"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 Pledge of Allegiance. Representative Severin."
"Thank you. Let's pray this morning. Lord, I thank you for this day, and I pray, Lord, that you would touch each one of our hearts. Again, today, I pray as we're driving home or traveling that we would even consider your ways and touch our hearts this day. Keep us safe. Lord, I pray that you'd touch those that need a touch from you. Touch Guzzardi, and I pray that you'd just touch his body, encourage him. And I ask you, Lord, to, again, keep us in your hand. Help us, Lord, to do your will, and as I ask as always, be with Larry Walsh. Amen."
"Amen to that. We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Jawaharial Williams." Williams, J. - et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Smith: "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 Ammons, Croke, Gordon-Booth, Jiménez, Jones, Manley, Mayfield, Moylan, Olickal, Scherer, Stava-Murray, and Welch are excused today." 10400042.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Stephens, Schweizer, Sosnowski, Bunting, McLaughlin, Halbrook, Schmidt, Spain, Friess, Weaver, Niemerg, Miller, and Wilhour are excused for today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 93 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
"Committee Reports. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on May 9, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1773; do pass Standard Debate is Senate Bill 42. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 324, offered by Representative Windhorst; House Resolution 325, offered by Representative Swanson; and House Resolution 326, offered by Representative Will Davis, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative du Buclet, for what reason do you seek recognition?" du Buclet: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." du Buclet: "We have with us in the Speaker's Gallery today, if they could stand… as a proud alum of the University of Chicago, I am honored to welcome a group of exceptional students from the University of Chicago's Public Policy Leaders Program. They're here at the Capitol today. This program prepares students for impactful careers in government, public service, and community leadership. And 10400042.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 today's visit is a part of their hands-on exploration of how policy is shaped at the state level. Please join me in recognizing and warmly welcoming these bright young minds from the University of Chicago, future changemakers who are already demonstrating the values of inquiry, integrity, and civic engagement. Thank you, and welcome to the Capitol."
"Representative… Leader Tarver, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Quick point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"So, I happen to represent the area with the University of Chicago, and I see one of my former interns, Dariel, up there. So, I just wanted to shout him out. Thank you for coming down, glad you came to Jud - Crim and watched me get beat up. Welcome to Springfield."
"Leader Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I'd just like to take this opportunity to wish all of the ladies, the moms in the chamber, a happy Mother's Day. I hope you have time to relax and spend time with family. And just as an added bonus and an early surprise, I'm joined by my daughter, Trish, here. So, enjoy your day. Enjoy your weekend. God bless."
"Representative Weber, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point." 10400042.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025
"So, I'd like to make the chamber aware, today I was all geared up to do a speech, which you've probably heard me do before, on property tax in the state of Illinois, where we have 27 of our counties that are in the top 50 of the nation in highest property taxes. And property taxes per household being led by Lake County, Illinois, with a average per house $10,370 per household in property taxes. However, I opened up and I read an article in the Daily Herald in regards to the I-290/88/294 interchange, which many of us drive through on our way down here to Springfield. So, if you're unaware that the tollway authority awarded the contract for $323.9 million to a contractor. After they began work, they realized that they awarded it to the wrong contractor. They told them… pulled them off the job. They were awarded in court $50 million work performed and $10 million in damages. The new contractor came in who, because of our 4% Illinois preference law, that was the mistake that was made, came in at 327 million, a $3.1 million higher bid. But with the 4%, they should have been originally the initial winner of the bid. On top of that, because we want to keep the same July 2027 deadline, they were also given $16.5 million for overtime. When you add this mistake of awarding the wrong contractor the contract, pulling them off, and putting someone else in, the total adds up to $44.6 million more than the initial contract. So, I don't know about you, but $44.6 million more than the initial contract is something that everyone in this chamber should be aware of. That is on the back of taxpayers, and I would hope that the tollway authority, the director, or someone, I would invite them to please come to Transportation 10400042.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 Committee and explain exactly how taxpayers just got a bill for $44.6 million more than the initial contract. Thank you."
"Representative du Buclet, for what reason do you seek recognition?" du Buclet: "Point of personal privilege, again."
"Please state your point." du Buclet: "So, we all got the wonderful news yesterday about Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV was actually born at Mercy Hospital, which is now Insight Hospital, which is in my district, and I just put together a short resolution. I am a South Side Catholic from St. Felicitas Parish on 83rd and Kimbark. So, I was very excited. So, WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Pope Leo XIV on being elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church; and WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was born to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez at Chicago's Mercy Hospital, which is now Insight, in 1955; he has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph; and WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV graduated from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with a degree in mathematics and then studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago; and WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV was sent to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas at the age of 27 and was ordained as a priest in 1982; and WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV then went to work as a missionary in Peru; he wanted to return to the U.S. for a few years and then returned to Peru, where he ran an Augustinian seminary; and 10400042.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru in 2014 by Pope Francis, and one year later, he became a bishop; and WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV became a cardinal in 2023, and on February 6, 2025, he was promoted to his most recent position with the Order of Bishops; and WHEREAS, Pope Leo XIV's first words as pope were, "Peace be with you."; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ONE OF THE… OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Pope Leo XIV on being elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. And I have to say, he is a White Sox fan, not a Cubs fan."
"Representative Davis, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May I have a point of personal privilege?"
"Please state your point." Davis, W.: "Ladies and gentlemen, you just heard Representative du Buclet talk about the Pope and the fact that it is the first American pope and that he has Chicago roots. Well, not only does the pope have Chicago roots, he actually has South Suburban roots. While he was born in the City of Chicago, he was raised in Dalton, Illinois, which is a community in my district. And I understand, Dalton has had some challenges over the last few years. So, now that we can acknowledge that the pope was from Dalton, maybe he'll sprinkle some magic dust on the City of Dalton and allow this new mayor that we 10400042.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 have in Dalton to come in and turn the town around, with the blessing of the pope. So, I just wanted to make sure that we not only acknowledge his Chicago roots but also his South Suburban roots, having been born… having been raised in the Village of Dalton in my district. Thank you all very much."
"Leader Buckner on House Resolution 322."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Today, I rise somberly, sadly, and regrettably to present HR322 and to honor the life of a giant among us, a political force, a civic visionary, a builder of things, yes, but more importantly, a builder of people and a builder of possibility. Lori T. Healey was many things to Chicago, to Illinois, and to this country, but to me, she was simply everything. I met Lori years ago when I was working for Mitch Landrieu, the mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, and she came down with Mayor Daley. And from the moment we met, we clicked. There was no pretense, no ego, just a warm, brilliant woman who immediately took me under her wing. From that day on, she guided me through every major moment in my life. Every major life or career decision I ever made, I sought her counsel, and she always gave it authentically, honestly, supportively. When I took a job with the Chicago Cubs, when I ran the World Sports Chicago organization and she was on my board, when I accepted an appointment to Chicago State University Board of Trustees, when I got married, when I became a father, when I came into this body, the Illinois House, it was Lori's wisdom that I carried with me. Time and time again, the hardest challenges landed on her desk, no matter the party in power. That's why Governor Carlin of Kansas trusted her when she worked for 10400042.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 him, and Governor Thompson and Governor Edgar trusted her when she worked for them. Governor Rauner trusted her to be the chair of the Bicentennial Commission. Mayor Daley trusted her with the NATO Summit and the Olympic bid, and President Barack Obama trusted her with his presidential center. Why? Because she always got it done. And she always made sure everyone got across the finish line with her. Lori shattered glass ceilings, and then, somehow, she built bridges with those very same pieces. I know that because I walked across more than one of those bridges myself. She wasn't just a great supporter, she was one of my best teachers. I remember one moment in particular that wasn't about politics or power but about love. About three years ago, we met for lunch at one of her favorite Italian restaurants, across the street from the stadium in Chicago that she helped bring to life. My wife was working, and I had no babysitter, so I had my 4-month son… 4- month-old son with me. It was my first time out in public with him by myself without my wife, so I was very, very nervous. But for me, it was also a great opportunity for him to finally meet his Auntie Lori. On the way there, Kas cried and cried and cried. And when we got there, he continued to cry and cry and cry, and I could not get him to stop. I didn't know what I was doing. I was still learning how to be a dad, and I was flustered. But Lori, she scooped him up in one arm, like she had done it a thousand times before, rocked him, and ate calamari with the other hand and calmed him down like only she could. Kastillo knew that he was in good hands that day with Lori, and with Lori, so were we. Chicago was, Illinois was, and now she too is in good hands with her 10400042.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 creator. Lori was a connector across lines of race, class, background, and ideology. Before I even got here, she made sure to broker a relationship between myself and Senator Mattie Hunter, and she did the same thing with me and former Representative Tim Butler. Two different members, from two very different districts, and two very different parties, but that was her gift. She believed in people, not just the positions. To Walt, her partner in life and love, thank you for sharing her with us. To my brother, Ramsey, and Emily, her children; and to her beloved grandbabies Mylo, Oliver, Zoe, and Nora, who knew her simply as 'GLo', you had a front row seat to greatness wrapped in grace. Some of you in this body who had met her may have known her through her Mayor Daley chief of staff days, or her McCormick Place and Navy Pier days, or her Clayco days, or her John Buck days, or maybe through Chicago 2016, the Urban League, Choose Chicago, Loyola Health, or the Civic Consulting Alliance. The settings always changed, the roles always changed, but her brilliance, her work ethic, and her passion, and her grit remained the same. And for those of us who had the opportunity to work with her, folks like Leader Tarver and Leader Delgado, and so many of you, we are better because of her. I have never learned more from or leaned more on someone who wasn't a blood relative in my life. She was a rockstar. I'll miss catching Bears games with her, or meeting up regularly in the South Loop for coffee or a drink, or dinner at our shared favorite restaurant in New Orleans, Restaurant R'evolution, or just being able to call her and to say hello, friend. Thank you, Lori, for being so much to so many for so long. May your rest 10400042.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 be gentle, may your memory be powerful, and may your legacy forever be a blessing."
"Leader Tarver, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A brief point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Leader Buckner, for eloquently summing up someone who was just an absolute giant, not in stature, but certainly in the love that she had for people first, the city and the state. I worked in Mayor Daley's office when she was chief of staff. Each one of those iterations of her career, I remember her. I will say this. The moment that stands out to me is when she announced her name as 'GLo.' We often get so excited with these titles that we have, and the one that really matters are the ones what the children call us. And for her, I said, you know, Lori said, 'It's GLo. It's what the grandbabies call me.' And she was so excited about that. And you think about somebody who's accomplished so much over the course of her career and throughout her life, not only accomplished so much, but overcame so much, and a seminal moment for her was just simply being 'GLo,' being a… excuse me, a grandmother to those grandbabies. So, she will be incredibly missed. I hope that we all take a page out of her book and find ways to reach across the aisle, and not just the aisle, but through all these artificial barriers that separate us in life. She was an absolute giant, although she was small in stature. She is loved. She will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 10400042.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025
"The body will take a moment of silence. Leader Buckner moves for the adoption of House Resolution 322. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the resolution is adopted. Representative La Ha, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I want to take this opportunity, and I'm extremely proud, to welcome the students from Homer Jr. High to the gallery, which they're back there. I'm a proud Homer Mustang myself. Everyone say hi. Representative Sheehan and I are extremely proud to represent Homer Glen, and we just want to take this opportunity to welcome to your Capitol."
"Leader Davidsmeyer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"So, I believe Representative Faver Dias spoke about this a little bit earlier this week, but I want to thank all the nurses on National Nurses Week. Whether you're in an emergency room, you're in a doctor's office, you're working in a long-term care facility, these are the people that keep things going in our society. My wife is a labor and delivery nurse. And so, I want to thank her for all she does. I want people to remember that people think about babies and how happy it is. But the good days are very good, the bad days are very bad. And they take that home… home with them. So, I 10400042.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025 want to celebrate all the nurses this week that do the job that many of us couldn't. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolution. House Resolution 323, offered by Representative Lisa Hernandez."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "Senate Joint Resolution #38, offered by Representative Gabel. RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, May 08, 2025, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 13, 2025, or until the call of the President; and when the House of Representatives adjourns on Friday, May 09, 2025, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 13, 2025, or until the call of the Speaker."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All in favor say 'aye; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 13, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 10400042.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 42nd Legislative Day 5/9/2025
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4051, offered by Representative Friess, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 4052, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 314, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 406, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 637, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 798, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 851, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1274, offered by Representative Deuter, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 1486, offered by Representative Morgan, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 1911, offered by Representative Guzzardi, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 2253, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2426, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. First Reading of these Senate Bills. Introduction of Resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 33, offered by Representative Jacobs, is referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400042.docx 13