Illinois House Floor Debate — January 4, 2025

"…pray. Lord, I thank you for this day and I thank you for the opportunity to get together and to represent our constituents in the State of Illinois. And I thank you for this new year and time for us to start over in many things in our lives, our families, our friends, and… and even in this room. And I pray that you be with us, give us wisdom and direction. Lord, I thank that you sent a lamb and you're not lame. Lord, I don't know what day you made ice and snow, but I don't know what you were thinking. But I just pray that you keep us to be safe. I thank you again for your blessings. In your name, Amen." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Yednock."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Hammond, Hauter, Jacobs, Niemerg, McLaughlin, Friess… sorry, David Friess, Sanalitro, Wilhour, and Sosnowski are excused for today. And Chris Miller, Representative Miller. No relation." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 99 present Members are… 99 Members answering the roll call, the quorum is present. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 966, offered by Representative Severin. Representative Severin is recognized."

"Thank you, Madam. I appreciate the opportunity to bring before you House Resolution 966. Before I do that, can I introduce a new Representative on our side, or you want to do it two separate things? I don't mean to take over the floor today, but…" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "We can do it separately, please."

"Okay. So, House Resolution 966…" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Correct."

"Are we on? Okay, I'll stick with House Resolution 966 first. Thank you. So, I'm honored today to present House Resolution 966 to congratulate Jennifer Arnold. She's a superintendent of a little grade school in my district, Field Grade School. She was the Educator of the Year in the Illinois Agriculture Classroom Administrator Award. So, I want to congratulate her, and I appreciate the opportunity to recognize her on the House Floor. Her name is Jennifer Arnold, 10300122.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 122nd Legislative Day 1/4/2025 and she is the Illinois Classroom Administrator Ag in the Classroom Administrator of the Year. So, I wanted to congratulate her. Thank you very much." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Severin moves for the adoption of House Resolution 966. 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 Severin is recognized."

"Thank you very much. Actually, I appreciate the opportunity to present on the House Floor today, for the first time, Representative Kyle Moore from the 99th District. He's replacing Representative Randy Frese. Actually, Mr. Frese is unreplaceable, but we're sure glad to have Kyle Moore on the House Floor on the Republican side. And we appreciate a… a round of applause. And he has a four-hour presentation he'd like to make some other time." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Moore is recognized."

"Yeah, point of personal privilege. Madam Speaker, it's an honor to be here today and it's an honor to serve my constituents in the 99th District. I've gotten to know many of you as… when I served as mayor of the City of Quincy. And for those that I haven't met yet, I'm getting… looking forward to meeting each and every one of you and doing some good work on behalf of the citizens of Illinois. Thank you very much. It's an honor." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please." 10300122.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 122nd Legislative Day 1/4/2025 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please proceed."

"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, as we welcome 2025, it's clear that the winds of change are sweeping across our nation when it comes to tax reform. Thirty-nine states starting this year with significant tax changes. Nine states are cutting individual taxes, including two that are adopting flat tax systems. Three states are reducing corporate income taxes and two are embracing first-year expensing provisions to encourage business envelopment. Across America, states are recognizing the power of a stable pro-growth and competitive tax code to attract businesses and improve the lives of their citizens. Unfortunately, here in Illinois, we are not a part of that conversation. While other states are fostering economic opportunity through tax relief and reform, Illinois remains stuck in a cycle of high taxes, heavy regulation, and stagnant growth. The Majority Party in Illinois is even pushing for additional income taxes to make up for their spending. We've become a cautionary tale instead of a shining example. The consequences are clear. We are losing residences, businesses, and economic opportunity to states that understand the importance of competitive tax policy. Take property taxes for instance. Illinois has become the highest property tax states in the nation, burdening homeowners and discouraging new investment. Our personal income tax system is outdated and less competitive as states shift to lower rates and even outright elimination of income taxes. And let's not forget corporate taxes. Illinois businesses face one of the highest combined corporate tax rates in the country, making it harder to compete and thrive. 10300122.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 122nd Legislative Day 1/4/2025 Meanwhile, states like Indiana and Iowa are lowering the tax burdens, creating environments where businesses want to grow and families want to stay. This is not a partisan observation. It's a reality that we can't afford to ignore. The evidence is overwhelming. States that prioritize tax reform and fiscal responsibility see results: stronger economies, more job creation, and greater population stability. Illinois must take note of this and take action. I believe it's past time to rewrite Illinois' tax policy to be pro-growth and family friendly. Here are three important key steps that we can take immediately. Number one, we must address our broken property tax system, ensuring homeowners are not taxed out of their homes while providing adequate funding for essential services like public safety and education. Number two, lowering personal and corporate income tax rates will make Illinois more competitive and encourage both individuals and businesses to invest in our state rather than flee to others. Number three, we must streamline and simplify the tax code. A simpler tax code with fewer loopholes and special carve outs. This will reduce administrative burdens and create fairness for all taxpayers. Illinois has become the greatest economic development tool that a neighboring or southern state can have. This needs to change. In closing, Illinois… every Illinoian deserves a chance to thrive. Higher taxes shouldn't stand in the way of the American dream. Our states are showing us… other states are showing us a path forward. Now, it's time for us to follow their lead and make up Illinois a state where opportunity grows again. Thank you." 10300122.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 122nd Legislative Day 1/4/2025 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Benton, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you… thank you, Madam Speaker. Republicans would request, upon adjournment, a caucus in Room 118, please." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Democrats will caucus in Room 114 and Republicans will caucus in Room 118 after adjournment. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."