Illinois House Floor Debate — May 7, 2025

"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Representative Dave Severin. 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."

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

"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 Representative Jones and Scherer are excused today."

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

"Okay. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 115 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Committee Reports."

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

"Please… please proceed." 10400040.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025

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

"Thank you, Speaker. If I could have everybody's attention, please. I rise today in honor of not only a great man but also a great victory for the House of Representatives. Three in a row, and this one we did with nine to nothing. I… I'm not even sure they were actually playing. I think they just got scared. But, you know, there's going to be other people talking, and I just want to talk a little bit about the great man who planned this thing. My friend, your friend, our friend, the guy who, I would say, the… the chairman of the 10400040.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 committee on having fun down here in Springfield when we need it because we can be nasty to each other sometimes. We can be… we can work hard. We can spend way too many hours together, eat crappy food. We need Marty Moylan, and we need the things that Marty Moylan does for us. And let me tell you what, he start texting me about this thing back in July of last year. He does not… he does not plan this thing in a month. He spends his whole year planning this thing. And you could tell, right? Food trucks, T-shirt… where's Nabeela? T- shirt canon, she was shooting out, right? It was a ball, not just because we won and not just because there was people who were Republicans and Democrats together, cheering on each other, but because Marty Moylan did the work. So, I want to congratulate you, and I want to make sure I congratulate Marty Moylan because he is the man who did this. We had a great time last night, and we got to spend time together away from this place. I love being here, but sometimes it's good to get away. And I got to spend time with my Republican friends and my Democratic friends and just have a ball. So, congratulations to you all. Congratulations to Marty Moylan. And next year, we're going to be a four-peat goddamm it."

"Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you seek recognition? Leader Williams, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Williams, A.: "Oh… oh, he's going now? Hi, there. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Williams, A.: "So, I really want to echo everything that Coach Vella said today about the softball game. It was really a 10400040.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 much-needed evening of comradery and levity at a time when that's difficult to find. So, I just wanted to go through and share a few thank-yous. First of all, the Speaker always says… you know what the Speaker always says, right? Winners do the work. Well, we worked it last night. So, big thanks, first of all, to Coach Vella and his assistant coach, Natalie Manley, for leading us to this resounding victory. Big thanks also go to Katie Stuart, whose meticulous and accurate scorekeeping was important to the big victory. I can't neglect to mention our cheerleading teams, the House Red Hots, who I co-chair… co-captain with Nicole La Ha, Leader Mayfield, and many others. Special shoutout to newcomer of the game, Murri Briel, for her very loud voice, which really kept us going. And I have to shout out to the Springfield High School Scarlet Line Dance Team, who, in a last-minute dance emergency, loaned us their pom-poms. So, thank you, ladies. Also, the game would not have been nearly as much fun without the announcing of our sergeant at arms, Nick Smith, who did such a great job, brought wit and humor to the event. And on a more serious note, the very powerful and moving rendition of the National Anthem by Troy Butler. What a beautiful moment. Of course, we can't forget our legacy members that came down to spread cheer and joy and help the kids enjoy the moment: Kelly Burke, Deb Conroy, Fran Hurley, David Olsen, and others. And, of course, big thank you to all the fans who took a night out in the middle of the busy session to come and support the team, enjoy a beautiful night at a beautiful setting. Of course, this is a sports event, so big shoutout to MVP Gregg Johnson, whose dramatic dive catch stunned the crowd. Congratulations, 10400040.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 Gregg. And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Joe Sosnowski, whose contributions to our defense helped save the day. Go, Joe. And, of course, all the many others who made a part of that special night last night happen. And all of you done so much work, and it wasn't, like Dave said, a one-night thing, who did all the planning and work to make it happen. What a great evening, to come together, both sides of the aisle, put our differences aside, and just celebrate being together. So, of course, going to remember to thank our… our fearless leader, the one, the only, Marty Moylan, who brought us a special night year after year. Thank you, Marty. And with that, to present the 2025 winner of the annual soft… House- Senate softball game, Marty Moylan, with the trophy."

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

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

Katz Muhl: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to direct everyone's attention to the Speaker's Gallery for our guest today. The Illinois Psychological Association, IPA, is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization and the largest professional association of psychologists in Illinois, with nearly 1200 members. Since its founding in 1936, IPA has been dedicated to advancing psychology as a science and a profession, promoting human welfare, and ensuring the highest standards of ethics, conduct, education, and achievement among psychologists. IPA is affiliated with the American Psychological Association and serves as a leading voice for psychology in the state. Today, the representatives of IPA 10400040.docx 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 are here to advocate for policies that enhance the well-being of our communities. I'm incredibly grateful for them and for all the mental health workers in Illinois, and please join me in welcoming them to the Speaker's Gallery."

"Leader West on House Resolution 239."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am so excited to be able to present on House Resolution 239. As you can see in the… on the video, I have my Zammuto's shirt on because I am here to congratulate Zammuto's on its occasion of reaching its 100th anniversary. So, real quick, if you look on the Republican side of the aisle, I'm asking Zina Horton, Alita Horton Stewart, Blaze Stewart, and Xavier Reiners to stand real quick. Thank you so much. The resolution reads: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Zammuto's on the occasion of 100th anniversary; Zammuto's has been a cherished part of the Rockford community for 100 years, fostering a legacy of service, friendship, and tradition; and Since its founding, Zammuto's has been more than a business; it's been a gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors come together, creating lasting memories and strengthening the fabric of Rockford; and The dedication of Zammuto's to… to quality, hospitality, and community engagement has made it a beloved institution, earning the trust and admiration of generations of customers; The current owner, my… my first boss when I worked at this place called Beef-a-Roo in Rockford, Zina Horton, she… with we celebrate her with deep gratitude for the unwavering 10400040.docx 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 support of the Rockford community, and continued tradition of serving with love and dedication, honoring the values that have defined the business for a century; and WHEREAS, The success and longevity of Zammuto's stands as a testament to the hard work, resilience, and commitment of all those who have contributed to its legacy over the years; As Zammuto's marks its 100th anniversary, it is fitting to celebrate this milestone and acknowledge the impact it had… has had on the City of Rockford and its residents; so therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Zammuto's on its 100th anniversary, recognize its invaluable contribution to the Rockford community, and extend our best wishes for continued success in the years to come. I've already spoke to Zina. The plan is for next year to have a Zammuto's Day so that you all can taste the famous granitas and ice cream and the fire catfish sandwich, the best I've ever had on this side of the Mississippi. So, if you all can help me congratulate Zina Horton, Alita Horton Stewart, Blaze Stewart, and Xavier Reiners for their 100th year as Zammuto's. Thank you so much. Love you so much."

"Congratulations. Leader Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Leader Gordon-Booth, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Moment of personal privilege, please."

"Please proceed."

"If you all would please pay attention to the rear of the chamber, we have a very distinguished group of individuals from the organization that some of you may know, some of you may need to become acquainted with, called Jack and Jill. Jack and Jill of America plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Black leaders, fostering cultural pride, and creating a supportive environment for children to grow, learn, and to thrive. Their work helps to ensure that Black children remain connected to their roots, empowered to succeed, and prepared to contribute to society in a positive manner. I stand here today as a Jack and Jill mom myself, but I also stand here with Representatives, mom Lisa Davis and mom Kim du Buclet. Jack and Jill is a phenomenal national organization, and we are so blessed to have… and we also have dad Justin Slaughter. We have… we are going to recognize the Magnificent Mile Chapter, the Windy 10400040.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 City Chapter, the Greater Peoria Chapter, the Chicago Chapter, and the Lake Shore Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Thank you so much, and welcome to your Capitol."

"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Cassidy, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Slice of personal privilege, please."

"Please proceed."

"Today is Bacon Day in the Illinois Capitol, and the folks from the Illinois Pork Producers are in 300 with some delicious BLTs to remind us of the importance of the pork industry to our state's economy. So, please enjoy. Just not me, okay? Thanks."

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

"Thank you. I… I just wanted to make an announcement to Members on the floor here and folks throughout the Capitol. The Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is in town, and they have two mobile units that are stationed in the parking lot outside of the Capitol. They are also offering free sandwiches from Café Moxo. So, if you're so inclined, please go look for them in the parking lot behind the Capitol, where you can take a tour of their mobile units that bring health care to the people and pick up a free sandwich from Café Moxo. Thank you."

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

"Please proceed." 10400040.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025

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

"Please proceed." 10400040.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025

"Representative du Buclet, for what reason do you seek recognition?" du Buclet: "Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." du Buclet: "Today, I'd like to recognize the women and welcome the women of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, which is a dynamic organization committed to advocacy, leadership, and empowerment. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women advocates on behalf of women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic development. It was chartered in September 2020, and it's composed of 131 professional women of great diversity across life… life stages, careers, and geographies, including several of this body's legislative districts. Over five years, the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter's work includes awarding $25,000 in youth scholarships, recognizing Black women vanguards through its annual awards program, and presenting more than a dozen public advocacy and education program… programs with partners that include the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Imagine Englewood, Prudential Financial, and more. These women represent excellence across industries and communities. They are business leaders, educators, and public servants, and change agents who work 10400040.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 every day to uplift others and advance equity. Their presence here today is a reminder of the strength and vision that Black women bring to every table. Please join me in celebrating and welcoming the Coalition of 100 Black Women to the Illinois House of Representatives. Thank you."

Speaker Avelar: "Leader West, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

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

"Please proceed."

"On this past Monday night, the City of Rockford had a historic moment. And I would like to direct attention of the body to the Republican side of the aisle and ask Alderman Tamir Bell to stand up. On this past Monday night, we elected and swore in our youngest city council member for the City of Rockford at just 21 years old. I want to ask the body to give him a congratulatory welcome to the City of Springfield. Looking forward to what you do for the next four years, alderman."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, if you could see my shoes, you would see that I am wearing sneakers today because today is the American Cancer Society Suits and Sneakers Day. And we have a group of advocates from the American Cancer Society here for Illinois Cancer Action Day, and they're all wearing blue over there. If you guys could stand up and wave. 10400040.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 You know, we do this every year. The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913, and they have significantly improved the lives of everyone here since that time. They have provided advocacy, support, research that has led to prevention, to treatments, to cures, and survival rates. The work that they do is so incredibly important. Someone that each of us knows and loves or ourselves will be affected by cancer. It is a fact. It is statistically correct. And, unfortunately, I know far too many people and have been affected on my own far too much by people who have faced this horrific disease. With cancer funding for research and health care being slashed at the federal level, we need to do all that we can to support the American Cancer Society. And if I could, everyone, I have… I have a personal note that I would like to share. So, if I could have the body's attention. One of the volunteers that is here is a dear family friend, and she is here every year. Jennifer Lizak is a hardcore American Cancer Society volunteer. And in 2001, my sister said to me, 'I went to this event last night. It was called Relay for Life, and it was so much fun, and it was amazing, and we raised so much money, and Jennifer Lizak invited me to be there.' And we said, 'Wow, that sounds cool.' Well, Jennifer Lizak's mom, Colleen, is the founder of their… their Relay for Life team back in 2001, and they’re called the Shamrock Angels. And little did my sister and I know that the very next year we would be joining them because my mother and my sister would've both been diagnosed with cancer, followed by my brother later, followed by numerous friends. And it meant the world to us to be able to join them and be there for that. And we continued that 10400040.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 tradition. And for 24 years, her mom led the Shamrock Angels. And in March, sadly, her mom was diagnosed with cancer and very quickly passed away, and it was tragic. And I would like to say a couple of words about her, if I could. So, if the body could stand in honor of Colleen. Colleen was 77. She had an amazing family. She was the beloved wife of Frank for 50 years. She was the loving mother of Jennifer and Angela, and the sister and cousin and friend to so many people. She was a Chicago public school teacher who was devoted to children with disabilities, and she was devoted to her church, and she volunteered and gave so much. She had such a big heart. She gave so much to everybody that she met. And when I was at the memorial service, we heard countless stories of people from the neighborhood that called her mom, that she took in, that she took care of, that she wrapped her arms around. And, you know, in those 24 years, after starting the Shamrock Angels in honor of Jennifer's grandmother, she helped raise over $150,000, I think it's closer to $200,000, for the American Cancer Society. She helped with food ministries, with coats for refugees, for other collections for the poor, just… she helped everyone. And the legacy that she has left, not only through her family, but through those of us who were touched by what she started and forever will means so much. So, please, keep those ripples of love in your hearts because you never know how many people your life will touch and the actions that you do and what that will mean to the people around you and the people around them. And so, for Colleen, please do something good today, and I ask that the body take a moment of silence." 10400040.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025

"The body shall observe a moment of silence. Leader Lisa Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. If you can draw your attention to the Speaker's Gallery, please, if you could stand. I just… if you… I'm just asking if everyone can give a warm welcome to Edgar Montiel, who is the executive director to the Cicero Boy's Club. This young man has taken the reins of making this club a very successful club and impacting the lives of these kids every day. Edgar, thank you for all the work that you've been doing and will continue to do. Let's give them a warm welcome."

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

"Please proceed."

"Representative Norma Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, N.: "Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Hernandez, N.: "Today, we learned that Secretary Noem was visiting Springfield to continue speaking on her cruel platform that's targeting immigrant families, stripping people from their rights, and ignoring the rule of law. Under her watch, we've seen innocent people be abducted from their homes, in their workplace, from our streets, families being torn apart, due process denied, fear used as weapon. For example, they held a press conference in a home of a family who was attending the counter-protest. So, just to be clear, Secretary Kristi Noem's visit in Springfield was brief and for good reason. Her hateful policies, wrapped in the false language of safety, do nothing to keep our people safe. Instead, they divide, 10400040.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 harm, and endanger the very community that this government should protect. Seventy-five percent of the people currently in camps are actually… have never committed any criminal records and are innocent, yet the other side of the aisle feels so compelled to call them criminals. The real criminals is this administration for not obeying the laws, for ignoring due process, for sending judges to prison for that. So, let me be clear. Illinois, especially in our capital city, is a place that welcomes all people, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, or who they love. The politics of fear and exclusion have no home here. Secretary Noem may have come to Springfield expecting a warm reception, but she was found with a community that rejects her lies and refuses to be silent in the face of bigotry. We will always stand up for truth, for inclusion, and the dignity of every person. Thank you."

"Representative Schweizer, for what reason do you seek recognition? Representative Swanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"Today, I want to present this trophy and talk about why we won it, and it… this was with the help of the speaker in the gallery right now, Leader Dagmara Avelar. It was in the 85th District at Lewis University where Team 85 pulled a 48,000-pound Boeing 777 and won the open division for the 10400040.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 second year in a row and helped raise $40,000 for the Special Olympics and the great athletes that we had here yesterday. So, apparently, here in the House, all we do is win, win, win, no matter what. Thank you."

Speaker Avelar: "All we do is win, win no matter what. Representative Fritts, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Representative Cabello."

"Proceed." 10400040.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025

"Representative Schweizer, for what reason do you seek recognition? We'll go to… Representative Reick, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"All right. Representative Schweizer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Representative Johnson."

"Two things. Number one, thank you, Representative. But you got us out of a huge jam, and everybody did so many incredible things. It was just nice to know that the House rules again. So, thank you, everyone. Had really, really… I missed it last year. I was late. Had a wonderful time with 10400040.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 all of you. It was really nice being one family for a night. It really was. Just… just a great, great experience. But I do want to touch on what Representative Cabello said about Representative Reick. I think that's a very handsome man over there. And I want to make sure we all understand, when you talk later, you're going to fear the beard, all right? Right, Harry? Thanks, everybody."

"Representative Meyers-Martin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I would like to congratulate and this body would like to congratulate the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho's Central Region for their 100 years of sisterhood, service, and excellence. And I would like to present House Joint Resolution 36. WHEREAS, On November 12, 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven visionary educators at Butler University, united in their mission to enhance the quality of life for women and families through education, community service, and civic engagement; and WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s Central Region, originally established in 1925 and organized by Homer Woods of Chicago in 1940, further advanced the sorority's mission by fostering leadership, service, and sisterhood across the Midwest; WHEREAS, Across the State, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has remained a steadfast advocate for equity in education and health care, 10400040.docx 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 leading impactful initiatives that address systemic disparities in mental health, academic achievement, and access to essential resources while uplifting youth, families, and historically underserved communities; and WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's 21 alumnae chapters and 19 undergraduate chapters throughout Illinois reflect the sorority's deep-rooted commitment to leadership, service, and sisterhood across college campuses and local communities alike; and WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's multigenerational impact is evident through its signature programs, which include Project CRADLE Care, Youth Symposium, Swim… Swim 1922, and Operation Big Book Bag, as well as its investment in the growth and development of young girls throughout the Rhosebuds and Rhoers clubs, instilling leadership, confidence, and civic responsibility from an early age; and WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority draws strength and inspiration from distinguished leaders who have shaped the landscape of public service and community empowerment, including former State Senator Margaret Smith, Rainbow PUSH Coalition cofounder Rev. Willie T. Barrow, 13th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and pioneering educator Dr. Annie Lawrence Brown, who also served as the first African American president of the Illinois Nurses Association, former State Representative Sharon Markette Malone, current State Representative Debbie Meyers Martin, 21 Central Region Director of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Tiffany D. Hightower, former State Representative 10400040.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 and current City Treasurer of Illinois… Chicago Melissa Conyears Ervin, and former State Representative and current U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly; WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s Central Region celebrates it's 100 years of sisterhood, service, and excellence, of continued leadership, of unwavering advocacy, and of making a transformative impact throughout the State and beyond; and WHEREAS, On May 7, 2025, members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. from across Illinois will gather at the Illinois State Capitol to participate in Sigma Gamma Rho, Incorporated Day and to engage directly with lawmakers, lending their voices to the legislative process, and continue their legacy of purposeful advocacy and policy-centered service in alignment with the sorority's national mission and core values; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare May 7, 2025 as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois. So, congratulations, sorors."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"Today, I want to introduce to the house my director of constituent affairs, who's down with Sigma Gamma Rho, Ajara Yakoubou. She's up there in the Speaker's Gallery. Raise your 10400040.docx 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 hand real high. I just want to welcome her to Springfield, big Springfield welcome. Thanks for coming down."

Speaker Avelar: "Welcome to Springfield. Representative du Buclet, for what reason do you seek recognition?" du Buclet: "Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." du Buclet: "So, a few minutes ago, I just gave a long and beautiful speech about the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. They were not in the gallery. They're here now. I'd like to have them stand. I will not repeat the entire speech, but I will give a few highlights. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women advocates on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. Over five years, the Chicago chapter's work has included awarding $25,000 in scholarships, recognizing women vanguards through its annual awards program. These women represent excellence across industries and communities. They are business leaders, educators, public servants, and change agents who work every day to uplift others and advance equity. Their presence here today is a reminder of the strength and vision Black women bring to every table. Please join me in celebrating and welcoming the Coalition of 100 Black Women to the Illinois House of Representatives."

"Representative Grant on HR257."

"Please proceed."

"Representative Jiménez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Jiménez: "Thank you. Just wanted to share that today and tomorrow is Latino Unity Day, where we celebrate the remarkable 15- year journey of advocacy, empowerment, and unity within the Latino community. Founded to elevate Latino voices and address vital issues, this annual gathering has grown to… into a powerful platform for community leaders, allies, and advocates to connect, learn, and inspire change. I also invite all of you to a reception tonight at Vinegar Hill at 7 p.m."

Speaker Avelar: "Leader Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10400040.docx 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I'd like to remind the body that May is Asian American Heritage Month. And while we typically take this opportunity to share biographies, inspirational biographies of remarkable Asian Americans in our country's history, today I'd like to take a step back and share a little bit of Asian American history 101 to put things into context and help us understand a little better why we recognize Asian Americans and Asian American Heritage Month in the first place. We commonly understand that celebrating the existence of Asian Americans is an important part of celebrating our country's diversity. And, yes, it is important to recognize our country is, in fact, a diverse country and has become strong, powerful, rich, and vibrant because of the contributions of various diverse… diverse populations, including immigrants, including Asian Americans. But what we often fail to acknowledge is the reason why we need to point out the contributions of Asian Americans as a group in the first place. It is because Asian immigrants in our nation's past were treated as categorically different in our nation's laws and policies. For example, in the Nationality Act of 1790, citizenship and naturalization were reserved for free white persons. Immigrants from Asia were not permitted to become citizens, no matter how long they had been in the country. They would always be forever foreign. The Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 barred the majority of Chinese from immigrating, the first time our country passed immigration legislation singling out a specific racialized group. The 1917 10400040.docx 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 Immigration Act created an Asiatic Barred Zone so that we could further exclude migrants from a larger geographic area that included South Asia, at that time known as India, and also the Pacific Islands. During this period in our history, in many places around the country, Asians were not allowed to testify in court against white people, own land in their own name, or marry across racial lines. And these didn't change until pretty recently. So, discussing the history of our collective experience as a racially othered group as Asian Americans is a matter of recognizing the structural inequality that was commonplace, that was built into our society for much of our history. And recognizing this structural inequality and its legacy as part of the essential effort… is part of the essential effort to dismantle these inequal structures and to restore equity, rectifying the wrongs of the past and reinforcing those structural… that reinforce these structural inequalities in our country. So, May, during Asian American Heritage Month, I urge all of us to recognize this history, to include the story of our imperfect past in our understanding of our nation's history. There is a well-known quote that 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' So, let's not make that mistake. While we celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans in our history, we must also acknowledge why it is important to do so. As we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month, we are celebrating our country's diversity, building towards better equity, and creating a future of full inclusion that recognizes the need to learn about and correct the wrongs 10400040.docx 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 of the past so that we can avoid repeating them in the future. Thank you very much. Happy Asian American Heritage Month."

"Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. Joining us today in the gallery, I think they're making their way in if they're not already there, is the seventh-grade class of Universal School, my alma mater. I want to welcome them to Springfield and including Mrs. Daoud, Mrs. Akel, and Mrs. Danielson. Thank you for coming to Springfield. It's so great to see you. Welcome, and thank you, and… actually, here they are over there. Welcome to Springfield, seventh grade class of Universal School. Thank you."

"Representative Rashid, could you repeat your point? Representative Rashid, could you repeat your point?"

"Yes, thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Joining us today in the gallery is the seventh-grade class of Universal 10400040.docx 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 40th Legislative Day 5/7/2025 School. Please stay standing. Please stay standing. Thank you. Universal School in Bridgeview, Illinois is my alma mater. I actually started there as a seventh grader, and I… it's so wonderful to see you here in Springfield. I hope you've been learning and enjoying your time here. And I want to also welcome your teachers, Mrs. Daoud, Mrs. Akel, and Mrs. Danielson. Thank you, and welcome to Springfield."

Speaker Avelar: "Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"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 for perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, May 8, 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."