Illinois House Floor Debate — April 30, 2024

"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Ray McElroy. Mr. McElroy is the lead pastor of Bright Hope Fellowship Church in Chicago, Illinois. Pastor McElroy is a dear friend of mine. We went to high school together. And, you know, he's still in great shape. He used to play for the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears, and I think he could still play today. Please… 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. And now I turn it over to my friend, Pastor Ray McElroy."

"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by the great Leader, Leader Lisa Hernandez." Hernandez, L. - 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." 10300095.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Barbara Hernandez is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." Hernandez, B.: "Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Norma Hernandez, Ladisch Douglass, and Flowers are excused today."

"The record will so reflect. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."

"The record will so reflect. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 114 Members present answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Members, before I turn this over to Leader Buckner, I just want to take a moment to recognize Pastor McElroy's first lady. Please put your hands together and welcome First Lady Michelle McElroy, please. Thank you all for welcoming my great friend. Leader Buckner is in the Chair."

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

"A point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Speaker. Members, if I can direct your attention to the Speaker's Gallery. Today, over here on the left, we have a special group of young people here from the Boys and 10300095.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 Girls Club of Illinois. Each of these students was nominated as Youth of the Year for their clubs. I've had the privilege of working with some of the nominees from my district in the past, and I'm always inspired and amazed by each and every one of them. Their stories are inspiring and heartwarming. They present in front of a committee and again to a room full of people, competing for scholarships and the chance to represent their club at the state and national level. The Boys and Girls Club across our state positively impact all of our districts, providing a cost-free option to families for care after school in an enriching and safe environment. So, I'd like to just say congratulations to all of you for a job well done and welcome to Springfield. Please join me in applause."

"Welcome to your Capitol. Leader McCombie, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Happy birthday, Representative Coffey. Leader Windhorst, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Happy birthday, Leo. Representative Moylan, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, tomorrow, May 1, is a day that will live in history of the United States Congress and also the House of Representatives. Under the leadership of Speaker Welch, we will claim the trophy once again for the House. Robin Roberts Stadium. We'll rule. The Senate has laid down a gauntlet. They said that they're going to claim the trophy. Well, I say no way. Where's our cheerleaders? Where's Ann Williams? We need you to lead us on. Tomorrow, 5:00, Robin Roberts Stadium. Fun for all."

"Let's go House softball team. Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Representative Delgado, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300095.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"I just wanted to make sure everybody was aware that today is Soy Latte Day. So, please feel free to go up and get your free soy latte up in 402 until 2:00 today."

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

"Please proceed."

"Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."

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

"Point of personal privilege." 10300095.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Please proceed."

"I want to add to my colleague's reminder about Soy Latte Day. The Soybean Association is featuring soymilk from the 14th District, Phoenix Bean. Jenny is my constituent and has made some of the most amazing tofu products I've ever eaten, and I really swear I mean that. Really good stuff, and so is the soymilk that's in my latte. Thanks."

"Leader McCombie, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

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

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." 10300095.docx 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Thank you, Speaker. On the last day of Autism Awareness Month, I requested to read about some African Americans with autism. Tom Wiggins, a former slave turned musician, in 1848. Armani Williams, NASCAR driver. Breanna Clark, an athlete, an Olympian athlete. Morénike Onaiwu, educator and author. Lamar Hardwick, an author. I think we should pay special attention when we start to speak about who we love that are considered autistic because sometimes maybe the people that's autistic are the ones that's normal and maybe we're not. We have to make sure that everybody is represented and everybody is respected. That's what we here for. We're here to support people and help people. So, on this last day of the month, if you haven't already, just look up somebody, Google it. And then pay respects in the last month of autism. And I thank my colleagues that brought this to the floor's attention. Thank you, Speaker."

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

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I am here joined by my esteemed colleague, Representative Benton. I thought I was going to be the only one showing off a trophy. But now what I wanted to make sure that we do… do today is we wanted to bring special attention to the Special Olympics. We actually had the pleasure of having the Special Olympics of Illinois host an event in the 85th District, which was the pull a plane event. And our offices teamed up together, and we actually won the Open Division and the Grand Championship. So, I want to have Rep. 10300095.docx 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 Benton show off that nice little belt that we have here. But we're showing this off to show off the great, great programing that Special Olympics does for… for people with intellectual disabilities. So, I want to make sure that, from the bottom of our hearts, that we thank everybody who supported this event that raised over $55 thousand for Special Olympics of Illinois. Thank you."

"Representative du Buclet, for what reason do you seek recognition?" du Buclet: "Point of personal preference."

"Please… please proceed." du Buclet: "Today and tomorrow are a very important day here in the Capitol. The members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, of which I'm a member, and the members of Alpha Phi Alpha, which my colleague, Justin Slaughter, is a member, we're host… it's our day on the Capitol. And we are hosting a big party tomorrow… tonight at the… where is it, Justin?"

"The BOS Center." du Buclet: "The BOS Center. And it starts at 8:00, ends at 11 p.m. There'll be dancing. There'll be strolling. There will be lots of chanting and friendship and fellowship, and they will be here in the Capitol tomorrow. And the party starts at 8 p.m. and goes until 11:30. So, please stop by. But if you can't stop by, the Capitol will be inundated with pink and green and black and gold tomorrow. Thank you."

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

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In continuation with that trophy that we won with the 85th District, Representative Avelar, I 10300095.docx 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 also want to thank the Ironworkers Local 444 that brought the muscle. We went out there, and we pulled a 770, a Boeing 770, with 10 people in 4.8 seconds. So, we won the overall division, and we won the Grand Championship here, which is the new belt that I'm going to be wearing. But it means a lot to me. Because on Saturday when we went to pull that plane, I ended up seeing my cousin-in-law. My wife's cousin that I've known for 20 years that happens to work for the Special Olympics of Illinois as a special event assistant. He was an athlete for years, and I've watched his personal growth. And I just want to say, Ryan Murray, I am so proud of you and the work that you've done with the Special Olympics. And I just want to let everybody know that I love everyone with autism. Thank you."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can all of the individuals wearing the orange shirts, all of our community provider, community activists, violence prevention organizations please stand at this particular moment. Many of them are here, Mr. Speaker, in the chamber, but also just here in the Capitol lobbying for resources, lobbying to make funding permanent for our Reimagine Public Safety Act initiative. When you think about the vision of what it means for violence to be a public health crisis, these individuals are at the forefront of changing people's lives, families, neighborhoods, communities all throughout our state. It's not just about violence 10300095.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 prevention, but it's also about having an impact in someone's life to… to make them a positive, productive citizen, especially if it relates to Black and Brown communities. We know that we are disproportionately impacted by every social determinate of health. These are the individuals, the organizations that are coming together in a comprehensive way to make sure that individuals and families that are in underserved communities get those programs, get those services, get those resources, bring these initiatives to life. And, Ladies and Gentlemen, it's not just a Illinois thing. We have become a national model when it… as it relates to community violence intervention, right? And so, let's continue to uplift, let's continue to… to pray, let's continue to support all of the individuals and organizations that are bringing our vision to life with the Reimagine Public Safety Act. Please take a moment to talk to them, engage with them as we make funding for this great transformative initiative permanent. We're asking for $140 million, permanent dollars, for community violence intervention. Let's continue to be a national model. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let's give them a round of applause."

"Welcome to your Capitol. Leader Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I'd like to remind the Body that May is Asian American Heritage Month. And starting tomorrow, we'll be celebrating and having some educational points of privilege on the floor. But tomorrow, we'll also be seeing advocates 10300095.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 from all over Illinois here for Asian American Heritage Month for their action day, Asian American Action Day. And we'll be welcoming them at 10 a.m. As they arrive, we'll have a little reception in the hallway between Room 114 and 115. And we'll also have a short program. So, be sure to come down and say hi to folks and… and meet some of the leaders in the community. In addition, on Thursday evening we plan to have a reception at Inn at 835. We'll be launching our nonprofit Asian American Legislative Caucus foundation. Everyone is welcome, and we'll have additional reminders. But I just wanted to let you all know that we're kicking off Asian American Heritage Month with all these amazing activities, and I hope everyone can join us. Thank you."

"Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 291, offered by Representative Yednock. Out of the record. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 443, offered by Representative Kifowit. Representative Kifowit is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body. I'm pleased to present House Resolution 443, which honors veterans of the American military who lost their lives during their service in the Cold War between the dates of September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991. For those of you to refresh and understand what the Cold War veterans went through, the Cold War was between the United States and the Soviet Union. It's recognized by the Federal Government as having occurred, as I said, between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991 that ended with the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. House Resolution 443 does not include an estimate of the number of deaths 10300095.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 during this time period, but it recognizes that many military conflicts and exercises… Members, this is really important to the veteran community, please… and exercises occurred during the Cold War. We need to understand that the service of the military and the government civilian personnel that served honorably during this period through the issuance of the Cold War Recognition Certificates by the U.S. Army. However, the Federal Government has begun the process of recognizing Cold War veterans, including the 2023 recognition of atomic veterans who worked in the atomic energy and defense systems during this time. They have not received widespread recognition similar to those of combat veterans of the same time period, such as Vietnam or the Korean veterans. So, Members of the General Assembly, this is just a small token of our appreciation to the time and the effort that our Cold War veterans served. It's understanding that many, many groups do not recognize or do not… do not even recognize that there are Cold War veterans. And this Resolution looks at and allows that we see them and we understand this period, and it rectifies that. Now, we do have a current piece of legislation that addresses Cold War veterans. This allows Cold War veterans to purchase and display Cold War license plates. And for this period, we are looking at designating December 26, 2023 and December 26, 2024 as Cold War Veteran Recognition Day in honor of the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War years. And I ask, Mr. Speaker, if we can have all Members added to this Resolution as well. Thank you, Sir." 10300095.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Kifowit moves for the adoption of House Resolution 443. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those… I'm sorry, 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 are 114 'ayes'; 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 291, offered by Representative Yednock. Representative Yednock is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm here to talk about House Resolution 291, which is the Jones Act revision. Illinois' pivotal role as a hub between maritime transportation on the great lakes and the inland river systems includes 11000 miles of navigable waterways in the Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi River system. It is central to the nation's transportation system. It is also home to about 19,500 maritime jobs. We are the 9th highest amongst all the states, generating more than 1.3 billion in workers' income. And at the same time, the economic output for this nationally is about 4.87 billion just to the Illinois economy alone. So, I'm asking this Body to support the Resolution to go to Congress to reaffirm the Jones Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Yednock moves for the adoption of House Resolution 291. All those 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 10300095.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 question, there are 107 'ayes', 4 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 501, offered by Representative Ness. Out of the record. House Resolution 504, offered by Representative Stuart. Representative Stuart is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Resolution just recognizes that Illinois, the great State of Illinois, is set for being a hub for the national semiconductors to build on President Joe Biden's movement to bring that technology through the United States."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Stuart moves for the adoption of House Resolution 504. All those 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, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'aye', there are 0 voting 'nay', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 533, Representative Elik. Representative Elik is recognized."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Elik moves for the adoption of House Resolution 533. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 'ayes', 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 536, Representative Stuart. Representative Stuart. Representative Stuart is recognized."

"This Resolution is just to honor the important work that physician anesthesiologists do. When we all have to undergo surgeries and other operations, they perform that important work of anesthesiology and, most importantly, they wake us up when they are over."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Stuart moves for the adoption of House Resolution 536. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 'ayes', 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. House Resolution 564, Representative Mason. Representative Mason is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 564 declares Diaper Awareness Week in Illinois."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Mason moves for the adoption for House Resolution 564. All 10300095.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 11… 111 'ayes', 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 572, Representative Davis. Representative Davis is recognized." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 572 simply reaffirms the commitment to strengthening and deepening of the sister- state ties relationship between the State of Illinois and Taiwan, R.O.C. Reaffirms support for the Taiwan Relations Act and supports Illinois businesses to refer to Taiwan, R.O.C. as Taiwan. It also 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 support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the State of Illinois and Taiwan. Further expresses continued support for Taiwan's meaningful partnership and participation in international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of people… of the people of Taiwan and supports Taiwan's aspirations to make more contributions in international societies. As cochair of the Taiwan Friendship Caucus, I would respectfully invite my other cochair from the other side, Representative Keicher, if he would like to make a comment as well."

"Representative Keicher is recognized." 10300095.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Davis moves for the adoption of House Resolution 572. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And 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 are 112 'ayes', 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 574, Representative Benton. Out of the record. House Resolution 582, Representative Delgado. Representative Delgado is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 582 encourages the Illinois Supreme Court and other relevant parties to require a unit on LGBTQ+ and HIV cultural competency as a part of continuing legal education for attorneys, judges, and courtroom staff in Illinois. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

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

"Indicates she will."

"I believe that the Illinois Supreme Court is responsible for this."

"I do because I'm in the middle of doing that right now. So, I believe it's 30 hours total. This, by the way, would not require additional hours. This would be something that would be a part of the hours that are already required. So, I'm not asking any of the attorneys in this place to do more CLE, just to make sure that we have an opportunity to learn and be more culturally competent around issues regarding LGBTQ+ folks and HIV awareness."

"So, I believe that the professional… professional education piece is six hours. I think we have one hour of diversity, and I believe one hour of mental health. I could be wrong about that. You may actually know better than I. It might be right in front of you. It is not right in front of me."

"So, what we're finding in the legal profession right now is that a lot of folks who are LGBT… LGBTQ+ are engaging with the legal profession, and oftentimes there are attorneys who are unaware of the proper pronouns to use, the way to discuss an issue in court without putting somebody in danger because they may identify differently than what their birth 10300095.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 certificate says. And so, this is just an opportunity for us to educate folks on how best to engage with LGBTQ people as they are coming through the legal system."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Delgado moves for the adoption of House Resolution 582. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 74 'ayes', 36 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 583, Representative Benton. Representative Benton is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 583 declares the week of May 5 through May 11, which is next week, 2024 as Youth Apprenticeship Week and encourages business leaders, educators, families, and young people to learn more about the opportunities that youth apprenticeship programs provide and to encourage the development and expansion of youth apprenticeship programs across Illinois. As a proud product of a… an apprenticeship program through Ironworkers Local 444, I encourage a lot of the youth to take a look at these great programs and great opportunities to build a career. And I ask for a favorable vote." 10300095.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Benton moves for the adoption of House Resolution 583. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And 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 are 113 'ayes', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 595, Representative Stuart. Representative Stuart is recognized."

"Thank you, Speaker. House Resolution 595 is recognizing February as Career Technical Education Month. CTE programs provide academic and technical coursework that lead to college credits and industry recognized credentials for secondary and postsecondary learners. I think as we all look to add more CTE opportunities for all of our students across the state, it's important that we recognize this month."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Stuart moves that House Resolution 595 be adopted. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And 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 being 113 'ayes', 0 'nays', and 0 voting 'present', this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 596, Representative Stuart. Representative Stuart is recognized."

"Thank you. I think it's really important that we all understand the struggles that adjunct and part-time faculty and instructors have at our institutes of higher education 10300095.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 and the important job that they do in educating students all across the spectrum of higher education. So, we just want to urge that they are treated with the same respect, recognition, and value as full-time instructors."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Stuart moves that House Resolution 596 be adopted. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And 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 are 106 'ayes', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 606, Representative Moeller. Representative Moeller is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 606 declares March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day in the State of Illinois and encourages Illinoisans to learn about the pay gap women experience in today's society. The Resolution also calls attention to the specific dates which bring awareness to wage gaps experienced by other races, parental status, and sexual identity. Ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Leader Hammond, for what reason to you seek recognition?"

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Moeller moves the adoption of House Resolution 606. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And 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 are 79 'ayes', 27 'nays', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. Representative Andrade, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you very much. I'd like to welcome my alma mater, St. Andrew Grade School. They're up in the Speaker's Gallery. Please stand so they can see you. As you know, my daughter just… is graduating this year, eighth grade. She was here last year. Well, I'd like to welcome St. Andrew School. They are located in State Representative Ann Williams' district, but they're… I also consider them mine. So, we have the coach, we have… I believe… I'm not sure if their principal is here too. We got (unintelligible) over here also. But welcome to your home. This is St. Andrew School. Oh, here we are. Here's Ann, Ann Williams. This is your… the school is located in there. So, I just wanted to say thank you very much for coming to your House. This is your House. This is an excellent school 10300095.docx 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 from St. Andrew School on the North Side, a Blue Ribbon School, twice awarded. And they are excellent role models of what our children should be. Thank you very much, and welcome to your home."

"St. Andrews, welcome to your Capitol. The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of an announcement."

"Mr. Speaker, Democrats would request a caucus immediately in Room 114."

"The Democrats will caucus immediately in Room 114. Leader Keicher, for the purpose of an announcement."

"The Republicans will caucus in Room 118. Representative Avelar, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Another point of personal… point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"It is April 30, and as we close Illinois Community College Month, I'd like to highlight the pivotal role of Joliet Junior College, JJC, in shaping the landscape of community college education. As the first community college in the United States, JJC stands as a beacon of excellence, embodying the core values of accessibility, affordability, and academic rigor. In a state where community college plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and academic advancement, JJC's legacy of commitment to student learning serves as an inspiration. Through its unwavering dedication to providing quality education, JJC continues to empower 10300095.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 95th Legislative Day 4/30/2024 students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational and career aspirations. So, as we recognize the significance of community colleges in Illinois, let us not forget the pioneering spirit and enduring impact of institutions like Joliet Junior College. Let us celebrate all of our community colleges' rich heritage and ongoing contributions to the education landscape, ensuring that the legacy of excellence and opportunity endures for generations to come. Thank you."

"Go Wolves. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, May 1, at the hour of 11:30. 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."