Illinois House Floor Debate — April 30, 2025

"The House will be in order. Members will be in 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 Pledge of Allegiance."

"So, I wanted us gathering today for the invocation to do something collectively. This is a little different today. So, let us begin by taking a collective, full, steady breath in and out. Now, if you are willing, I invite you to join me in making a sound together, a simple hum, low and soft, just for a moment. [Hum] That shared hum we did together, a gentle wave of sound reminds us, though we come from many places with many ideas, we can still find resonance with one another. We do not have to be identical to be in harmony. We only have to be willing, willing to listen, to contribute, to bring our own voice while holding space for the other. The hum fades, but the connection it creates remains. It reminds us that unity is not uniformity and strength is not silence but shared purpose. As we turn to the work of the people, may we bring that sprit, each of us distinct, each of us essential, moving together toward a greater common good. Amen."

"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Rashid."

"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 Canty and Scherer are excused today."

"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."

"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 116 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Amen. Representative Chung, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. Colleagues in the chamber today, I rise on the occasion of Illinois Arts Week, joined in the gallery by advocates and supporter of our… supporters of our state's vibrant arts community, hailing from all corners of Illinois. Last night, arts and culture leaders from across the state gather at the Governor's Mansion for the announcement of the Illinois Creative Caucus. I am proud to be co-chair of the new bipartisan, bicameral Creative Caucus, along with Representatives Barbara Hernandez and Norine Hammond, along with Senators Dave Koehler, Jil Tracy, and Mike Simmons. And for my colleagues here, I hope you'll join the Creative Caucus to receive briefings and participate in the discussion of how the arts and culture throughout Illinois benefit our communities by driving economic diversification and growth, community health and well-being, and so much more. So, for… many of you know this here that my art form is music. And as the only professional musician in the General Assembly, I have brought my viola with me today to the floor to offer a brief overture for today's proceedings and to celebrate the arts in our wonderful state. So, here's some Bach." 10400037.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 [viola performance]

"Representative Stuart, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"A point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I wanted to take a minute to introduce to the body, I have a couple of pages with me today. So, I have Evelyn and Gracie. Evelyn is a passionate and creative 13- year-old student at Glenwood Middle School. She has a remarkable talent for art, a strong sense of social responsibility. She's known for her vibrant imagination and thoughtful illustrations. She uses her artistic abilities to make a difference in the community. During the month of April, Evelyn has taken the initiative to inform students of Sexual Assault Awareness Month at her school. She created posters filled with information on how to seek help and support. She handed out ribbons to show solidarity with survivors. Through her compassion and creativity, Evelyn is helping to foster a safer, more-informed, and empathetic environment for her peers. Evelyn is joined today by Gracie, her sister. Gracie is an 11-year-old student at Glenwood Intermediate School. She's also ambitious and imaginative. She has big dreams and a bold spirt. People might want to watch out because she aspires to be the very first woman Speaker of the House here in Illinois, driven by her passion for leadership and making a difference in the world. At the same time, Gracie's also captivated by the magic of storytelling. She dreams of becoming an actor, where she can bring characters to life on both stage and screen. With her determination, confidence, 10400037.docx 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 and boundless energy, Gracie is already inspiring those around her, and she's only 11. She's just getting started. Please give them a warm welcome to the Capitol."

"Representative Lisa Davis, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, L.: "Point of personal privilege, please."

"Please state your point." Davis, L.: "Thank you. Today, I rise to welcome to the Capitol my husband and favorite first responder, Anthony Davis. Anthony is an engineer with the Chicago Fire Department, and I'm happy to have him here today. Thank you."

"Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Representative Ugaste, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please state your point."

"Please bring your remarks to a close."

"Representative du Buclet on House Joint Resolution 13." du Buclet: "Yeah. Thank you, Madam Speaker. First of all, I'm a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and there are several… point… I'm sorry, point… point of personal privilege. Point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point." du Buclet: "Thank you. I'm a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and I have at least a couple hundred of my sorors, if they wouldn't mind standing, in the gallery. Please give them a hand, and I have a resolution that I'm going to read. And I'd also like to say that the lieutenant governor, who's also an Alpha Kappa Alpha, was here to read the resolution with me this morning, but, unfortunately, she had to run off to another meeting. But her heart and her soul is here with us this morning. WHEREAS, On January 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and eight other collegiate women with the mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, and to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of "Service to All Mankind"; and 10400037.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has a rich history of social action; in 1915, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated hosted its first political action conference with human rights activist and Illinois Congressman Martin B. Madden as the speaker, marking its commitment to progress through advocacy, education, social progress, and political engagement… and complex, while expanding to mobilize over 360,000 initiated members in 1,086 chapters in 50 U.S. states and territories and 12 nations, focusing on advocacy service projects aimed at improving socioeconomic, racial, political, and environment issues, further amplifying its influence; and WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporate diverse collaborative work throughout the United States and including but not unlimited to the… the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates integrates an elevated level of personal engagement with strong bonds of sisterhood and a productive network of community partners… community partners; and WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated annual advocacy day, today, event is an opportunity for its members to meet and discuss proposed legislation with Illinois lawmakers, engage in educational workshops concentrated on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus four key pillars of Illinois government, and explore ways to enhance civic engagement; and WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha is home to 46 Alpha Kappa Alpha with 18… oh, I think I read that… WHEREAS, Presently, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated serves in each chamber of the 104th Illinois General Assembly, 10400037.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 and those members are Senator Mattie Hunter and Representative… myself, Representative Kim du Buclet; and WHEREAS, Notably, 48th… the 48th Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who serves in the State's executive branch, is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; WHEREAS, On April 30, which is today, Illinois members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will participate in Alpha Kappa Alpha Day Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and WHEREAS, In a collective effort to advance the priorities of the respective communities in which they serve, the Illinois delegation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will be joined by the Illinois delegation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Capitol for the empowerment by… of the people; therefore, be it be RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare April 30, 2025 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day Sorority, Incorporated Day in the in the Senate… in the State of Illinois. And I would also like to introduce Madam President Toni Preckwinkle, who is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. So, thank you for your time."

"Thank you. Let's recognize Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who's in here with… with us in the chamber. Representative Mayfield, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege, please." 10400037.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025

"Please state your point."

"I would like to draw your attention to the Speaker's Gallery. If I can please ask all of the representatives from YouthBuild, YouthBuild Illinois… all of our students from across the state are here. They are representing all of our YouthBuild components. As you know, YouthBuild is a worthwhile organization that develops our youth. If you have an opportunity to go across the street, they are building sheds and other items today. This is a great opportunity for you to reach out to them, have conversations, ask them what they do. The youth are very, very eager to tell you about all of the wonderful things that YouthBuild is doing. And I'm just asking that you please welcome them to the State Capitol today."

"Welcome, YouthBuild. Representative West, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege to read a resolution for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Before I read this resolution, I want any brothers who are in the gallery, if you can stand with us. Thank you so much. I'm… I'm honored to have brother Anthony Davis with me and brother Justin Slaughter as well. The resolution reads: WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was founded by seven college men, respectfully known as the Seven Jewels, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York on December 4, 1906, becoming the first intercollegiate 10400037.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 Greek-letter fraternity established, let me say that again, becoming the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by and for African Americans; and WHEREAS, The Seven Jewels, Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy, recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country and the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans and other people of color; and WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell University; its founders and early leaders laid a firm foundation for the fraternity's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity; and WHEREAS, While stressing academic excellence among its members since its founding, Alpha Phi Alpha has consistently supplied its voice and vision to the struggle of civil rights and social justice around the world; and WHEREAS, The aims of Alpha Phi Alpha are manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind; and WHEREAS, The mission of Alpha Phi Alpha is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, and provide service and advocacy for communities, exemplified through its national programs, which include "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College", "Project Alpha", and "A Voteless People is a 10400037.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 Hopeless People", along with strategic partnerships with a number of organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes, and the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society; and WHEREAS, For over 118 years, Alpha Phi Alpha has played a fundamental role in shaping the character and educational achievement of more than 200… 200,000 men worldwide, and the fraternity will celebrate 119 years as the first Black Greek-letter organization on December 4, 2025; WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha has more than 700 chapters globally, including 32 active chapters in Illinois, with its roots dating back to the… to the 1910 founding of Theta Chapter and the 1924 founding of Xi Lambda Chapter in Chicago; and WHEREAS, Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated include many noteworthy leaders in the area of government, business, entertainment, science, and higher education, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Justice Thurgood Marshall, W.E.B. DuBois, John Hope Franklin… Dr. John Hope Franklin, John H. Johnson, Adam Clayton Powell, Andrew Young, Robert Smith, Dick Gregory, and Cornel West; its membership also includes a long and distinguished list of current and former federal, state, and local elected officials; WHEREAS, Several Alpha Phi Alpha men have continued to serve with distinction in the Illinois General Assembly, including Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Illinois Legislative House Black Caucus Chair Representative Justin Slaughter, Assistant Majority Leader Representative Maurice West, and Senate Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims Jr., who 10400037.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 also served as the 26th Midwestern Regional Vice President; and WHEREAS, On April 30, 2025, Illinois members of Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporate… Incorporated will gather for Alpha Day at the Capitol in Springfield, in a powerful display of unity and purpose, they will be joined by our AKA sisters to collectively advance the priorities of the communities they serve; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 30, 2025 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further RESOLVED, That we commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated for 119 years of outstanding service, leadership, and advocate… advocacy, and we welcome the members of the fraternity to the State Capitol for this annual celebration of excellence. Please celebrate the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Thank you, Madam Speaker."

"Representative Slaughter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, just a couple points of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"All right, thank you. Wanted the body just to recognize my pride and joy, my first love, my mother, Ruth Slaughter, who's here with us today. Many of us may know, throughout her life has… has really been an advocate for the community, especially when it comes to public health equity. 10400037.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 These days, she's enjoying her… her grandkids. She was here last week with The Links. She's here today with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. My biggest fan, my biggest mentor, great example, Ruth Slaughter. Give her a round of applause. Thank you. Also… am I on? All right, thank you. And then, look, she needs no introduction, obviously she's here, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is with us today. She's been just a tireless advocate for working families, a beacon of inspiration, a mentor to many of us in the chamber. She's a phenomenal leader. She continues to have a tremendous impact, not only on Cook County, the State of Illinois, but on our entire country. The first woman and African American to be the chair of the Cook County Democratic Party. President Preckwinkle is engaging with us today, and she's wearing a couple of hats, lobby day for AKA, but also, obviously, to bring back important critical programs, services, and resources for Cook County government. Please put your hands together for a tremendous leader, a trailblazer, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle."

Speaker Mah: "Leader Gabel, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

Speaker Mah: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"Thank you. Today, I would like to introduce my page for a day. He has an impressive resume at only the age of 14. Aaron Athans is an eighth grader at Nichols Middle School in Evanston. And I have to tell you, I met him when he came to our transit public meeting the other day, and he had some 10400037.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 great ideas, and I asked him if he'd like to come and be a page, and he's like, 'Absolutely.' He… he is on the honor roll. He was born in Chicago and he is of Hungarian and Greek descent. At… in the eighth grade, he's fluent in three languages: English, Spanish, and Hungarian. He's been on the YMCA swim team since he was 5 years old. He likes to swim, bike, and hike in nature. He loves to travel internationally, spending his summers in Hungary visiting grandparents, and he rides public transportation wherever he goes. He is called the train whisperer due to the… his near perfect memory for train systems and schedules in Chicago and in Budapest. He is most interested in public transportation networks, city planning, planning a better Chicago transit system, carbon efficiency, and bicycle infrastructure. He already gave his paper to Leader Kam Buckner so we can use it in our transit committee, and we'll have to have him meet with our… our Leader Delgado today… today as well. He is a competitive policy debate champion of the Illinois-Indiana middle school debate league. He is the voice of his middle school at the end of the day radio announcer and is in the school's newspaper club. He plays the alto saxophone in both the symphonic and jazz bands. Well, I am so impressed with this young man, and I'm sure that someday we will see him here in the legislature. And his parents, Beatrix and Peter Athans, are in the gallery there, and thank you for bringing Aaron down here today. Thanks so much. Let's give him a warm Springfield welcome."

"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Crawford on House Resolution 246." 10400037.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 246 is a resolution to recognize the members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. You see half of them in the gallery today. The other half are in the Senate gallery for a similar situation. Please rise if you are here. WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 9, 1914 by three African-American students, Abram Langston Taylor, Leonard Francis Morph, and Charles… Morse, and Charles Ignatius Brown, who united to form a fraternity that would exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service; and WHEREAS, The founders of Phi Beta Sigma offered support and encouragement to Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle… Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts as they founded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at Howard University on January 16, 1920 to raise people's awareness, consciousness, and encourage scholastic achievement, and foster unity among members, making Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta the first and only fraternity and sorority to be constitutionally bound to each other; WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma brothers believe that each member and potential member should not be judged… should be judged by their own merits, rather than family background, affluence, race, nationality, skin tone, or hair texture and should work to return any newly acquired skills to the communities from which they came, with this conviction mirrored in the 10400037.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 fraternity's motto, "Culture For Service and Service For Humanity"; and WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma brothers contributed greatly to the literacy and artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, to the cause of civil rights, civic engagement, and freedom, and the sciences, and membership has included writer Alain LeRoy Locke, poet and diplomat James Weldon Johnson, workers' rights advocate A. Philip Randolph, scientist George Washington Carver, astronaut Victor Glover, Congressmen Elijah Cummings, John Lewis, Adriano Espaillat, and Harold Lee Washington, who also served as the first Mayor of Chicago and in this very body, as well as Nnamdi Azikiwe and his contemporary Kwame Nkrumah, the first presidents of independent Nigeria and Ghana, respectively; and WHEREAS, Zeta Phi Beta was the first Black greek-lettered organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters, first to charter a chapter in Africa, and the first to form auxiliary groups and currently boasts hundreds of chapters worldwide and over 125,000 members who seek to upload its ideals of "Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood"; and WHEREAS, Zeta Phi Beta sisters continue to contribute greatly to the literary and artistic movement known as… who contributed to the literary and artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, to the cause of civil rights, civic engagement, and freedom, and the sciences, and its membership has included writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, attorney Violette Anderson, educator Dr. Elizabeth Koontz, journalist and media entrepreneur Clara McLaughlin, 10400037.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 psychiatrist and substance abuse treatment expert Dr. Alyce Gullattee; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 30, 2025 as Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta Day in the State of Illinois; and be… let it be further RESOLVED, That we commend the efforts of the members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated for their commitment to community service and recognize their collective contributions to making their communities a better place to live, work, and play; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, brother Chris V. Rey, the International First Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and an Illinoisan, David A. Turner, the International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Stacie N. C. Grant, and the Great Lakes Regional Director and Illinois State Regional Directors of both Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority as a symbol our respect and esteem. Thank you."

Speaker Mah: "Leader Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please state your point."

"Representative Swanson, please proceed."

"Leader Buckner on House Resolution 281. You're recognized." 10400037.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I rise to introduce House Resolution 281 and to honor an extraordinary leader and visionary scholar and a proud son of the land-grant tradition, Chancellor Robert Jones of the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, who is in his last weeks as the leader of that institution. Dr. Jones' journey is remarkable, from his early studies in Georgia, where he studied agronomy, there we go, and crop physiology to the highest levels of academic leadership in this country. He has lived the very spirt of public service and excellence that the University of Illinois System stands for. In 2016, Dr. Jones became the first African American to serve as the chancellor of UIUC, and what a mark he has made. Under his leadership, enrollment grew by 26%, Illinois Commitment was launched, making college tuition free for Illinois families earning under $75,000, and he helped establish the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering-based medical school, and the Siebel Center for Computing and Design, pushing the boundaries of what a flagship public university can be. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when universities across the country struggled, Dr. Jones' steady hand helped develop one of the nation's leading saliva-based testing systems, allowing UIUC to safely continue educating and innovating when the world was standing still. But beyond the numbers and the awards, Chancellor Jones understood and understands the heart of the university: its people, its public mission, and its promise to be a bridge between generations, between communities, and between Illinois and the world. For me as a proud product of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, honoring Dr. Jones 10400037.docx 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 is a personal experience for me. He embodies the belief that education is not just about personal advancement, it's about public responsibility, it's about lifting others up as we climb. So, today, we welcome Chancellor Jones to the House and extend our deepest thanks for his nine years of outstanding leadership at UIUC and across the University of Illinois System. We wish him well in his next chapter, but his impact on this state and on generations of students will endure long after today. Dr. Jones, thank you for your service, thank you for your vision, and thank you for helping Illinois… keep Illinois a beacon of excellence in higher education."

"Congratulations, Dr. Jones. Representative Reick, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please state your point."

"Representative Niemerg on House Resolution 102. You are recognized."

"The body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Yang Rohr, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege please, Madam Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. Good afternoon, colleagues. Today is Asian American Day of Action. There are members of our community, of the coalition throughout the State Capitol today in your offices meeting with you. They are here ahead of Asian American Heritage Month with… which starts tomorrow. On behalf of the Asian American Caucus, I want to invite all of you to the Asian American Heritage Month reception that is tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Treasurer's Office at the Marine Bank building across from the Old State Capitol. We hope to see you all there."

"Representative Olickal, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Madam Speaker, point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." 10400037.docx 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025

"It is a great privilege for me to introduce a group of Assyrian American leaders here today up in the Speaker's Gallery. We have Morton Grove trustee Ashur Shiba, Alex Chammo, Jeff David, and John Kifarkis. Today, I will be presenting a… House Resolution 243 (sic-234) in committee, which declares April as… 2025 as Assyrian American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois in celebration of the Assyrian American community. And I want to just read a little bit from that resolution. The Assyrian people, a Semitic community who has also identify as Chaldeans and Syriacs, are the indigenous people of Mesopotamia who possess a history dating back to the ancient times in what is now modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Iran. And the Assyrian people have faced systematic persecution in their ancestral homeland, including the Assyrian Genocide of 1915, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands, and the Semele Massacre of 1933, where thousands were killed by the Iraqi army. And the Assyrian community in the United States numbers nearly half a million, including 100,000 individuals residing in Illinois, comprising the largest concentration in the nation. The Assyrian community has shared their rich culture and traditions with our state, have made significant contributions to Illinois and the United States through their achievements in arts, business, media, law, and beyond, enriching the cultural and economic fabric of our state. The Assyrian New Year, known in ancient times as Akitu, is celebrated on April 1 to mark the arrival of spring and symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the enduring spirt of the Assyrian people. The Chicago Assyrian community will… has commemorated the Assyrian New Year of 6775. And so, 10400037.docx 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 with this resolution, we will be recognizing the resilience, the culture, and contributions of the Assyrian people, and I want to thank the body for indulging me. It's an incredible privilege to represent a significant part of this community. Growing up in Skokie, I've seen firsthand the vibrancy of this community, the resilience of this community. And so, I would ask this body to help me by giving them a warm Springfield welcome."

"Leader Windhorst, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please state your point."

"Representative Syed, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Today, I rise to speak to a resolution that will be filed shortly. It is a resolution to honor the life of Wadea al- Fayoume, a bright, loving, Palestinian 6-year-old boy, whose life was taken in a senseless act of hatred fueled by bigotry. Wadea was a joyful, compassionate child who brought light to all those… those who knew him. Less than two years ago, Wadea was brutally murdered… brutally stabbed 26 times by a hate- driven perpetrator and tragically succumbed to his injuries. We have advocates here today in the Capitol that are working 10400037.docx 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 to keep his memory alive and remind us of the harms of bigotry and dehumanization. Let us commit ourselves to building a world free from hate, where every child can grow in safety, dignity, and love. Thank you."

"The body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Lilly, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"Thank you. On today, we have the American Lung Association Advocacy Day. Can I have all advocates stand here in our gallery? I am so proud to announce today is a day that we're advocating for lung health. American Lung Association Advocate Day was founded over 120 years ago. The Lung Association is a leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through advocacy, education, and research. More than 1.5 million in our state, the State of Illinois, live with chronic lung disease. The Lung Association mission is critical to improving the lives of these individuals and their families and preventing others from facing these same challenges of respiratory disease. Advocates will be meeting with you today, and we urge the body to support increased cost of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which are addicting our young people and continue to create vital concerns in our health. As we do these types of initiatives, we want to make sure the state has vital funding so that we can address asthma management, tobacco intervention, control programs, and lung cancer screenings, creating access and awareness for all 10400037.docx 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 health-related concerns. Please join me in welcoming the American Lung Association to Springfield as they advocate for the health and wellness of Illinoisans. Let's give them a round of applause and be a ear to their mission."

"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Manley, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"Thank you very much. Everyone, as we bring the month of April to a close and the month that has been dedicated to autism awareness, I present to you our page, everybody's friend, everybody's colleague, Brandon von Liski. We love you. You know that. I'm going to… I read a speech that Brandon wrote last year introducing him and talking about his interesting life. So, I'm going to kind of condense it a little bit because Brandon and I have come… become pretty good friends. Mutual respect and love between us is pretty evident, and I know many in this chamber feel that way. Brandon was born in July 1983. You do the math. I told him he was old. He's from Springfield. He… there's so many interesting things about him, and I hope that you will all make a point to speak to him and even ask him about himself. I… I challenge you to find someone who is as smart as Brandon is. He's amazing. He's been raised here in Springfield, and there's a lot I want to tell you about him. He was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, which is a higher-level form of autism, and he spent some time… Kansas. He's… he… once he was diagnosed, he eventually made his way to Kansas at a place, a school, called Heartsprings, where he excelled. He is a 10400037.docx 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 huge lover of Star Trek, Star Wars, but mostly he loves history, and he can tell you just about anything about World War II you'd want to know. He texted me on April 23, and this was the day… and I'm… I'm going to talk about the fact that this is not political. It's not political. I think those of you that know me know that this is a passion of mine. It's important that we all are unified in this fight to protect the neurodiverse people in our lives. The secretary of health and human services made some remarks that for the first time since… I'm pretty strong, and it's not hard… it's really hard to rattle me, but this upset me to a point where I was terrified. I'll read some of the comments in case you haven't heard them. Kennedy said many autistic children were 'fully functional' and 'regressed… into autism when they were two years old. And these kids who will never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job, they'll never play baseball, they'll never write a poem, they'll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.' He also said, 'Most cases now are severe. Twenty-five percent of the kids who are diagnosed with autism are nonverbal, non-toilet-trained, and have stereotypical features.' Medical experts, along with people on the autism spectrum, felt that Kennedy's portrayal was skewed. A 2023 study said that, yes, one quarter of people on the autism spectrum have severe limitations. But this is on the high-end of the studies, and many people in that one quarter of the autism population do not have the limitations Kennedy mentioned. Did you guys know that Brandon audited a college-level history class when he was 13? That's how smart Brandon is. Sixty-one percent of people on the spectrum who 10400037.docx 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 were studied were employed. As for baseball, the Special Olympics, which was founded by Kennedy's family and includes competitors who are on the spectrum, includes softball. At least two people who have played Major League Baseball, Tarik El-Abour and Jim Eisenreich, were public about their own autism diagnosis. There are no… there's no official data on autistic poets, but there is one that I found, DJ Savarese, who was a nonspeaking but highly literate advocate. As for not using the bathroom, 1,368 U.S. children with autism, they found that 10% were considered severe and found that 67% of those with severe category had trouble bathing and dressing. There's so much information out there. Somebody said, 'Well, why is it that all of a sudden all these people are being diagnosed with autism?' And I would say to that, well, probably the same reason why since the telescope was invented, we found more planets. So, Brandon was really upset that day, and when Brandon text me, I jump. As you know, I work for him, and it hurt him. It hurt him deeply. My heart is beating through my chest. I'm trying… I'm really trying to hold it together because if you have a person that you love that has autism, you are terrified just as much as I am. So, what we're doing here in Springfield is we're building a coalition. We're building a coalition, people who intend to defend the neurodiverse. We are legislators on both sides of the aisle. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. It means everything to me. Legislators, friends, experts, medical professionals, teachers, neighbors, acquaintances, aunts, uncles, cousins, mothers, fathers, and grandparents. I wouldn't mess with those if I were you. This is not political. 10400037.docx 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 I would say and feel the same exact way if somebody from my own party said these things. Stay with me in this fight. The Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus has your back, Brandon. We all got you. Thank you."

"Representative Katz Muhl, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to welcome my page for the day, Nina Behl, who's from Glenview. She's a seventh- grade student at Quest Academy, studying history and language arts, among other subjects. She's also very active in activities, including policy debate, chess, tennis, and coding. One day hopes to be a lawyer. So, I'll welcome her to the team of lawyers in the House. And to all the Representatives here, if you could please welcome my page, I'd appreciate it. Thank you so much."

"Representative Kelly, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I would just like to recognize a group that's down here today, and they have a… an event at Arlington's tonight from 5 to 7. Just want to give a quick shoutout to the 100 Club of Illinois. They do tremendous work with first responders and their families, especially at the… their worse times, and they've been especially busy this last week. So, I just wanted to give them a shoutout and thank them for the 10400037.docx 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 work that they do. And they've recently got into the mental health fight for first responders, and they're doing tremendous work. So, I just wanted to thank them and invite everybody to their reception tonight and just give them a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you."

"Representative Syed, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I just wanted to take an opportunity to welcome students, 18 students, from Chicago Debates that are here in the gallery. If you want to stand up and wave. So, for those of you that know me, you know that I take a lot of pride in being a high school debater. So, I'm so excited that students from Chicago Debates are here. And if you also know me, you know I have a lot of gratitude for my educators and my debate coaches. So, I just want to give a shoutout to the debate coaches that are here: Dr. Sonny Patel, Ms. Ayesha Patel, Mr. Russell Fillmore-Brady, and Mr. Sterlin Johnson. Thank you so much for the time you dedicate to teach these students debate, and thank you so much to the student debaters for being here. Welcome to Springfield."

"Welcome to Springfield. Okay, now, moving to Supplemental Calendar #1, under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 197, offered by Representative Huynh."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I… I rise as we mark the 50th year anniversary of the fall of Saigon, a moment in history that continues to echo in the lives in millions across the United States and around the globe. We have with us as 10400037.docx 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 well in this gallery folks from the South Vietnamese military, folks who are U.S. veterans as well who served in that war, and members of the Vietnamese American community. If you can all please stand up as well as we present this resolution. April 30, 1975 signaled the end of Vietnam War and the beginning of a profound humanitarian story. The fall of Saigon was a day of heartbreak, of loss, and of uncertainty, but it was also the beginning of a journey, one defined not only by displacement and hardship but by courage, by resilience, and by renewal. Today, we pause to honor the American and South Vietnamese veterans who served with valor and commitment. Many risked and gave their lives in defense of freedom. Fifty- eight thousand U.S. soldiers lost their lives in Vietnam, in addition to 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers and 3 million Vietnamese civilians. For their sacrifice and their service and their steadfast dedication, we express our deepest and most enduring gratitude. Their legacy lives on in every community where freedom is protected and peace is pursued. We also recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Vietnamese American community whose journeys from refugees to citizens have become one of the most compelling chapters in the American story. Forced to flee their homeland, Vietnamese families like my… like my… and myself as well, arrived on the shores of America with little more than hope, faith, and determination. They rebuilt their lives, raised families, and contributed to every corner of American society: its small businesses, in the sciences and technology, in the arts, in the military, in our schools, and in public service. This community's perseverance and achievements have not only 10400037.docx 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 enriched our nation, they have reaffirmed the fundamental promise of America, that no matter where you come from, where you start, where you began, with hard work, resilience, grit, you can find opportunity, you can find safety, and you can find a beginning, a new beginning, in these United States of America. It is our responsibility to ensure that this history is never forgotten, that future generations understand both the pain and the promise of what followed the fall of Saigon. The Khmer Rouge genocide, 4 million folks in Cambodia lost their lives after the fall of Saigon. It is also our duty to reaffirm our commitment to our veterans, to the values of liberty and human rights, and to the immigrant communities who continue to strengthen the fabric of our nation. Your resilience reminds us that even in the face of… of loss, hope is never defeated. Hope is never defeated. And today, as we mark the 50th anniversary, let us remember the lives lost, the families separated, and the dreams deferred. But let's also celebrate the communities built, the values passed on, and the freedoms preserved. That we recognize the flag of the former Republic of Vietnam as a symbol of hope, of love, of freedom for the Vietnamese American community in Illinois, 40,000 strong, of which so many are here today. Now, we honored and recognized the contributions of the veterans of the U.S. armed forces who served in Vietnam, many of which are in this chamber as well and in the Senate, Senator Mark Walker. And be it further resolved that we encourage all citizens of Illinois to call for freedom, for human rights, and democracy in Vietnam, and let us honor the past by working for a future rooted in justice, compassion, and unity. And 10400037.docx 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 let us never forget that even in the most painful chapters of American history, a new story can rise, one of healing, one of enduring strength, and one of hope. I know we'll have… I would like to also ask the General Assembly to adopt this resolution, and at the very end, if we can have a moment of silence for the 58,000 service members who lost their lives in this… in this war, one of the longest wars in American history, just after the war in Afghanistan, that we had young white boys, young African American boys, young Latino boys drafted from all parts of this country into a war that they fought for in Vietnam, and for the 3 million South Vietnamese and Vietnamese folks who died in that war as well, and… and also for my… my grandparents, who I never met, who died in that war serving in the South Vietnamese navy, in the South Vietnamese air force, in South Vietnamese army as well. I… I ask for an 'aye' vote for this resolution, along with Resolution 249, which is essentially remembrance as well. And I ask for a moment of silence at the very end. And if we have other folks who'd like to jump in. Thank you."

Speaker Mah: "Representative Swanson is recognized on this resolution."

"Also on this resolution, Representative Rosenthal is recognized."

"Before the body adopts the resolution, the body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Huynh moves for the adoption of House Resolution 197. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion 10400037.docx 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the resolution is adopted. Moving on… moving on to the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 249, also offered by Representative Huynh."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This resolution, again, recognizes the fall of Saigon and the service members, 58,000, killed in action from the United States military, in addition to the 250,000 South Vietnamese. And just the… the largest helicopter evacuation in history from the United States embassy in Saigon that helped over 7,000 folks resettled in… in within 24 hours to the United States. And instrumentally the United States creation of the refugee program and with the help of the United Nations that helped resettled over 500,000 Vietnamese people to the United States in that very short period of time. And today, we're over a million strong in the United States. So, we just want to, again, acknowledge the sacrifices made and certainly acknowledge the… the resettlement of Vietnamese Americans in these United States. Thank you."

"Representative Huynh moves for the adoption of House Resolution 249. 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 Olickal, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Madam Speaker, point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"So, in the gallery today, we have members of the PAVE Coalition because this is the 12th annual Asian American Action Day hosted by the Pan Asian Voter Empowerment 10400037.docx 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025 Coalition, or PAVE, which consists of 19 Asian American direct service and advocacy organizations in the Chicagoland area. There are 500 Asian American community members here in the Capitol today. It's one of my favorite days in the Capitol, seeing the incredibly diverse community of ours down here advocating for incredibly important issues. And really, the Asian American community is… their diversity really reflects the diversity of our caucus. And so, Asian Americans draw their roots from more than 20 different languages, speak… or languages, in… and many different communities. And so, this coalition that's here today is specifically convened by Asian Americans Advancing Justice. The PAVE Coalition organizes Asian Americans to be civically engaged advocates for their community. This year, they are advocating for really critical investments and increasing funding for our immigrant services, inclusive public school calendars, protections for undocumented immigrants, and funding for inclusive history requirements. So, please join me in… in giving them a warm Springfield welcome."

"Welcome to Springfield. And now, Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"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, committee announcements." 10400037.docx 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 37th Legislative Day 4/30/2025

"And now, allowing for perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, May 1, 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."