Illinois House Floor Debate — May 8, 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."

"Let us take communal pause together in a spirit of reverence and reflection. As an ordained Christian minister in the United Church of Christ for over three decades now, I intentionally offer our invocations not to promote one religious path but to honor the many paths we're all on and the freedom to choose among them, the freedom that defines our wonderfully diverse democracy. Across faith traditions and secular traditions alike, we find shared moral wisdom: a call to love our neighbor, to seek justice, to act with kindness and integrity, and to uphold the dignity of every human being. And these are not the teachings of just one religion or creed alone, that's the beauty of it, but the values that echo through many cultures, philosophies, and generations. And it is as a clergy that I am reminded our nation was not founded on any one religion. It was founded on the promise that all people, regardless of belief, can all live free from religious coercion. The separation of church and state is not a rejection of religion. It's a profound protection that I as clergy hold on to and embrace at my core. The separation of church and state ensures that no single faith holds power over another, that belief is never forced, and that the conscious spiritual path of each of us is honored and sacred. This principle is good for all people of all religions and those of no religion because it keeps the state 10400041.docx 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 from misusing faith and it keeps faith from being diminished by the politics of power. This principle allows churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and humanist community to speak with moral clarity, not political obligation, and it preserves the authenticity of both public service and private devotion. So, as we begin our work for the people of Illinois today, may we be guided not by any one doctrine but by a shared spirit of humility, compassion, kindness, and love for our neighbor. May we listen deeply, speak truthfully, and serve boldly for the good of all the people we represent. And now, in a spirit of true thanksgiving and blessing, I offer this prayer for all of us gathered here. May each heart in this chamber be strengthened for the work ahead. May wisdom take root where there is uncertainty. May patience prevail where there is disagreement. May courage rise where there is fear. And may each person here be granted the grace to see one another not as opponents but as fellow stewards of the public good who live together in this world as one big family in peace. Amen, and let it be so."

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

"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Morgan is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10400041.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Jones, Scherer, and Welch are excused today. Thank you."

"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 115 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Representative Faver Dias, for what… what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"This week is Nurses Appreciation Week, celebrated in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Today, I want to take a moment to speak about House Resolution 277, which honors an extraordinary group of heroes, neonatal intensive care unit nurses. As I've shared before, I gave birth to twin boys at just 27 weeks. They were three months early. They 10400041.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 were what is called micro preemie by doctors. They were the smallest and most fragile of premature babies. We spent a grueling and emotional 90 days in the NICU. What I didn't expect through that experience was the… to meet the incredible community of nurses I would come to know and to rely on over those three months. NICU nurses are the compassionate hearts and steady hands caring for the tiniest, most fragile lives. But they are so much more than medical professionals. They are hope givers, hand holders, and tireless advocates for our tiniest babies. They support families during some of the darkest, most uncertain moments of their lives. They offer not only expert care, but comfort, courage, and love. I always say that NICU nurses saved my babies' lives. But in reality, as a heartbroken mother who gave birth at six months, I can honestly say they saved my life too. These nurses work long hours under immense pressure, often without recognition, but their impact is lasting. Every life they touch is a testament to their dedication and their humanity. As I close, I want to offer my deepest gratitude to a few of the nurses who played a vital role in my boys' care: Jody Schaefer, Christina Vasquez, and my dear, dear friend, Amy Lichterman. Every year, on May 3, my sons' birthday, I lift up a prayer of profound gratitude for each of you. And House Resolution 277 will honor the work of the neonatal intensive care unit nurses. Thank you so much."

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

"Please proceed." 10400041.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025

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

"Please proceed."

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

"Please proceed."

"Happy anniversary. Representative Grasse, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. Our Speaker often tells us to know the 'why' of why we do things. And I have a few whys, and one of my whys is my family. And I'm so grateful to introduce, here with me, my mother, Jackie See, from Middleton, Wisconsin and my daughter, Clair, who just graduated, not graduated, just finished her junior year at Michigan State studying elementary education. And I'm so grateful to have them here and to show you just one of my whys. Thank you."

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

"Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"I'd like to welcome in the Capitol today Anahi Diaz. She's a graduate of Richards High School in Oak Lawn. She graduated Richards High School in three years. She was served scholarships for the Young Hispanic Leaders from USHLI and the Rumba Meats Scholarship. Currently, she is a first-year student at DePaul University, my alma mater, and she's starting public policy. She is here with DePaul School of Public Service to shadow for a day and learn about state 10400041.docx 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 government and policymaking. I'd ask that we all give a shoutout and round of applause to DePaul Policy Institute here. Thank you."

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

"Point of personal privilege?"

"Please proceed."

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

"Please proceed." du Buclet: "Greetings, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Today is a special day, as we are joined by our distinguished guests from the Magnificent Mile Association, an organization that represents one of the most iconic and economically vital corridors in our state. The Magnificent Mile isn't just a shopping destination, it's a cultural landmark, a tourism engine, and a symbol of Chicago's vibrancy and resilience. The association has long played a critical role in advancing economic development, supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and preserving the beauty and accessibility of this world-renowned district. Please join me in welcoming the leadership and members of the Magnificent Mile Association to the Illinois House of Representatives. We thank them for their continued investment in the strength and spirit of Downtown Chicago and for being here with us today. If they can please stand so we can acknowledge them, if they're here."

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

"Please proceed."

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

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to introduce a couple of Chicago City Council members who are here with us today. Up in the gallery, if you would stand, we have 22nd Ward Alderman Mike Rodriguez and 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez. Give them a warm Springfield welcome."

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

"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"We have a special guest today on the House floor. He is a great person, great leader, great community leader, has been a great mentor to me. He is my predecessor, former House Majority Leader Greg Harris. Please also give him a warm Springfield welcome as well. Welcome back, Leader Harris."

"Representative Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please." 10400041.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025

"Please proceed." Hernandez, B.: "Please help me welcome… we have Olivia from also DePaul University. She is studying public policy, so she's been shadowing me for today. But, also, I also want to welcome my… my constituent community outreach director, Sabrina Aguirre, who's here also with us today. So, thank you."

"Leader Hoffman on House Resolution 285."

"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a former Member death resolution. Members. Thank you. So, it was an honor and a privilege for me to serve with Chuck Hartke, who recently passed. Chuck served here in the General Assembly and later became the head of the department and director of the Department of Agriculture, where he served admirably. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn. He has had two children, Christopher and Kimberly, and six grandchildren who survive him. Chuck was a great man. He came from the Effingham farm fields around Effingham and came here and served for several terms. He served in the Vietnam War. He served as a county board member. He worked tirelessly in a bipartisan fashion to create jobs and economic development in Central Illinois. Chuck Hartke, I consider him one of my dear friends who I was lucky enough to serve with. I miss Chuck Hartke. He later in life enjoyed gardening, he wrote his own book about his life experiences, and as he… after he lost his first wife, he found a second soulmate in Brenda Holmes. I would ask that we have a moment of silence. The Hartke family joins us in the Speaker's Gallery. We give our heartfelt condolences. He was a great man. He was a great leader. He was a great public servant. He was a pretty damn good farmer 10400041.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 and a great department of… director of agriculture. I'd ask for a moment of silence."

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

"The body shall observe a moment of silence. Representative Hoffman moves for the adoption of House Resolution 285. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And adopt… and the resolution is adopted. Leader Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. Point of personal privilege. On…"

"Please proceed." Hernandez, L.: "Yes. Point of personal privilege is on House Resolution #323, honoring the legacy of former Cynthia… 10400041.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 Representative Cynthia Soto. As many of you know, Representative Cynthia Soto passed a few weeks back, and we are privileged to have her family, her husband, David; her mother; her daughter, Jennifer; her sister, Alice, with us today in honoring Cynthia's legacy. I don't know if… and many may know, Cynthia was a sister to me. When I first came into office, she took… took me on as, like, she's always had these mother instincts. It was Cynthia Soto and Karen Yarbrough who were… who were my roommates for approximately six years. This is very special to me because this is the woman who really helped me sort of set my… my way here, and I think many of you may understand that when you first come into office, you need that one person to just give you that guidance, that direction, that just holding hand to get you through those times. That was Cynthia to me. So, I… I do want to offer some remarks here that says all about Cynthia. Her story. Her story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication. Growing up in a working-class family, she… she learned early the value of hard work and the importance of fighting for justice, principles that would shape her career as a public servant. These foundational lessons propelled her to the Illinois State Capitol, where she became a trailblazing Latina leader. Representing the 4th District, Cynthia became a powerful voice for the underserved. She championed equitable policies, particularly focusing on improving immigrant rights, health care, education, and driving economic growth within her district. Her legislative efforts reflected a deep commitment to her constituents, fueled by a genuine love for her community and a belief in the transformative power of 10400041.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 collective action. Her journey to becoming State Representative was a testament to her grassroots organizing skills and the unwavering support of countless volunteers who became lifelong friends. She not only secured her position but also paved the way for future Latino elected officials, actively mentoring the next generation of policymakers. Her legacy as a dedicated public servant and a champion for her community will continue to inspire for years to come. Farewell, as we all know her as amiga. Rest in peace, amiga, my friend. I ask all of you to join me in a moment of silence."

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

"Please proceed." Ortíz: "I would like to share some words my cousin wrote about Representative Cindy Soto, who was married to my cousin, David Soto. On a season… an unseasonably snowy night in Chicago, my Aunt Cindy took her last breath. She was a fighter, a true testament to resilience. Not only did she face the challenges of dementia and cancer in her final years, but she also lived a life full of love, purpose, and connection through her work as the former Illinois State Representative for the 4th District. We are forever grateful to God for blessing her with a fulfilling life surrounded by her mom, four siblings, three daughters, five grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and, most importantly, her high school sweetheart. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of strength and love will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. Cindy and her family have a special place in my heart. They were 10400041.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 the first ones to open their home to my dad and his siblings when they arrived in Chicago as young adults who immigrated from Durango, Mexico. Thank you for opening your home and your hearts to my family. Cynthia, today's 15-year celebration of our Illinois Legislative Caucus Foundation is in your honor. [Speaks in Spanish]. Thank you for your service. I also ask for a moment of silence, Mr. Speaker."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"I, too, want to thank the family of Cynthia for giving us Cynthia. When I came here in 2015, my office was right next to hers. And I was stuck, like a lot of new legislators are when we first come here, 'cause we have no idea, really, what's happening. And I went to Cynthia, and I said, 'Hey, I have this issue that is very specific to my community. I don't know what to do.' And she said, 'Well, let me show you what to do.' So, she connected me to another former Representative that was here in the original Black Caucus, because there was no Latino Caucus, and she facilitated me meeting with him so that I could successfully pass the bill, of which we did. Cynthia was always willing to help another Member, regardless to where they come from or what their issue may be. She was always willing to do that. She was a professional, but her heart was extraordinarily large, for well beyond the 4th District. So much so that she came to Champaign-Urbana for me. She came downstate and helped me with an issue at… at the University of Illinois dealing with our Latino students. I do 10400041.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 hope that her memory certainly will live forever for all of us who got an opportunity to serve with her, but the lesson that she taught some of us, to make sure that we are willing and able to help our colleagues when our colleagues need help. Even in the face of opposition, of lobbyists, and companies, and corps, she cares so much for the people. She'd never let that stop her from helping her colleagues. So, we want to join, and I ask Leader Hernandez if you would allow us all to join your resolution for her family. Her legacy certainly should live on, and we won't forget Cynthia. I was so devastated. I hurt my leg right before I learned of her passing. And I… it took a lot for me not to drive to Chicago. My husband couldn't transport me. I couldn't walk at all. And I told my staff to make sure they send condolences to the family of Cynthia 'cause I was so shocked by her passing. So, we loved her, we loved her downstate, and we will always remember Cynthia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

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

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I, too, want to say thank you to the family, Soto family. Cynthia always wanted all of us to be family because she understood the importance of how life in a community, in a world of love brings the best out in all. And every time she spoke on the mic, presenting her bill or recognizing what we need to do in Illinois, she showed love and compassion for all. And as mentioned, she was one of the first Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. And 10400041.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 every time she came to speak with me, she said, 'Well, since I'm not in the caucus anymore 'cause we have our own, you are going to come and be my,' no, no, yeah, she did say amiga, 'my amiga roommate.' And so, she would invite me over every time and say, 'You're my roommate.' I'm like, Cynthia, you are my roommate, and I was like, okay, well, when you do the release again, come back and I'm going to be your roommate. But what was so wonderful about that is she felt that I was worthy of living with her during our time making sure that Illinoisans have what they need. I truly thought that meant we were going to work all night long 'cause she was a worker bee. We were not going to get any sleep because she had ideal after ideal to make Illinois the best it can be in love. Thank you for sharing us with her. Thank you for being there for her during her difficult times. And I know, I know, she will love you and loved you through the entire journey. God bless you all, and we'll see her on the other side. Thank you."

"The body shall observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Leader Ann Williams, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Williams, A.: "A point of personal privilege, please."

"Please proceed." Williams, A.: "I really did not want to speak on this topic today because I like to stay positive even during difficult, ugly times, but I didn't feel like this should go unaddressed. So, I'd ask the body to please pay attention to my thoughts here. I didn't know Emma Shafer well, but we interacted here in the Capitol from time to time. She was truly a beautiful young woman who exuded a sweet and soft energy. I can still picture 10400041.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 her open and warm smile. Not even an iota of cynicism. As her mother said in a statement she issued today, 'She radiated love and light everywhere she went.' She really did. I knew some of those in her friend group. I saw their grief and devastation in the wake of her brutal death. She was a treasure to her friends, her family, and the larger community of Springfield, where she put her energy and time into making the world a better place. She really believed in that. She loved everybody. She was kind to anybody. After she was killed, we did do a resolution to honor her. But her family specifically asked we not speak about it publicly, so, of course, we agreed to. Their pain was immeasurable, obviously, and it still is. Yet here we are, two years later, with the grief still raw, the pain still very real. And yesterday, Secretary Noem doubled down to exploit her memory to score cheap political points, and some of you joined her. If you haven't already read Emma's mother's statement, I'm asking you to please do so. It's extremely difficult to read. It's painful, but it's powerful. Can you imagine losing a child, a family member, a colleague in the way that Emma's family and friends did and then having the wound torn open in the way that it happened yesterday? Especially when you knew it went against everything this young woman stood for and how she lived her far too short life. It's hard to imagine. It's cruel. So, why were you there? Where's the empathy? Where's the understanding? Did anyone hesitate yesterday? Was there even a moment where someone thought this might hurt people who've been through such an unthinkable experience of losing a child in such a hurtful and brutal way? I'm not going to 10400041.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 ask for an apology. The family already did that. They did that through their pain and through their grief on a day that must have been filled with anguish. Instead, I'm going to implore you to take a few minutes to look inward. Ask yourself, was it worth it? And is it worth it to cast aside your humanity, your empathy to score political points? To treat human beings as political fodder? To ignore pain and anguish and gloat about political wins? That can't feel good. I don't know how that can feel good or right. When we lose our ability to feel empathy, we are in a dangerous and scary place, a place none of us should want to be in there. There's some quote about that. I couldn't find it this morning. I'm not a religious person, but I grew up with a strong sense of right and wrong, and what happened yesterday was so very wrong. Emma's mother closed her statement asking us to live as Emma did, with courageous empathy and love for all. The best way to honor her memory is to do just that. Thank you for your attention."

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

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

"Please proceed."

"I want to first of all thank Representative Ann Williams for making the statement she just made on behalf of the family. I had the privilege of having Ann in my… I mean, Emma in my office. She served as one of my interns in district, and she helped all of the other interns. She was committed and passionate. I was so hurt when she, unfortunately, was killed. The point that Ann has made is extraordinarily 10400041.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 important for us all to pay attention to. We should be very careful at this time for the desensitizing, the desensitizing political moment that we are in, watching the shackling of people similar to that unfortunate period of time in the trafficking of African people to the Americas. To shackle people and send them to a country they have never been in and to think that that's normal conduct. To take the death of this young woman and exploit it is not normal conduct. We must, must not be desensitized to what is happening in our communities, and we do have to speak out. I want to thank you, Representative Williams, on behalf of the family, on behalf of my interns in district and all of the students who are hurt by the passing of Emma. We will miss her, and we send our condolences to the family. And thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Representative Williams."

"The body will observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 221, offered by Representative Cassidy."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Transgender Day of Visibility is held annually on March 31. I know it's May. While we did not get to hear this prior to the actual date, we want to make clear that Illinois will fight to protect and uplift our transgender siblings, friends, and neighbors in the face of unrelenting cruelty from our federal government. Let's be clear: Trans people have always been here, and Illinois is a better place for the contributions of the trans community. From Albert Cashier, who fought in Illinois' 95th Regiment in the Civil War battles of Atlanta, Vicksburg, and Natchez, to the many amazing public 10400041.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 servants in offices in the Cook County Circuit Court, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the Carbondale City Council, McHenry Township, Avon Township, the Decatur School Board, the Crete Public Library Board, and even the Minneapolis City Council, where former Chicagoan Andrea Jenkins became the first Black trans woman elected to office in the U.S. Trans people also enrich the fabric of our community. With leaders in the arts, like filmmaker Lilly Wachowski; military and business leader Jennifer Pritzker; hall-of-fame triathlete, six-time member of Team USA, and 14th District constituent Chris Mosier; and my friend and constant inspiration, the late community organizer Elise Malary. At the same time, anti-trans elected officials and their followers are attempting to erase trans people entirely with a constant barrage of legislative and media attacks on access to health care, inclusion in our armed forces, and, frankly, basic human dignity, which is fueling an epidemic of violence that particularly impacts Black and Brown trans women. Most recently, the federal Department of Health and Human Services issued so-called guidance on medical treatment for trans people, stemming from the president's executive order, that dictates that a form of so-called conversion therapy be the standard of care for trans people, contrary to every major legitimate scientific organization and medical organization. Our state banned the abusive practice that has been condemned by every major legitimate medical profession 10 years ago. And I want to be really clear to anybody listening: It remains illegal under Illinois law. Illinois has always been a welcoming and inclusive state for our trans 10400041.docx 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 neighbors, and no amount of bluster and bullying is going to convince us to throw our trans community under this president's bus. While he and his ilk stoke hatred to score political points, we embrace and uplift the trans community and their many contributions to our state. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Leader Windhorst for further discussion."

"Representative Cassidy moves for the adoption of House Resolution 221. All in… all in favor, excuse me, vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 71 'ayes,' 37 'nays,' 0 voting 'present.' And this resolution, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby adopted. Representative Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, N.: "Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Hernandez, N.: "Today, as we finish celebrating Latino Unity Day, a remarkable milestone of 15 years, originally founded in 2010 with only 60 active participants attending the conference. Today, we held our first big group of 700-plus Latino advocates, joining us to celebrate our quinceañera in the state as Latino Unity Day. We want to invite all of you to join us in celebrating an event that will be held at the Inn at 835 Boutique at 6 p.m. We would love to have all of 10400041.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025 you there and join us in the festivities as we celebrate a monumentous milestone. So, thank you."

"Representative Jiménez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Jiménez: "Hello. Thank you, Speaker. I just wanted to introduce my page for the day…"

"Point of personal privilege?" Jiménez: "Oh, thank you. Point of personal privilege. I'd just like to introduce my page for the day, Victoria Gomez-Meza. She is also a… yes, clap. Okay. She is a student at DePaul studying political science, and she's also the recipient of the Truman Scholarship. Only one student per state is chosen every year, and so she will be going on to graduate school on a scholarship because of her… her Truman Scholarship. So, please join me in welcoming her."

Speaker Tarver: "Congratulations. Welcome to Springfield. Representative Huynh, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

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

"Please proceed."

"I have students from my district, the North Side lakefront of the great City of Chicago from DePaul University School of Public Service. We have Aisha here, Hernandez; Moriah Meeks; Colin Williamson; Jada Marshall; and Eloise Lyons. If you could please stand up, up there, and if we could all give them a warm Springfield welcome as well. Thank you so much."

"Welcome to Springfield. Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement." 10400041.docx 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 5/8/2025

"The Republicans will caucus at 1 o'clock in Room 118. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All of those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time… and now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Friday, April… excuse me, Friday, May 9, at the hour of 9 a.m. 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." 10400041.docx 27