37. So, if I could get all of you to give them a big round of applause. Congratulations, Coach Hartman and boys." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Windhorst, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed." Windhorst: I also would like to introduce my Page for a day, Emersyn Clark. Emersyn is from Herrin, Illinois. She is a freshman at Agape Christian High School, where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average, as well as participating in the Beta Club, student government, cheerleading, and softball, where she plays catcher. This is not Emersyn's first time on the House Floor. She previously Paged for Representative Severin last year. Emersyn aspires to become a lawyer, which we… we appreciate, specializing in children and family advocacy. She is here today with her mother, Kailee McRoy. Please, if you would, welcome Emersyn to our House." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today in recognition… point of personal privilege… in recognition… Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed." 10300018.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023
"…of Ronald Reagan's speech 40 years ago, mentioning the liberties and the opportunities that existed in our great country as a constitutional republic. Reagan, a wonderful son of Illinois, at that time, differentiated our great country from the rest of the world. As a great son of Illinois, I've got two other great sons of Illinois from my district that are here. I'd like them to stand up, if they would, please. David M. Stieper, who is from Barrington Hills and served over 18 years on our zoning board. Dave, an attorney, a wonderful patriot himself, and I'd say quite Lincolnesque in his lawyer skills. And then Arnold Cernik, one of the great investors in 70s and 80s that gave Peter Lynch a run for his money. I want to thank both these gentlemen. Arnold also has served for over 16 years on the village boards in Barrington Hills. They truly define what public service is, and I'm proud to have them down here today at the Capitol. Please them a round of applause for their public service. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Stava-Murray, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Societies where everyone has the same rights, not just in theory, but in fact, and the same access to the same opportunities are the societies of the future. Societies that embrace equality are forward-looking, forward-moving societies. Societies that don't will continue to fall behind. Today is International Women's Day, which we celebrate and has been celebrated since 17… 1977, when International Day… 10300018.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 Women's Day was adopted by the United Nations. It has been recognized across the western world as a celebration of the important and indispensable contributions of women to every society on earth, as well the ongoing struggle for gender equality everywhere, the United States being no exception. Organized Women's Day celebrations in the United States go all the way back to 1909, when National Women's Day was celebrated in New York City in honor of women garment workers who went out of… who went out on strike in response to poor working conditions. Women's Day has annually symbolized the ongoing fight for gender equality and female empowerment for 114 years. Today, more work remains to be done. As women, we still contend with glass ceilings, a gender pay gap, domestic abuse, abandonment, job market and work place discrimination, social and professional double standards, toxic beauty standards, and other forms of discrimination. Today, we celebrate the work that has been done. We honor the sacrifices that were made to do that work and we recognize the task that remains before us. The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is 'Embrace Equity'. Societies that are focused on gender equity are fairer, safer, and more productive societies. The future of the United States, and of our state, depends on empowering everyone, especially those such as women who have historically disempowered and disenfranchised to reach our maximum potential. That means equal pay. That means equal rights, including reproductive rights. It means doing better when it comes to supporting survivors of partner and sexual violence. It means lifting up and helping mothers. It means putting an end, forever, to the idea that women and girls 10300018.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 cannot do absolutely everything that men and boys can do just as well, if not better. It means standing in solidarity with everyone who identifies as female, no matter their gender assigned at birth. This year, I am challenging every person here, as well as every person who hears my voice today, to talk and listen to the women in your life, be they mothers, sisters, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, or mere acquaintances. I challenge you to actually pay attention. Take time to notice our daily struggles. Take time to think about the unique issues that impact us. Take time to ask yourself what you can do to support us and show us that you… that we have your respect and that you have our backs. And then speak up. Sexism and inequality thrive only when those who have the ability to speak choose not to do so. By standing together and speaking out in unison, we can overcome prejudice and bigotry and at long last step forward into the sun of a gender equal world. It can start here in Illinois, and it can start today. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Clerk is in receipt of Motions in Writing to waive the posting requirements for a committee and to waive the posting requirements for several Bills. Leader Gabel on the Motion."
"Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived so the main subcommittee of the Insurance Committee can meet on Thursday, March 9, at 2 p.m. Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Gabel has moved to waive the posting requirements for a committee. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, 10300018.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 the 'ayes' have it. And the posting requirements are waived. Leader Gabel is recognized."
"Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived so the following Bills may be heard in the main subcommittee of the Insurance Committee tomorrow: House Bill 2072 and House Bill 1068." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Gabel has moved to waive the posting requirements. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the posting requirements are waived. Representative Scherer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Okay. Today, everyone, I have a group of very hardworking young women with me from Decatur, Illinois. They're right here in the back of the chamber, up in the gallery. So, this is Melverta Wilkins and her daughter, Brittney Wilkins, and they're… not their whole group by any means, but a part of their group called Sista Girls and Friends. They work very hard at moving their lives forward in a positive direction, and I couldn't be more prouder of the programs. These are some of the programs we fund here on the House floor, and they're doing a magnificent job. Look at those bright faces. We're so proud of you, and thanks for being here." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Stuart, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300018.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023
"Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"I just want to introduce my Page today. I'm lucky to be joined by this young man, Logan McCarty. Logan is 12 years old. He's a sixth grader. He lives nearby here, in Pawnee. He enjoys playing the alto saxophone, and he plays basketball with the Pawnee Grade School. He plans to join the Army when he gets older. He loves history. He loves learning anything that has to do with World War II. And we just talked earlier, I know he's now starting to get into World War I as well. He also enjoys going to car shows in the summer, collects diecast models of classic cars. And Logan is joined here in the gallery by his mother, Sara McCarty, who works in our Department of Human Services. So, let's give him a round of welcome." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Mayfield, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. I would like to welcome YouthBuild Lake County and YouthBuild Illinois to the Lake County… to the State Capitol. These young men and women are doing a tremendous job. You know, we are funding them through the state, and these individuals are turning their lives around. They are our opportunity children. So, we would just like to welcome them to the Capitol. Everybody, can we just welcome them? Hello. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Didech, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300018.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have some very special guests here today from my hometown, Buffalo Grove. I'm going to ask them to stand up and be recognized. From the Village Board, we have Joanne Johnson, Eric Smith, Gregory Pike, Village Manager Dane Bragg, Deputy Village Manager Chris Stilling. Thank you for joining us in Springfield. Please give them a warm welcome, everybody. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Just want to assure everyone in the Body that we will survive this week, and we have something to look forward to. On March 21, a Tuesday, the Sullivan Caucus will once again be hosting a St. Patrick's Day event. It will be at the Gin Mill from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. So, get through this week, and you'll have something to look forward to. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Costa Howard, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Madam Speaker, a point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. I rarely talk about my family on the floor, but today is a very special birthday. Today is my husband's birthday. He is the smartest, funniest man I know. Happy birthday." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Hirschauer is recognized." 10300018.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please procced."
"Thank you. Today, I rise in recognition of Women's History Month. It's quite a daunting task to narrow down all the wonderful women we can highlight. So, I turned to my family for some suggestions. And at the dinner table, we got two votes for Taylor Swift, one for Princess Leia, and while they are very worthwhile figures, I landed on our fourth vote, which… a person who sparked change a little closer to home. Dr. Helen T. Edwards was an American physicist and one of the most influential and vital contributors to Fermi National Laboratory, which is located in Batavia in my district, and also in your district, Leader Hernandez. Born on May 27, 1936 in Detroit, Edwards began her physics career at Cornell University, where she obtained her bachelors and master's degrees, then did a PhD in experimental physics in which she sought to increase the energy of particle accelerators. I'm going to pause right here to give you a very short physics lesson so you can understand the depth of the work that she did. There remains much about the world that is unknown, on scales from the immensely large to the extremely small. Dr. Edwards focused her study on the fundamental building blocks of nature, elementary particles. These are what give matter its structure, lead to electricity and magnetism, and give light to the universe. But proving the existence of an elementary particle is no mean feat, as they can be extremely short lived. To detect them, scientists must often build immense, complex, and highly sophisticated instruments, such 10300018.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 as particle colliders. Dr. Edwards oversaw the construction and implementation of a particle collider at Fermilab called the Tevatron. Constructed in 1980 at Fermilab, it was, until 2009, the world's highest energy particle accelerator, and it is still the second most powerful to have ever existed. For roughly 28 years, experiments ran at the Tevatron. It was used by scientists to discover two fundamental particles: the top quark in 1995 and the tau neutrino in 2000. Dr. Edwards was fundamental to the scientific findings at the Tevatron. Her work on the Tevatron earned her the MacArthur Fellowship, and in 1988, the National Medal of Technology. During her career, which spanned more than 40 years, the techniques she pioneered allowed us to push the frontiers of particle physics. Her work on the Tevatron is unparalleled. Dr. Helen Edwards passed away June 21, 2016, at the age of 89. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on at Fermilab and beyond. In recognition of her greatest accomplishments in the field of high energy particle physics, the newly constructed Integrated Engineering Research Center will be named in her honor. At a place and a space in a historically… that is historically dominated by men, there is now a building being… being honored the accomplishments of not only a world-class scientist but a pioneer for women in STEM. To quote Tammy Duckworth, our Senator, 'Not only is renaming the Integrated Engineering Research Center after Dr. Edwards well deserved, it tells generations of girls interested in science that they belong at the table.' Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Haas is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Point of personal privilege." 10300018.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"This year's theme of Women's History Month is women who tell our story. And while there are many incredible women who have a story to tell, there is one who stands out in Illinois' political arena. She's Judy Baar Topinka. Judy paved the way for other women to serve in public office and worked on behalf of… behalf of every constituent in this state. She was a woman with many Illinois firsts under her belt, who blazed the trail for those of us who would follow. Judy Barr Topinka was the first woman in Illinois history to be elected as State Treasurer. She was outspoken in her beliefs and worked across the aisle to accomplish her goals. A fiscal conservative, Judy believed in open and transparent government, which was the hallmark of her tenure. She also believed in helping women succeed in whatever endeavor they chose. As the State Treasurer, Judy introduced 'Smart Women, Smart Money', an educational seminar for women about financial matters, and 'Cash Dash', a computerized program to return lost money to the public. Judy's passion representing the people of Illinois began right here in this chamber in 1980. Thank you. She served four years in the House and then was elected to the State Senate, where she remained for 10 years. After 14 years as a Member of the General Assembly, Judy Barr Topinka ran for statewide office. As a pioneer in the cause of women in elected statewide office, she was chosen in November of 1994 to serve as Illinois State Treasurer. In 2002, Judy was named the head of the Republican Party in Illinois, another first for women. She held that post until 2005. Judy Barr Topinka accepted the nomination of the Republican Party in 10300018.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 2006 for Governor of Illinois, running as the first Republican woman to be nominated for this position. But she lost the election to Rod Blagojevich. Then in 2010, Judy returned to statewide office, winning the position of Illinois Comptroller. And in keeping with her belief in government transparency and accountability, published the state's cash flow situation in the online report, 'Monthly Money Matters'. Those who knew Judy often described her as an original. She brought color, humor, and kindness to the often humorless and unfriendly State Government. She instituted one of the most beloved state house traditions, Cheesecake Day, when she would open up the doors of her office and set out an endless supply of cheesecake for everyone, Republicans, Democrats, and anyone in between, to take a five-minute break from partisan battles and enjoy a dessert together. She once said that she would happily dance a polka with anyone who asked. She had strong convictions and didn't hold back. She was once quoted as saying, 'I am a tolerant person who believes in keeping government out of people's lives.' In addition to her accordion playing skills, Judy is also known for her compassion for animals, especially dogs. While Comptroller, she started an online pet adoption portal to help connect people to animals needing homes. Judy was the only woman to serve as the chair of the Illinois Republican Party and still is the only woman to win the Republican Party's nomination for Governor. Judy believed that by running for office, even when conventional wisdom told her that she couldn't win, she would not only prove conventional wisdom wasn't always right, but also proved her success would open the door for other 10300018.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 women who would ultimately change the quality of issues and discussions. Please join me in honoring Judy Baar Topinka today, on national… International Women's Day." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Mason, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Chair." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Or Madam Speaker, sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would love to welcome two folks from back home who are here visiting. Jeanne Pitcher and Connie Hickey are here in the gallery. They are both nurses at SEDOL, which is the Special Education District of Lake County. And they are here advocating and testifying on behalf of my Bill, House Bill 3613, which will make sure that special education students have enough oxygen supply in the school that they need. Connie is from Palatine, and Genie is from Winthrop Harbor. And let's all give them a big Springfield welcome. Thanks." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you seek recognition?
"Madam Speaker, point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. I'm really blessed today. I've got more people from my area here. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District. I've got Marvin Hill, Trustee Allison Murray, and Chief Nick Asta. These three individuals do everything they can to keep residents in my community safe. They do efficiently and effectively, and I'm so glad to see their faces down here. And I want to thank them, have them 10300018.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 rise. If we could all give our public safety officials a round of applause, I would appreciate it. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 115, offered by Representative Coffey. House Resolution 120, offered by Representative DeLuca. House Resolution 122, offered by Representative McCombie… Leader McCombie. House Resolution 123, offered by Representative Haas. And House Resolution 124, offered by Representative Mason." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "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 Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing the perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stands adjourned Thursday, March 9, at the hour of 1 p.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Report. Representative Morrison, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action on March 8, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2102, House Bill 2365, House Bill 2509, House Bill 2550, House Bill 2756, House Bill 2855, House Bill 2948, House Bill 2972, House Bill 3109, House Bill 3583; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2215, House Bill 2274, and House Bill 2280. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4009, offered by Representative Buckner, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4010, 10300018.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day 3/8/2023 offered by Representative Costa Howard, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4011, offered by Representative Hanson, a Bill for an Act concerning domestic violence. House Bill 4102… 4112… correction, House Bill 4012, offered by Representative Evans, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4013, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300018.docx 21