"Members and guests… I'm sorry. Members, please get to your seats. The House will be in order. We should be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper."
"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we come now praying your mighty power and endless authority. We lift up to you our State Representatives who have a God- given duty to enact justice, defend the rights of the poor and needy, and to give the land the rest it so desperately needs. Lord, strengthen them with integrity and character to act righteously and not out of selfish ambition. Protect them from all the evil powers that maneuver to coerce them. Grant them the abundant wisdom so that they may know your ways to labor for the good of creation and all of us who daily depend on it for life and health. These things we pray, Amen."
"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, which will be led today by Representative Mary Gill."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Smith: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences… absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives Delgado, Ford, Mayfield, Olickal, Rashid, Tarver, Vella, and Yednock are excused today." 10300070.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024
"Please let the record reflect. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that all Republicans are here today to do the people's work."
"Please let that record reflect. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 106 Members present, a quorum is present. Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action on February 20, 2024: recommends be adopted, referred to the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 52. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 603, offered by Representative Haas. House Resolution 606, offered by Representative Moeller. House Resolution 610, offered by Representative Meier. House Resolution 611, offered by Representative Ozinga. House Resolution 613, offered by Representative Lilly. House Joint Resolution 53, offered by Representative Kifowit. House Joint Resolution 54, offered by Representative Kifowit. House Joint Resolution 55, offered by Representative Kifowit. House Joint Resolution 56, offered by Representative Kifowit. And House Joint Resolution 57, offered by Representative Will Davis. These are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Representative Mason is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point." 10300070.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024
"Thank you so much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the gallery, when I was first elected in my first few days, I ran into Leader McCombie at the elevators. And she introduced herself and asked me, 'What do you think about being an adopted Legislator with the Farm Bureau?' And I said, 'I don't know. What do they do?' And she explained it to me, and I was adopted by the Carroll County Farm Bureau, and the rest is history. They have become my family, my extended family, because the Lake County Farm Bureau is the family from my home. And I would very much like to welcome Greg Koeppen, the executive director of our Lake County Farm Bureau. Welcome to Springfield. And I would like to remind everyone that our Farm Bureau friends from all over this state are going to be here tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel. Please stop by and say hello. They are an amazing bunch. Thanks. Welcome to Springfield."
"Welcome to Springfield. Leader Hernandez is recognized." Hernandez, L.: "Point of personal privilege."
"State your point." Hernandez, L.: "Yes, I just want to ask Members to help me congratulate DJ Ramos, formerly a legislative coordinator, has received a promotion and now is senior legislative coordinator and is his first day on the floor today. Let's congratulate him."
Speaker Smith: "Congratulations. Representative Niemerg is recognized."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege." 10300070.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024
"Please state your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, tomorrow is budget day. And something that's on my mind, and I think something that's on a lot of folk's minds in my district, is the illegal immigrant invasion of this country. Illegal immigrants, folks. They're not asylum seekers, illegal immigrants. The Governor wants another 182 million. Already spent 1.1 billion, and we have a $900 million deficit. This is an insult, an insult to every working-class family in our state, an insult to single mothers, an insult to all the workers, everybody that's out there, teachers, everybody that's out there, veterans, homeless, everybody, that we're allocating funds for illegal immigration and leaving honest citizens out to dry. End the sanctuary status now. Restore Trump-era policies. They work. They work. Put Illinois first. Folks, I'll supply the no vacancy sign. Let's get this done. Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point, Sir."
"Just a reminder to the Members. On behalf of the Illinois Pipe Trades Association and the Mechanical Contractors Association, there'll be a reception tonight at the Wyndham Springfield City Center from 5 to 7:30. You all are invited."
"Thank you, Leader. Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point." 10300070.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024
"Thank you. I'm here today to talk about injustice, injustice that plagues our state, injustice that is ignited by a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our culture and the very fabric of our society. This injustice is illegal immigration. Illegal immigration that is brought on, sponsored, coddled, and encouraged by a Governor and a General Assembly that ignores our laws and thumbs their nose at the needs of our own citizens by declaring this state a sanctuary state. These irresponsible, politically motivated policies has caused illegal immigrants to flood into our communities, taking advantage of our resources, straining our infrastructure, burdening the taxpayers in this state. But, guys, this isn't just about economics. It's about safety. It's about security. It's about protecting our families and our country from the real dangers that lurk in the shadows. We have all witnessed the fact that illegal immigration brings with it a wave of crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violence that threatens the safety of every man, woman, and child in this state. Citizens are concerned. Do our leaders listen? Do they have the courage to change course and restore sanity? No. You pander to the politically correct. You cower in fear of offending anyone who dares break our laws. You prioritize the needs of illegal immigrants over the needs of hardworking American citizens, Illinois citizens, the very people that we're elected to serve. Our own people… our own people shoulder the injustice. Billions of dollars spent on illegals while they suffer under oppressive taxation, out of control health care costs, and communities that have been destroyed by generations of policies that have 10300070.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024 destroyed opportunity for the very working-class folks that you guys are supposed to represent. Enough's enough. It's time to take a stand, reclaim our sovereignty, protect our borders, and uphold the rule of law. I know my district is, so don't even think about sending your problems to us. So, Governor Pritzker, it's time for you to come in here tomorrow and end this dark stain of injustices that your policies have perpetuated on your own people. It's time that we put the citizens of this state above your political agenda. But like most things around here, the solutions are simple. The politics take courage. Governor Pritzker, stop whining, tell Joe Biden to do his job, secure our borders, finish President Donald Trump's wall. And you, Governor Pritzker, it's time for you to do the right thing and end the destructive sanctuary state policies that are destroying the sovereignty of this state and its citizens."
"Leader Mah is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point, please."
"I'd like to invite Members, colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to enjoy some Chinese pastries from my district in celebration of the Lunar New Year. It's the Year of the Dragon, and I'd like to wish everyone a very happy, prosperous, and healthy Lunar New Year. Thank you."
"Happy Year of the Dragon. Representative Blair- Sherlock is recognized."
"Thank you. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." 10300070.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024
"Thank you. Actually, two points. First, I would like to give a shoutout to my district staff who is in Springfield. Alesia and Jax are here visiting. They had some business down here. But I'd also like to report with great sadness that we lost an American hero this past week. On February 15, Sergeant Andrew Malec passed away, surrounded by family, after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Ann Arbor, California, and at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army and completed combat engineer training for the C company… excuse me, 31st Battalion. He was a combat engineer in Operation Just Cause in Panama and served in Haiti. During his service, he received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Marksmanship Qualification Badge and Rifle Bar, and a Driver and Mechanic Badge. After his service, he moved to Illinois where he met his future wife, Fawn, and they had three children, Dylan, Justin, and Amberlynn. He was surrounded by his family at his passing. Drew's wife and children always came first, and he will be greatly missed by many, but most importantly, by his loving wife and children. I'd ask for a moment of silence.
"The House will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Chung is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"Yes, I would like to… Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to, I guess, introduce to our… the Body here a new Member of 10300070.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024 our General Assembly family. Our friend Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, his… he was… a son was born. His new son was born on Sunday night. His name is Muhammad Zain, and he was eight pounds, four ounces, I believe. And his… the mother and baby are doing well and beautifully. I have a picture on here if you want to come and see it. He's very, very cute. So, much congratulations to Rep. Rashid and his family."
"Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You look amazing up there."
"Thank you, Madam Chair."
"I just wanted to rise and welcome all of the Members of the General Assembly to the Black Caucus Soiree, which will take place tomorrow at the Abraham Lincoln Museum at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to join us in celebration after the Governor's address at 6 p.m. tomorrow. I'm saying 6 because I want us to start eating on time. So, I'm going to say 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Abraham Lincoln Museum. We look forward to celebrating with you all the close of Black History Month for us this month. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Avelar is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I wanted to address some of the comments that were made today that are honestly political grandstanding. I will say this time and time again and I will never get tired to say that no human is illegal. That… thank you. That when we're talking about undocumented individuals, we also need to be talking about the reasons why people migrate to the United States. Nobody likes to talk about the U.S federal policies 10300070.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024 that have crippled international economies, where people who were small business owners were forced to flee, whether it was due to humanitarian crisis, due to political turmoil. That is something that is never mentioned here. Another thing that people mentioned with their political grandstanding is about all of these conversation about taxpayer dollars. Let me tell you about something, there's billions of dollars that undocumented workers pay into our tax system. There are billions of dollars that undocumented homeowners put into our tax system. We have thousands of families who are not just undocumented but live in mixed-status families with U.S citizens, legal permanent residents who are serving in our military, but yet people don't like to see that. I want to finish with, there's a lot of conversations and a lot of people like to romanticize their families' immigration story without recognizing that, if their families were migrating right now, their families could also be undocumented as well. And nobody likes to talk about that. So, the only thing I'm going to say now is that no human is illegal on stolen land. Thank you."
"On the Supplemental Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution… House Joint Resolution 52, offered by Leader Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Resolution will allow the House and the Senate to invite the Governor to come tomorrow to do his budget address."
"No further discussion, Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of House… House Joint Resolution 52. This will be a voice vote. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In 10300070.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024 the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Meyers-Martin, you are recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. It is my honor to present today the black history moment. I rise today to recognize the life and contributions of Arthur W. Mitchell, a champion of democracy and the first black Congressman from Illinois. The son of sharecroppers, Mitchell was born in 1883 in Alabama. Although he battled racism his entire life, he understood the value of education and walked 65 miles to eventually study at the Booker T. Washington Tuskegee Institute and then the Snow Hill Institute. He later studied law for three years in Washington, D.C. to eventually pass the D.C. bar exam, despite not having a law degree. He soon moved to Chicago and entered the world of politics. In 1934, he was elected to the U.S. Congress, propelled by President Franklin Roosevelt. During his time in office, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of representing all of his constituents, regardless of their support for him. He led the charge for numerous pieces of anti-lynching legislation and also championed efforts against discrimination in interstate travel and civil service. Upon entering Congress, Mitchell said, 'I am going in as an American citizen, entitled to my rights, no more, no less, and I shall insist on them. I'm going as the representative of all the people of my district.' He rose from a sharecropping farm to the U.S. Congress through bootstraps, hard work, and dedication to ideals of democracy. Today, we recognize that accomplishment, Arthur W. Mitchell."
"Representative Benton is recognized." 10300070.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I just want to welcome to the House Floor Jamie Littell. She drove all the down from Plainfield, 2 hours and 45 minutes. She owns MoeJoe's Cajun Cuisine in Plainfield, MoeJoe's restaurant and bar and grill, and brought down a bunch of food for us. So, we're going to have jambalaya, fricassee, bread pudding, and the MoeJoe's house salad. I also want to highlight, she's been there for 19 years, female- owned business, and she is going to be the 2024 Hometown Irish Parade Grand Marshal this year. So, she does a lot for the community, gives out over a thousand meals a year to charity. Does a lot for the community. Especially when businesses were closing, she was a strong voice to make sure that small businesses do have a voice throughout the entire area. So, this is just a taste. If you find yourself in Plainfield, stop by MoeJoe's and get the full Cajun connection. And I also want to thank Dave Sullivan, Marc Poulos, and Local 150 for sponsoring the event. And the food will be in 305, right next to 300. Thank you."
"Representative Mason is recognized."
"So sorry, Mr. Speaker. I have one more point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, you may have noticed that a whole bunch of us are wearing red today. It is for the American Red Cross Wear Red for Women to… highlights heart disease and what it means for all of us. Those who are wearing red, please stick around once we adjourn. We will be taking 10300070.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024 a group picture in front of the well. Also, there will be CPR training provided by the American Red Cross, along with lunch today between 1 and 4 in M-1 in Stratton. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement. Leader Keicher."
"The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment."
"So, the Republicans will caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 601, offered by Representative Lilly. House Resolution 602, offered by Representative Costa Howard. House Resolution 604, offered by Representative du Buclet. House Resolution 607, offered by Representative Benton. House Resolution 608, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 609, offered by Representative Buckner. And House Resolution 612, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; all 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 February 21, at the hour of 11:30 a.m. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5658, offered by Representative Didech, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5659, offered by Representative 10300070.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 70th Legislative Day 2/20/2024 Didech, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5660, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 5661, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5662, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5663, offered by Representative Avelar, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 5664, offered by Representative Moylan, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5665, offered by Representative Ammons, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5666, offered by Representative Mayfield, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5667, offered by Representative Huynh, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5668, offered by Representative Schmidt, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300070.docx 13