"Let us take a moment to silently gather ourselves in community with each other and with God. I invite you to breathe in the love of God and breathe out disdain for others. Breathe in the mercy of God and breathe out judgment. Breathe in the forgiveness of God and breathe out grudges. And now, breathe in the spirit of God and hold it fast as we pray together. Dear God, we give you thanks and praise. We are grateful that you have placed each person in this room for such a time as this. I humbly pray for your blessing upon this Session and those who participate. Reveal to them your wisdom and your truth. May each be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger so that the common purpose to which each has committed may be carried out, that lives may be transformed, and that your honor and glory might shine through. With the hope for your perfect peace, your people say, Amen." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Yednock."
"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." 10300028.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 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 Andrade, Burke, Gong-Gershowitz, Jones, and Slaughter are excused today." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Madam Speaker, please let the record reflect that Representative Ozinga is excused for today." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 109 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Representative Morgan, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on the House Floor today in the shadow of another mass shooting, another devastating, horrific event at a school, this time in Nashville, Tennessee. We learned yesterday that three young students didn't make it home. Evelyn Dieckhaus, age nine, third grade. Hallie Scruggs, age nine, third grade. And William Kinney, age nine, third grade. All slaughtered. As a parent of a second grader and kindergartner, the news chilled me to my bone and forced me to, again, reckon with the reality that it could've been my kids, could've been your kids. Three adults were also murdered at Covenant School yesterday, including Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak, Mike Hill. The loss of innocent lives, 10300028.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 the physical and emotional wounds, and the trauma experienced by the entire Nashville community will leave a permanent scar. I know this because it is the same scar that has been left on my community in Highland Park and too many other towns throughout our country. Words without action are hollow. And we took a meaningful step here in Illinois, just a few months ago, banning the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. But what we did with the Protect Illinois Communities Act, it wasn't enough. Just hours before the Nashville shooting, the Washington Post described a story of how 10 of the 17 deadliest mass killings in the U.S. involve assault weapons, AR-15s. And as we remember the 6 lives taken yesterday, there have been 10 thousand lives taken in the United States in just the last 3 months. Ten thousand lives in the first three months of this year. Hours after the shooting, the local Tennessee Congressman said, 'We're not going to fix it. Not going to fix it.' Tomorrow, people will descend on Springfield, Illinois, also shrugging their shoulders, saying, 'We're not going to fix it. We're not going to fix it.' We have to fix it. We have to keep our young children from fearing an assault weapon firing on them in their classrooms. Instead, they need to be focused on reading Dr. Suess or learning about math and science and just being children. We need to further address gun violence in Illinois in all of its forms. And we need leaders in Washington, D.C. to tackle gun violence with the seriousness and the urgency that it demands. We will not let these deaths be in vain. Madam Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence." 10300028.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The chamber will take a moment of silence. Thank you, Members. Representative Jed Davis, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, J.: "Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed." Davis, J.: "I just wanted to give a warm Springfield welcome. I have my son and my daughter here with me today, and I see lots of people on spring break. So, I'm sure there are several others. I also have my family up in the gallery. My father- in-law, IHSA High School Hall of Fame basketball coach, Don Davidson, and then my mother-in-law, my wife, and my other daughter. So, thank you very much." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"I'd like to be a proud father today and introduce everyone to my son, Oliver Keicher, a senior at Sycamore High School, joining us for the week. So, let's entertain him." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Kelly, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"I would like to introduce my Page for today. Eighth grader, thirteen-year-old Bri Shetsky. She is the daughter of Steve Shetsky from AFFI. She loves basketball and being on her middle school team at Bernotas, and she is in National Junior Society. So, let's all give her a warm welcome to Springfield." 10300028.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Cassidy, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Actually, two points of personal privilege, if I may be so bold. First of all, I would like to introduce my Page for the day. Kayleigh Sullivan is from Libertyville, Illinois and is a freshman at Libertyville High School. She is a competitive cheerleader, where she made varsity cheer at Liberty High School for a team that took ninth place at state this year. She's also on the U.S. National Junior Coed Cheer Team and has won two gold medals on this team is 2022. One competition in Santiago, Chile, where the United States won the Pan American Games. Kayleigh is an aspiring lawyer and is here shadowing me today and Jen Paswater on the Republican side of aisle tomorrow to learn about different opportunities for this career path. As many of you know, I am the spokesperson for the Sullivan Caucus and Kayleigh is the daughter of our former colleague, Ed Sullivan, who's up in the gallery. So, please join me in welcoming Kayleigh to Springfield. And additionally, on behalf of the Progressive Caucus and Representatives Suzanne Ness, I'd like to invite you to step into either one of the back rooms where we have brought some delicious goodies from UpRising Bakery in Lake in the Hills. Many of you may find that name familiar for a couple of reasons. UpRising Bakery has been the subject of a great deal of, frankly, terrorism because they want to serve everyone, because they believe that everyone is worthy of being acknowledged and recognized and living their true, authentic selves. However, because of that, UpRising Bakery has been targeted. They have been vandalized. Their owners 10300028.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 and staff have been subject to endless death threats all because of rhetoric from some portions of the other side of the aisle that ironically refers to themselves as the supporters of small business. And yet, the hateful rhetoric that attacks people in the LGBTQ community and demonizes our trans siblings is threatening the very existence of this business. So, with that, I invite you all to enjoy some sweets." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. I'd like to introduce my Page for a day, Avery Whitehead. Avery is a junior at Geneva High School and is interested in State and Federal Government, so much so that she requested to work here for a day over her spring break. But one of the most important things about Avery is she's Big Nick Williams' niece. Please give a warm Springfield welcome to Avery Whitehead." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Members, please join me in welcoming our Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, on the House Floor. Representative DeLuca, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"An announcement, please, Madam Speaker." Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. Just want to remind everyone, you all received an invitation to the first ever Italian Caucus reception, which will be happening tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the top of the Wyndham. It won't be a seven-course sit-down meal, but I can assure you it's not popcorn and mixed nuts. Hope you can stop by to say hello. Thank you." 10300028.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "On page 4 of the Calendar, under Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution #10, offered by Representative Mayfield. Out of the record. House Resolution 14, Leader Manley."
"Thank you for your patience, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 14 urges the Illinois Department of Human Services to review the value of expanding its naloxone tool kit to include all U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved versions of naloxone or other FDA-approved products to fight the Illinois opioid epidemic. Basically, there are… there are FDA-approved dosages out there, eight-milligram doses out there, that can be utilized. The average naloxone incident calls for maybe four or five… four-milligram doses to be used. So, it would be cost effective and perhaps even better for the person having the overdose if a larger dose was given at first. And I ask for the passage of the Resolution. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Manley moves for the adoption of House Resolution #14. 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. House Resolution 23, Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. About a month ago, we had the Consul General Stankov from Bulgaria, the Consul General in Chicago, and they were here visiting us at the Capitol. We didn't have the Resolution in time to pass it while they were here. However, with March 3 marking the 145th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria, this Resolution proclaims March 2023 as Bulgarian American 10300028.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Heritage Month in Illinois. I ask that we adopt the Resolution." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman moves for the adoption of House Resolution 23. 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. House Resolution 39, Leader Hoffman."
"House… House Resolution 39 recognizes the important role that dental hygienists play in assisting in maintaining oral health. I ask for a favorable roll call." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman moves for adoption of House Resolution 39. 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. House Resolution 44, Representative Mason. Out of the record. House Resolution 52, Representative Marron."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 52 encourages the Illinois Board of Education to expand and try to look for mental health resources with the goal of acquiring enough mental health resources to get every student an hour of counseling per student, per semester. I ask for a favorable vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Marron moves for the adoption of House Resolution 52. 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. House Resolution 55, Leader Evans. Out of the record. House Resolution 50… 62, Representative Ammons." 10300028.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023
"Oh, thank you. I'm sorry. I was trying to figure out which Resolution this was. House Resolution 62 just set the framework for the recruitment… teacher recruitment system in Illinois, working with ISBE, ICCB, IBHE, ISAC collectively. And we are looking to expand the access for potential teacher candidates and find it in one place in the state. That's what the Resolution does, and I move for its adoption." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Ammons moves for adoption of House Resolution 62. 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. House Resolution 64, Will Davis, Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Oh, sorry, Madam Chair. House Resolution 62 (sic-64) reaffirms commitment to strengthening and deepening of the sister-state ties between the State of Illinois and Taiwan, R.O.C.; reaffirms support for Taiwan Relations Act and supports Illinois businesses to refer to Taiwan, R.O.C. as Taiwan; endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement, the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity with the United States and reiterates supports for a closer economic and trade partnership between the State of Illinois and Taiwan; expresses continued support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of the people of Taiwan and supports Taiwan's aspirations to make more contributions in the international societies. Taiwan is a strong trade partner for us here in Illinois, not only in terms of manufacturing technology, but also in the farming 10300028.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 space as well. I ask Members to adopt this Resolution. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank the Sponsor of the Bill for allowing me, as the cochair of the Taiwan Friendship Caucus, to be a cosponsor. And I want to point out to the chamber that those of us who have valued democracy and freedom by our support of Taiwan are being called out by the Chinese government, attempting to influence what we're doing in this chamber. I urge a strong support of this Resolution and the free people of Taiwan." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Will Davis moves for adoption of House Resolution 64. 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. Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"We are nearing the end of Women's History Month, and today I am highlighting Judy Heumann, who is a disability rights activist, known as being the mother of the disability rights movement. And Judy passed away March 4 of this year at age 75. Her work, her life, and her advocacy shifted how America views people with disabilities. She played a pinnacle role in the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, Section 504, and of course the ADA in 1990. And yet, I would bet that the majority of people in this chamber have actually never heard of Judy Heumann. Let me start with this quote. 'Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we 10300028.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 need to lead our lives, job opportunities, barrier-free buildings, for example. It is not a tragedy to me that I'm in a wheelchair.' Judy was born in 1947. She was a quadriplegic after contracting polio when she was eight months old and that closed door after door of opportunity for her. When she tried to register for kindergarten in New York City, the principal rejected her saying she created a fire hazard. So, as a young adult, she wanted to become a teacher 'cause that was one of the few things available to somebody with disabilities and women at the time. And the board of education in New York denied her the ability to teach because she used a wheelchair so she was a fire hazard. So, she sued, and that started a lifetime of advocacy. As a young adult, she cofounded Disabled in Action, which was a group modeled after the black civil rights movement and the women's movement. In 1972, she led demonstrators to shut down rush hour traffic in Manhattan outside of President Nixon's campaign office because he was vetoing… he did veto the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, which later became a model for the ADA. Later, President Clinton appointed Judy Heumann the Assistant Secretary of Education to be in charge of all of the nation's federal education programs. And after that, in the Obama administration, she was a special assistant to Hillary Clinton. There is no doubt that the road to a world free from barriers to people with disabilities, which to very clear, we are still on this road, would be a very different road without Judy Heumann. She's recognized loud and clear that the ADA is not a capstone of all of our work to break barriers but is an absolute floor in terms of all the work that we have do. So, 10300028.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 for those of you who have never heard of Judy Heumann, now you have. You can read her autobiography, which is called Being Heumann. You can also check out an Oscar-nominated documentary that features her and other disability rights work called Crip Camp. It uplifts her amazing work. And again, born in 1947, she passed away in early March of this year. So, I'm very proud to share her story for Women's History Month here. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Jacobs is recognized."
"Thank you very much, Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Today, I rise on a point of personal privilege in honor of Women's History Month to honor Southern Illinois University… go Dogs… track and field star and recent woman's hammer throw world record breaker, DeAnna Price. As a Saluki in 2015, DeAnna became only the fifth woman in NCAA history to win back-to-back hammer throw titles and the first since 2007. DeAnna was an All-American in track and field all four years at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where she graduated in 2016 with a degree in accounting. Since leaving SIU, DeAnna has thrived on the world stage, participating in the World Junior Championships, the Pan American Games, and the World Championships in both the hammer throw and the weight throw. DeAnna is the picture of perseverance, having endured multiple injuries throughout her career. She has represented the United States of America at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, placing eighth in the hammer throw at both of those Olympics. Just one month ago, DeAnna Price became the new world record holder in the World's Hammer Throw event at the U.S. Women's National Track and Field Meet. Ladies and 10300028.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Gentlemen, please join me in saluting a great Southern Illinois University Saluki Olympian and world record holder and an inspiration to young female athletes of all kinds, DeAnna Price. Thank you, House." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"It's my honor to have in the Capitol today, and also Representative Niemerg's honor, to have in the Capitol up in the gallery, a gentleman by the name of Steve Smith. He's from Albion. He and his wife have the Hope Center. They provide services and help for those that are in need. He's a tremendous man of God, has a heart for people. We're glad to have him in the Capitol today. And he's also quite a sports fan, so he's enjoying the NCAA. But I'd like to welcome Mr. Steve Smith. Thank you very much." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Ann Williams is recognized." Williams, A.: "Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed." Williams, A.: "I just want to say thank you to Secretary Giannoulias on behalf of not only myself, but everyone that works in and around the Capitol Complex. He's announced the opening of a coffee station in the Capitol on the second floor. The grand opening will be tomorrow. Just heard this good news. Can't wait to check it out. Thank you so much, Secretary." 10300028.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Manley is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Democrats will caucus in Room 114 immediately following Session." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Madam Speaker, the Republicans would request a caucus upon adjournment in Room 118." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Members, both… both sides will caucus upon adjournment. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 166, offered by Representative Gonzalez. And House Resolution 168, offered by Representative Stephens." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Gabel moves for adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the 'ayes'… the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, April… March… March 29, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the 'ayes', the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of Resolutions. House Resolution 164, offered by Representative Harper; and House Resolution 167, offered by Representative Johnson, are referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4026, offered by Representative LaPointe, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4027, offered by Representative Moylan, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. 10300028.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/28/2023 Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1534, offered by Representative Rita, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 1924, offered by Representative Niemerg, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2059, offered by Representative Kelly, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 2175, offered by Representative Slaughter, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. First Reading of these Senate Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300028.docx 15