"Let us pray. Lord, as we prepare for Session today, I ask freshness of your spirit to quicken our thinking, that out of confused issues may come simplicity of plan, that out of fear may come confidence, that out of hurry may come deliberation, and that out of frustration may come guidance. Let us get to work not headfirst but heart first. May we be able to disagree without being disagreeable, to differ without being difficult, to be honest without tension, and to be frank without offense, in an atmosphere of team spirit. These things we ask in your son's name, Amen." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Ladisch Douglass." Ladisch Douglass – 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." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Jiménez, Manley, Mayfield, Rita, and Moeller are excused today." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle." 10300119.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024
"Sorry, Madam Speaker. I thought we were taking an extra- long time with everything today. Please excuse Representatives Sosnowski and Cabello." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 110 Members answering the roll call, the quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on November 19, 2024: approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is Senate Bill 688, Senate Bill 2703, and Senate Bill 3410. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 936, offered by Representative Ness. House Resolution 937, offered by Representative West. House Resolution 941, offered by Representative Mayfield. House Resolution 942, offered by Representative Faver Dias. House Resolution 944, offered by Representative Ford." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hammond on the House Resolution 899, offered by Representative Hammond… Leader Hammond."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to honor the life and service of our friend and former colleague, Brent Hassert. Many of us in this chamber remember Brent Hassert in his role as a lobbyist, mostly for local governments. Most of us didn't have the privilege of serving with Brent during his 16 years as State Representative. Brent Hassert was a lifelong resident of Illinois and a strong advocate for Will County. With his brother, Earl, Brent was the co-owner of Hassert Landscaping. He was elected to the Will County Board in 1986, becoming a county commissioner and executive pro tem. In 1992, 10300119.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 Brent Hassert was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives from the new 83rd District. His background and experience were put to good use as he served on various House Committees, including Counties & Townships, Energy & Environment, Gaming, and serving as the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. From 2003 to 2008, Brent was honored to serve as Deputy Minority Leader in the House with his good friend, then Minority Leader, Tom Cross. After leaving the House in 2009, he formed Brent Hassert Consulting, advocating on behalf of local governments. Throughout these career changes, Brent relied upon his wife, Lee Ann Goodson, his brother, Earl, his sons, Justin and Josh Hassert, their son, Matthew Goodson, their daughter, Alex, and their… his daughter-in-laws… and daughter… and son-in-law. Brent was a proud grandpa to seven grandchildren, Kyle, Jena, Colton, Carson, Aria, Avery, and Bailey. Brent Hassert passed away on August 29, at the age of 71, after a long illness. His widow, Lee, and his sons, Justin and Josh, put together a wonderful memorial service on October 12, at the Prairie Bluff Golf Club in Lockport Township. A club that Brent was extremely instrumental in helping to build. In preparation for my remarks today, I reached out to a number of Brent's friends and former colleagues. They shared some cherished memories and some funny stories about Brent. Unfortunately, most of those stories I can't share on the record here today. I will say that I was struck by the tribute to Brent made by his long-term… time friend and newspaper columnist Nick Reiner. I think the headlines of his recent columns about Brent say it all. Brent Hassert was a friend to many who didn't know 10300119.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 him, and Brent knew politics was about helping people. Can there be a more fitting tribute to a true public service… servant and a voice for his community? Earlier today, Leader McCombie hosted a reception in her office for Brent's family and friends. It was good to spend a few moments with them sharing so many great memories of Brent. To Brent's wife, Lee, and the entire Goodson and Hassert family, thank you for sharing Brent with us, thank you for your devotion to him and for allowing him to dedicate so much of his time to serving the people of Will County and the State of Illinois. He was indeed a friend to many, and he will be greatly missed. Madam Speaker, after others have shared their comments, I would ask for a moment of reflection in honor of Brent. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Thank you. Representative Walsh is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Lee Ann, Josh, Hassert-Goodson family, I got to know Brent back in the mid-90s. He started out in the 83rd District and then the 2000 map was created. He became my father's other Representative. Got to know him. And when I arrived here in the House of Representatives in 2012, one of the very first lobbyists that came to visit me was a gentleman that I knew from being on the other side of the aisle by the name of Brent Hassert. Now, I knew that him and my father and… and Senator Wilhelmi that followed my father in the Senate, they worked very, very well together. They achieved a lot of accomplishments for Will County. And as I came down here as a new Legislator, learning the ropes and the ins and outs of how to maneuver this maze we call Springfield, there was one guy that was really, really, truly 10300119.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 helpful to me. And he came into my office and said, 'Larry, you're going to get bombarded with this issue, with that issue. The good ones will tell you that this is good for your district. They'll let you know what that concern would be.' And I ended up growing a trust for Brent. A strong bond that turned into a real, real, good friendship. He'd come into my office, as the years went through, and we'd just shoot the breeze in the morning going over, you know, old political battles, whether it was with Tom Cross and… and Speaker Madigan or if it was with Emil Jones or just the history of this institution. And he was very, very knowledgeable on that. Then we'd talk about local issues. And we worked together with Democrats and Republicans… to solve those real concerns. And as it was stated by Leader Hammond, you know, Will County has seen robust growth since the '80s. And trying to navigate that, I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of Brent. He is truly, truly going to be missed. He's been, again, an incredible friend. Lee Ann, Josh, Hassert-Goodson family, thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you for the sacrifice you put forth to make Will County and Illinois a better place. It couldn't have been done without his help. And last, Ladies and Gentlemen, Brent Hassert was a true statesman. A true statesman that looked beyond the party politics to try to solve issues. That's what I'm most fond of. That's what I respected the most. Thank you again, and my deepest condolences." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Avelar is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I also rise here to extend my deepest gratitude to Brent Hassert's family who's here. And, 10300119.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 you know, I know that it was said that there were some stories that couldn't be shared, but I'll share my story with being able to meet Brent when I became the… the elected Representative of the 85th District. He represented part of the district that I represent. And to say that he was a statesman, to say that he was a class-act, to say that he was truly the epitome of what we are here to do, which is at the end of the day, work with the people of Illinois, falls short. He was such a wonderful person to work with. And my fondest memories will always be to work for the people, not just of Illinois, but of Will County, to provide not just resources, but at the end of the day just thinking about one of the things he would always say to me, which is, 'At the end of the day, when everything's said and done, will you be able to go to sleep peacefully?' So, I thank you. To the family, I want to say thank you coming here. And, again, my deepest gratitude for the… all the service that… that he provided, not to just the State of Illinois or to many of our… my colleagues here, to myself as well. He was such a… a great person to work with, and I will forever miss him too. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative… Leader Hammond moves for the adoption of House Resolution 899. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Stuart, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege." 10300119.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. I just want to bring to the attention of the Body that this is a… currently we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, from November 17 through the 23rd. We have also officially recognized this in Illinois with the passage of a Resolution last week. I want to bring attention to this week's celebration because 2024 is the 10th anniversary of this type of recognition, raising awareness of the vital role that registered apprenticeships provide in creating opportunities. By allowing apprentices to develop and train, while employers build their future workforce, offering career seekers pathways to quality jobs and high paying careers. In our country and in Illinois, we have an urgent need to prepare and maintain an inclusive, diverse, and highly-skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of our community and fortifying our economy. The registered apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor is a proven and industry driven training model. It's a key strategy to improving industry quality and creating access to lucrative jobs for all while addressing our pressing workforce challenges across the nation. I just want to take a second to thank all the local agencies behind workforce development, the U.S. Department of Labor, and all the businesses across the state who have been developing and providing these opportunities for people all over the state. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300119.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, earlier this morning, I was privileged to be a part of a legislative panel that spoke about the appropriations process to our new Members. This a very important and robust discussion about a very important process, probably one of the most important processes in the Illinois General Assembly. A process to appropriate billions of taxpayer dollars to run our state government. We discussed how the process is designed to work, and we discussed how the process really works. Let me restate that in the most simplest of terms for everyone within the sound of my voice. What starts out to be an open and transparent process will end up in the hands of a few of the Majority Party leaders behind closed doors. Many of my colleagues and constituents and others that I meet when I'm out and about will say, 'Brad, wake up and smell the tea leaves on the wall. Don't you know how this works?' A few people in the Majority Party secret circle know what's going on and everyone else gets to find out 48 hours before the budget vote. Here's what that process has been giving us. Over the last 5 years, under Governor Pritzker, budgets have exploded over 30 percent, or $13 billion, vastly outpacing the rate of inflation. In the past couple of weeks, the Governor's own Office of Management and Budget has announced huge budget deficits amounting to over $23 billion over the next 5 years, and starting with this coming fiscal year, a $3.2 billion deficit. Three point two billion dollars, folks, 10300119.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 where in the world are we going to find that money? Earlier this month, a trial balloon was floated to gauge voter sentiment about taxing millionaires an additional three percent and applying that to property tax relief. The advisory referendum passed by a wide margin of 60 to 40. This is nothing more than an end run around a failed attempt two years ago to change a flat tax to a graduated tax that was soundly defeated by voters in this great state and an end run around the Constitution. The Constitution that I heard the Governor talking about a few days ago. A Constitution that he claims to care deeply about. More about that later. Look, Ladies and Gentlemen, if a flat rate was good enough for the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, it should be good enough for us. In closing, we have a serious problem staring us down like never before. Like a fully-loaded freight train running downhill and the brakes have failed. Record spending, record borrowing, and record taxing, growing government at a rate that far exceeds the rate of inflation. So, the question remains, what will the budget leaders and appropriations committee in this chamber, in the Senate chamber, and in the Governor's Office do? Will we have a discussion about a budget that balances compassion and common sense? Will we have a discussion that takes a hard look at the priorities of our constituents and will balance appropriately? Ladies and Gentlemen, the choice is ours. What will it be? Will we have an open, transparent conversation about doing right by the taxpayers of Illinois, or will it be a conversation like that in the years past that quickly heads behind closed doors and produces a multi-thousand-page 10300119.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 document with 48 hours to go? What course are we going to pick? A course that will bring Illinois back from the brink of financial disaster or one that runs us off the cliff of financial ruin at warp speed? You decide. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Hirschauer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just wanted to do a quick introduction to some very special guests I have on the House Floor. There's two women standing behind me that I spent, probably, over 60 hours a week with from mid-August until November. Caitlyn Galloway is here, she just graduated from the University of Illinois, and Katie Holmes. They are a super smart team, and it's a testament to how hard we worked together that we still want to speak to each other after the past three months. I'm so grateful for them, and I hope you give them a warm Springfield welcome." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Grant, for what reason do you seek recognition? Representative Grant."
"Okay. I'm sorry. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Today, I… thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I would like to introduce my Honorary Page for the day, Tom Drabik. Tom is studying political science and Spanish at the University of Illinois. Tom is an active member of his local community and he has an interest in politics, has had an interest in politics ever since he was a kid. Tom hopes to one day become a political science professor and eventually a public 10300119.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 servant. Tom, this past summer, worked in my district office as a intern, along with seven… well, he was one of seven, actually. And it was fun going into the district office being able to discuss politics with… with young people. So, hopefully, Tom will have a good day. He doesn't have far to go back home. He's going back to the University of Illinois. And give him a round of applause." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Guerrero-Cuellar, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"If the Body would please… thank you. Yesterday, in the City of Chicago, we honored the ultimate sacrifice of Officer Enrique Martinez, star #8314. With the permission of the family, I want to take this time to acknowledge Officer Martinez. Enrique Martinez, 26-year-old, 2-year and 10-month veteran of the Chicago Police Department, sacrificed his life in the line of duty on November 4, 2024. Enrique was a loving son to his parents, Adrian Martinez, Sr. and Rosa Mayen. Younger brother of Adrian Martinez, Jr. and big brother of Angelica Martinez. He was raised in the West Lawn area of Chicago. As a young child, he was full of life and attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Grammar School, Hubbard High School, and Harold Washington City College, earning his associates. Enrique always had a kind, thoughtful, selfless and generous heart. If you were fortunate to receive a gift from him, it was always to be personalized with detail and would immediately warm your heart. Enrique will be remembered 10300119.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 for his contagious laughter that always filled a room. He enjoyed playing video games with his brother, Adrian, and had a passion for repairing and building computer systems with his latest interests being working out, fishing, and hiking. Enrique met his fiancée, Lesly Hernandez, in high school and were together for ten years, most recently becoming engaged and he personally designed the ring given to her. When I met Lesly, I told her that even though they were not able to get to the altar, she is a police officer's wife and will be treated as such. He followed his brother Adrian Martinez Garcia's footsteps becoming a Chicago Police Officer. Enrique loved his life, his family, his two German Shepherds, and his country. He was truly proud to be an American. During the services, his brother Adrian said the following, 'On his final tour, my brother looked evil and terror in the face and took his final breath. He was murdered on a cold forgotten street. You may not know, but on that night my brother saved countless lives. As he was pierced by multiple bullets, every bullet that struck my brother could have taken the life of someone's mother, father, sister, brother, or friend.' Officer Enrique Martinez, star #8314, we see you, we hear you, we feel you. You will never be forgotten. And I ask this Body to take a moment of silence." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Caulkins, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed." 10300119.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen in the House, and particularly our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, last week, Governor Pritzker decided he was going to take on the federal government. He publicly announced that he was going to challenge the federal government and the will of the people. That's an act of insurrection. That's what started the Civil War in South Carolina when the Governor took on President Lincoln and the federal government. I ask you please, if you have any influence with Governor Pritzker, please ask him to stand down. We can't win that battle. You can be right, maybe, but you cannot fight the federal government. And if the federal government decides to take up Governor Pritzker's challenge, we, all of us, every person in this state, will be a loser. Because we depend on the federal government for a lot of money, funds, waivers, tax money returned to this state for roads and highways, bridges. And if the federal government decides they want to punish Illinois, they want to punish Governor Pritzker for challenging our federal administration, every citizen in this state, your constituents, my constituents, are going to be severely impacted. So, please, please ask Governor Pritzker, let's extend an olive branch to the federal government. I know one of your Representatives said maybe we do need to get these gang bang illegal aliens out of our state, maybe we should cooperate with ICE to make our communities safer. Let's do that. Let's not play a game of chicken with the federal government. Because it will not end well with the citizens of this state, your constituents and my constituents. Thank you." 10300119.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Avelar, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I think that one of the things that the previous person that talked about monies being lost, I wonder if he's also going to consider not getting the taxes of all the ITIN filers and undocumented people who continue to pull this economy forward. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Democrats would request a caucus meeting immediately in Room 114." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The Democrats will caucus in Room 114 and the Republicans will room in 118 up… after adjournment. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 934, offered by Representative Bunting. House Resolution 935, offered by Representative Will Davis. House Resolution 938, offered by Representative Weaver. House Resolution 939, offered by Representative Tarver. House Resolution 940, offered by Representative Manley. House Resolution 943, offered by Speaker Welch. House Resolution 945, offered by Speaker Welch. And House Resolution 946, offered by… offered by Representative La Ha." 10300119.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 119th Legislative Day 11/19/2024 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of 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. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution. And now, allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves for the… moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, November 20, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5913, offered by Representative DeLuca, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5914, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5915, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 5916, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300119.docx 15