"Thank you. I'd like to start by reading us a psalm. Psalms 24, the Psalm of David. 'The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof, the world and all those who dwell within, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand at his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. So, lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, and let the King of glory come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.' Father, we come before you with hearts that are humbled because we recognize that everything that we have is a gift from you, that you have given us all things for us to steward. And we pray this day that we would be conscious, considerate in how we steward. Who can ascend your hill? Who can approach you? There's no 10300046.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 man. There's no woman. And we set at the bottom of such a great mountain, oftentimes with our gates closed, but you, Lord, have descended the mountain. You, Lord, have come low to be with us. The God who inhabits eternity has come low to be with the humble and the contrite. So, this day we recognize who stands at our gate, at the gate of Illinois, and who knocks and who longs to come in. And today, Lord, we open the gate to you. And we say, come in Lord, we trust your righteous ways, we trust your decrees, and we ask God that you would give wisdom to all men and women who dare to lead your people. That you would give us wisdom, that you would give us compassion, that righteousness would rain down and flood in Illinois like a mighty river. That we would turn our hearts to you and, God, that years of favor and refreshing would come, that we would turn from things that are false, that we would turn from exaggerations and distortions, that we would turn to the God who is true, the God who is. We humble ourself before you this day, God, and we ask your blessing upon Illinois, upon the House as they meet. Come be the purifier. And, Father, we pray that you grant us repentance, that you grant us a knowledge of your salvation. We look to you. And finally, Father, I ask from the bottom of my heart that in Illinois you would do what only you can do. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by… today by Representative Johnson." Johnson – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 10300046.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 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 Ammons, Will Davis, Jiménez, Jones, Moeller, and Rita 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 Representatives Wilhour and David Friess are excused for today." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 97 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 15, 2023: recommends be adopted are the Motions to concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1132, Senate Amendment(s) 1 and 2 to House Bill 1571, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2043, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2131, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2297, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2372, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2471, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2487, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3135, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3230, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3253, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3370, 10300046.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3448, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3516, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3631, Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3707, and Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3768. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 289, offered by Representative Scherer; and Senate Joint Resolution 30, offered by Representative Ammons, are referred to the Rules Committee." 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."
"Along with the minister that led us in the prayer today, up in the gallery I'd like to introduce to you a friend of his that he met at Asbury College during the revival there. This gentleman, his name is Colton Stoody, and he is walking from Delaware to California. And so far, he's walked 1800 miles. He's walked from Delaware to Kaskaskia, down by Chester, Illinois. So, I'd like to introduce to you to Colton Stoody. And so, we'd like to welcome him to the House and we appreciate his steadfastness. He's walking the United States reading his bible. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Mussman, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"I would like to take an opportunity to introduce my Page for today. Ignat Striletskyi is here visiting us from the Ukraine. He will be here for some time, studying political 10300046.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 science at UIS. He is staying with a host family here in Springfield. We'd love to walk around and introduce ourselves, give you an opportunity to say hello. And if everyone could please give him a warm Springfield welcome." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. I wanted to acknowledge that today is the retirement of one of the 52nd District's great public safety officials. Chief James Kreher is retiring today. Chief Kreher is retiring as the fire chief of Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, 45 years in total of fire service between Fox River Grove and Barrington Countryside. In that time, he spent 28 years as a paramedic. Chief Kreher has also been the president of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, former president of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and he has over 30 state certifications in the fire service. He also is a great citizen in our community, and he supports charitable activities, including Operation North Pole, Help Us Help Others. He volunteers each and every year at CPR and also teaches CPR to Cary-Grove High School. I'm honored to be able to provide this acknowledgment of the chief, but as a personal note, just to let you know the kind of person that he is, four years ago in Barrington Hills, we were going to put in a kitchen. And the chief decided that it was too expensive to use outside contractors. And he and I and a few of his men actually installed the kitchen at Barrington Hills. It's just 10300046.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 the kind of guy that Chief Kreher is. I wish I could be there, up today. But, Chief, congratulations on your retirement. If you'd all please join me in a round of applause for a great public servant. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative West is recognized on House Resolution 290."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. If the Body will indulge me. On April… on April 24 of last year, we lost, in the City of Rockford, we… this past year we've lost two city council members. We lost one back in February that Representative Vella will speak on. And I'm here to… I rise to speak on House Resolution 294, Alderwoman… Alderperson Linda McNeely, who served the 13th Ward of the City of Rockford for 26 years. When she was not able… when she was no call, no show to City Council, they checked on her and found her at her home. And she passed at the age of 67. She's been an alderman for the City of Rockford since 1997. My church happens to be in her ward, so my family's had a strong relationship with her. She also served as a State Central Committeeman… Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Illinois from 2002-2010. And I want to make sure the family back at home, not just her immediate family, but the family, the community as a whole knows that the State of Illinois honors the legacy of Linda McNeely, that the State of Illinois grieves her passing, and that the State of Illinois is… has the family and the City of Rockford in their thoughts and prayers. And after other people who may want to provide some words on her behalf, I ask for a moment of silence from this Body. Thank you, Madam Speaker." 10300046.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Vella is recognized on the House Resolution 284."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to talk about a very good friend of mine who passed away in February of this year. He was also an alderman in the City of Rockford. He's also been involved in the community for decades and decades. His name was Tuffy Quinonez. Tuffy was born in Chicago, came to Rockford at the age of five, joined the military, came out of the military, went to barber college, started his own barber business, had a lot of other small businesses, spent most of his time in the area trying to get young people to start businesses. He was a great believer in work. He was a great believer in the economy of growing… growing his community. He was a pillar of the community and founded the many associations, including the Mexican Business Association, the… he was the founder of the local American Legion, the VFW. He was a member of the Navy Club, the Club Patriotico Mexicano, the Voz Latina, the Latin American Community Organization, Seventh Street VFW in Rockford, and the list goes on and on. He spent most of his time walking his district, knocking on doors, talking to people, helping those when he could. He leaves behind a daughter who grieves him every day. This was a great blow to lose Linda McNeely and Tuffy in the same three months. They were… they had a lot of institutional knowledge and knew about the history of Rockford, and they were working very hard to make Rockford a better place. So, we are going to miss both of them. And I 10300046.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 ask for a moment of silence for Tuffy, and thank you very much." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Kifowit, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, a point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"I want to thank my seatmate, Representative Mussman, for introducing Ignat. He came here from Ukraine with the help of an individual that we have met, Chase Wilhelm. He has given the… the invocation here on the House Floor a couple Memorial Day ceremonies ago. And I want to bring the Body to the attention that Chase Wilhlem, he's a Major in the Illinois National Guard and he is preparing for deployment tomorrow. He will be deployed for over 400 days in the Middle East, and his wife and young one-year-old will be here supporting him from the United States. And I just ask the Body to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers while he is deployed into the Middle East, serving our country on active duty. Thank you, Members." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "On page 16 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution… House Joint Resolution 30, offered by Representative LaPointe. Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Joint Resolution 30 recognizes May 2023 as Borderline Personality Awareness Day. And we heard some incredibly moving testimony in the Mental Health Committee about what borderline personality is, and I 10300046.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 think you've all heard that word before and you have some notions of what it is. But it is very intensely misunderstood, and most importantly, it is a mental health condition that, if recognized and identified, can be treated successfully 90 percent of the time. So, as we recognize this May 2023 as Borderline Personality Disorder Month, I ask all of my colleagues to take some time to learn about what it is, do a Facebook post. Because if we can't recognize a condition, then nobody is going to have the ability to seek the treatment and support that they need. And that is what HJR30 is all about." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative LaPointe moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 30. 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 49, Representative Chung. Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Chung." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Joint… House Resolution 49, it urges schools across the state to pursue starting Future Teachers of America Clubs in order to inform of the growing demand for qualified teachers in Illinois and to urge students to promote a positive image of the teaching profession and provide students with resources in regards to the educational field. And I ask for its adoption today." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Chung moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 10300046.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Chung, did you explain the… the Resolution?"
"Sorry, yes. I explained the Resolution. I just forgot that we were doing the Amendment. The Amendment was just to clean up language and provide consistency between some places that said 'teachers' and some places in the Amendment it said 'educators'. So, it's going to say Future Teachers of America throughout the body of the… the text." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Chung moves for the adoption of House Resolution 49. 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 66, Leader Hoffman. Leader Hoffman is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 66 directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the oversight of the Independent Services Coordination Program by the Department of Human Services' Division of Developmentally… Developmental Disabled… Disabilities. This would give the Auditor General that ability to conduct that performance audit." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman moves for the adoption of House Resolution 66. This is a recorded vote. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there 10300046.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 are 97 'aye'… 'ayes', 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution voting… Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 69, Representative Harper. Representative Harper is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 69 declares March 9 as Rare Disease Day in the State of Illinois." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Harper moves for the adoption of House Resolution 69. 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 71, Representative Hanson. Out of the record. House Resolution 78, Leader Evans. Leader Evans. Out of the record. House Resolution 86, Representative Scherer. Out of the record. House Resolution #91, Representative Stava- Murray. Representative Stava-Murray is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 91 designates March 8, 2023 as 'International Women's Day'. Although Women's History Month has come and gone, there is never a deadline continuing to honor the many women who strive to make a difference. When I presented this Resolution in committee, I said that this Resolution is to recognize the hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, courage, and fortitude of the women in Illinois since the founding of our great state, without which it is doubtful that we could have accomplished a great many of the things we did. To all of the women and little girls of Illinois, know that here in this state your voices will be heard, your rights will be protected, and we thank you for your contribution each and every day. Here in 10300046.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 this chamber and throughout Illinois, we will continue to fight for you. Thank you, Members of the House." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Stava-Murray moves for the adoption of House Resolution #91. 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 96, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Representative Gong-Gershowitz is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a initiative by the periodontist who wanted to highlight and bring attention to the importance of oral health care as part of oral… overall health care. Passed unanimously, and I ask for an 'aye' vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz moves for adoption of House Resolution 96. 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 103, Representative Lilly. Out of the record. House Resolution 109, Representative Harper. Representative Harper is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 109 declares 'Lindblom High School Day' in the State of Illinois." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Harper moves for the adoption of House Resolution 109. 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 119, Rep… Leader Evans. Leader Evans is recognized." 10300046.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and the great Members of the Assembly. This day has passed, but we can still keep it in our thoughts. House Resolution declares April 28, 2023 as Workers Memorial Day in the State of Illinois. We know that workers work in all different conditions. And let's just always fight for workers to have safe conditions, particularly our workers that work in the construction industry and more dangerous conditions. This Resolution urges our Congressional Delegation and President Biden to continue to revise, revamp, and strengthen federal workplace safety laws. Everyone who goes to work should come home safely, whether you're a police officer, office worker, construction worker. Go home, work hard, and come home safely. So, thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Evans moves for the adoption of House Resolution 119. 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 125, Representative LaPointe. Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. HR125 recognizes May 1 through May 7 of 2023 as Tardive Dyskinesia Week, which is a condition that afflicts people that take psychotropic medications and results in uncontrolled movements and we have a lot of work to do to build awareness." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative LaPointe moves for the adoption of House Resolution 125. 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. 10300046.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 House Resolution 136, Representative Ness. Representative Ness is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Resolution 136 declares the month of March 2023 as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Approximately 297,790 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and more than 43 thousand of them will die from it. So, this Bill recognizes and acknowledges the aggressive form of breast cancer known as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, and that we resolve to support legislation to reduce TNBC as well as reducing disparities in early detection and survival by improving education and awareness. I move for its adoption." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Ness moves for the adoption of House Resolution 136. 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 149, Leader Keicher. Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 149 seeks to recognize August 2023 as the State of Illinois Nature Preserve Month. We all value our open spaces. I would push for passage." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher moves for the adoption of House Resolution 149. 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 164, Representative Harper. Representative Harper is recognized." 10300046.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 164 declares April 23 through April 29 as Black Farmers Week in the State of Illinois." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Harper moves for adoption of House Resolution 164. 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 169, Representative Haas. Leader Haas is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Resolution 169 declares the month of September 2023 as River Clean Up Month. This encourages chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, local economic development organizations, and area groups and associations, and local schools and colleges to organize and coordinate local cleanup activities along portions of rivers and waterways in the area. It also encourages the State of Illinois to promote September as River Clean Up Month." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Haas moves for the adoption of House Resolution 169. 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. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 287, offered by Representative Scherer. And House Resolution 288, offered by Representative Rashid." 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 the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And 10300046.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 46th Legislative Day 5/15/2023 now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves for the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 16, 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." 10300046.docx 16