"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Derrick Ritchie. Pastor Ritchie is with Tower Hill Christian Church in Tower Hill, Illinois. Pastor Ritchie is the guest of Representative Halbrook. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Ritchie."
"Let's pray. Almighty God, we thank you for this day and this life that you have given us. You are creator and Lord. Today, as we begin, we especially lift up this tragedy in our state and our area with the loss of life of several precious children and other victims. And we lift them up to you and their families and communities and pray for comfort, hope, and healing during this most difficult time. Today, as the session begins, Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, 'The fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.' And so, today, we seek you and we fear you, and we ask you for wisdom and discernment. We pray for the leaders of our state and the leaders of our nation that you would give them wisdom and direction and lead the people to guide them and to make laws and policies and decisions based on your truth and your holy word. Forgive us where we have neglected and abandoned your commandments. Forgive us of our sins. We seek your grace and your truth, and we pray for a world lost in darkness, so they would know the eternal light found in Christ, the way, the truth, the life. Today, we pray that for the servant-leaders here today that we are grateful for all of them and their sacrifice and the time that they 10400036.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 give. May they humbly serve you and serve others. May they do what is right in your eyes. And we pray this today in the name that is above every name. In Jesus' name, amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Meyers-Martin."
"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 Guzzardi is to be recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Evans, Huynh, and Scherer are excused today."
"Let the record reflect that Representatives Evans, Huynh, La… oh, I'm sorry… Evans and Huynh and Scherer are excused for today. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative La Ha is indeed excused for today, and I appreciate you."
"Please let the record reflect that Representative La Ha is excused today. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. One fourteen being present, 0… we do have a quorum. Representative Manley, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to trouble you for a point of personal privilege." 10400036.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025
"Please state your point."
"Now, if you can look at my page for a day, all her rhinestones are glittering and it might obstruct your view a bit. But I want to introduce my page for the day, Gianna J. Bellini. Gianna lives her in Springfield with her parents, Shannon and Nick Bellini, there he is, and her little sister, Bianca, who are joining us in the gallery. Gianna is a third grader at Blessed Sacrament School. She's a cheerleader at Outlaw Athletics, that sounds dangerous, in Springfield. And her team recently competed at a youth summit in Tampa, Florida. Gianna is a company and competition dancer at Sara's Studio of Dance in Jacksonville. She will be attending the nationals in June. A few of Gianna's awards for this year, wait till you hear this, were for her solo first place overall and title winner at Revolution Dance Competition and the Grand Line for being Beyonce that Gianna is… is part of that won Revolution's first place overall and the highest score of the entire competition. Please join me in welcoming Gianna Bellini to our Capitol."
"Welcome. Representative Mah, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Well, colleagues, I'd like to introduce my page for the day. We have here Darleen Cardenas. She's a senior at Marine Leadership Academy in Chicago, where she is… her rank is captain. And she is here today as part of the Youth of the Year program with Boys and Girls Club. She's a member at the Union League Boys and Girls Club. And after graduation from 10400036.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 high school, she plans to join the Marines and is planning for a career either in the military or law enforcement or elected office. So, please give her a warm Springfield welcome."
"Representative Coffey, for what reason do you wish to be recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday afternoon in Chatham, Illinois, just a few miles from where we are now, four young lives were cut short when a car drove through YNOT day care. Illinois State Police reports two victims were 7 years old, one was 8 years old, and another one was 18 years old. Six children were taken to the hospital, and one is in critical condition. The grief we feel for these losses cannot be measured. It is deep, and it hurts. As the investigation continues, I want to ask for prayers for those who were injured and killed, as well as the families, the YNOT family, the first responders, and the whole Chatham community. We are all grieving. This is a terrible, terrible tragedy. And, Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence for all them and prayers."
"The body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Niemerg, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"I'd like to introduce my pages for the day. We have Rhett, Zoey, and Emma Clodfelter. They are from 10400036.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 Lawrenceville. They attend Fletcher Academy, which is the name of their homeschool, homeschoolers. Rhett will be graduating this year after completing four years of high school while earning… there you go, yeah, come over here guys… college credit through his local community college, Wabash Valley. During his high school years, he was enrolled in the local homeschool FFA County Roads Chapter, Faithful Friends 4-H club, and helped out at the local food pantry. This fall, he will be enlisting in the United States Air Force. That's great. Twins Zoey and Emma are both finishing up their freshman year of high school. They are also part of the same FFA chapter and 4-H club as their brother. Zoey plans for the future are to continue with her violin ensemble and focus her studies in medical… in the medical field. Emma will continue to develop her design and entrepreneurial skills in her jewelry business and later in her graphic design degree. Both girls greatly enjoy their volunteer time at their local animal shelter. Wow, guys, you did a lot more than I did when I was in high school. Mom and grandpa are above us in the gallery. Welcome to Springfield, guys."
"Representative Crawford, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I'd like to acknowledge visitors from The Chicago School today. They're up here in the gallery on my left. If you all would stand. The Chicago School is led by President Dr. Michele Nealon, who's in the gallery as well. And for those of you who may 10400036.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 not know, The Chicago School is a predominantly graduate… a nonprofit, predominately graduate university in Chicago that, prior to joining the General Assembly, I had the honor and pleasure of serving at as campus dean. They… they are known as a school of professional psychology and behavioral health, but they've recently expanded into integrated health with the proposed Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine, led by Dr. John Lucas, who you can see up here in his very clean, white coat. But also joining us at the Capitol today are four outstanding students: Jae Windley, Traquita Marshall, Kendall Turner, Hilda Michelle Garcia, who are all here advocating for their university, for stronger support for our state's mental and physical health future, and for student supports across our higher education system here in the State of Illinois. At last count, and you can check my numbers, The Chicago School produced one in every 12 licensed clinicians here in the State of Illinois. And I know we have at least one alum here in our body. So, please, let's join in putting a, get it… oh, I want to also recognize Dr. Dana Laughlin, who's a faculty member, as well as Dr. Alisha DeWalt, who is our dean. So, please, let's give them a warm Springfield welcome."
"Leader West, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I just wanted to quickly echo what Dr. Crawford just said to everyone who came from The Chicago School. As a proud alumni of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 10400036.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 getting my master's in industrial and organizational psychology, I just want to say welcome to your House. So good to see you all."
"Representative Schmidt, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point."
"Today, I would like to introduce my two pages for the day, Carl Berndes and Cindy Ou. Carl Berndes is here from Germany and is in the United States on a CBYX scholarship program. Carl attends Lebanon High School and is interested in agriculture, aviation technology, and politics and is also a member of the FFA. Cindy Ou is here from Taiwan. Cindy is an honor student at Lebanon High School, excels in English, science, and art. Cindy is a cheerleader, a soccer player, and enjoys playing music in the school band. She is also a member of Future Farmers of America and Interact Club. Welcome to the Capitol."
"Representative Chung, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Great. If I could have the body's attention for a moment, I would like to talk about Workers' Memorial Day, which was yesterday, April 28, where we honored those who are injured or killed on the job. Fifty-five years ago, on April 28, the Occupational Health and Safety Act went into effect because of the tireless efforts of the labor movement to demand that workers had greater protections on the job. Every year, on 10400036.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 April 28, we hear horror stories about workers being hurt or killed in workplace accidents, many of which were preventable. This summer marked the deaths of two young workers that were killed while on the job. On June 6, 2024, a 28-year-old worker and UAW member named Daulton Simmers was killed at Caterpillar's Mapleton Foundry after the molten metal he was carrying spilled out and engulfed him in flames. An OSHA investigation found that the company failed to have protection against fire hazards in the workplace and did not have an effective fail protection system. Daulton Simmers tragically left behind two children and two stepchildren and was planning his wedding. Simmers was the third worker to die at the Caterpillar foundry in Mapleton in the last three years. On August 7, 2024, Justin Perry was killed at the Caterpillar factory in Washington, Illinois, after he got stuck under an electrical box and suffocated. The 36-year- old Perry was from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and was working as a subcontractor in Washington. These young men should be here today. And we must hold employers accountable and properly fund the agencies that investigate workplace accidents to ensure all workers return home to their families and communities safely at the end of the workday. And, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the body for a moment of silence. Thank you."
"The body will take a moment of silence. Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Ryan, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." 10400036.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025
"I'd like to represent… welcome my friends from the Worth Park District here. President Mike McElroy, Vice President Don Dambek, Commissioners Rebecca Roberts and Kari Lynn Fickes, Director of Parks Robert O'Shaughnessy, and Finance and Human Resources Manager Kelly Pezdek. This year, in January, at the IAPD convention, they were honored for Distinguished Accredited Park and Recreation Agency Award on their 60th anniversary of their existence. Congratulations, and a job well done. If we can have a round of applause."
"Representative Moeller, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This afternoon I am very happy to introduce our Boys and Girls Club of Illinois Youth… Youth of the Year finalists. They're sitting in the Speaker's Gallery. They're here for the day. And I just want to recognize each and every one of them. We have Angel Walker, Eliana Rodriguez, Michael Gomez-Hernandez, Austin Nichols, Madison Olsen, Lindsay Hooker, Darleen Cardenas, Finale Thomas, Lucia Chang, Kenneth Hill III, Isaiah Stueckel, and Jordan Reed. They are from Boys and Girls Clubs from all around Illinois, and we are so happy to have them down here in Springfield. And congratulate them on being Youth of the Year finalists. Congratulations, and welcome to Springfield."
Speaker Smith: "Leader Elik, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Chair. I am here with my Senator, Senator Erica Harriss, and we wanted to quickly recognize a couple of the 10400036.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 members of our local Boys and Girls Clubs. That's the Boys and Girls Club of Alton and Boys and Girls Club of Bethalto. And they are here in the gallery today with us, with everyone else. So, Austin Nichols is from the Boys and Girls Club of Bethalto, and Isaiah Stueckel is the Boys and Girls Club of Alton. Isaiah is also our State Youth of the Year, and we could not be prouder to have him representing the entire State of Illinois and the Boys and Girls Club programs. We are so proud of everything that you all do. We have loved watching your success and look forward to whatever success you choose in the future. So, thanks for being here today, and we… we'll see you soon. We're going to meet with you later. Thank you."
"Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. I feel it's incumbent upon me to stand up to respond to some of the governor's comments from Massachusetts the other day. The words that have been used on this floor to describe Republicans, Nazis, fascist, the outrage and the hyperbole from the governor, these are the words that we're resorting to. Now, potential violence and disruption. I understand Democrats are frustrated by… by the change at the national level, but refusing to recognize this new administration, guys, there's 1300 more days that we have to deal with. It doesn't just signal denial; it's putting Illinois taxpayers at risk. And not just Republicans were threatened, but independents and Democrats. Let's make sense common again in Illinois, especially from our political 10400036.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 leaders. When the governor travels to Massachusetts and abroad, he's running away from the overspending Illinois imbalanced budget, which we'll hear about obviously in a few more weeks. How about focusing on governing Illinois instead of chasing divisive headlines? We have a billionaire governor balancing our checkbook, checks that we can no longer cover as a state. Unfortunately, he is writing checks that will be paid for by Illinois taxpayers and families. The governor has spent six years in office without balancing Illinois' checkbook. Oh, that's right, we are balanced, but he's raised 14 billion in spending over that time period. There's not much left in the checkbook, and even if we get close to saying that we're balanced, it's not truly a fiscal reality. And now, with his relevance slipping, the governor's calling for disruption, even violence. I'm not sure when the disruption day will start, but I'd like to all have a heads up in this chamber. That's not leadership. That's desperation. But the real cost isn't political, it's billions of dollars that have already been taken away from public health, Northwestern University, and get ready, people, we keep this up, it'll be taken away from our schools. And here's the question I have, who's going to pay for all this? Every independent, moderate, Democrat, Republican should be asking who's going to cover the 3 billion when the national, federal level takes it away from our schools? It's our family, our businesses, and the taxpayers. Governor, recognize the problem. Governor, own the problem that's come from your party. And, governor, fix the problem in Illinois. That's your job. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 10400036.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025
"Representative Severin, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"I didn't want the day to get by without giving you the MISO report. So, today's report is coal and natural gas are vying for first place, with 26% of the power being generated in the MISO field. Nuclear is at 11%, wind at 14, and solar at 12. So, renewables are coming in, fighting for third, fourth, and fifth place. Wanted to give you that report, and we'll see if PJM next week. Have a great day. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Gill, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"I would just like to say hello to, well, one of my dearest friends, but I know a friend to us all. Fran Hurley is in the gallery. We love you. And I just wanted to say congratulations to Fran, who is now the new president of Special Children's Charities. She's on to bigger and better things, and we love her so much. Welcome."
"Welcome back, Representative Hurley. You're a little far away, come on down and see us sometime. Representative Chung, for what reason do wish recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to relay an invitation to everybody here for the second annual Lures and Lawmakers, which is a legislative fishing event by IDNR. So, it is tonight at IDNR headquarters at One Natural Resources 10400036.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 Way. You get to fish, and there will be food and drinks, and it's supposed to be a really fun time. So, hopefully we'll see you all out there. Thank you."
"Representative Fritts, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, today is a very special day on our side of the aisle. It is the 55th birthday of one of our good friends, Representative Mike Coffey. At the request of Mrs. Sandy Coffey, Mike loves his birthday so much that she would love everybody to extend birthday wishes to him today, especially if they want a table at Saputo's tonight. Thank you so much, and join me in wishing Mike a happy birthday."
"Happy birthday, Representative Coffey. The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Democrats would request a caucus meeting today, 10 minutes after adjournment, in Room 114. Thank you."
"The Democrats will caucus in Room 114, 10 minutes after adjournment. Leader Keicher for an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus in Room 118, 11 minutes after adjournment, please."
"Republicans will caucus in Room 118, 11 minutes after adjournment. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet at 2 p.m. today: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education in Room 118; Adoption & Child Welfare in Room 122B; Agriculture & 10400036.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 Conservation in Room 115; Insurance in C-1; Public Utilities in 114; and Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges in Room 413. At 4 p.m. today the following committees will meet: Cities & villages in Room 118, Consumer Protection in 115, Energy & Environment in Room 114, Financial Institutions and Licensing in 122B, Health Care… Health Care Availability & Accessibility in Room C-1, Judiciary - Criminal in D-1, Veterans' Affairs in Room 413. And at 5 p.m. today, the Adoption & Child Welfare Committee will meet in Room A-1 Stratton."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 272, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 274, offered by Representative Moylan. House Resolution 275, offered by Representative Tarver. House Resolution 276, offered by Representative Deuter. House Resolution 278, offered by Representative West. House Resolution 280, offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz. House Resolution 281, offered by Representative Buckner. And House Resolution 282, offered by Representative Meier."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Representative Gill, for what reason do you wish to be recognized?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to… I forgot to add to… to welcome our wonderful athletes from the Special 10400036.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day 4/29/2025 Olympics and Special Children's Charities that are up there with Fran Hurley. We're so happy to have you, and we're so happy to support you. Thanks for coming to Springfield."
"And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, April 30, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all 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 4044, offered by Representative Evans, a Bill for an Act concerning business. First Reading of this House Bill. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 273, offered by Representative Ford; House Resolution 277, offered by Representative Faver Dias; House Resolution 279, offered by Representative Norma Hernandez; House Resolution 283, offered by Representative Meier; House Resolution 284, offered by Representative Gill; and House Joint Resolution 30, offered by Representative Niemerg, are referred to the Rules Committee. Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on April 29, 2025: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to Senate Bill 2108. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400036.docx 15