Illinois House Floor Debate — February 17, 2026

"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Jannah Sellars. Jannah is with the Inner-City Muslim Action Network in Chicago. Jannah is a guest of Representative Syed. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cellphones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."

"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Leader Smith."

"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10400072.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives Faver Dias, Gordon-Booth, Katz Muhl, Olickal, and Cochran 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 112 Members answering the roll, quorum is present. Mr. Clerk is recognized."

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

"Please proceed."

"Welcome back, Johnathon. Leader Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. I want to take the opportunity today to wish you all a happy Lunar New Year. Today is the first day of the new year according to the lunar calendar. It's a system recognized by a number of East Asian and Southeast Asian cultural traditions. It's known as Spring Festival in China, Tết in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea. It is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac calendar, with its 12… 12-year cycle and a different animal rotating each year. For families that celebrate the Lunar New Year, it's a time of renewal and reunion. It's common for businesses to close and for family members to travel long distances to feast and be with their loved ones during this multi-week holiday season, much like Thanksgiving and Christmas in the Western tradition. This Lunar New Year, the Asian American Legislative Caucus has provided treats, courtesy of Chiu Quon Bakery, with locations in Chicago's 10400072.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Chinatown and Argyle Streets. Happy Lunar New Year, and may everyone enjoy good health, good fortune, peace, prosperity, and success in the Year of the Horse."

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

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, we have some people here visiting this week that I would love to welcome. We have Greg Koeppen from the Lake County Farm Bureau. And also, a reminder to everyone that the Illinois Farm Bureau is having their reception tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln. We have Maureen Reidy from the Lake County tourism, and we have some folks from the Lake County Federation of Teachers. Please help me welcome all of my Lake County friends. Thanks."

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

"Please proceed."

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

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"I would like to make sure that the entire body has the opportunity to congratulate my seatmate and roommate, Margaret Croke, for her birthday today. So, if we could all wish her a happy birthday."

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

"Please proceed." Ortíz: "Thank you. I ask my colleagues to look up to the gallery and join me in a warm welcome to the Illinois School Counselors Association. Their presence today is deeply 10400072.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 meaningful for me. Before I stood in this chamber, I was an educator and a college counselor at Chicago Public Schools. I know firsthand the dedication it takes to sit across from a student in crisis. I know the late nights, the heavy caseloads, and the immense pressure of guiding a young person towards their future. I've lived it myself. And because I've lived it, I know how absurd it is that we expect our school counselor interns to work full time for zero pay. So, I ask my colleagues today to say hello to the school counselors and learn more about House Bill 4360 that creates a stipend program for school counselors. Let's support our school counselors. Let's support our interns and the next generation of students. Let's give them a warm Springfield welcome and some appreciation for being the backbone of our schools. Thank you so much."

"Representative Crawford is recognized on House Resolution 588."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On House Resolution 588, I'd like to direct everyone's attention to the Speaker's Gallery, where we have… where we have individual students from… yes, please rise… where we have students from Leo High School as well as administrators who support them. And they are here today celebrating the 100th anniversary of this storied school. And so, we have a resolution that… HR588, that was adopted on the previous day, but I will read now. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Leo High School on the occasion of its 100th anniversary for providing education to young men on Chicago's South Side; and 10400072.docx 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 WHEREAS, Leo High School opened its doors in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago on September 7, 1926; the school started with more than 120 students and quickly grew its class size and footprint while achieving acclaim for the academic, athletic, and cultural activities of its students and alumni; and WHEREAS, Leo High School has reflected both the opportunities and challenges present in its community and the City of Chicago at large, most notably being resilient in the face of population loss and demographic change, evolving from once having an all-white student body to having a student body that is all-Black and Hispanic today; and WHEREAS, At present, Leo High School has more than 200 enrolled students and features a student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1, ensuring that students and teachers are able to benefit from enhanced student-teacher interactions and a more active learning environment; and WHEREAS, Leo High School offers a college preparatory program and honors curriculum, providing students with a well-rounded education to prepare them for higher education and the workforce, and the school has boasted a 100% graduation rate for over a decade; and WHEREAS, Leo High School possesses a strong tradition of providing extracurricular activities for students to develop experiences and opportunities in leadership, teamwork, time management, and networking; and WHEREAS, Leo High School has a proud athletic tradition that aims for students to develop character and discipline in addition to sporting skills, which has helped its teams, the 10400072.docx 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Lions, to compete in more than 60 championships, earning titles in track and field, football, and basketball; and WHEREAS, Leo High School further has talented men… a talented men's choir, which gained national recognition while competing and being named a finalist on the competition… on the competition show America's Got Talent in 2025, and the choir has been further honored… has further honored the school through performances at celebrations honoring Pope Leo, a Chicago area native, the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and as part of the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs; and WHEREAS, Leo High School leads its students with the motto "Facta Non Verba", or "deeds, not words", as it prepares young men to lead lives of integrity, purpose, and service from the classroom to the community and through their futures; and WHEREAS, Beginning in December 2025, Leo will celebrate its centenary under the theme, "One Century, One Brotherhood, One Leo", featuring a variety of events continuing through 2026, including the Leo Lion Legacy Scholarship Benefit and Christmas Concert, the Black History Month celebration, various alumni celebrations, and a centennial block party and time capsule; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HUNDRED AND FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Leo High School on achieving its 100th anniversary, providing a century of distinguished service and dedication to the education of young men on Chicago's South Side, and we thank the high school for its continued 10400072.docx 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 resilience and unwavering commitment to this mission; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to the Leo High School President Dan McGrath and Principal Shaka Rawls as a symbol of our esteem and respect. Please give these wonderful young men a Springfield welcome."

"Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."

"Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 671, offered by Speaker Welch."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today with a very heavy heart. I rise this afternoon to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., who passed early this morning at the age of 84. But it is also with a profound sense of gratitude that I join people of the world over in celebrating his amazing career in pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all. And it is entirely fitting that we honor Reverend Jackson's life and legacy during Black History Month because through a ministry and a mission that spanned seven decades of service, Reverend Jackson wrote a monumental chapter in Black history. And he showed how Illinois history, American history, and world history are built on Black history. His work alongside Dr. King highlighted the urgent need for civil rights. Civil rights lifted us all, didn't hurt anyone. Civil rights lifted 10400072.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 us all, with Operation Breadbasket and the Poor People's Campaign demonstrating the extraordinary power that ordinary people can leverage when we stand united. It was Reverend King who told me that diversity is our strength but our power comes from our unity. His leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition expanded opportunity by demanding fairer lending practices, greater ballot access, and diversity on corporate boards, work my colleagues and I have continued right here on this floor. His voice of moral clarity was heard across the globe from Cuba to Kenya, Mr. Speaker, from Belfast to Belgrade to end conflicts, to protect human rights, and to inspire change rooted in the common bonds of humanity. And his… his historic speech before the 1984 Democratic National Convention showed me and millions of young people like me that I am somebody. I am somebody. I became somebody because he told me that I was somebody. As Speaker, I honor Reverend Jackson here today. I had the honor of having several opportunities to receive Reverend Jackson's counsel. I was forfeited… fortified, fortified by his wisdom and guidance. I was uplifted by his prayers. We were also so blessed to have had his legendary figure right here in Illinois. We are thankful that he made Chicago his home to be able to know and engage with someone who was a legend in his own lifetime and whose life and work has been a bridge from our history to our future. And as we mourn the loss, we are simultaneously empowered by his legacy of showing people their great power. He reminded us all that our vote is our power. There is power in our vote. Vote. Vote. Vote. If you want to live the legacy of Dr. Jackson… Reverend Jackson, vote. I look forward to 10400072.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 hearing from my colleagues' stories here today, memories and tributes this afternoon. I ask for the adoption of House Resolution 671. And upon its adoption, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the body observe a moment of silence and reflection in honor of the life and work of Reverend Jesse Jackson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Representative Ammons is recognized."

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of House Resolution 671. I want to lift the legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. As a child of Rainbow PUSH, I've sat in meetings with Reverend Jackson as he told corporate CEOs that they would make room for minority vendors, specifically African American vendors in the City of Chicago. I remember him saying that Home Run Inn pizza would be on American Airlines. I was blessed to be in that meeting. I was in a meeting with Reverend Jackson as he prepared to go to the Korean Peninsula. He went to the Korean Peninsula on a tour called Give Peace a Chance. And I want to lift a few of those words because they are extraordinarily important right now. He went there to speak on the issue of militarism. Reverend Jackson was not just a civil rights leader in the United States, he was a world leader for peace. Reverend Jackson mentioned to those who were in Korea at the time that it was more important for us to turn this crises into an opportunity for a new zone of peace. He mentioned that it was important for us not to ignore the treaties that we had signed to bring peace to the regions. The roar of peace, he said, on the 10400072.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 peninsula was more important than us benefiting from the tragedies that war causes. Hope, he said, was the unifying message that he wanted to leave on the Korean Peninsula. I believe that is the message he is leaving for us today, that we cannot lead the nation with war, that we must bring peace to the table. Hope, he said, during that summit, was to resolve military tensions between two sides and open a path toward an exchange and cooperation that leads to unification. He lifted a scripture in that message from the prophet Isaiah, who admonished us to beat our swords into plowshares and turn our swords into pruning hooks, to turn our weapons of mass destruction and killing into systems of development and healing. Reverend Jackson never lost the vision of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I walked across it with him. It was the same message. He knew that we needed to have peace as our guiding principle if we were going to have equity in our communities. This opportunity cannot be squandered. We have to remember the legacy of Reverend Jackson as he transitions from this earthly plain to our ancestral plain. He doesn't die. His message lives as long as we keep it alive. Let me close by saying many of the things that we are experiencing in today's world could be, could be addressed if we decided to give hope a chance, to globalize hope and democracy, and to lead with human rights as we proceed in our efforts to pass legislation out of this House. Let us remember the work that he has done, let us remember his sacrifice, and let us not forget his family's sacrifice as they lose their father, their brother, their husband, their grandfather, and all of the relationships that are connected to Reverend Jesse L. 10400072.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Jackson. As I close, I'll say that the last time I saw him, he referred to me as 'that little girl from Champaign.' Reverend Jackson told me, 'Never forget why you are doing what you are doing. You are giving voice to those people who are voiceless.' And virtually every single movement requires people to do exactly the same thing. He said, 'I am not special. I am just willing to do the work.' May the creator be pleased with Reverend Jackson and his service, and may we be the benefactors of his life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Leader West is recognized on House Resolution 671."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of this House. Today we honor the man whose voice shook the conscience of America. The Reverend Jesse Jackson did not simply preach sermons, he preached possibility. He stood in pulpits and on picket lines. He prayed in sanctuaries and protested in streets. He reminded this nation that faith without work is dead and justice without courage is delayed. He understood something that I hold deeply in my own walk, that the gospel is not confined to Sunday morning. It must show up wherever people are hurting and hoping at the same time. He dared to believe that those on the margins belonged in the center of the conversation. He taught us to keep hope alive, not as a slogan but as a discipline. Hope when the doors were closed, when the votes… the votes weren't there, and when the odds seemed impossible. And as someone who serves both in the pulpit and in public office, I understand how heavy that calling can be, to speak truth with compassion, to challenge systems without losing your soul, and to fight for people and still love those people 10400072.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 at the same time. Reverend Jackson showed us that faith can move policy and that moral conviction can shape a nation. His life reminds us that the progress does not happen by accident. It happens because someone is willing to stand to speak and to sacrifice. Today we honor not just the man but a movement of courage, coalition, and conviction. May we carry forward that sacred responsibility to lift voices, to expand opportunity, and, yes, to keep hope alive. Thank you so much."

"Representative Morris is recognized on House Resolution 671."

"Thank you. To the resolution. Reverend Jesse Jackson, a trailblazer, a man of courage, a man who stood on the front lines fighting for the marginalized and the overlooked. Giving up would have been easy, but he would not. He could not. His unwavering determination to pursue justice and opportunity motivated him no matter the obstacle. He was a true giant, a leader of courage, compassion, a believer in the power of nonviolent change. His legacy will never end. It lives on not just in Chicago, not just in this country but across the world. Thank you, Reverend Jackson. And now, more than ever, we must pick up that torch. We must fight for those often left behind. We must make sure your life works never in vain. Hope, justice, and equality and preservation. That's the Jesse Jackson way. Thank you."

"Representative Ford is recognized on House Resolution 671."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of House Resolution 671, in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the resolution. I remember teaching and 10400072.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 growing up reading about Reverend Jesse Jackson and then having an opportunity to see the figure in real life. That's special. And so, I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, a giant not only in Chicago but also in the movement for civil rights, human rights, and justice across the nation and around the world. While we knew that he had been battling with illness, we also hoped that his powerful voice and presence would stay with us longer. Reverend Jesse Jackson was more than a leader. He was a builder of movements and a sanctuary for freedom fighters. At Operation PUSH, he provided activists, organizers, and everyday people with a home, a headquarters where we could gather, strategize, and plan how to fight injustice and break down barriers facing our communities. He created a place where hope was turned into action. He also understood the power of communication. Through his radio platform, he gave voice to struggles when many institutions refused to listen. He amplified the stories of those who were ignored, oppressed, and marginalized, ensuring the world heard the truth about injustice and the call for change. Reverend Jackson understood the realities of inequity and inequality, and the caste system, like systems that divide our society, and he was fearless in confronting them. He was a progressive force, tirelessly pushing for equity and opportunity regardless of your skin color, background, or economic status. Through his leadership with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he demonstrated that diversity, Mr. Speaker, as you say, is our strength and justice requires unity across communities. For many of us, Reverend Jesse Jackson was one global leader we knew would 10400072.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 stand with us, whether it was injustice around the world or right here in our community. He was that man that if you were in a fight, like you would say, 'I'm going to get my big brother,' you say, 'I'm going to call Jesse Jackson.' Whether in Chicago or in our neighborhoods or on the world stage, he showed us the way. He demonstrated the courage, conviction, and faith in action. And I'm personally grateful for his leadership and membership because he helped shape a generation of advocates who continue to fight today. He dedicated his life to uplifting the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalized. He taught us to keep hope alive, to believe that ordinary people could accomplish extraordinary things, and to never accept injustice as permanent. His leadership helped us open doors that had long been closed, and his courage inspired generations to demand dignity and equality. And I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Ms. Jackson and his children and his entire family. Their strength and ongoing commitment to service are a part of his lasting legacy. Through Reverend Jesse Jackson, we know he's no longer here with us in body, his spirit work and his message will live with us forever. The greatest contribution and tribute that we can give to him today, moving forward, is to make sure that we register to vote and vote on election day moving forward. Thank you, Reverend Jesse Jackson. And I want to send my condolences once again to his family. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the resolution."

"Representative Mayfield is recognized on House Resolution 671." 10400072.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026

"Thank you so much. Thank you, Speaker, for this resolution. It is very timely, very much needed. I had the honor of actually marching with Jesse Jackson Sr. in my… in North Chicago after a police-involved homicide. When I tell you that his name galvanized 10,000 people in the streets of North Chicago marching for justice in peaceful demonstration, it was just amazing what this one man could do within a community. There was a lot of violence, volatile actions, a lot of emotions that were running amok at this particular time. And this one man was able to, you know, just get… calm everyone down, say, 'We're going to do this, but we're going to do it respectfully, and we are going to do this peacefully. We're going to get your message across, but we're going to get it across in a manner that will get you the results that you need.' And he absolutely did that. He got justice for the family. He made changes within the police system, within the city of North Chicago. He actually made a difference. And I was so proud to have been there with him during this entire process. And it was a… it didn't happen overnight, but he was there every step of the way with the family, with the city, with the community. He didn't take a position one way or the other. He said, 'We are going to resolve this. We are going to mediate this.' And the fact that he had so much respect in this particular community that he could come in and say, 'No, you're not going to be violent. No, you are not going to be disrespectful. We are going to do this, and we are going to do this in a dignified manner,' it meant so much. And people are still talking about that to this day. That talks about the type of man that he really, truly was, and I was just so 10400072.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 honored to have been there with him. When we talk about Jesse, we have to go back to 1984, when he was the first Black man to run for president. He opened that door for Barack Obama. We cannot forget that. He opened the door for individuals such as myself and so many others that have run for office because everyone said that a Black man could never be president. And Jesse Jackson said, 'Oh, yes, you can. You can be anything that you put your mind to.' And we just have to acknowledge who this man truly is and everything that he has given. When we talk about Operation PUSH, when we talk about the voter registration drives, they really made a difference. He was transformational in our communities. So, again, Speaker, thank you so much for honoring this great man, and my heart and condolences go out to his family. Thank you."

"Representative du Buclet is recognized on House Resolution 671." du Buclet: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I think about Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., I think about courage, I think about conviction, and I think about a voice that refused to be silenced. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, his presence was not just abstract. It was real. It was visible. It was powerful. Reverend Jackson taught a generation of us that our voices matter, that our votes matter, and that our lives matter. And perhaps, most importantly, he reminded me and everyone around me that I am somebody. Those three words were not just a chant. They were a declaration, a shield against doubt, and a call to purpose. Reverend Jackson influenced me because he modeled what looks like… what it looks like to turn faith into action and advocacy into policy. 10400072.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 He pushed us to demand fairness in the political process, equity in our institutions, and dignity for every community, especially those that are so often overlooked. His legacy is not just in the marches or the speeches. It lives in every young person who believes that they belong. It lives in every leader who stands up for justice, and it lives in those who choose public service not for power but for impact. Because of leaders like Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., I learned early on that leadership is not about position, it's about purpose. And to this day, I carry these words with me: I am somebody, and so are you."

"Leader Lilly is recognized on House Resolution 671."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for bringing… Mr. Speaker, for bringing this resolution forward. Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a giant, he was a brother who understood the pain that existed in communities throughout this country. He stepped forward with courage and love for people to correct some of the wrongs. Today is a sad day. His work is a legacy for all of us to remember. We collectively are in this world together, and he continuously said that and shared his fight for every person who he came to know was wronged. Reverend Jesse Jackson and his family gave us reverend's life. I thank his wife and his children for the sacrifices that they made for him to allow me to say I am somebody, to allow me to understand their hope in this world. And if he was not loved by his family the way he was loved by his family, he could not have done all the things he had done for this country and this world. I stand today to tell you, each and every one of 10400072.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 you, you are his legacy as well. Our work that we do here in this General Assembly represents the courage, the commitment, the love, and the dedication to justice and equality. God bless us all, and we will miss you, my brother, Jesse. God bless you."

"Leader Avelar is recognized on House Resolution 671."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I remember meeting Reverend Jackson in the summer of 2008 when I was a baby organizer with the New Americans Democracy Project, a project that was helping newly naturalized citizens to go out and vote. I remember being in a walk… in a one-week-long training talking about the power of organizing and talking about voting not for parties but for values. And I remember Reverend Jackson coming in and talking about what we've been saying time and time again, which is I am somebody. Reverend Jackson did indeed give voice to the voiceless. But, most importantly, he challenged us to find our voice. He challenged us to say that nobody has to talk about us, for us, that we can also be the ones who liberate our own communities. So, for that, I will always, always be very thankful because, as people said, we are somebody. And needless to say, the summer of 2008, I embarked on a journey that truly, honestly led me to this, to where I'm at right now. We know that November of 2008 for many of us was a life-changing moment. It was a history- making moment, and I am so glad to have been part of that. Reverend Jackson didn't just speak about justice, he organized it, demanded it, and lived it. He taught us that our voice mattered, that everyday people hold power, and that 10400072.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 dignity is not something to… to be requested, it is something to be claimed. Reverend Jackson leaves behind more than history. He leaves behind a call to action. His legacy lives on every time somebody stands up for their neighbor, challenges injustice, or dares to believe that a better world is possible. And it is now our responsibility to carry that legacy forward. Thank you."

"Representative Norma Hernandez is recognized on House Resolution 671." Hernandez, N.: "Thank you. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Hernandez, N.: "Today, as we mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a giant in the fight for civil rights, liberation, and justice, Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to expanding opportunity and making sure communities too often pushed to the margins had a voice at the table. Because of his leadership, doors opened for so many of us who never saw ourselves reflected in positions of power. He showed generations that our voices matter and that our communities deserve dignity, respect, and representation. For Latino communities, he was not just an ally but a true partner in the struggle, standing with us in moments of solidarity that mattered most and reminding us that our fights for justice are interconnected. His life's work helped create the space for leaders like myself to speak boldly on the issues affecting our communities and to serve with pride. As we honor his legacy, may he… may we recommit ourselves to the work he spent his life advancing, building a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity for all. And may he rest in power, 10400072.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 and may his legacy continue to guide us forward as we go on through this year in a difficult moment."

"Leader Buckner is recognized on House Resolution 671."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker Welch, thank you for bringing this resolution to the floor. I want to join the rest of my colleagues today in honoring a giant, a preacher with a poet's tongue, a builder with a movement in his hands, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. If any of you, and I know all of you have, ever heard Reverend Jackson speak, really heard him speak, you know this, that Reverend Jackson had a rare gift. He never just delivered a speech. He weaved a story. He took the complicated and made it clear. He took pain, and he gave it purpose. He could take a crowd that was scattered and somehow gather it into one single heartbeat. He could rhyme truth in a way that helped us all remember it. He could place words on a cadence and make justice feel just close enough to touch. He could take a message and make it portable so it could travel from a pulpit to a picket line, from a classroom to a kitchen table, from one generation to the next. On more than one occasion, Reverend Jackson offered me advice when I was facing tough decisions playing out in public. Sometimes, I called him because I knew I needed it, and other times, truth be told, I did not know I needed it, and he called me. We had a number of conversations, including in 2021, when this body was readying itself to make Representative Chris Welch, Speaker Chris Welch. And Reverend Jackson was not shy about calling my cellphone right here on this floor to tell me when he thought I was making the wrong 10400072.docx 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 decision. That's the kind of leader that he was, not just a voice to the nation but a shepherd for people. Many folks don't know this, but Reverend Jackson first came to this state in the summer of 1959 as a football recruit at the University of Illinois. In that era, breaking barriers wasn't a slogan, it was a daily assignment. And when I think about that, I think about how history moves, how somebody absorbs the pressure so someone else can walk freer, somebody breaks the trail so someone else can run it. And because of him, I can stand here today. Reverend Jackson also stands in the proud tradition of brotherhood and service as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, a fraternal bond that he shared with myself, Leader Tarver, and Chief of Staff Harris, a fraternity that teaches us that scholarship means something, that service means something, that uplift means something. It teaches us that talent is not just for applause, but it's for impact. And impact is what he has given this nation. When Reverend Jackson gave the country his Rainbow Coalition, he didn't just offer political strategy, he offered America a moral picture of herself. He reminded us that we are stronger when we refuse to leave people behind and that dignity cannot be rationed, that justice cannot be selective. He showed us in this country how to build a coalition big enough to hold working families, struggling communities, immigrants, students, seniors, people from every single walk of life under one banner of hope. And make no mistake, that coalition, that leadership helped lay out the path for a new generation of leaders, leaders who would later prove that you can win statewide, you can win nationally, you can lead with purpose 10400072.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 while representing a diverse constituency. In so many ways, that Rainbow Coalition was a precursor to the coalition politics that carried Barack Obama and opened doors for many elected members of this country and many in this very body. So, no, Reverend Jackson did not just have a front-row seat to history, he helped move history. He moved it with the power of his faith. He moved it with the strength of his organizing. He moved it with the brilliance of his words, big brain, big spirit, big courage, and a voice that made America listen. He didn't just preach to America, he pulled America forward. And we are all better and braver because he did. I'll close on a personal note. My son has been doing Instagram and TikTok videos for Black History Month this year, and if you've seen them, you know they're funny, and they're cute, in a way that only a 4-year-old can muster: pure joy, pure curiosity, and no script. And just last week, he told me that he wanted to honor Reverend Jackson. So, we did a video together, and I asked him, like any other father would, 'Son, who is Jesse Louis Jackson to you?' And he didn't hesitate. He looked at me and said, 'He is a freedom fighter.' He is a freedom fighter. That's the kind of truth a child can say when a life has spoken loud enough to reach across generations. I sent that video to Reverend Jackson's sons, Jonathan and Yusef, and they made sure that the Reverend saw it. And I have to tell you, whatever titles I hold, whatever headlines come and go, I will always be proud that my little boy got a chance to give Reverend Jackson his flowers while he could still smell them because that's what Reverend Jackson had… has done for so many of us. He's kept the meaning of freedom alive in our 10400072.docx 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 own language, in our work, and in our hearts. So, today we honor Reverend Jesse Jackson with gratitude, with reverence. We honor him for the bridge he has built between the sacred and the civic. We honor him for teaching us that a sentence can be a sermon and a sermon can spark a movement. And when we leave this moment, let us do more than applaud his legacy. Let us protect it in our speech, in our service, in our choices when no one is clapping. Because Reverend Jackson taught this nation a lot. But if he taught us anything, it's that hope is not a feeling. It's a discipline. It's a decision. It's a practice. So, let's continue to choose it. Let's keep passing it on. And in his words, 'Let's keep hope alive.'"

"Speaker Welch to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Members, for sharing those words this morning. Reverend Jackson died this morning, and as any good Alpha knows, he ended an Omega chapter. But we also know that today his life didn't end because his life and legacy will live on for generations to come through all of us. Our prayers go out to Mrs. Jackson, to Yusef, Jonathan, Jesse Jr., Santita, Jacqueline, and Ashley, and the entire Jackson family. Today Illinois lost a titan. But that titan would say one thing to all of us today, 'Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive.' After a moment of silence, I ask for your support in honor of House Resolution 671."

"The body will observe a moment of silence. Speaker Welch moves for the adoption of House Resolution 674. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed… apologize. Speaker 10400072.docx 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Welch moves for the adoption of House Resolution 671. 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. Leader Gabel is recognized on House Resolution 672."

"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This resolution is in response to… to Leader Windhorst's request a few weeks ago about parliamentary procedure. So, we reviewed the… the rules, and we've made a… we made some comments in the rules to clarify that the… that make it consistent with… with our rules, the Robert's Rules of Order, and most of all, the customs and traditions of joint sessions. So, this is just a clarification of… of the rules."

"Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"That's correct."

"So, Robert's Rules directs that it should be customs and traditions."

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of House Resolution 672. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the resolution is adopted. Representative Slaughter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Good afternoon, and thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we honored our great leader, Reverend Jackson, I also stand to say Happy Black History Month. Happy Black History Month. Happy Black History Month. We are very, very, very excited this year as we celebrate 100 years. That's right, 100 years of celebrating Black History Month. This is our centennial year. Anyone who's done any significant research on this will know our great state is actually the birthplace of celebrating Black History Month. Black history is American history. It's crucial because it honors the profound, often overlooked contributions and achievements of Black people to not just Illinois, the United States of America but to the entire world. We use this month to highlight untold stories, combat systemic injustices, correct historical narratives, celebrate Black culture and resilience, and promote education, equity, equality, and unity. As our body and Legislatures all over this country prepare to continue to legislate and debate and 10400072.docx 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 discuss energy and data centers and artificial intelligence, I want to take a moment to lift up one of the world's great innovators, Dr. David Harold Blackwell. I know many of you are on social media. His name is trending pretty hard right now. I definitely suggest that you Google his name after this. He was a pioneering American mathematician and statistician whose fundamental work in probability, game theory, and information theory laid the groundwork for modern artificial intelligence. Often referred to as the forefather or Black godfather of AI in recent retrospects, his contributions are considered fundamental to how math… to how machines learn, predict, and make decisions. In regards to the foundation, theoretical foundation, Blackwell's research in statistical decision theory and game theory directly influences the algorithms, machine learning models, and AI systems used today. The Rao-Blackwell theorem, co-developed with C.R. Rao, this theorem is a pillar of statistical inference, allowing for the… the improvement of estimators, which is crucial for reducing noise and bias in data, a core challenge in AI development. Ladies and gentlemen, Nvidia… Nvidia developed a chip after him. In 2024, Nvidia honored his legacy by naming their next generation AI GPU architecture Blackwell, which is designed to power large-scale generative AI models. He was a trailblazer in terms of his academic career. Blackwell was the first Black scholar to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences and the first Black tenured professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He was later awarded the National Medal of Science in 2012. Overcoming discrimination, despite earning his PhD by the age of 22, I 10400072.docx 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 believe he went to college at age 16, despite earning his PhD by age 22, he faced racial discrimination that barred him from top-tier research institutions, leading him to a distinguished career at Howard University and later UC Berkeley. While other… while other figures such as Geoff Hinton, and often termed the 'Godfathers of… of AI' for their work on neural networks, Dr. David Blackwell is recognized for establishing the essential mathematical framework that makes modern computing in AI possible. I wanted to… to highlight Dr. Blackwell because, yes, this is about Black history, but it's also about our future. We are now fully immersed into the 21st century, aka, the digital era. But now, as we push into the AI era, 2026 to 2050, and as AI takes over the world, countries are expected to invest billions and even trillions over the next 10 years into artificial intelligence. As certain individuals and entities and companies capitalize off these inventions, and, ladies and gentlemen, we're… we're talking about public equity, private equity, whatever it is, we're talking about millions and billions in profits, I have to ask the question, will the little boy growing up in Representative Davis' district, in Rep. Smith's district, in Representative Williams' district, will they even know who Dr. Blackwell is? Will that go into the history book? The little girl growing up in Representative Ammons' district on the North Side of Champaign, the little girl growing up in Representative Gordon-Booth's district on the North Side of Peoria or East St. Louis, will she know about the accomplishments and the achievements of Dr. Blackwell? You see, it's important, and it's a duty and a 10400072.docx 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 responsibility to tell our story, not just to highlight the past but to be a beacon of inspiration for the future. These are our stories that motivate us. These are the stories that help us persevere. If I've said it once, I've said it again. Black history is American history. And, yes, Black history is world history, and it greatly impacts our world's future. On behalf of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I want to say February is not just about a celebration, it's also a rallying cry for collaboration. You've heard me say this before. It's 2026, Black communities all across our state are still disproportionately impacted by every social determinant of health. To address these disparities, we go further together, we go further recognizing fairness, we go further lifting up equality and equity. Thank you for listening, thank you for engaging, and we look forward to the work ahead."

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

"Point of…"

"For what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I'd like to acknowledge my colleague's message there for Black History Month, and I look forward to celebrating it with all of you as well, this month of February, and keep up those stories because they are so important. I rise today as a co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators because we have some great news to celebrate. With us in the chamber, in the gallery are some of our recipients for our 2026 W.I.S.E. Scholarship. Our 10400072.docx 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 extraordinary group of women come from a diverse background. Most of them are first-generation college students, working mothers, community leaders, educators in training, and advocates for justice and each has overcome unique challenges in their journey to continue their education and contribute to their communities. And so, if you'll join me, I'd like to ask them to rise in the back there. Please rise, women. Thank you. We have Brittany Nykiel, Wandreeka McBride, Alexa Honeywood, Devon Freitag, and Heather Canuel, along with five other women that could not join us today: Gabriela Cervantes, Lea Limon, Kim Thompson, Yoselin Rico, and Michelle Cisneros. And so, I just want to take a moment to congratulate them for being here. We will be celebrating them tonight at the State Library across the street for our annual membership meeting. I hope you all can join us. But thank you, and well done, ladies."

"Congratulations, and welcome to Springfield. Representative Harper, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

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

"Please proceed."

"Thank you. I am so excited to welcome Dion's Chicago Dream to their State Capitol today. Dion's Chicago Dream is a nonprofit founded by Englewood native Dion Dawson. As the chief dreamer, Dion has taken his experience with human hardship and worked tirelessly to work to make sure that every person knows their worth. Through programs like the Dream Vault and Dream Deliveries, Dion's Chicago Dream makes sure that countless people across Chicago have food. DCD 10400072.docx 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 participates in food equity advocacy and supports nutrition initiatives all around the state. Dion Dawson was also recently named to the Crain's 40 Under 40 list for his accomplishments leading to Dion's Chicago Dream. They are here today in the Speaker's Gallery accepting their resolution, commending their hard work, and advocating for charitable food systems. Thank you, Dion. Thank you, Dion's Chicago Dream, and thank you all for your hard work."

"Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement."

"Democrats will not caucus. Republicans will caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the… in the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, at the hour of 11:30 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 10400072.docx 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 72nd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 say 'nay.' The opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."