"The House shall come to order. Members will be in their chairs. We'll be led in prayer today by Congressman Randy Forbes. Congressman Forbes is the president of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation in Virginia. Congressman Forbes is the guest of Representative Halbrook. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off their cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"There's some prayers that just simply can't be improved upon. This one was offered by one of the most beloved Senate chaplains, Peter Marshall, on March 18, 1948 on the floor of the United States Senate. I've kept it in my office hanging for over 20 years and was pleased to be able to offer it on the House of Representative's floor. It's an honor for me to offer it today for this great Legislative Body. Our Father in heaven, save us from the conceit which refuses to believe that God knows more about government than we do, and deliver us from the stubbornness that will not seek God's help. Today, we claim thy promise: 'If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and it shall be given him.' Thou knowest, Lord, how much we need it. Make us willing to ask for it and eager to have it. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
Speaker Rita: "We will be led in the prayer today by Representative Sheehan. Pledge of Allegiance."
"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." 10300097.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
Speaker Rita: "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 Flowers, Norma Hernandez, Ladisch Douglass, and Jones are excused today."
"Leader Windhorst will be recognized for the Republicans for any excused absences."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are no excused absences on the Republican side today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Who all recorded themselves who wish? Who all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. One hundred and fourteen are answering to the call, a quorum is present. Representative Vella."
"Yes, point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"After the memorial service today that was so moving, and because of this day of remembrance for all those officers who have given their lives, I am proud to express this Resolution in support of the law enforcement officers in Illinois and the United States. WHEREAS, More than 800,000 law enforcement officers in the United States risk their lives daily to serve and protect their communities, including nearly 40,000 in the State of Illinois; WHEREAS, There are now more than 23,000 names counted amongst the America's fallen law enforcement heroes on the wall of 10300097.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial which dates back to 1786, including many names from the State of Illinois; WHEREAS, More than 2,400 law enforcement officers have died in the United States in the line of duty just during the past decade, this is an average of one officer fatality every 36 hours; WHEREAS, Members of law enforcement have faced increasing challenges over the past several years, and those challenges have been further exacerbated by the ongoing problems of retention and recruitment of sworn law enforcement officers, this had led to a drop in manpower to a dangerously low level, current numbers show fewer law enforcement officers per resident than at any other time during the last 25 years; WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers typically encounter more than 400 to 600 traumatic events during their career, compared with three or four traumatic events encountered by an average citizen; and WHEREAS, These unusually high numbers of traumatic events experienced by law enforcement officers have led to a 54% higher suicide rate among officers compared to all in other fields; and WHEREAS, The innovative and dedicated efforts of law enforcement officers have successfully brought down crime rates from historic highs; and WHEREAS, Supporting law enforcement officers with the equipment, training, and funding needed to protect communities in Illinois and the United States from criminal violence have long received overwhelming public support from across the political spectrum; 10300097.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 WHEREAS, May 2, 2024 is the day of the Illinois Police Memorial, and the week of May 12-18, 2024 has been designated as National Police Week; This is a time to honor the men and women who serve in law enforcement and pay special tribute to those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to the families of those fallen heroes; now, therefore, it is asked that the State of Illinois General Assembly that we highly respect and value the law enforcement officers of Illinois and the United States and greatly appreciate all those officers do to protect and us; That we remember and honor law enforcement officers who have experienced a death or injury in the line of duties and their families; That we call for increased measures to be taken to secure the safety and well-being of these officers, including improvements related to retention and recruitment of officers, improved training and equipment for officers, and increased mental health resources; That we call on all levels of government in Illinois and across the United States to ensure that law enforcement officers receive the support and resources they need to keep all of our communities in Illinois and in the United States safe; and finally and most importantly, that we thank all the members of law enforcement inside this chamber and outside this chamber for their unwavering commitment to serve our communities, to put themselves in harm's way, and to keep us safe. Thank you."
Speaker Rita: "Representative DeLuca. Representative Blair- Sherlock. We'll take a moment of silence. Okay. Representative Sheehan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege." 10300097.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"State your point."
"If I can get everyone's attention to the Speaker's Gallery. Today, I rise to welcome some of my fellow police officers to the State Capitol. They are members of the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department. They are here to honor two Chicago police officers killed in the line of duty, 2023. The group was formed in May of 1982 with the help of Mayor Jane Byrne and Emerald Society President Dan Burke after the tragic deaths of three Chicago police officers. Their goal since the inception has been taking on the responsibility of playing at the honor funerals of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Throughout the years, the band has participated in over 100 honor funeral services for members of the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, and numerous suburban, county, state, and federal agencies. This includes the services of Capitol Hill Police Officer Jacob J. Chestnut, Special Agent John M. Gibson, killed in the line of duty 1998. In September of 2002, the band journeyed to New York's Ground Zero to return the benevolence offered to them in 1982. Please help me give a warm Springfield welcome to the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department, and they always honor the fallen."
"Representative Cabello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, obviously, today we… many of you were down honoring the fallen, the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to make sure that you and I, 10300097.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 your families are safe. Men and women that are our brothers and sisters, our mothers, our fathers, our family members and friends, from all walks of life, white, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Israeli, and everywhere else they have come. When they're on calls, they don't care if you’re a Republican, they don't care if you're Democrat, they don't care anything about but trying to make sure that you and your families are safe. We finally have three active police officers under the dome. We have Patrick Sheehan, Dennis Tipsword, and myself. We're here to try to make sure that you're safe as well. We want to make sure that no one does anything to anybody in this chamber. We take our jobs extremely serious because that's what you deserve. I can tell you countless dead bodies that I have seen. I can tell you countless autopsies that I have had to go through to make sure that we do our job to bring the people that do this to justice. And, unfortunately, many of them were children. We live with this every single day, and we don't complain. We stand proud. I've said it before. I'll say it again. Can we be better? Yes. And I'll work with you to make sure that we can be better. But we also have to remember that we can't tie the hands of the good folks out there doing what they need to do to make sure that your families are safe. Unfortunately, we do need penalty enhancements, unfortunately, on some major things. I'll work with you on the small stuff. I'm there. But we do have some real serious problems. We have some real serious bad people amongst us. And it's these gentlemen and ladies, and these gentlemen, and everybody you saw out there in uniform that stands between you and the people that want to harm you and 10300097.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 your families. We have a lot of business to do, and I could go on for hours. I respect every Member in this chamber. I hope that every Member in this chamber respects the men and women that put their lives on the line for you and your family every day."
"Representative Schweizer."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Since the founding of our nation, we have turned to God for guidance and wisdom. Our historical figures and leaders have consistently called upon their countrymen and women to collectively seek divine insight, acknowledging God's role in guiding our nation toward a hopeful future. General George Washington declared a day for fasting and prayer during the uncertain times for our fight for independence. President Abraham Lincoln, in the aftermath of the Civil War, called upon prayer to heal our nation. Decades later, President Reagan recognized the enduring reliance on prayer through various times, including war and national crisis. On this day of prayer, I ask everyone who believes in the power of it to take some time today to pray. Pray for the men and women who put on the police uniform. Pray for the men and women who put on a firefighter's uniform and an EMS uniform. Pray for your neighbors, pray for your leaders, pray for this state, and pray for this country. 'Cause even in an election year, when the end of times seem imminent, if our political affiliated Representative, Senator, or President does not get elected, our country will still prevail. And we 10300097.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 still live in the greatest country in the world, and that is worth praying for. Thank you."
"Leader Gabel's recognized."
"Mr. Speaker, please excuse Representative Yednock and Chang for the rest of the day… Chung."
"Representative DeLuca."
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we could please give a warm Springfield welcome to two of my constituents who are joining us in the gallery today. Maureen Flanagan Broderick, who is a trustee at Joliet Junior College, who's a resident of New Lenox. And Heather Falkenthal from the Will 4 Vets organization, who's a resident of Manhattan. Thank you for being here."
"Welcome to Springfield. Leader Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Point of personal privilege."
"State your point." Hernandez, L.: "I also will… will like to ask Members of the Assembly to give a warm welcome to Dr. Keith McLaughlin and representatives of Morton College located in Cicero. Morton College is my alma mater, so let's give them a warm welcome."
"Representative Avelar."
"Point… point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Thank you. A couple of days ago, many of you heard me talk about community colleges and… particularly about a college that serves my district, Joliet Junior College. And today I also want to extend a warm Springfield welcome to 10300097.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 some of the key JJC leaders that made the institution successful. So, we have here Dr. Namuo, Trustee Michelle Lee, Student Trustee Ryan Queeney, as well as Trustee Maureen Broderick. Thank you so much for being here today. Thank you for your commitment to our young people, to our educators, and for representing the community college that is the oldest in the nation. Welcome to Springfield. Thank you."
"Welcome. Representative Blair-Sherlock."
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you. About three weeks ago, a member of my community sought the help of law enforcement and the court system, being a victim of domestic violence. Regrettably, our system failed her. Despite being the victim of domestic violence and the police responding and taking him to prison, at the hearing, detention was not requested. Her husband was released, and last Friday, he murdered her in her home, three blocks from my house. We need to do something about domestic violence, and you need to understand that it happens and it happens everywhere. When we've tried to present Bills to protect victims of… of domestic violence, to take away their firearms when there's an order of protection issued, we are attacked. This woman was murdered with a firearm. Sure, they got her FOID card, but nobody got his firearm. And she was murdered, the mother of two children, Julie Elguezabal. I would ask my colleagues who want us to work on all of these items to think about the victims of domestic violence and the ready… readiness availability of firearms to the perpetrators. And the protections are not there yet. We need 10300097.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 to give law enforcement the tools to seize those weapons. We need the Senate to send over Senate Bill 2633, or we need to move forward on House Bill 1404. We need Karina's Law. And if we are truly about protecting our citizenry, we need to protect the victims of domestic violence, which, by the way, are not always women. I would ask that the chamber take a moment of silence for all the victims of domestic violence, including the mother, Julie Elguezabal, who lost her life last week as a result."
"The chamber'll take a moment of silence. Can we have a moment of silence? Thank you. Thank you. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Today, we were outside of the Capitol Building honoring the police officers that… whose names have been added to the memorials that stands between the Stratton Building and the Capitol. Last week, we obviously heard the tragic news of the officer who belonged to Chicago Police Department on his way home from the end of shift. Obviously, this hits home for me very personally. I had the privilege and honor of meeting the family when I attended the wake services. And they were a loving family. And the one thing that the mother asked me for was respeto y honor, which is respect and honor for my son. And so, I want to read a few words to describe who this person was because we should honor and respect him. His life was cut extremely short. We have a family who's trying to understand exactly what happened, and they're 10300097.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 grieving, and we understand that. And, unfortunately, next year, when we have this ceremony again, we will add and we will recognize him. Luis M. Huesca was a 6-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department whose life was taken in the line of duty on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the age of 30. Loving son of Edith and Emiliano Huesca, cherished brother of Emiliano Huesca Jr., and Liliana O'Brien, devoted uncle of Owen, Olivia, and Isabella O'Brien, and best friend of Christian Calderon. Luis was born in the Avondale area of Chicago, later moving to Bolingbrook where he attended Plainfield East High School. After high school, the family moved back to Pilsen area where he continued his education at the University of Illinois in Chicago and graduated a B.S. in Business Administration. Luis had a passion for life. He loved to travel and fully immerse himself in different cultures, including learning the local language and trying to… trying new cuisine. His actions were very intentional and always showing up for his peers and family when needed and never asking for anything in return. Luis was a prime example of bravery, loyalty, and integrity, standing for those in need. He was a kid at heart with an infectious smile and playful soul. Luis loved cooking and wanted to be a chef and own his own business, but this desire to help and protect others led him to become a police officer. He wanted to make an impact, to teach kids that even though their environment may be surrounded by violence, that there is another path. Again, at the wake services… I'm sorry, at the funeral services, his brother said, 'This is Lion Heart, that should've been your name.' I think that best describes the officer who has just 10300097.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 passed. And I would ask this Body to take a moment in silence to honor the request of a mother who said, 'All I want is honor and respect for my son.'"
"Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Mah."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"What reason do you be recognized?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to remind everyone that you're all invited to a reception tonight, 5:30 to 7:30 at Inn at 835. We are celebrating the launch of the Asian American Legislative Caucus Foundation. And so, this is a very exciting new development brought to you by the Members of the Asian American Legislative Caucus. This is an organization that will help to build the pipeline for young Asian Americans to enter public service careers. And so, I'd love for all of you to be there to help us celebrate, 5:30 to 7:30, at Inn at 835. Thank you."
"Representative Weber."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"So, I'm honored to take a moment today to recognize someone whose dedication and passion have truly made a difference in the lives of the constituents in my district and in my community. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on my legislative assistant, district director, and retired police officer, Sharon Langlotz-Johnson, who's here with me today. Well, she's probably not happy about this, but… Sharon has 10300097.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 committed to serving our constituents. Her commitment goes above and beyond the call of duty. Her unwavering dedication to ensuring that the needs of our community are met has been truly inspiring, whether it's working long hours into the night to address pressing issues or going the extra mile to assist those in need. Sharon's commitment to service is unparalleled, but what truly sets Sharon apart is her passion for serving others. Her genuine care and compassion for those she serves shine through in everything she does. Sharon doesn't just see her role as a job. She sees it as an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Her passion is contagious, motivating for all of us to strive to be excellent and always put the needs of our constituents first. Sharon, I just want to say thank you. And please welcome Sharon to Springfield with a warm round of applause."
"Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Bacon, bacon, bacon. That's my point. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to enjoy the second annual Illinois Bacon Day. The Illinois Pork Producers Association, FFA officers, and Illinois Pork Producers were here to serve, at the Illinois Capitol, BLTs to each of us. Some facts about bacon. The average American eats about 18 pounds of bacon per year. Illinois Pork Producers keep up with the demand by producing over 6 billion slices of bacon annually. As a hog farmer, I'm a part of that 6 billion pieces of bacon. According to the 2023 bacon market report, the global bacon market size reached 68.5 billion in 2022 and projects that the market will reach 10300097.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 $86.6 billion by 2028. Illinois Bacon Day is a way to highlight how dedicated Illinois hog farmers are to producing the highest quality protein available and to talk about the… how the pork industry supports our 57 thousand jobs, contributing an estimated at $13.8 billion to the economy. The BLTs were provided by Turasky's, a local Illinois company. And the State Resolution… State Joint Resolution was #50 and was sponsored by Senator Tom Bennett, which made May 1 Illinois Bacon Day. You can support hog farmers by adding more pork products to your cart every time you shop. Thank you very much."
"Representative Cassidy."
"I believe there's a Resolution involved."
"House Resolution 732. Representative Cassidy is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Please join me in welcoming the family of our late former colleague, Representative Susan Catania, to our chamber today. We are joined by four of Susan's seven daughters, Susan, Amy, Annemarie and Margaret; grandchildren, Elijah, Grey, Alice, Francesca, and Aviva; and Susan's oldest friend, Sandra Bartholomew. When I first moved to Chicago and went to work for the National Organization for Women, I had the opportunity to get to know Susan. She was an amazing person who warmly welcomed this naive new kid and was extremely patient as I learned the ropes of advocating in the Illinois General Assembly, sharing her knowledge and, most importantly, encouraging me to not be intimidated by elected officials. Representative Catania's path to elective office began when 10300097.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 she learned that she was being paid half the salary of a younger and less experienced male colleague and began advocating for legislation centered on equality for women, which eventually led her to running for office as a Republican from Hyde Park in Chicago. She served in this chamber for 10 years and was way ahead of her time in advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, gun control, LGBTQ rights back when we just said gay, criminal justice reform, and government transparency in the '70s and early '80s. Y'all may think I'm a troublemaker, but Susan makes me look middle of the road. I also relate to her approach to parenting. And when I was seeking this office and folks were questioning whether a single mom of three young kids could do this job, I had her example of raising her children right here on this floor to remind me not to let doubters discourage me. And our colleague, Mary Flowers, shared that Susan similarly encouraged her when she gave birth here in Springfield and served as a mentor to her as well. Her daughter, Susan, this morning shared an amazing photo that was taken when she served as a Page. So, it's a picture of Representative Catania, Susan, and then Speaker Redmond with a certificate honoring her as having been a Page that day. And I thank you for sharing that family memory. It was pretty cool. It looks like we're about to see it again. She's going to show it up. More than anything, I want to thank this amazing family and her friends for sharing her with us so generously and express mine and our entire chamber's sympathy for your loss. And I ask the Body to take a moment of silence in her honor." 10300097.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"Body will take a moment of silence. Representative Cassidy moves… Cassidy moves for the adoption of House Resolution 732. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Speaker Welch in the Chair."
"Members of the General Assembly, may I have your attention, everyone. I am delighted to welcome to the House today the Consul General of India, the Honorable Somnath Ghosh. Prior to joining this role, Consul General Ghosh worked in the Ministry of Defense of India. He was also the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh. He's worked in Moscow, Brussels, and Central Asia. India remains an important relationship with the United States and the State of Illinois. In 2022 alone, Illinois exports to India were more than $1 billion, making Illinois the 10th state in the United States in exports to India. I am extremely grateful to the Consul General for his visit with us today. I know you all are welcome… welcoming him with open arms and warm hearts. Please stand to your feet and give a warm welcome to the Consul General of India, Consul General Ghosh."
"Honorable Speaker of the Illinois General Assembly, Honorable Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, namaskar. I thank you for this honor to address this House. I thank Mr. Speaker for your kind words and generous introduction. It is a privilege to visit the capital city of Springfield, the home of President Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Speaker, I bring greetings to this House from world's largest and the most diverse democracy, with different religions, 10300097.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 languages, and culture. Mr. Speaker, shared values and aspirations are the two foundations of the close partnership between world's two most important democracies, India and USA. Both the oldest and largest democracies of the world cherish and uphold human freedom and rights, rules of law, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Speaker, India- USA partnership can define the 21st century. It has the potential to become the driving force for democracy, freedom, innovation, and stability and growth for this world. It is critically important that our two countries work together on a shared global vision of peace, development and for an open, accessible, and secure technology ecosystem. Mr. Speaker, India today is the fastest growing economy among the G20 countries, contributing about 16 percent of global growth. We are hopeful to maintain growth rate of seven percent or above over years and grow into world's third largest economy in dollar terms by 2027, surpassing Germany and Japan. Mr. Speaker, India aspires to grow into a developed economy by 2047, the 100th anniversary of India's independence. We hope to become a sustainable, inclusive, knowledge-based economy by 2047, befitting the world's largest democracy. I trust that this House agrees that India must succeed in its pursuit of this aspiration, to validate once again that democracy is the best way known to the man to organize and conduct themselves, and that Democracy is also the best way to unleash human potentials. Mr. Speaker, in India's quest for security and development, four Ds, namely democracy, demography, digitization, and progressive decarbonization could be critical. About 50 percent of 1.43 billion people of India 10300097.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 are ages 25 years or below. The median age of working population in India is around 27 years, which is 10 years or more younger than those in any comparable country. This offers the largest pool of workforce mankind has ever had in a single country. India's demographic dividend is expected to persist at least till 2070, offering enormous market, experts, and labor for corporates, factories, and farms, academic and health institutions, research labs, indeed, for all human endeavor in economic and innovation sector. Mr. Speaker, consumption of expenditure of Indians could reach U.S. dollar 4 trillion dollar by 2030, a large part of which will be agriculture and food processing, green energy, pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronic telecom goods, semiconductors, education, health, and hospitality services. Some of the indicators are already telling. India is number two in the global retail development index. India is second largest agriculture producer in the world. Forty percent of generic drugs in USA and sixty percent of global vaccines are manufactured in India. Such growth has its positive impact. Indian airlines, Air India and IndiGo together placed orders over 1 thousand narrow- and wide-bodied jet planes, out of which 220 airplanes from Boeing, which will create thousands of jobs in USA. Another good example, Mr. Speaker, is that 355 thousand Indian students in American universities and colleges, out of which over 22 thousand are in Illinois alone. Indian students bring about $12 billion every year into USA, and these students continue to contribute to American economy and innovation ecosystems in myriad ways that cannot be measured in money. Mr. Speaker, the unfolding India story 10300097.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 will surpass what you have witnessed in East Asia in recent decades. Unlike other contemporary examples, all of this massive positive transformation is happening in an open and rules-bound democratic system where a Google, Facebook, or Twitter operate freely. Mr. Speaker, world's third largest innovation hub is growing rapidly with registered startups numbering over 125 thousand already. On an average, India produced two to three unicorns almost every month in recent years, not excluding the times of pandemic. This has been possible due to the unprecedented scale of digitization of India's economy based on what is known as India Stack, world's first open API digital public infrastructure. Number of real- time online financial transactions in India is more than those numbers in USA and China together. Mr. Speaker, all of such indicators point to the unlimited potential of collaboration between our two great countries in the emerging sectors of digital economy. This economy includes, among others, artificial intelligence, cheap semiconductor, the electronic vehicle, and next frontiers of computational advancement. As a resident in the State of Illinois, I'm proud that Illinois' own university at the Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago are leading the way to engage with the Digital India. Indian institutions have partnered in Chicago University in Quantum Exchange. Also, India has committed about $200 million in the underground neutrino research project in the Fermilab. Mr. Speaker, the fourth D, which I should mention after democracy, demography, and digitization, is decarbonization. India does not believe that it can completely do away with fossil fuels. However, India has 10300097.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 pledged to progressively move towards a net-zero carbon emission scenario by 2070. Around 45 percent of India's energy needs today come from renewable sources and electric vehicle market is witnessing extraordinary growth of 40 percent a year. India's aim to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 offers great business opportunities for firms from State of Illinois. As the fifth largest economy in USA and home to some of the largest Fortune 500 companies, Illinois received rather limited, only 1 percent of U.S. dollar 40 billion recent… recent investments in USA from India. According to one estimate in Illinois, there are 22 Indian subsidiaries employing roughly about 8,500 employees. We can certainly improve. Mr. Speaker, we recognize with great appreciation the deep engagements of Illinois-based companies in India, including ADM, Abbott Laboratories, Deere, Mondelez, Baxter, Motorola, Dover Corporation, Ingredion, and many more. We hope that India will double the U.S. dollar 7 billion yearly trade with Illinois by the end of this decade and make a quantum jump in collaboration in the emerging and critical technology sectors. Mr. Speaker, the 280 thousand strong Indian diaspora in Illinois is making great contributions to trade, business, technology and innovation, health, education, even politics and defense of this country. Coming from a peace-loving, open, diverse, and democratic society, Indian immigrants naturally thrive in USA as they… as they seek professional excellence, value faith and education, and work hard. They're the backbone of India-USA partnership, which I mentioned could be the most consequential for the world in this century. I call upon this 10300097.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 House for deeper and stronger engagements with the Indian diaspora, which makes both USA and India proud. Mr. Speaker, in the last 10 years, 250 million people in India escaped multidimensional poverty. Today, over 810 million beneficiaries receive subsidized foodgrain in India. To improve standard of living and create an economy driven by demand, government has built 4.5 million basic housing free for the poor and over 100 million household toilets. Over 95 million subsidized cooking gas cylinders are regularly provided to the poor. India's infrastructure is witnessing massive upgradation. India has the longest railway network in Asia. We are adding 40 to 45 kilometers of road daily. In 10 years, numbers of airports increased from 74 to 149. I mention only the major airports. I can keep on listing many more such numbers. To incentivize investments in industry and infrastructure, our corporate tax is one of the lowest in the world. Mr. Speaker, as I deliver my remark in this august House, world's largest democratic exercise is underway in India. We are having elections to fill 543 seats in the Lower House of Federal Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of Indian States of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. India adopted universal adult franchise as early as 1950. In the present elections, a total of 969 million eligible Indian voters can cast their votes through electronic voting machines in 1.5 million booths set up all over India. Normally, over two-thirds of voters exercise their right. This year we expect more. Mr. Speaker, India- USA relations have never been better than they are today. The partnership will grow stronger and deeper irrespective of 10300097.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 electoral outcomes in India and in USA in 2024. The partnership is essentially between our two peoples and based on shared values and a global vision. I can see an increasing appreciation of the United States of the unprecedented speed and scale of the socioeconomic transformation in India and the opportunities these offer to the world. We hope that Illinois will seize this opportunity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honorable Members. And I especially thank the Indian diaspora members of diaspora that were here with me today. Thank you."
"Thank you, Consul. The Honorable Consul General has agreed to take photos with any Members who would desire a photo down here in the well. Leader Rita is back in the Chair."
"Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Delgado, Chairperson from the Committee on Immigration & Human Rights reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3310 and Senate Bill 3762. Representative Scherer, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 463, Senate Bill 464, Senate Bill 2824, Senate Bill 2861, Senate Bill 2987, Senate Bill 3110, Senate Bill 3156, Senate Bill 3164, Senate Bill 3348; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 571. Representative Gonzalez, Chairperson from the Committee on Economic Opportunity & Equity reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2024: do pass Short 10300097.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 Debate is Senate Bill 859, Senate Bill 2930, and Senate Bill 3793. Representative Evans, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2702, Senate Bill 2737, Senate Bill 2819, Senate Bill 2907, Senate Bill 3180, Senate Bill 3208, Senate Bill 3592, Senate Bill 3646, Senate Bill 3650, Senate Bill 3740, Senate Bill 3767; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 713. Representative Walker, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration report… reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2628, Senate Bill 2976, Senate Bill 3133, Senate Bill 3157, Senate Bill 3174, Senate Bill 3434, Senate Bill 3514, Senate Bill 3622, Senate Bill 3631; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 65 and House Resolution 711. Representative Stuart, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 331, Senate Bill 461, Senate Bill 462, Senate Bill 2690, Senate Bill 2862, Senate Bill 3081, Senate Bill 3132, Senate Bill 3138, Senate Bill 3432, Senate Bill 3581, Senate Bill 3594, Senate Bill 3771; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 696. The Chairperson from the Committee on Police & Fire reported the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2879 and Senate Bill 2918. Representative Cassidy, Chairperson from the Committee on Restorative Justice reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2803, Senate Bill 3353, Senate Bill 3615. Representative 10300097.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 Ammons, Chairperson with the Committee on Small Business and Tech Innovation reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2682 and Senate Bill 3807. Representative Stava-Murray, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Health reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1087, Senate Bill 2617, Senate Bill 2644, Senate Bill 2931, Senate Bill 3111, Senate Bill 3112, Senate Bill 3115, Senate Bill 3116, Senate Bill 3134, Senate Bill 3182, Senate Bill 3239, Senate Bill 3277, Senate Bill 3378, Senate Bill 3529, Senate Bill 3549, Senate Bill 3763, Senate Bill 3779, Senate Bill 3784; recommends be adopted is House Resolutions 484, 549, 552, 613, 636, 640, 643, and 653. Representative LaPointe, Chairperson from the Committee on Mental Health & Addiction reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3137, Senate Bill 3288, Senate Bill 3648. Representative Mason, Chairperson from the Committee on Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1, Senate Bill 2675, Senate Bill 3207; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 704. Representative Tarver, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short… do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 691, Senate Bill 2938, Senate Bill 3402, Senate Bill 3418. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2024: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 10300097.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 3275, Senate Bill 3282, Senate Bill 3362, Senate Bill 3426, Senate Bill 3452, Senate Bill 3475, Senate Bill 3567, Senate Bill 3617, Senate Bill 3679, Senate Bill 3755; do pass as an amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 317. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 740, offered by Representative Burke; and House Resolution 741, offered by Representative Lilly, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative McLaughlin."
"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Yes."
"All Members of the Body, if you could please pay attention. Very rarely do we get to celebrate working together in such a successful manner as last night. Please focus to the back of the chamber where Representative Moylan has the trophy from the Senate-House…"
"Let's… let's hear it for Marty. That's not good enough. Let's hear the House."
"So, I'd like to say this. Often… often the Senate is referred to as the upper chamber. Last night, the House had the upper hand. And I am so glad…"
"Let's hear it for the House softball."
"So, I… I'm so glad the Senate was so gracious, and there is no crying in softball. We all shared our talents and skills for the victory. And, Representative Moylan… Rep… let's go for a three-peat next year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"I think the House can do better than that, can't we? Let's hear it for the House softball. To make this Session complete, we need to get the other trophy out. Maybe we could 10300097.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 give that to someone this year. Representative Benton on House Resolution 647."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to acknowledge in the back of the gallery here, we have Joliet Junior College. And we have… I want to make sure I get everybody. President Dr. Clyne Namuo, Trustee Michelle Lee, Trustee Maureen Broderick, Student Trustee Ryan Queeney, Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, and many of our favorites, somebody who helps represent Joliet Junior College, former Member Julie Curry that's up here. With House Resolution 647, we want to recognize the great work that Joliet Junior College is doing with the 12x12x12 dual credit program, which offers dual credit in high schools. And since putting this program in place, they have become the number one dual credit hours in the entire State of Illinois, with over 17 thousand credit hours. And 12x12x12 is 12 college credits for 12 dollars per credit hour by the end of your 12th grade year. This is an outstanding program coming from, proud to say, the first community college in the entire country, 1901. Joliet Junior College went from serving 6 students to more than 30 thousand students within their service area. So, I appreciate everybody being down here from Joliet Junior College, all the hard work that they're doing. And I just want to recognize the… the work of the 12x12x12 and everything else with trade and vocational initiatives that they're working on. And let's give them a big round of applause. Thank you."
"Representative Benton moves for the adoption of House Resolution 647. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those 10300097.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Williams." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point." Williams, A.: "Well, it certainly will not match the excitement of last night's game, but the Cubs Caucus is inviting you to watch the Cubs play the Padres next Tuesday, May 7, at DH Brown's, first pitch at 6:40 p.m. So, join your hosts, Rep. Cassidy, Rep. Weaver, Rep. Kelly, Rep. Croke, and Rep. Buckner, and all the Cubs fans, and we'll see you there."
"All right. Does the Sox Caucus have an update? Representative Slaughter."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a very important family in my district. If the Brookins family could please stand up. They're… they're here in… in the gallery. And particularly, I'd like to… Senator Brookins, come on, over here. I'd like to… to really recognize an idol, a mentor of… of not only myself, Representative Evans, Representative Smith, Senator Sims. We've all been able to benefit personally and professionally from former State Senator Howard Brookins, Sr. He's meant so much to us in terms of pouring into us, nurturing us, telling us, let… let us know what this game is all about, whether it be politically or governmentally, growing the Black Caucus when he was here not only in the House, but over in the Senate, locally growing the 21st Ward Democratic Organization. When you look at me, I do stand on 10300097.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 the shoulders of… of a giant. And he's left a tremendous legacy of service. His son, who's in the gallery, Howard Brookins, Jr., served as the 21st Ward alderman in the City of Chicago for 20 years. His grandson, Howard Brookins, III, is now on staff over in the Senate. We're also joined by Andrea Brookins. This family has been just a beacon of inspiration, a beacon of hope in regards to caring about the community, uplifting the community, being a stalwart of leadership in the community, and appreciate them so very much. Just want to honor our… our legacy that we have here in this icon, both the Brookins family and also former State Rep. and former State Senator Howard Brookins, Sr. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Let's give them a warm welcome."
"Let's give a nice warm welcome. Thank you, Senator, Representative, Alderman. Representative Slaughter forgot my name. You've been a great staple out on the South Side there and working together for our area that we all represent. So, thank you. All right, on the Order of Resolutions, we go to House Joint Resolution 48, Representative Benton."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask that the Body rises to honor a living legend that happens to be right here in this chamber behind me. I'd like to honor and welcome Secretary of State Jesse White. In a career spanning almost 50 years, Jesse White demonstrated a commitment to Illinois and its people, practically unmatched in our history here in Illinois. As both the longest-serving and first Black Illinois Secretary of State for 24 years, as Cook County Recorder of Deeds before that, and throughout his career in this very House, this very chamber, from 1975 to 1993, he was tireless in his pursuit of 10300097.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 a better future and a better present for Illinois families and communities. That's why today I rise to offer House Joint Resolution 48, which would ensure that Jesse White's commitment to Illinois is matched by our commitment to honoring his memory in a once-in-a-lifetime servant. Jesse White was a public servant's public servant. He maintained a good working relationship with elected officials on both sides of the aisle. He served with Republican and Democratic Governors alike. He made our roads and highways safer, guided his office into the 21st century. For these things, and for much, much more than we can ever recount on this floor, our state owes Jesse White a great deal. This Joint Resolution would reflect his enduring legacy by remaining… or renaming the State of Illinois Building at 115 South LaSalle Street, which is going to be the new SOS flagship building in Chicago, the Jesse White State of Illinois Building. This is a fitting tribute for a person so unique in history in our state, and I just want to recognize some of the work that he's done through the Tumblers, the Jesse White Foundation. A lot of people don't realize what he does because he doesn't ask for credit. He goes out Thanksgiving, gives out hundreds, thousands of turkeys to families in need. He raises money for great causes. He supports the community. He's always supported the community. And he's always been one of the most accessible people, and this guy's a steel trap. He remembers everybody's name. I was talking to an officer in Chicago that he walked up to him and said, 'You really look like somebody that I worked with in the park district years ago. You wouldn't happen to be so-and-so's son, would you?' And he 10300097.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 said, 'Yeah, that's my dad.' I mean, for years he remembers people. He cares about people, and he cares about the State of Illinois. So, this fitting tribute is something that I'm so proud of because so many instances we wait till somebody's passed to recognize their legacy. And this legacy, he's the man, the myth, the legend. He has done so much for the State of Illinois and had so much approval from Chicago all the way to downstate. Everybody loves Jesse White. So, I ask you in joining me in recognizing this man who dedicated his life to our state and its people. And I also want to recognize him 'cause he won't be back down here, but on June 23, he's going to be 90 years old. And I want to wish him a happy birthday. Happy 90th birthday. So, thank you to Jesse White. Thank you to his legacy. And I appreciate everyone's support here in the House."
"Representative Benton moves for the adoption of House… House Joint Resolution 48. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Clerk, take the record. On the question, 112 voting 'aye', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared… hereby adopted. Congratulations. Representative Huynh."
"Point of personal privilege, Speaker."
"State your point."
"Please give a warm welcome to my district staffer, coming down from Chicago, Abbie Huynh and Huy Nguyen. Thank you so… yes, so warm welcome. So, thank you so much. They're… they're so great. You know, we can't do this… this job without them. 10300097.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 They lead in constituent services in our district offices. And all of us, we know as Members, we rely on district staff for a lot of issues. So, certainly, thank you so much, everyone, for giving them a warm Springfield welcome."
"Representative Wilhour."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Sure. State your point."
"Thank you. Today, I am here not just to speak, but to sound an alarm, a clear call to wake up from our complacency, the dire threats that we face. What we are witnessing here and across the country is an attempted neo-Marxist takeover. And this isn't just emerging from college kids on campus, as some would suggest, but from the deep-seated generational rot, cultural rot and corruption that has consumed and overtaken our institutions. Institutions, that I'll remind you, that are funded by the sweat and the sacrifice of hard… hardworking American taxpayers, who, by and large, want nothing to do with the nonsense and the disrespect that's going on in this state and all over our country. We have, through our negligence, allowed anti-American, anti-Judeo- Christian crusaders to ascend to positions of power in politics, in government, in our academic faculty lounges. What we're facing today is a harvest of Marxist ideology that has been sown and nurtured right under our noses. It's a culture of subversion and destruction that threatens the very fabric of our nation. Now, let's remember, silence and inaction are complicity. When we fail to speak, when we hold back the truth for fear of offense, we're responsible for the 10300097.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 consequences. The moment of decision can no longer be avoided. It's time… it's past time for choosing. Will we stand against anti-Semitism, against hate, against racism, against terrorism? Or will we continue to cower, worry about ruffling feathers even within our own ranks? Listen, this isn't an obscure, abstract threat. Do the choices that have been made by our political class… there are forces right here within our borders who despise what this great country stands for and are more than willing and ready to do us harm. Recall the horrors of October 7. A stark reminder that calamity doesn't just stem from an abundance of freedom, too many guns, or too much love for our country. Disaster may well be on our doorstep because we allowed the rise of those in our institutions who look in contempt upon the exceptionalism of our founding. We have an opportunity, let's stand strong against this tide. Let's be the voice that speaks boldly and without fear. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the time to act is now. The time to restore order is now. We have to defend our values, and we have to confront these destructive ideologies head on. Now, who's… who's willing to stand with the victims of these horrible Hamas terrorists and clearly and officially condemn this anti-Semitism that's flooding into our country and flooding into our own state. Now, I know that many of my friends on the left want… want to speak, but may… they may be afraid to stand up and do it against the radicals in their own ranks. But if that empty feeling of silence is what you want to take to your grave, then that's on you. But I choose to stand up, we choose to stand up, and speak out against this travesty. And my hope is that you'll 10300097.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 get the courage to do the same. Because if good people… if good people fail to step up, fail to stand up, it's going to get worse. The moment is now. The decision is yours. Thank you."
"Proceeding to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading. House Bill 5428, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5428, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Avelar."
"Representative Avelar on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to adopt the Amendment to the Bill."
"Representative Avelar moves for Floor… the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Bill is amended… the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Avelar."
"Representative Avelar on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also move for adoption of House Floor Amendment 2. This Amendment will make technical changes to the Bill."
"Representative Avelar moves for the Floor… the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 10300097.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5428, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Avelar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HB5428, this Bill makes some important updates to our state's banking laws and also will make the Illinois Banking Act more consistent with the Savings Act. Consistency is important between these two Acts. The Savings Bank Act regulates savings banks, while the Banking Act covers commercial banks who historically focused on business lending. Nowadays, these two types of companies share largely similar powers under federal law, and it is important for state laws to be consistent so that Illinois savings banks can survive and thrive. This Bill also makes updates to modernize language in our banking laws, including modernizing outdated language within longstanding discrimination protections for loans to single females by expanding the scope to all single individuals rather than only single females, as well as changing the term 'disabled person' to a 'person with a disability'. This Bill passed out of committee unanimously, and there is no known opposition. I'm open to any questions."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will." 10300097.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"Thank you. This Bill was essentially an agreement with those in the banking industry to come up with this language on the Amendment that was adopted. Is that accurate?"
"That… that is accurate. That is…"
"Our analysis shows that the Community Bankers were… were not included in those discussions. Why were they not included?"
"What… what I would say is that they were brought into the conversation and they have provided preliminary… a preliminary list of ideas that I am looking forward to work in the future with them."
"But ultimately, when the final product was negotiated, were they at the table for that negotiation?"
"For the negotiation?"
"Correct."
"What I… what I would say to that is that we made sure that they were included in the… in the meetings that we also had with IDFPR. I think that the… the Community Bankers might say that they wanted to do… to have the meetings earlier, but as soon as we knew that they wanted to be involved, we involved them."
"There was a provision in the underlying Bill relating to the penalties for making a false statement or false entry that changed that penalty. Did… did that remain changed with the Amendments?"
"I don't think so, but let me check really quick. Yeah, we… we took out the felony part, but let me just double- check. Yeah, we took that out." 10300097.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"So, making a… just so it's clear, making a false statement or a false entry will remain a Class 3 felony?"
"No, it's not a Class 3 felony."
"What is the penalty?"
"I'll tell you right now, just a second. From my understanding, they're still not allowed to be a employee or serve as an officer or a director as it currently stands. They're still prohibited from participating."
"All right. Appreciate that clarification. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Rep… Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Speaker. To the Bill. I just want to commend the Sponsor for working so hard to get to a good spot with this Bill. She worked diligently with all the stakeholders, with the department, with IBA, with CBA, to include them in conversations. It’s an incredibly technical Bill. But at the end of it, I think that we should all, one, try to replicate what the Sponsor did with her Bill, with how she worked it, how she presented in committee. And I just wanted to say that I know that CBA had some concerns about not initially being included in the conversation, but ultimately, I know that they were brought in. And to my understanding is they don't have any opposition to the actual language of the Bill, just opposition that they may not have been included in the first week or two of… of its drafting. So, thank you so much to the Sponsor, and I… I hope everyone can get behind and vote 'yes' on this Bill."
"Representative Avelar to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 10300097.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 5428 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, 110 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. House Bill 5428… House Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4170, on Second Reading, Representative Vella. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4170, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Vella, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Vella."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment… I'm sorry, HB4170 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. It allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates designated as International Brotherhood of Electrical… Electrical Workers plates to the residents of the State of Illinois. There is no opposition out of committee, and I urge an aye vote."
"Representative Vella moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4170, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10300097.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"Representative Vella."
"Thank you. This Bill does what I just said. It's a very good Bill. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 4170 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there are 109 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On Order of Resolutions, we're going to go to House Joint Resolution 39, Niemerg. Representative Niemerg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 39 designates a section of Illinois 133 in Oakland as 'Lieutenant Jared W. Southworth Memorial Highway', and I ask for its favorable passage."
"Representative Niemerg moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 39. All those… all those in favor voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there are 110 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. And this Resolution, receiving the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed… adopted. Representative Olickal. You sure? Going once. Laugh, go ahead. All right, House Joint Resolution 41, Representative Niemerg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 41 designates Illinois Route 1 from North 950th Street to the intersection of U.S. Route 50th and Illinois Route 1 as the 10300097.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 'Coach Ron Felling Memorial'… no, I'm sorry, 'Ron Felling Highway'. And I ask for its favorable passage."
"Representative Niemerg moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 41. All those in favor are voting 'aye'; those opposed voting 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Vote who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there are 109 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This Resolution has received the Constitutional Majority and is hereby declared adopted. Representative Ammons on House Joint Resolution 46. Out of the record. Representative Cabello on House Joint Resolution 47."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Joint Resolution 47 designates the section of Illinois Route 2 in Rockton as the 'Chief Arthur L. Weston Memorial Highway'. On October 27, 1977, Chief Weston responded to a burglary in progress call and located the suspect in the upstairs bedroom. After an intense struggle, he was able to place the suspect into custody. As he was transporting the subject to jail, he began to have chest pains and called for backup. He was taken to the hospital where he died less than an hour later. I'd respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Cabello moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 47. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed voting 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there's 110 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. And this Resolution, 10300097.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. House Joint Resolution 53, Representative Kifowit. Out of the record. House Joint Resolution 57, Representative Davis. Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 57 directs the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct the analysis and financial modeling required to evaluate the implications of implementing the recommended $22 minimum hourly rate for employees providing educational support services. The analysis should include the district impact of incremental increases, beginning with $20 in school year 2025 to 2026, $21 in school year 2026 to 2027, and $22 in school year 2027 to 2028. The Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education should include in their findings… should include their findings in a written report to the General Assembly and Governor by December 31 of 2024. Very briefly, many of you… well, if you don't know, and I think many of you do, the Professional Review Panel is a… was a product of the EBF Bill that I sponsored in the House in 2017, where we put together a statewide group of experts to examine changes to the EBF formula or Bills that would create changes to the EBF formula, just to make sure that we are doing the right thing with the Bills. Now, I know as Legislators, we introduce Bills all the time. We want them to go through. We want them to happen. But I'm strongly encouraging Members who have a Bill that may want to change or have an impact on the EBF to use the Professional Review Panel as a means to determine the impact of your Bill, despite its intent, but the impact of 10300097.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 your Bill on the EBF formula. This Bill is addressing one of the ongoing concerns about support staff and the dollars to support short staff with regard to salaries. So, myself and Representative Hirschauer are sponsoring this Bill so we can ask the PRP to take a look at that and bring back a recommendation, that may be favorable, but to bring back a recommendation relative to how we should move forward in addressing that particular part or for that particular issue as it relates to increasing salaries for support staff. Thank you very much for indulging my explanation. I appreciate it."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, you did an excellent job explaining it. I just… for confirmation, this is an analysis of what the… that policy would… the implications that policy would be, that we're requesting." Davis, W.: "The implication on the EBF. Since we're talking about, you know, full-time equivalent employees, that's a part of EBF. And, again, we always want to try to make sure that we're standing up support staff, creating pathways for those individuals who want to be support staff, and making sure they get paid appropriately. This is a way that we can analyze what the impact of increasing those salaries could be relative to the EBF formula."
"Thank you."
"Representative Davis moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 57. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who 10300097.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there are 110 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. House Joint Resolution 58, Representative Haas. Representative Haas."
"Thank you, Chair. House Joint Resolution 58 is offered to create History Day in Illinois and declares June 15 as History Day in the State of Illinois. I ask for a favorable vote."
"Representative Haas moves for the adoption of House… House Joint Resolution 58. All those in favor voting 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there was 110 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. House Joint Resolution 60, Representative Grant."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 618 declares February… the week… the third week of February as Court Reporting and Captioning Week."
"Rep… Representative Haas, we're going to do House Joint Resolution… Grant, I'm sorry, 60."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, I'm sorry. All right, I'm on the wrong one. All right. I'm sorry."
"Wrong Rep. too."
"Okay. This… this is actually a really important Resolution. This young man received a very high honor, and he went to Wheaton North High School. He received the highest 10300097.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 award, which is Sergeant Miller. Anyhow, he saved… he saved, I don't know, seven lives in… in Afghanistan. So, this is a Resolution saying that in Illinois on Route 38 in Wheaton, which is Roosevelt Road, between County Farm and Winfield Road as the 'U.S. Army Sergeant Robert J. Miller Memorial Highway'. It's the prettiest section of Roosevelt Road in my area. It is flanked by forest preserves. So, I'm very happy to have this done. Thank you… thank you."
"Representative Grant moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 60. All those in favor voting 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there are 109 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. House Resolution 438, Representative Buckner. Representative Buckner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 438 simply urges the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Transportation to be more inclusive with their thoughts on the redesign of Lakeshore Drive, making it a true boulevard for multi-moto use."
"Representative Buckner moves for the adoption of House Resolution 438. All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 109 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. 10300097.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024 Representative Ness, House Resolution 501. No? Out of the record. House Joint Resolution 50, Niemerg, Representative Niemerg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 50 designates a portion of Illinois Route 40 as it runs through Casey as the 'Army Specialist Charles Lamb Memorial Highway', and I ask for its favorable passage."
"Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution."
"Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Niemerg, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Niemerg on the Amendment."
"Again, the Amendment designates Illinois Route 40 as it runs through Casey as the 'Army Specialist Charles Lamb Memorial Highway', and I ask for its favorable passage."
"Representative Niemerg moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution… or the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Representative Niemerg moves for the adoption of House Resolution… House Joint Resolution 50. All those voting 'aye'; all those voting 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On the question, there's 110 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. And this Resolution, receiving the Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. Leader Keicher." 10300097.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 5/2/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you could please excuse Representatives Sosnowski and Caulkins for the remainder of the day."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 739, offered by Representative Weaver."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in vote… all those in favor say 'aye'; 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 Friday, May 3, at the hour of 10 a.m. All those… all those in favor say 'aye'; those 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 5832, offered by Representative Didech, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. First Reading of this House Bill. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300097.docx 45