"The House will be in order. Members will take their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Representative Grasse. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Today's invocation is taken from… with inspiration from the book 'The Four Agreements' by don Miguel Ruiz. Spirit of wisdom and justice, be with us in this chamber today. May we be impeccable with our word, speaking truth with integrity, and using our voices to uplift, not diminish. May we not take anything personally, remembering that the work before us is greater than ego and that service calls for resilience. May we not make assumptions, listening with open hearts and seeking understanding before judgement. And may we always do our best, striving each day to create policies that honor the dignity, well-being, and hopes of all those we serve. Guide our hands, our minds, and our voices toward the good of all. Let it be so, and let us begin. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Kelly."
"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."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Ann Williams is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10400014.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 Williams, A.: "Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Buckner, Gordon-Booth, LaPointe, and Lilly are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Madam Speaker, what a pleasure to see you on the dais this morning. Please let the record reflect the Representatives Cabello and Miller are excused for today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Clerk, please take the record. There being 111 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Representative Chung, for what seek… for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you so much. Last night, President Trump raised taxes on every single family and every single business in my district. Make no mistake, he will call it a trade war and assure us that they're very easy to win. And, of course, some of his biggest cheerleaders in this chamber will be conspicuously silent, even as families pick up the bill with every purchase and even as the businesses that sustain our local economies face new challenges and higher prices. And I'm not going to be silent, though, because this affects my community way too much. I'm going to speak up for the men and women who work at the Destihl Brewing in Normal. They've been an Illinois success story. Destihl began making beer… Destihl began making beer in Normal in 2007. My really good friend and constituent of mine actually was their first lead brewer. And today, they have two locations, serve as a major 10400014.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 attraction in my community with craft fairs and live music, and they distribute their products nationwide. But more than 40% of the business costs for independent brewers is for aluminum. And this morning, industry analysists are saying Trump's order will raise aluminum prices by up to $2 billion every year. And, of course, I'm not the only one in here whose local economy is improved by a local craft brewer. This will affect Triptych Brewing in Savoy. This will also affect Millpond Brewing in Millstadt. And This will also affect Holzlager in Woodstock. And I'm going to speak up for the 8,000 people who also work at Rivian in Bloomington. They've invested more than $1.5 billion into my local economy. But despite exceeding… but despite exceeding estimated sales in 2024, the company had to downgrade its 2025 projections because the Trump trade agenda cost… raises the cost of vehicles by thousands of dollars. And, of course, I'm not the only one here whose economy is also supported by the local auto industry. How will a $12,000 increase in the cost of a new car affect local revenue in Wheaton or in Burr Ridge? What will we say when families are forced to make up the difference in higher property taxes? And I'm going to speak up for the family farms that so many of us say that are a priority. Just like my colleagues across the aisle, I have fought for the bill to protect their land from unfair estate taxes that were never intended to affect them. But today, the greatest threat to their next generation story is what these tariffs will mean for them when our largest international markets will turn to trade partners in South America and other points in the world. And, of course, I am not the only one 10400014.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 who represents family farms, but I am the only one who's standing up and saying something about the greatest threats to families and entire communities. And I'm going also speak up for families who are raising young kids, just like me. Target, Best Buy, Walmart have all said that higher prices are coming as soon as this week because Donald Trump has put a new tax on everything families buy every day. Analysts predict the Trump trade agenda will be a $2,000 tax increase on every family. And, of course, I'm not the only one who represents families that can't afford a $2,000 tax increase. Our friends on the other side of the aisle will tell us about how everything from school curricula to workers' rights are actually secret tax increases, but when working families are paying the very real cost for your political agenda, the silence is deafening. So, I won't be silent, and I'm going to speak out and demand we do what we can in this chamber to help families make ends meet, help businesses succeed, and to help our state move forward. Thank you."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege to make an announcement."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. For eight years prior to coming to the House, I served on the Illinois State Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, which is a council that advises ISBE, the legislature, and the Governor's Office on matters concerning children with disabilities in their education. Tomorrow is their annual 10400014.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 legislative day from 8:30 till noon at the Illinois State Capitol Complex Visitors Center at 425 South College Street. The parents and families of children with disabilities will be making presentations to advocate for these children in the school systems. I strongly encourage you to go and attend. Again, that's from 8:30 till noon at the Illinois State Capitol Complex Visitors Center. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste, for what reason do you rise?"
"Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. Happy to see you up there. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I can't tell you how happy I was to hear that the other side is concerned about taxes, how it impacts our family, and what it is doing to the State of Illinois. If I could have everyone's attention for a minute, I'd really appreciate it. Because the report is out, folks. Moody's report giving the economic forecast for the State of Illinois is here, and guess what? It's not a pretty picture. It's not a pretty picture at all. Unfortunately, we have not improved our lot over the last year, and I would have to imagine the $750 million in new taxes at the end of last year had something to do it. But I'll read from the report just so we're all aware. 'Illinois' economy strengthened moderately in 2024.' That's the one upside. But then it goes on to say 'Illinois will underperform the region and the U.S. in 2025 with gross state product, employment, and income increasing less than elsewhere.' Well, I guess if you don't care about what's happening to families in Illinois actually in taxes, 10400014.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 you don’t have to listen, but this is what the people who we hire are telling us. Also says, 'Looking beyond the region, Illinois is only outperforming Vermont, Maryland, Louisiana, and Hawaii, as well as Washington D.C.,' not economic powerhouses. It also tells us that the long-term economic outlook over the next five years is that Illinois' employment will increase .1% below the .9% gain for the rest of the Midwest that's projected in the 2% nationally. And yet, it concludes with the same note it did last year, that Illinois has what it needs to remain a top business center, and it can solve the problems that are eroding its edge in the competition. We have what it takes in this state to be a great economy. We have what it takes to be a leader. But as long as we keep on bringing new taxes, new regulations, and bills that tell business they don't want to be here because we're going to go after them first, we're never going to succeed. If you're truly concerned about taxes, farmers, and Illinois families, we'll start thinking about the bills we bring forward and how we'll vote because we need to change the way we're doing business in Illinois, for business, as well as the families of Illinois. Thank you."
"Representative West, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. There's a name that I wanted to share with you and the body, if you don't mind, a name of one of our babies who lost her life a couple of weeks ago. The name is Jalyah Thompson. She was an 11-year-old daughter of the State of Illinois who took her own life a couple of weeks ago due to bullying. Words fail, as you… only you can imagine 10400014.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 of what words of comfort we can add to the family, as many of us, ourselves, have children, and we can only imagine the pain that the family is going through right now. Her name is Jalyah Thompson. I want to make sure it's on the record for the legacy of not only herself, a prominent and lover of Hello Kitty, the lover of pink, two things that my own daughter loves herself. I ask that we think of Jalyah Thompson and her family in this time of grief, but also, I ask the body to be intentional, not just personally, but politically. Intentional personally in making sure you hug your daughters and your sons just a little bit harder this week, thinking about Jalyah. Intentional in making that sure we understand what our babies are going through. Bullying may look different because we are older, but the impact of bullying is yet the same. Ensuring that we are intentional in talking to our… our kids about what's going on in their DMs, what's going on at school that we may not be aware about. But also, my friends, I ask that we be intentional in ensuring that our laws reflect supporting our young people as they go through bullying, our laws reflect stopping bullying in our schools so that our young people and our kids and our babies can thrive. Jalyah Thompson is her name. I ask that you remember it in your thoughts and prayers on today. And to the family, not only the 67th District, which is what I… is where I represent, but the State of Illinois is with you as you go through this grief. And we are, as a state, in a point where we are going to ensure that we are doing what we can to make sure that we don't lose another baby like that. Madam Speaker, if you don't mind, I ask for a moment of silence for Jalyah Thompson. And 10400014.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 while we are silent, I ask that you pray for her family. Thank you, Madam Speaker."
"The body will observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Hoffman, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"If I could have the body's attention, please. In… in 2019, this body honored the life of Brett Korves, who was a Swansea fire… firefighter who tragically lost his life when an individual evading police… an individual evading police hit his car at a high rate of speed. Since that time, the Village of Swansea and individuals from the Village of Swansea, including firefighters and police, state government, and his family, have begun Brett's First Responders fund. Their continued efforts are to serve his memory and the families of first responders who… who are facing a tragedy or facing financial hardship. Brett's First Responders was created and, since that time, has provided over $215,000 to individuals who are first responders whose families are facing a tragedy or are facing difficult times. We're joined here today by the mayor of Swansea, Mike Leopold. We're joined by Brett's father, Jack Korves; his mother, Shelly Korves; as well as his son, Brock Korves. I would ask, first of all, that we thank them for the commitment that they have made in giving back to the community in Brett's honor and in his memory. And secondly, for a moment of silence in order to once again reflect and to honor his life." 10400014.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025
"The body will observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen of this House, if I could have your attention. Today, I rise on a serious issue plaguing our state government: reckless spending, lack of accountability, and an ever-growing demand for more taxpayer dollars without sufficient oversight. Governor Pritzker is once again asking for another $2 billion in spending for this next fiscal year. But before we talk about spending more, shouldn't we take a hard look at how we are managing what we already have? Shouldn't we demand a better stewardship of our taxpayer dollars? Let's take a recent example, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's new headquarters. The state spent $80 million renovating the old Sears store at White Oaks Mall, a project that ran 18 months behind schedule and cost more than double the average price per square foot for commercial construction in Springfield. Meanwhile, downtown Springfield sits full of empty office space that could've been repurposed at a fraction of that cost. The people of Illinois deserve answers. Why did we pay $430 per square foot when similar projects cost around $200 per square foot? Why wasn't a more cost-effective solution pursued? Is this why there's a bill in this chamber raising the filing fees at EPA from 75 to 250 dollars? And it's not just the EPA building. Let's look at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 10400014.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 The federal government has placed IDNR on high-risk status for mismanaging grant funds, yet we still can't get straight answers about how sportsmen's dollars are being spent. A simple records request turned up 1250 pages of documents, but instead of transparency, IN… DNR claims that it would be unduly burdensome to provide the information. When an agency refuses to be accountable to the people funding it, we have a serious problem. This is not just one agency and one project, it's about a pattern of waste, mismanagement, and refusal to answer to the taxpayers. Instead of rubberstamping another $2 billion in spending, maybe we should ask if state agencies are doing their jobs efficiently. Maybe we should demand that every dollar be spent wisely before asking hardworking Illinoisans to hand over even more of their money. Illinois families don't get to spend beyond their means without consequences. State government shouldn't either. It's time we bring real oversight to state spending, demand transparency from our agencies, and put an end to the waste that has become far too common in Springfield. Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Just… just a few minutes ago, we heard a Member of the majority party talking about tariffs and calling them taxes. It was very rich to hear someone from the other side talking about the opposition to new taxes. And I just want to say that for anybody on that side that agrees with that, I 10400014.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 would like to welcome you to come to this side to oppose any new taxes in the State of Illinois. On the topic of tariffs, specifically the 25% tariff on Canada, I want to put this into perspective to let you know what kind of tariffs Canada is putting on American goods: milk, 270%, not 25; cheese, 245; butter, 298%; chicken, 237%; sausages, 69.8%; barley seed, 57.8; meat, 26.5; cars, 25% tariff; HVAC, 45%; vacuums, 35% tariff; cable boxes, 35%; TVs, 45% tariff that they put on American goods; steel, they put 25% tariffs on our steel; aluminum, 45% tariffs on American aluminum going to Canada. Who is starting this… this trade problem? It is not America. We are looking for fair trade, and I think there's opportunity for us to work towards no tariffs if countries are willing to work with us. Thank you."
"Representative Canty, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just want to take a moment to remember that these tariffs impact real families. And I am confident when I come into work every day, along with many of my colleagues, we are looking for ways to make life easier and less expensive for the people that live here in Illinois. And I find it super disappointing that we have colleagues that do not feel the same way and do not care about the toll that these tactics are taking on real people here in the state. Thank you."
"Representative Hauter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." 10400014.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025
"Please proceed."
"I am just so proud to welcome, today, my colleagues and friends in the Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists who are here today. If they could stand. Their president, Dr. Jason Mitchell, is here. They have taken time out from their busy practices and hospitals to come down here and advocate for the specialty of anesthesiology and also for their patients. So, I thank them for that. As well, I'd like to also introduce two of my residents. You may know that the Illinois… the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria started a anesthesiology residency program, the first and only downstate residency program to meet the… just the desperate need for anesthesia providers in Illinois. And two of my residents have come down. I don't know if they're trying to get out of the OR or if they want to look good with their attending, but I welcome them today as well. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Benton, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"First of all, congratulations. First time in the well, doing a great job. I want to do a follow-up with what Leader West said. Cyberbullying is taking on a… its own personality, something that has personally been affecting my district and families within my district. Leader West and I worked on a bill last session to try to curb cyberbullying with a cyber detective that teaches about cyberbullying around the world and around the country, and it was hard to get that to move. 10400014.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 We need to take this serious because we are losing young people to suicide and harm on a regular basis. We need to take this seriously and we need to move this forward. I've also been working Representative Sheehan, who happens to be a… a Plainfield police officer within my district. He's taking it serious. I just want to put that on record. And I also have and another point. Our district is still grieving the loss of… and, Madam Speaker, quiet in the chamber, please. My district has been grieving for a while now. On Friday, we received a verdict that was a step in the right direction. We lost a 6-year-old Palestinian boy, Wadee Alfayoumi. He was stabbed to death, 6 years old, by his landlord all because of conflict, all because of issues within another country, other countries, being brought to our country. His wife went on stand and said it was conservative of media that manipulated his mind and changed his perspective of a family that he cherished. He ended up going in and stabbing the mother 12 times. He ended up stabbing a 6-year-old boy 21 times, 21 times. Well, Friday was a good day for the family in the district. While we're never going to be able to bring him back, and that's so unfortunate, but he was found guilty, finally, of hate crimes and murder. So, I just want to take a moment of silence for the family and the friends that are close to him and everybody that has been grieving across the state for this family, but justice was served on Friday. Thank you."
"The body will observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10400014.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wanted to ask our colleagues to please direct your attention up to the gallery behind me. We have as a guest today and tomorrow, Irene Kawanabe, who is our state's liaison to NCSL. And she's here to answer questions and also encourage you to attend the national convention in August, where our very own Leader Marcus Evans will be taking on the presidency of that organization. So, please give Irene a warm welcome. And then also, feel free to respond to her scheduling email where she has indicated her availability tomorrow… today and tomorrow here in Springfield. Thank you very much."
"Welcome to Illinois. Representative Stuart, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I look around the room today, and I see so many people looking so great in blue today. And I want to thank you so much for wearing blue to support public education. It's becoming more important every day to stand up for public education across the country. We just saw the installation of, at our federal Department of Education, a disgraced wrestling executive put in charge of that department. If that shows a lack of respect for public education and the important work that's done every day for the youth of our country, for their development and their opportunities in the future. So, I want to thank everybody who is proudly wearing blue today to support public education. 10400014.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 I know lots of you aren't wearing blue, but I know you have always been supporters, and I appreciate that. I would love anybody that's wearing blue and wants to be in the picture because we know the… we value our kids, we value our teachers, and we value their education, please join me in the well after session today so we can take a quick photo. Thank you."
"Representative Walsh, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A purpose for… of an announcement."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House. Just wanted to remind everybody tonight's the Illinois State Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus event taking place at the Wyndham Hotel, 5 to 7. Please come on out and enjoy the fun and comradery, include your staff members along with you. It should be a very good time. And for those Members that may have not gotten signed up for the Sportsmen's Caucus, we're still taking those. So, anybody interested, see me or Leader Hammond or Senator Anderson or Senator Joyce and we'll get you in. And look forward to seeing you tonight. Thank you."
"Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"As I promised last week, I would give you the PJM fuel mix report, so here we go today. As we speak, in the PJM fuel mix, coal is providing 14% of the fuel today; natural gas, 37%; nuclear, 30%; solar, 8%; and the final one is wind at 10400014.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 5%. So, I wanted to give you the PJM fuel mix report today. As you know, as a spokesman and chairman of the… on the House, on Republican side, for Energy & Environment, I wanted to give you the report so you can follow along, not just on the MISO, but also PJM. It's very important. It's affecting every one of you that aren't paying attention to me right now. Thank you."
"Leader McCombie, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Can I have a… the attention of everybody in the body today? I think we could all use a little levity, but today I rise in celebration of Women's History Month. Not to just recognize the contributions of women, whether we're Republican, Democrat, or independent, but to acknowledge the undeniable truth that we are simply just better. Now, gentlemen, before you clutch your ties in protest, let's examine the evidence. Let's first talk about multitasking. While our male counterparts heroically focus on one thing at a time, whether that's reading emails or searching the fridge for the ketchup that's right in front of you, women are effortlessly managing households, careers, and in some cases, entire legislative caucuses. Then there's communication. Studies show that women speak an average of 20,000 words a day, while men manage about 7,000. Now, some may say that's excessive. I call it thorough. If the General Assembly adopted a few more of our female communication habits, we could get 10400014.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 things done in half of the time with fewer misunderstandings and obviously some humor. Let's also take a moment to acknowledge our superior pain tolerance. Women endure child birth, we wear high heels, and the agony of listening to men explain something that we already knew. And yet, we persevere, while meanwhile a common cold can render a fully grown man incapacitated for days. Of course, we are not unreasonable and must give some men credit. Their bravely-led civilizations invented groundbreaking technology, built skyscrapers under the steady guidance, patience, and wisdom of the women standing right behind them. So, today, let's celebrate women, not just for our contributions, but our resilience, intelligence, and, yes, our remarkable ability to make the world function smoothly, while many men, of course, none of which are in this room, take the credit. Thank you, and happy history… Women's History Month."
"Representative Canty, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Good afternoon. I rise today during Women's History Month, our first gathering after Black History Month, to honor a woman who was not only a pioneer for women of color everywhere, but very important to me personally, Bessie Jackson Canty. Bessie was born in 1922 in Madison County, Florida. She was the youngest of 12 children of sharecroppers Louis and Maggie Jackson. She received her early education in Madison County and went on to the first and only member of her immediate family to attend college. Bessie earned her 10400014.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes, later named Florida A&M University, where she also met the love of her life, Bennie Leroy Canty. Bessie spent part of her career as a school teacher and later became a faculty member and dean of home economics at the University of Florida. She was a military wife, a pioneer, teacher, prominent community leader, and civil rights advocate. For a time, she led the segregated home extension office, which provided homemaking and home economics information and training, along with supervision of the distribution of surplus food to needy families in Duval County, Florida. Eventually, in 1965, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, through tenacity, sheer will, and talent, she integrated the Jacksonville-Duval County Extension Office, moved into the main courthouse offices, and became a member of the University of Florida Home Extension Office, which grew her supervision and support throughout the State of Florida. In 1970, she became the first Black person ever promoted to head an extension home economics office in the United States. She earned numerous accolades, including the distinguished service award from the National Association of Extension Home Economics. She was a charter member of the Jacksonville Chapter of Links, Inc. and served as its chapter president for many years. She was also a dedicated member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she served many years as regional director. Never wanting to be bored, she spent her retirement years developing child care centers in underserved areas. She also made the best apple pie you'll ever eat in your life. She was the proud matriarch of 5 10400014.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. One of her grandchildren became the first Black person to ever represent the 54th District here in the State of Illinois. We lost Bessie in 2015, but I know she looks down on us with pride. Bessie Jackson Canty persevered over challenges that she had to face due to her gender and the color of her skin to live a fulfilling life and shattered numerous barriers along the way. For these reasons and many more, I am proud, I am honored to call Bessie Jackson Canty my granny, and I honor her today. Thank you."
"Leader Lisa Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. By the way, how appropriate to see Madam Speaker up on the well today on the first day of honoring Women's History Month. So, I am proud to rise to commemorate the life, legacy, and impact of Chicana poet and novelist Ana Castillo. Born in Chicago in June 1953 to Raymond and Rachel Rocha Castillo, Ana knew her passion and expertise had always been writing. She often says that she started writing one day and it got out of hand. Coming of age in the '60s and '70s, the social movements of the time often excluded the voice and experiences of people like her. The Chicana movement championed the needs of all Mexican Americans, but often glossed over the struggles women in the community wanted to address. Second-wave feminism seemed to understand those struggles, yet they rarely held space for the Black and Brown women who did much of the heavy lifting. 10400014.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 In this gap, Ana pioneered Chicana feminism, or Xicanisma, highlighting shared racial, ethnic, classist, and gender struggles Latinas face. For her, Xicanisma challenges the categories we often put ourselves in: American, Mexican, citizen, noncitizen, among others. A true embodiment of this holistic view of the Chicana experience is in her novel 'The Guardians.' A true embodiment of this holistic book is, again, 'The Guardians.' It follows a family separated by the U.S.- Mexico border, pulled between opportunity and familiarity, and shaken by dangers awaiting them on both sides. Beyond just addressing the perils and realities of the U.S.-Mexico border, it's a story of family and what that means when it involves something as stark as a guarded armed order. During Women's History Month, in the spirit of Xicanisma and Ana Castillo, let's remember that our struggles for freedom, equality, justice, and a better tomorrow is shared by all of us. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. The Republicans would request an immediate caucus in Room 118, please."
"The Republicans will caucus immediately after adjournment in Room 118. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet this afternoon at 2 p.m.: The Appropriations–Elementary & Secondary Education Committee in Room 118; Adoption & Child Welfare Committee in Room 122; Ethics & Elections in Room D-1; Insurance in C-1; and Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges in 413. At 4 p.m. this afternoon, the following 10400014.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 committees will meet: Consumer Protection in Room 115, Energy & Environment in Room 114, Financial Institutions & Licensing in Room 122B, and Veterans' Affairs in Room 118."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 162, offered by Representative Smith. House Resolution 163, offered by Representative Will Davis. And House Resolution 165, offered by Representative Stephens."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, March 5, 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 3999, offered by Representative Grant, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4000, offered by Representative Tipsword, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 4001, offered by Representative Tipsword, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4002, offered by Representative Ugaste, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4003, offered by Representative Severin, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4004, offered by Representative Tipsword, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4005, 10400014.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day 3/4/2025 offered by Representative Tipsword, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 4006, offered by Representative Friess, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4007, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4008, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4009, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4010, offered by Representative Weber, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4011, offered by Representative Weber, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction of resolutions. House Resolution 159, offered by Representative Rashid; House Resolution 160, offered by Representative Stuart; House Resolution 161, offered by Representative Lisa Hernandez; House Resolution 164, offered by Representative Chung; House Resolution 166, offered by Representative Lisa Davis; and House Joint Resolution 19, offered by Representative Kifowit, are referred to the Rules Committee. Rule Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on March 4, 2025: recommends be adopted, referred to the Order of Resolutions is House Resolution 39 and House Resolution 74. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400014.docx 22