Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 25, 2023

SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance) PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) WGEM requests permission to record video. Leave is granted. WAND TV seeks permission to record video. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. We will be doing 3rd Readings, thank 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 you. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are on the Order of 3rd Reading. The Order of 3rd Reading. On page 8, House Bill 2782. Blueroomstream.com seek permission to video. Leave is granted. On the Order of 3rd Reading is Senator Villivalam, House Bill 2782. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.

Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2782, as amended, is an initiative of the Illinois State Treasurer. It amends the (Illinois) Sustainable Investing Act to require investment managers prior to their selection as a fiduciary to a public body or public pension system to disclose to that body or system how they integrate sustainability factors into their investment decision-making. I know of no opposition. I would ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you rise?

So, the reason for these changes that it strengthens public investments. It improves evaluation of investment managers. It promotes transparency and accountability. It -- it provides for a duty of care, consideration. And that's -- that's the reasons that these -- this legislation has been introduced in -- as an initiative of -- of the State Treasurer. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Plummer.

So, first, again, just to clarify, these are -- these are additional factors to be brought to the attention of the investors as tools for them to consider as they're making their investment decisions. Secondly, I would -- I would say that the -- the -- the few points that you made, you're kind of cherry picking some of the sustainability factors that are included. So, I'm just going to read off the full list. Corporate governance and leadership, independence of board members and auditors, transparency and reporting, shareholder rights, ethical conduct, business model and innovation, supply chain management, business model, resilience, product design and physical impacts of climate change. There's so many different factors here that are considered sustainability factors. So, it's not just human capital, social capital, it's corporate governance and leadership. Its business model and innovation. And again, these are tools, additional tools in the toolbox for investors to consider as they're making their investment decisions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Plummer.

I believe having more factors to consider as part of the tools in the toolbox as they -- as folks make investments for the funds that exist is -- and the ones that are listed is appropriate. And I think that's what the Illinois State Treasurer has found in his -- his experience, and that's why they brought this legislation forward. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Plummer.

Again, I -- Senator, I would -- I would refer to you the fact that it's one of the disclosures that has to be made as part 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 of a complete package of factors that are being considered for the investments that are -- that are being looked at. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Plummer. Thank you, Senator, to the bill.

Thank you, Madam President. Unfortunately, I could not disagree more with the previous speaker. This legislation simply requires these bodies to disclose to the systems on how they're integrating sustainability factors into their investment decision making, disclosure, prior to their selection. The sustainability factors include corporate governance and leadership, which also means transparency and reporting, shareholder rights, ethical conduct. Yes, it includes environment -- environmental factors, which also include hazardous materials management, human capital. 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 It includes responsible bidder policies, employee health and safety, social capital, data security was included in social capital, business model and innovation supply chain management as I mentioned earlier, these are sustainability factors that would require the system -- would require them to disclose that. And it doesn't even mention the fact that there are still the traditional factors that are being considered, which include stability of organization, team strategy, investment process, fees, risk adjustment returns, performance and performance track record. Again, this is about disclosure, transparency and accountability. This is about having more factors looked at so we can make the best investments possible for those funds. I know of no opposition. I would ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 2782 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 35 voting Yea, 19 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2782, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Okay. Proceeding on to Senate Bill 2485, Senator Loughran Cappel. 2845, Senator Loughran Cappel. The lady indicates she's ready to present. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. House Bill 2845. Mr. Secretary, please read the Lady's bill.

Thank you, Madam President. This bill adds to the definition of public works under the Prevailing Wage Act, the removal, hauling and transportation of biosolids, lime sludge and lime residue from a water treatment plant or facility, and the disposal of biosolids, lime sludge and lime residue removed from a water treatment plant or facility at a -- at landfill. I'm open to any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Loughran Cappel.

I'd like to pull this from the record. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. The record will reflect. Mr. Secretary, please remove this Senate -- House Bill 2845 from the record. Capitol News, Illinois seek permission to photo record. Leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your attention to the Calendar on page 8. Continuing on with House Bill 2-3-0-0. 2300, Senator Castro. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

House Bill 2300, as amended, expands the Illinois Works Job Program Act. The bill expands the Program that qualifies to also include the Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, or the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, in addition to 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Illinois Works Preapprenticeship Program. Additionally, House Bill 2300 restructures the qualifying programs to include not only State funded works projects, but also public works projects, in general. Furthermore, the bill increases the goal of the Illinois Works Preapprenticeship Program by requiring that at least 50 percent of the labor hours of each prevailing wage classification must be performed by graduates of the program, which is currently at 10 percent. Additionally, the bill adds lack of graduates of the Program, to the list of exemptions the Department may consider, in awarding a waiver of the goal requirement. The bill adds that a contractor or subcontractor must put in their certification, the Department, and administrating agency, if they did not comply with labor hour goals and did not receive a reduction or waiver. Lastly, the bill provides that in the event that a contractor or subcontractor has intentionally failed to comply with Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, the Agency may: 1. Terminate the contract or agreement: 2. Prohibit the violator from participating in public works projects for up to three years: 3. Charge a penalty of up to 25 percent if -- of -- of the contract or: 4. A combination of these actions. We heard this in Senate Executive Committee, and it passed out unanimously. I ask for its support. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise.

To the bill, Madam. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.

I'd like to thank the sponsor of this legislation. This is a great bill. Our communities need it greatly, drastically, we're desperate for this bill. Let's vote Aye. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Castro -- Senator Preston, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.

This is a great bill. This is a bill that actually changed my life. I was on a trajectory coming from a notoriously -- notorious community on the south side of Chicago, where I didn't 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 see many opportunities to become entrepreneurial, to become productive, productive member of society. But I did get into an apprenticeship. The carpenter's apprenticeship, and that set me down a path that would ultimately lead me to this moment to be able to pick this mic up and actually champion this type of program that's going to help young people, young women and young men all throughout the State of Illinois, but particularly in my district. So, I want to thank the sponsor for bringing this legislation. And I pray that all of us vote Aye on this unanimously because it's good for the entire State. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?

Great question, Senator. Yes, there is a waiver that is built into the legislation for that purpose. Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy. 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Well, I thank -- I thank everyone for the support. I also want to thank my colleagues, not only in this Chamber, Madam President, as well as, you know, Senator Fowler and others who are on Illinois Works. This is something that we've all been working on. So, I appreciate the robust support and I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 The question is, shall House Bill 2300 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Yea, 5 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2300, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on Assignments, please come to the Senate's front room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. President Harmon, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR HARMON) Leader Lightford, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and speak to it on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 579 creates the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange, creating a State-based marketplace for the State of Illinois. It will allow for the expansion of State based health care options and allow for better coordination with the Department of Health and Family Services and the Department of Insurance. It will be operating on the federal platform for plan year 2025, on an interim basis, and then would transition to a full State-based insurance marketplace, in plan year 26. It will have an Advisory Committee that is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. It will have its - a Director also appointed. It will be funded through assessments to carriers on the exchange at 2.75 the -- the current federal based exchange payment with a cap of 3.5 percent. And with that, I'd open for any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Senator. It will serve us all populations that are currently served on the marketplace. It will also allow for the expansion of, for example, a basic health care option, which would be a lower cost option, modeled after the Medicaid plan, for example, targeting lower income families that aren't otherwise able to afford the current offerings on the federal marketplace. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

It would be a commensurate with the ACA and just offer some additional models, different variations. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 It would be similar. It would just expand it to some populations that currently aren't able to afford coverage on the federal model. So, it would offer the ACA federal assistance programs and it would offer -- it could, I mean, there's a variety of different things you could do. But one option would be to offer a basic health plan model similar to the Medicaid program offering that model would receive federal funding, so we could use that funding to help offset some of the premium costs for lower income families. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

Basic is just the nomenclature given it, it doesn't indicate 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 the scope of benefits. So, in the example that I'm talking about, it would be Medicaid coverage with -- through the Medicaid network, but being -- be able to offer to individuals who would pay a premium for it so they wouldn't be Medicaid eligible, they'd pay a premium for it, but it would be a lower cost premium than what they could otherwise get on the exchange. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

There would be no federal match in the sense that it is under the existing Medicaid program. But there is some federal funding available for states who want to offer this kind of an option on the exchange. So, we would get some federal support for it, although it would be different than the way it works under the Medicaid program. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

Senator, I think when you're referring to a $1 level premium, that's not the -- that's not the premium, that's the net to the insured with the federal subsidy. So, this would be similar in -- in effect, but it would be handled in a different way. So, there's qualification requirements to get the federal subsidy, as -- as you're very familiar with. And this would -- not every individual will qualify for that. And so, this would be an option that would be a lower cost premium because of the way the Medicaid network operates and because of the separate federal funds, you can get to support it, but they wouldn't have to meet the qualifications for a subsidy in order to get the lower rate. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

Well, Senator… I -- I would disagree that it -- it's not necessarily going to be a lower cost to the consumer because while the -- while it might be the same cost that a consumer who qualifies for the federal subsidy could get, it would be a lower cost for those that don't qualify for the federal subsidy. So, I wouldn't say it's going to be exactly the same. With regard to, the -- the scope of the program, and the provider network, you know, there's a lot of flexibility we could do there because it's not governed by the Medicaid rules per se. There's different ways of reimbursement, we could do it with providers. So, there may be opportunities, for example, to package a rate in a way that would equal out to something close to a Medicaid rate but do it in a way that a provider finds more attractive and would be willing to sign up for. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

No. The -- the population might still be eligible for ACA, but take for example, somebody who's -- whose income fluctuates on a month-to-month basis. They may, in some situations, be eligible for the subsidy and then in another month, not be eligible for the subsidy. So, this would be a -- a more stable kind of a program where they wouldn't have to deal with that month-to-month uncertainty, for example. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

Question of the sponsor. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Simmons.

Thank you, Madam President. Does this State-based exchange, is there anything that can help people get enrolled? Do we have any -- anything built into the program or in program rules that will make sure that those that are eligible and that would benefit from being a part of this can find out about it and get easily enrolled? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Gillespie.

Thank you. This -- this remains to be built out. That's why 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 in the first year it'll be on an interim basis still using the federal platform. But there are plans to look at different ways we can support it. We also have funded technical assistance centers that can help with that as well. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Simmons.

Wonderful. Wonderful. And then any -- is there anything in -- in this particular rollout that will give us an opportunity to gauge how this delivery of health care is -- is actually happening for those that are participating? So, in terms of outcomes, all the things that we talk about with other health care programs. So, we have something built in for that? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Gillespie.

We don't have it built in -- built at this point, but it is certainly permissible and flexible enough to do that. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Simmons.

Thank you. To the bill. Madam President, I just want to thank Senator Gillespie for bringing this legislation forward. I think this is a big deal. This is a step in the right direction that with passage of this legislation, Illinois will join several other states and setting up a State based health exchange. I've been certainly a big proponent of expanding health care coverage for those that are not covered in our State. And I think that having the basic option, having a State-based exchange is a dramatic step 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 forward in that direction. So, thank you, Senator Gillespie, for bringing this forward. Thank you to the Department of Insurance for working with Senator Gillespie and all of us on making this a reality. And I look forward to letting my constituents know that we have given them yet another option to enroll in quality health care. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.

Yes. I -- I too, want to thank Senator Gillespie for this. I think this is the -- the right thing for us to do. In fact, it's -- it's really long overdue. We should have had a State-based exchange when they first passed the ACA. Quite frankly, if you think about health care from the point of view of -- of the -- the family or the member, that's -- that's -- that's seeking health care, this makes a lot of sense. There's always two issues in -- in health care. One is the kind of quality of care you're going to get and the other is affordability. This will really create competition for all the private companies that are now in the ACA. And I think it's going to drive quality certainly in that area. Secondly, this provides flexibility and it provides predictability for the families that sometimes have fluctuations of their income. So, I think there's a lot of good things built into this. I think it's the right thing to do, and I commend the sponsor. I ask for an Aye vote. 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Ventura, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.

I raise in support. I also want to thank the -- the sponsor for bringing this. Many of you have heard that I have spoken about health care being a right and it's very problematic for some people to get that health care, especially since we have an insurance run industry. For anyone who has not used the ACA exchange, it can be very difficult, especially to a lay person who doesn't deal with insurance on a regular basis. When they say the devil is in the details, I can guarantee you that getting on that exchange is very detailed indeed, as someone who went into the exchange years ago only to find out that it was not affordable for a single parent of two kids to go on there, I was able to get insurance for my children under my husband, but I then went two years without insurance because it just didn't make any sense from a profitability to risk standpoint. I think a lot of families have had to make these decisions and they're tough decisions to make. So, I also think that it's great that the State is finally moving in this direction so that when they're reading those details and they're considering whether to have cost over care, they can know that the State is going to provide that in a way that is ethical and will be able to pay out on their claims. So, I think this really puts us in a competitive situation to allow health care to those who have 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 historically not had it. So, thank you and I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Gillespie, to close.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank all the Senators for their questions and comments. To address a couple of things that came up. First, I just want to clarify that the advisory council I mentioned is going to be establishing things like the outcome metrics and that kind of reporting. So, there is a framework for doing it, it's just not spelled out exactly what that will be yet. With regard to the multiple options available on the exchange. Yes, there are multiple options and yet we still have hundreds of thousands of Illinois citizens who are not currently covered. So, I think it's never -- it's never a bad idea to offer additional options to try to give people the chance to have coverage. Third, with regard to the flexibility and the fluctuation of income, I just want to remind folks that on the federal exchange right now, you're -- you're -- whether you qualify for the subsidy is a guesstimate when you sign up and is determined when you file your tax return at the end of the year. So, we could be a full year later when you find out you didn't qualify for the subsidy and -- and you have to settle up at that point. So, I -- I -- this is a -- while the ACA has a lot of great things about it. It doesn't -- it doesn't work as well for everybody. And having a State-based exchange is going to help us address those needs for the hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans who do not have coverage. And I really urge an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. The question is, shall House Bill 579 pass. All 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 37 voting Yea, 19 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 579, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Andrew Adams, Capitol News requests permission to video. Excuse me. To photo. Leave is granted. Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News also request permission to photograph. Leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your attention to the Calendar on page 8. On page 8 of the Calendar. House Bill 2370 -- 2395, House Bill 2395, on page 8. Senator Glowiak Hilton. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. She seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2395 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2395. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Yes. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. Senate -- this is House Bill 2395 Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - extends the repeal of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004, the Landscape Architecture Registration Act, Electrologist Licensing Act, and the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act. This is just a bunch of sunsets, all put into one bill, amended with various administrative cleanup. Consolidates the language that was contained in one, two, three, four, five other bills. This went through committee unanimously, and I'm hoping for a favorable roll call. Thank you, Madam. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 2395 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2395, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the bottom of page 8 House Bill 2845, Senator Villa. I'm sorry. That 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 would be Senator Loughran Cappel. House Bill 2845, Senator -- Senator Loughran Cappel wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Madam President. This bill adds to the definition of public works under the Prevailing Wage Act - the removal, hauling, and transportation of biosolids, lime sludge, and lime residue from a water treatment plant or facility, and the disposal of biosolids, lime sludge, and lime residue removed from a water treatment plant or facility at a landfill. This is not an expansion of the Prevailing Wage Act it's merely just codifying the Department of Labor's opinion and three court cases where president -- a precedent has already been set. And I'm open to any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?

While I can appreciate my colleagues' disagreements, I have to respectfully disagree. There are three court cases that show that the transportation of materials to and from the project site must be paid prevailing wage. So, if farmers are contractors using public works and -- and hauling with public money, then they should be under a prevailing wage. So, again, I'm bringing this forward because it's really codifying what the Department of Labor has already written in an opinion. And again, we have statute to back that up. And I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 2845 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, I have 34 voting Yea, 19 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2845, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Supplemental Calendar No. 1 Ladies and Gentlemen has been printed and distributed. We are now going to the Order of Supplemental Calendar 1. Senate Bill 646, Senator Pacione-Zayas. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's motion. 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

I move to concur and I'll explain on 3rd. Oh, thank you. All right. So, Senate Bill 646, as amended, it basically creates the Healing-Centered (Illinois) Task Force so that we can advance our State's efforts to become trauma-informed and healing-centered through improving alignment of our existing efforts, having common definitions, metrics, and strategic planning for long-term transformation. And what this particular amendment does -- it's a technical change that clarifies that Members that participate on the Task Force will serve without compensation. Happy to entertain any questions and I ask for a favorable roll call. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 646. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 46 voting Yea, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 646, having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 66 -- 646 and the bill is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will return to Senate Bills on 3rd Readings at the bottom of page -- top of page 3 on your Calendars, 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 please go to the top of page 3 on your Calendars. Senate Bill 424, Senator Villivalam. Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 424 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 424. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank -- thank you, Madam President. As amended, Senate Bill 424 removes a sunset to a successful program that is for first time nonviolent gun possession. Oh, I will adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thanks, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

I would like to adopt that amendment and explain it on 3rd. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. As amended, Senate Bill 424 removes a sunset to a diversion program for first time nonviolent gun possessions. This legislation has no opposition. It has a broad spectrum of support from gun violence prevention groups, criminal justice reform groups, the Illinois State Attorneys Association, the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs. I would ask for an Aye vote and happy to answer any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise?

So, first, let me note that there is -- there's efforts to collect more data on this. That being said, the information that I've been provided, according to a 21 -- 2021 study by Loyola University of Chicago's Center for Criminal Justice Research Policy and Practice, 93 percent of individuals convicted of firearm possession did not go on to commit violent offenses after -- you know, through this program. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) My apologies, Senator. Senator Villivalam.

Thank you, Madam President. I apologize. And just to -- just -- this is going to be a reoccurring theme. Just to be completely clear, this is at the discretion of the State's Attorneys and Chief Judge of each county in terms of how they see fit to utilize the program and who they see fit should be in the program? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

So, thank you for the clarification. So, there is data that is still being collected on this program. The data point that I referenced, as you alluded to, is -- is something that I wanted to share with the Body to show that the recidivism rates are, you know, 93 percent didn't -- do not go on to commit violent offenses, even for convicted firearm possession situations. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

Thank you, Senator, for the question. So, obviously we have 102 counties in the State of Illinois. 13 counties have States 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Attorneys and Chief Judges that have chosen to opt-in to this program. Again, this is a program in which the Chief Judge and State's Attorneys, State Attorney initiates and Chief Judge agrees. So, regarding your question, electronic monitoring can be a condition of any probation program, including this one. When electronic monitoring is used as a condition of probation, an individual's movement on electronic monitoring is subject to each probation department's policies. And so, again, I would refer you back to the fact that there is -- this is all judicial and prosecutorial discretion. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

As I mentioned before, whichever counties use that program today, they -- they have that ability. And -- and I just want to reiterate, it is a condition -- electronic monitoring is a condition that can be requested by the State's Attorney at the time the Program is offered. The electronic monitoring is also a 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 condition set by a judge. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

Senator, I'm measuring success of the Program, based on the fact that, this Program has been in place for five years. It is completely a opt-in Program. We have 13 counties that have opted- in. The State's Attorney has to initiate this, the Chief Judge has to agree. And oh, by the way, there is a broad coalition of organizations from gun violence prevention groups, to criminal justice reform groups, to the Illinois State Rifle Association to the Illinois State -- State's Attorneys Association, and the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs. Law Enforcement originally was opposed to this Program, and now they are a proponent. So, that's how I'm measuring success. And if I remember correctly, that's how we look at success down here. We rely on stakeholders that are in the field, that are in these programs, and that can give us information and provide positions on the work that we're doing down here. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

Senator, again, as I mentioned before, there is data currently being collected on this Program. There is other data that shows programs like this and in general, recidivism rates data that we can rely on. And again, we're relying on the people that are in this field that are working this Program, and they are supportive of this. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Senator Villivalam.

My apologies, Senator. Can you please repeat the question? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

Thank you, Senator. This -- It's my understanding that this Program applies to Class 4 unlawful use of a weapon and Class 4 aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Not all Class 4 felonies, though. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure, to the bill.

Senator, yes. There are certain ones that do come with mandatory prison sentences. 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.

Thank you, Madam President, and I appreciate the robust debate. I don't -- let me first start off by saying I don't think that it's appropriate or correct to reduce the issue of the -- the gun violence that we've been facing to this one bill. No one is saying here today that this one bill is going to automatically eliminate gun violence. But I will talk to this bill because clearly there's been some remarks referencing other -- other items in the last five years. This legislation is discretionary probation for first time nonviolent gun possession. Let me repeat that. Discretionary probation for first time, nonviolent gun possession. This allows the Chief Judge and the State's Attorney in the county to decide whether someone in a first-time nonviolent gun possession situation should go to a diversion program and be on probation instead of prison. This is, to me, ultimate local control. And I strongly believe that it is because of the broad coalition of support from different stakeholders that were even here. The fact that the Illinois State's Attorneys Association, the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs, gun violence prevention groups, criminal justice reform groups, gun rights groups. Check your 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 analysis. The fact that they're all supporting this legislation, I think speaks to the -- the need for this Program and the need for -- for judges and State's Attorneys to be able to use their discretion on a case-by-case basis. This is not forcing anyone to do something. It's a case-by-case basis to utilize a -- a diversion program and probation instead of prison. I am not going to sit here and unlike the other side, I guess, and act like I know better than all the groups that have listed in support of this legislation. I would just encourage everyone to vote Yes, and I thank you for your time. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Bill 424 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. Yeah, take the record. On that question, 37 voting Yea, 16 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 424, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. WCIA request permission to film and record. Leave is granted. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Purpose of a motion, Madam President. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your purpose, Senator.

I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so House Joint Resolution 23 can be heard in the Senate Executive Committee at 4:30. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Joint Resolution 23 can be heard at 4:30 p.m., today, in the Senate Executive Community {sic} (Committee). All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Point of Announcement - Committee Meetings: the Executive Appointments will be -- will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 212 as -- oh, that's at 4, forgive me. Executive Appointments will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 212 and Executive will meet at 4:30 in Room 212. So, that's Executive Appointments at 4:00 and then Executive at 4:30. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After committees, the Senate will reconvene for further floor action. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/RECONVENES) PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will come to order. Daily line requests permission to video. Leave is granted, to photo, excuse me. Leave is granted. Lee newspaper requests permission to photo and video. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

For an announcement, Madam. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your announcement, Senator.

Madam President, I just have to add better than anyone I ever met. Simply the best. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator, for that message. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your Calendars to the top of page 7. House Bills 3rd Reading, the top of page 7. My apologies, we'll slide down a bit at the bottom of page 7, House Bill 2204. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2204 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2204. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. I move for its adoption. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. As amended, this bill creates the Hydrogen Fuel Replacement Tax Credit Act. The Act would establish a tax credit equal to $1 per kilogram of qualifying hydrogen used by an eligible taxpayer. The credit is increased by $0.15 per kilogram of qualifying hydrogen if it's used by an eligible taxpayer in an equity investment eligible community. Labor performed to convert existing equipment or install new equipment to enable qualifying hydrogen use must use contractors that enter into a project labor agreement as defined by the Illinois Power Agency Act prior to construction. This also amends the -- and limits the total amount of the tax credits to $10 million unless unused credits roll over from the previous year, taxpayers who participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen hub will be prioritized for credits. The credit is eligible for tax years, ending on or after December 31st, 2027, and beginning on or before January 1st of 2029. It also requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a series of studies related to the efficiency of hydrogen power development. The reason 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 this is important is because, as you know, Illinois is applying for one of the hydrogen hubs, and this would bring billions of dollars into the State and really help to - us to decarbonize the industries that are most difficult - that being a heavy industry like steel, steel mills, or heavy transportation. This bill is important if we're serious about decarbonizing our environment, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. For discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?

Just want to thank you both for those comments and I'd appreciate an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 The question is, shall House Bill 2204 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2204, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your Calendars to page 9. Please turn your Calendars to page 9. House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 3551, President Harmon. President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3551 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3551. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you. Madam President, if the paperwork is in order, I would move to adopt the amendment. I believe Senator Sims may also be a sponsor of that amendment, but is away from his desk. But I'd move for the adoption of the amendment if it's permissible by the parliamentarian. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor-- all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3551 is our Bond Authorization Act for the year. We're authorizing an additional 700 million dollars in new bonding, and we are also making a variety of modernizations to the State's various bond Acts. Happy to try to answer any questions you might have. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Mr. President. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise?

I urge an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) As the debt in question, is secured by the full faith and credit of the State of Illinois. It's in the ruling of the Chair that this action falls within the scope of Section 9(b) of Article IX of the Illinois Constitution. And therefore, the passage of this measure will require a 3/5 majority, 36 votes. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 3551 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 37 voting Yea, 19 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3551, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Please turn your Calendars to page 7, page 7, to the middle of page 7. House Bill 2035, Leader Cunningham. Illinois Times requests permission to photo. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill 2030 -- House Bill 2035.

Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2035 is an initiative of the Water Reclamation District of Chicago. It would amend their Pension Code and what it would do is allow medical professionals other than physicians. This would include physicians assistants and nurse practitioners to make certain disability determinations. 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 This is to help streamline the process because of sometime hard to get individuals in front of a doctor. This would allow their evaluations to be made by medical experts other than doctors. I know of no opposition, would appreciate the Chamber's support. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 2035 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Yea, 3 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2035, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Chicago Tribune requests permission to audio, photo, and video. Leave is granted. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senate's front room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. Senator Koehler, in the Chair. President Harmon, in the Chair.

Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

State Journal Register requested permission to record videotape, audiotape, and photos of the proceedings. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Lightford, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 6. Page 6, please, with House Bill 1109, Senator Gillespie. Senator Gillespie indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Gillespie seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1109 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1109. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and speak to it on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Absolutely. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you. House Bill -- Senate Amendment -- House 1 - to House Bill 1109 codifies the existing arrangement where a municipality seeking an extension of a TIF must submit a written support for each taxing body, school district, park district, and community college in order to extend that expiration date. It is -- it has no opponents, and it has Illinois Municipal League, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and the Metropolitan Planning Council in support. Again, it's simply codifying existing practice and ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator DeWitt, 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you. Thank you, Senator DeWitt. And I just ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 1109 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay 0 voting Present. House Bill 1109, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Please turn your Calendars to the top of page 7. House Bill 1204, Mr. President. President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1204 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1204. Mr. Secretary, are there 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. I move to adopt the amendment. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1204 was inspired by a school counselor in my district formerly known as guidance counselors or college guidance counselors, and having just completed our third and final college tour in my household, I was very sympathetic to their plight. This amends the gift ban portion of the School Code to clarify that 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 school counselors, can, in fact, accept costs for travel, lodging, and the like for visiting colleges in State or out of state to help give the best advice to their students. Be happy to answer any questions if you have them. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Mr. President. Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you. I appreciate Chapin Rose, Senator Rose's work on this and I ask you all to join us in voting Aye. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. The question is, shall House Bill 1204 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 1204, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Please turn your Calendars to page 9, the middle of the page. We will hear from Senators Stadelman on House Bill 3445. Senator Stadelman seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3445 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3445. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Yes, of course. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Is there any discussion? Leader Cunningham, is there a discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments to prove for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3445 is the Energy Omnibus Bill. The underlying bill expands the eligibility of schools that can take advantage of solar energy credits. It expands it to higher education, public universities, and community colleges, and not just K through 12 schools. The legislation also establishes an energy policy study requiring the Illinois Power Agency to evaluate potential impacts on several projects that had been introduced, as legislation, this spring. They include utility scale offshore wind projects, energy storage systems, and studying underground transmission line proposals. It also requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to host a series of workshops to look at the planning and delivery of thermal energy networks. Each of these proposals have had questions and concerns this spring, so this is an opportunity to further study this issue 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 and to make sure that we have a neutral third-party entity that will look at these different proposals and report back to the General Assembly and whether they will be accepted or not. Finally, regarding Amendment 3, it includes trailer language to the Commercial Wind and Solar Siting Bill that we approved at the end of last Legislative Session. Basically, after that pass, there was some concerns by the Farm Bureau. The amendment before you includes trailer language that was negotiated between the Renewable Industry and the Farm Bureau, again, to address those concerns. Moving on to Amendment No. 4, it establishes a temporary right of first refusal for incumbent transmission owners in the MISO territory. That's a group that operates the electrical grid, the energy grid in Southern Illinois. In case you're not familiar with right of first refusal, it gives utilities the first opportunity to develop and work on new transmission lines before it theoretically goes to competitive bid. This is an initiative of IBEW and the unions. Their goal - intent is to ensure that work on these transmission lines in Illinois is completed by Illinois workers who are paid the prevailing wage and fair wages. And they work for employees with commitments to equity and diversity standards. Happy to answer any questions? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you rise?

Not in this legislation. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bryant.

I guess the answer is no. There are no imminent projects that we felt like that we needed to change this particular bill to address those requests. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson. 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

I personally have not had conversations with who you mentioned. If there are concerns, more than willing to -- entertain those options. But at a point, we just didn't feel like moving forward on that, didn't feel like that need was there. But I hadn't had a personal conversation more than happy to have those conversations moving forward. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.

Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Cunningham.

Senator Stadelman, for the purposes of legislative intent, can you explain the change to Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act related to the 15 percent RECs per solar at public schools, please? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Stadelman.

Thank you for the question. Under current law, the REC pool solely for solar projects at public school -- schools requires that the project be at the school. With this change, the intent is to allow for projects at the school or on -- on -- or other school property. As is with the case of current law, the property must be owned and controlled by the school. It cannot be leased or sublease to ensure there's a benefit for the school or the school districts. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Cunningham. Senator Stadelman, no further discussion. Would you like to close?

Appreciate the conversation just to address some of the concerns. Always willing and happy to work with lawmakers regarding ethics and what we can do to improve the situation. That's not this legislation. This deals with transmission lines and ability 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 to move clean projects forward. But more than happy to have those conversations. As far as the comment regarding our potential resource adequacy issue, I guess I would not agree with the characterization how we got to this point. A lot of the coal plants and other plants are already set to retire. We're going to be closed for market forces having nothing to do with CEJA. So, there are many different factors and that's why we're having to study to understand adequacy resource and grid reliability moving forward. You know, finally, I think this is -- this is -- this is I just one thing I want to point out. This is an 18-month process. This is an 18-month request for right of first refusal. The debate regarding the advantages, pros and cons of competitive bidding can continue. But for the next 18 months, this will provide certainty to make sure that these clean energy projects can move forward and that the certainty and reliability of our grid can continue. Ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 3445 pass. All those in favor would vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 41 voting Aye, 9 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 3445, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are going to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading on page 9 with House Bill 3817. House Bill 3817. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3817 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3817. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Discussion on the amendment? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3817 includes the 2000 -- Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Implementation Bill. Some of the highlights includes the $200 million transfer to the Pension Stabilization Fund, a $424 million transfer to the (REBUILD) Build Illinois Bond Fund, an 8 percent transfer authority for the governors to -- for -- allow agencies to better manage the fiscal 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 year 24 budgets. A $40 million transfer to compassionate use of Medical Cannabis funds. A fix to the College Insurance Program rate increase to allow for the -- to challenge -- to change the existing formula to address the backlog of bills. The creation of the Fire Station Rehabilitation and Construction Grant Program. The extension of the sunset on the Aim High Program, which includes also an increase and a change in eligibility. The creation of the Smart Start Child Care Program. The creation of the Home Illinois Program, increasing rate - increase for child care workers. The Emergency Rulemaking for DSP workers to allow for a $2.50 cent raise per hour. And remove -- change -- which sets the local government -- Local Government Distributed Fund at 6.47 percent. The exemption of the first 5000 of franchise taxes, raising it from $1000 to $5000. Madam President, but I would also like to point out we had a robust discussion about the bill in committee. So, I want to talk through some of the additions. There is -- the add to the Cannabis 280E and Social Equity Extension. Mechanical and Frost Insulators. Property Tax (Reimbursement) Pilot Program. The Illinois Department of Transportation Loan Forgiveness removes the IV --IVF cap, makes a transfer into the Horse Racing Purse Equity (Trust) Fund and prepares for Illinois future. Madam President, I know of no opposition will answer any questions and ask for a favorable roll call. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. For discussion, Senator Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you rise?

I'm -- I'd like the record to reflect that I intended to 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 vote No on House Bill 3445. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Those who would like to speak on the bill. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

Great bill, vote Aye. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 3817 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 36 voting Yea, 20 vote Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3817, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you rise?

Madam President, I'd like the record to reflect that my intention in House Bill 3445 was to vote No. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Senator Peters, for what purpose do you rise?

Madam President, I would like the record to reflect that I 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 intended to vote No on House Bill 3445. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?

I would also like the record to reflect it was my intention to vote No on House Bill 3445. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record would also reflect your intentions. Please turn your Calendars to Senate Bills. Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the top of page 2. Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the top of page 2. Senate Bill 2-5-0. Senate Bill 250. Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?

Madam President. Thank you. It was my intention to vote Yes on House Bill 3445. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 250 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 250. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? Please let the record reflect sponsorship has been changed to Senator Sims. Senator Sims, on Senate Bill 250. Senator Sim seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 250 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 250. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 250 includes the fiscal year 2024 budget based on $50,717,000,000 in revenues. Expenditures of 5 -- $50,599,000,000, which is 121 -- $140 million less than what we spent in the fiscal '23. Some of the highlights of today's budget: appropriates $18 billion in All Funds for State Board of Education, which includes $10 billion in GRF for the State Board, which also includes an overall increase of $560 million for Education and General Revenue Funds. Includes Senate Bill 2 -- 250 includes the appropriation of an additional $350 million in Evidence-Based Funding to bring the enacted -- the total EBF investments to over $8.3 billion. The Early Childhood Block Grant includes an additional $75 million in general revenue funds. This -- this will include and expand the -- the to an additional 5000 children in fiscal '24. Senate Bill 250 also includes 40 -- an additional $45 million or new $45 million for the Teacher Pipeline Grant. Includes 600 -- $608 million for Community College Fund for Community College Board, that includes $364 million in general revenue funds, which is an increase of $30 million over the current year. The budget includes an additional $100 million in MAP -- MAP grant funding to increase the -- the maximum award to $8,508 and allows grants for every eligible student. The budget includes $3.8 million, an increase of $3.8 million for the Minority Teacher's 81  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Scholarship Program, as well as, an additional $8.6 million for the Golden Apple Scholars Program. The budget also includes an additional $81 million to increase funding to universities by 7 percent. In Human Services, the budget includes $19 billion in general revenue funds for -- for Human Service funding that includes an overall increase of $2.2 billion of general revenue funds in Health Care and Family Services. Budget also includes in the Department of Human Services, $200 million increase -- to increase - in doing so, changes for additional 700 new placements in the PUNS -- off the PUNS list. Includes $250 million, an increase of $35 million for the TANF Program. Additional, and also $250 million for the Childcare through the Smart Start Program. In the Department on Aging and the Community Care Program includes $1.3 billion, which represents $65 million increase over estimated expenditures for the current year. Also, includes, an additional $8 million for the Home -- Home Delivered Meals Program. In the Department of Public Health, we have new programs that -- including IT services, but also including additional funds for Safety Net Hospitals. Equity and representation in health care additional $42 million, responding to emerging public health crises $6.5 million. In Public Safety, you will -- you will find there are additional funds for -- additional - for three additional Cadet classes. Madam President, I will ask it -- entertain any questions and look forward for a favorable roll call. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 90  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 To the bill, Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. For the purposes of legislative intent. In an effort to bring us closer to implementing the Department of Human Services Guidehouse (Rate) Study, as well as, to stabilize and grow the workforce. This budget provides for a $2.50 per hour wage increase for direct support personnel serving and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community based and residential settings. It is our intent, in passing this budget, that this funding may get directly into the pockets of workers in the form of base wage increases. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator DeWitt, for what purpose do you rise?

Madam President, I rise today, to again, second what 101  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 everybody has said about the incredible staff, but also rise out of offense about comments that were just made on the other side. It's my recollection of history that my people, at least black people who fought Brown versus the Board of Education, didn't simply want to go to schools with people who looked like certain folks who wanted a quality education. And I think as -- I as a Senator that have been weighing in on invest in kids and trying to determine where I might land, I was empathetic to invest in kids, but the realities are, and the record will reflect or should reflect that black people are simply in my district that I know of and brown people are simply trying to go to schools that work for them, that are going to give them the outcomes of our children. That remains to be determined yet Invest in Kids. But I'll tell folks that Invest in Kids is not the silver bullet. We would love to have community schools, walkable schools in our own neighborhoods that are fully funded, that are also -- that we can be proud to send our kids to school in. So, I don't think that this is a proper time for folks to rise up to try to use the argument that was just made. I think it's a rewrite of history and it's disrespectful to the people that I stand on the shoulders of. So, I just have to rise in opposition to that. And I urge an Aye vote on this budget, which we should really be here debating and not making up fallacies about the past. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Gillespie, for what purpose do you rise? Leader Curran, for what purpose do you rise.

Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I rise in support of another responsible, balanced budget. I join colleagues in thanking Senator Sims and Senator Rose and the staffs on both sides of the aisle who worked so hard to put us in this position. And I applaud Senator Curran and your kind words about the process. And I'm also grateful for what has genuinely and generally been a fact focused and civil debate. I share your disappointment that we weren't able to resolve every non-budget issue, but I'm also 105  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 disappointed that a failure to resolve non-budget issues prevents a unanimous vote on a responsible, balanced budget. This is a budget that invests in our shared priorities. We are investing in schools, in red districts, and in blue districts. We're investing in hospitals in red districts, and blue district, and health care workers across the State. We're investing in municipalities in your districts and in ours. This is a good process, and I'm proud of what we've done so far. I am disappointed we have not yet reached a bipartisan budget, but I renew my commitment to work with you next year and we'll try again. Please vote Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question -- oh, I'm sorry, Senator Sims. Senator Sims, to close. What's love got to do with it?

That's. That's okay, Madam President. You know, first, let me thank our tremendous staffs led by -- on this side of the aisle, Aaron Holmes, Dillon Santoni, and Miles Sodowski. Can we -- and our tremendous and our staff on the other side give them a round of applause. That's right. But that thanks also extends to the staff on the other side of the aisle, as all -- as well. Absolutely, give them a round of applause, too. Although I am presenting Senate Bill 250, I will be remiss if I did not thank the budgeteers on both sides of the aisle as well, because we had a tremendous team on this side, as well as, the other Senators Belt, and Loughran Cappel, and Gillespie, and Villanueva for dedicating their time, their energy, and their talents to passing a budget which is balanced, which does invest in our communities, which does reflect our priorities. So, let me -- let me do a couple of things. Now that we have gotten our thanks out of the way, let's -- let's -- 106  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 let's get back to the facts. Because the fact is that it seems that in this Chamber, we often rewrite history. It's as if the facts don't matter when in fact they do. Because I have heard Members on the other side of the aisle bash the City of Chicago time and time again. Well, for the last 10 years running. Site Selection Magazine chose the City of Chicago as the number one place for corporate locations, and relocations, and expansions. So, let's talk about the facts, because I -- I heard on the other side of the aisle somebody say that it was offensive. The budget was offensive, that the process was offensive, that the priorities weren't -- our priorities weren't reflected that -- let me make sure, because I want to make sure I get it right. That we didn't invest in your health care systems, your hospitals, your schools, or your communities. Let -- Let's again, let's talk facts. An additional half a billion dollars in new spending, which you talk about this is the largest budget ever. That's those -- those dollars don't just go into Republican districts, they don't go into the Democratic districts, they go into all districts. An additional $350 million is going to go into -- into Cairo, it's going -- just like it's going to go into this Des Plaines. It's going to go into Mount Vernon just like it goes into Chicago. So, let's stop talking about these alternative facts. Let's -- let's -- let's -- let's again, let's talk priorities. And I heard on the other side of the aisle that -- that the State of Illinois continues to contract. The last I checked, the U.S. Census talks about Illinois being over 13 million people, the largest it has ever been. But we continue to talk about nonfactual realities. We've also talked about the fact that Illinois is not -- is not on the right track. Again, I would remind my friends on the other 107  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 side of the aisle that Illinois has an economy that tops 1 trillion with a T dollars. Let's talk facts and reality. Again, I am -- it is when you -- you hear -- I have -- I have been -- I've been playing a little budget bingo here today. So, but -- but as I played budget bingo, I -- I did a straw poll on this side of the aisle. I looked in my desk drawer. I didn't see the Republican budget there. I asked the Members on this side of the aisle. They looked in their desk. They didn't see the Republican budget there. We can talk about process, or we can talk about product. We are at the table. We sat at the table in good faith, but now we are hearing about non budget issues. After all of the discussions that we had, after all of the conversations that we had and all of the things we focused on to get a good balanced budget, now we are talking about now we can't vote for the budget because we didn't pass BIMP. I looked in Senate Bill 28 -- 250. I didn't see a BIMP or appropriation anyway -- anywhere. We are talking about the Invest in Kids program. I looked at Senate Bill 250. I didn't see an appropriation for Invest in Kids anywhere. If you don't like the budget here, you don't like the budget there, you don't like the budget near you don't like the budget far. You won't -- you won't vote today. You won't vote tomorrow. You're not going to vote anyway. So, let's be clear. This budget does reflect our priorities. It reflects our shared priorities to move our State forward. It reflects our ability to invest in communities, what you call expenditures we call investments. What you call overspending, we call building up. We -- we -- we -- now we had a long tirade about issues of being pro-life. No, it's not being pro-life, it's called being compulsory birth. And if you want to talk real issues and facts, let's invest in people. Let's invest 108  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 in communities. Let's build up communities. Madam President, this is a good budget. It does reflect our priorities. It does reflect the direction, the positive direction we're in. We are -- we invited the other side of the aisle to the table. We will continue to stretch out our hand. We will continue to invite you to the table. We -- as I have said time and time again, we want your partnership. But we need your partnership to be transparent and to be authentic. And when it is not, we will do it without you. Madam President, I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Bill 250 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 34 voting Yea, 22 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 250, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?

Madam President, my intentions were to vote No on House Bill 3445, Senate Amendment 4. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been distributed. Members, please turn your attention to Supplemental Calendar 2. On the Order of Secretary's Desk Concurrences -- Concurrences, we will continue. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have further action. We do have further action. Please lower your voices, thank you. Senate Bill 734, Senator Halpin, for what -- Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's motion. 109  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Thank you, Madam President. So, Senate Bill 734 is substantively the same as what we passed unanimously out of this Chamber as Senate Bill 1233. It was a bill to ensure that schools that offered a 457 plan outside of the TRS system would have to offer more than one and make sure it was a competitive -- a competitive market and that participants had a choice. It did -- that bill went over to the House, where it was amended and inadvertently -- inadvertently required a mandate for schools to do this, which was not our intention. So, the amendment to Senate Bill 734 corrects that replaces the language that we originally sent to the House, along with a couple of technical corrections. And I want to be clear that this bill is not intended to apply to school districts that participate only in the optional defined contribution plan established by TRS. This provision would only be triggered if the school district offers a 457 plan outside of TRS. And Madam President, because this bill, I think, is a miracle that we got it to this point on the last day here, hopefully the last day, for once and only this one time, I will be happy to answer any questions. 110  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 734 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 734, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

Thank you, Madam President. A few years ago, IDOT initiated a study into the possibility of adding managed lanes to I-55 between the Dan Ryan Expressway and 355 a stretch otherwise known as the Stevenson Expressway. One of the possible ways in which they can accomplish this is to engage in a public private partnership. But in order to engage in that under the Public Private Partnership for Transportation Act, the General Assembly has to give IDOT authority to pursue the option. This is a resolution. It is not -- it does not authorize final approval of the project. Far from it. There's a lot of other processes that have to take place before that happens. It just authorizes IDOT to seek and analyze proposals for using a P3. Be happy to answer any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. For a discussion, Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?

I believe there will still be a lane or two open for you to drive on I-55 if and when this project goes forward. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Anderson.

I ask for your Aye votes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 23 pass. As this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. Again, the question is, shall House Joint Resolution 23 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 39 voting Yea, 11 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 23, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Belt, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill. I wanted to vote Aye on the resolution but I'm having difficulties. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intention, Senator. House Joint 113  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Resolution 12. House Joint Resolution 12. Senator Rezin indicates she'd like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's resolution.

Thank you, Madam President. We don't need any heroes, but I do move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in Appointment Message 244, 245 of the 103rd General Assembly. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Messages just read. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been printed and distributed. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 103-244 (1030244).

Madam President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. Pursuant to Section 51A-4 of the Election Code, a 2/3 vote is required for confirmation. The question is, does the Senate Advise and Consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Appointment Message 103-244 (1030244), having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. President {sic} Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 103-245 (1030245).

Madam President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing 116  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 none. Pursuant to Section 51A-4 of the Election Code, a 2/3 vote is required for confirmation. The question is, does the Senate Advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. A 2/3 vote of the Senators elected concurring by record vote. The Senate does Advise and Consent to the Appointment Message just read. Senator Murphy.

Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are rolling, rolling, rolling out of - for the Senate to arise out of Executive Session. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo. Senator Murphy moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. What you get is what you see. Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you -- thank you, Madam President. You know, we've lost so many young people this year to gang violence and death and -- and I wanted to give my condolences to the families, but I also wanted to recognize the young people who graduated from high school and seven and eighth grade. And, you know, the good kids that are out there doing some good things. You know, there's some good things going on in our community and there are bad things that are going on in our community. But it is so important. We've had young people that graduate from college and bachelor's, master's, associate's, doctorates, and I just think it's important, even folks, medical school and all of the other professional schools. And I just think it's important that we recognize these people who have made great achievements in their lives. So, I'd like to recognize all of those wonderful people. 118  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Congratulations to all of our graduates across the State of Illinois from preschool through higher education. Congratulations. Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you rise?

Point of an announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your announcement, Senator.

Thank -- Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Today is the anniversary of George Floyd's death. We honor his life, as well as every other life lost, every single day, to racial injustice, in this country. It was three days ago, on this date, that we, as a country, witnessed the brutal murder of George Floyd while an officer kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. But that helped ignite a national movement for racial reckoning that has helped usher in long overdue change. I ask my colleagues to hold space today for the unpleasant reality that though black lives still continue to be stolen from us, that black parents still bear the enraging burden of having to talk with their children. That even I, as a black State Senator, can and have been profiled, since taking office, in my own district. Let us never forget George Floyd and every other person's name we have tragically lost. Today we mourn them, we honor them, and we keep fighting in their memory. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Let's have a moment of silence also for the life of George Floyd and all those others impacted. (Moment of 119  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 silence observed) Thank you. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senate's front room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. Mr. President, in the Chair.

Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Senator Doris Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Please, state your announcement.

Congratulations to our valedictorians. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?

Please, state your announcement.

Congratulations, Papa. Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you rise?.

Please, state your point.

The clarification was not necessary, but we appreciate you making it anyways. Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. Well, I'm going to give my proud dad moment. In a few hours, I'll be heading back to Chicago to celebrate my son and all the children at Chicago Agricultural High School as they graduate. Well, it's not tomorrow. Today. So, thank you.

Congratulations, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I do appreciate the announcements and the points of personal privilege as we await final action in the House. We will -- waiting for just a little bit of paperwork, but please do not leave. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

Congratulations, Senator. Senator Villanueva, for what purpose do you rise?.

For a point of personal privilege slash announcement. 122  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Please, state your point.

So, Mr. President, one of our own is going to be leaving us soon. In her short time here in this Chamber, as a Member of the Latino Caucus and the Progressive Caucus, we're extremely proud of the work that she's been able to accomplish around a lot of different issues, her fierce advocacy for her community, her love and advocacy for children in the State of Illinois, especially from 0 to 5. She taught me about how to find the baby when I participated in the Erickson Fellowship this past year. I'm very proud to call her my friend and my sister. And while she might be leaving us, which I'm a little bit mad at her for, I'm very proud that she's going to go on to represent -- represent all of us here in the Chamber and in Springfield, as Deputy Chief of Staff to our newly sworn in Mayor in the City of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, to continue to do the incredible work that I know that she learned how to do here, back in Chicago. But we're going to miss her a lot. We're going to miss Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas a lot when she moves on. But I just wanted to take a moment to say how proud we are of her, how much we love her, and how much we're going to miss her.

Senator Cunningham, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Point of an announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 123  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 State your announcement.

So, I too want to join in on wishing our -- our good friend well wishes in her new endeavor. It's a -- it's -- it's really exciting as -- as being a resident of Chicago and lifelong - a Chicago kid to have a fellow Chicago kid going to work on the fifth floor to -- to -- to work on issues for community, for our families. I got to get to know la doctora, Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas when she got me to be a fellow in that same program in the inaugural class, I might add, to find the baby. Yes, I found two. A few years later, I became a father of twins and I found two. And so, that - - that education on early childhood education was -- is certainly -- is -- is helping me now, you know, we share a border. We share a culture. A community. I -- we also got to go to Puerto Rico, our island, a few months -- six months after Hurricane Maria passed through that island and left it in devastation, really. We got to go together and on a trip to -- to -- to go assist and also to see how Chicago and the State of Illinois can -- can -- can better help our island. I -- I feel like we are not only losing such a great advocate for children and families and early childhood education and all education throughout, but I'm going to be losing a friend, a housemate, a -- a sister and a fellow Puerto Rican, boricua wapa. We are both very, very proud of where we come from, our families. I know that she is rooted from her community. She is a product that everyone that -- that pours in to her and has poured into her. And so, this is not goodbye by any sense of, you know… But you were here for a very short period but left an immeasurable mark on this institution and in a very short time learned how to be extremely effective here. And it was not for selfish reasons of 124  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 liking to see your name on a board or to pass something or be at a press conference because the Governor was signed, a bill of yours, but it was because you knew of the work that's needed, because of the people that gave you the responsibility to come and speak for them, to come and work for them, to dedicate your time, leave your family, and pour into this work. So, I just want to thank you for doing that. I'm going to miss you Amada. Good luck. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Point -- point of personal privilege. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your point.

Well, I too, would like to recognize Senator Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas. I didn't expect for you to leave so soon. You just got here the other day; you know? But, you know, when opportunity knocks, you know, I've always been told you have to be ready and that you are. We look forward to all the great things and all the great contributions you'll make while you are serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Mayor of the City of Chicago, which is a great honor and we're very proud of you. And I'm going to miss you. I'm going to miss the conversations that we've had, the -- the -- the -- projects that we've been working on in the community together, as well as here in the Senate. And I know you're going to do great things over there at the City. So, safe travels my sister. Really proud of you. Take care. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 125  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Point of personal privilege. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please, state your point.

So, we some of us were talking in caucus and we were going to miss some of her famous acronyms, fire. Her amazing facial expressions. But Mateja, who actually spells her name the same way, who also has it misspelled the same way, as well as, we've always known. We will miss you. You had us better prepared. You educated us. For those of you who had a bill in the Education committees, any of them, she always came prepared, but she always learned something from her. Her passion is very obvious in -- in what she believes in and making sure all our students have the best education no matter where they're from. Tiny but mighty. And will continue to be tiny but mighty. I wish you all the best. Don't be a stranger. I'm sure you'll be knocking a lot of our doors, but I'm very proud of you. And we will miss you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Villivalam, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. For purposes of an announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your announcement, please.

Well, given all the discussion, I've asked the Sergeant at Arms to not let Senator Pacione-Zayas leave. I -- I rise in the same vein as -- as the previous speakers, here today, to say that 126  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 it's been an incredible honor to have worked with you. I will miss you for so many different reasons. You are one of the most authentic, genuine people that I've ever come across. You are unapologetic in your advocacy for the people that you represent and the people that have sent you here. And you're just real. And we will miss the isms. I -- I will not think of receipts in the same way as I did before, like grocery receipts. I will now have to think about it as my -- my what I've accomplished or my -- my resume. You've changed that for me. The way you use facts and what that means is something that I'll be thinking about. I'll also miss riding in the back seat of your van -- your car because I'll miss all the legroom that will be there because you have to adjust your seat. And you know, I'm not used to that kind of legroom. But in all seriousness, you know, we -- when we're here, it's -- it's hard to appreciate, quite frankly, everyone here because we're going 100 miles an hour. And the best thing that I think happened was not only you being here, but us being able to work together on so many different issues relating to education and child care assistance, so much more. But and we're I'm sharing this publicly, but being your roommate, I got to know you so much better. And for -- for that and so much more, I'll be able to cherish those memories and just want to say thank you for -- for being a part of this experience for me. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Point of announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please, state your announcement. 127  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I've been dreading this moment. I knew -- I knew the day would come where we would get off and we would give tributes to our beloved colleagues Senator, doctor, friend, mother, community member Cristina Pacione-Zayas. And I just want to say thank you for being here, for serving. Even though the time was brief, I felt like my colleague Senator Pacione-Zayas has been a gift to this institution. You know, in so many ways, I mean, just from the very beginning, remember, we connected maybe days after I was sworn in and had like an hour- long conversation about policy and the neighborhoods where we grew up as -- as fellow Chicago kids, and -- and just were so excited about the things that we would be able to work on down here together. And then, you know, she was so gracious to offer to drive me back and forth to Springfield. And in those drives we really got to know each other. And you know, they -- they say in politics that it's -- it's really hard to find a friend if you want to. I think there's an old adage if you want a friend in politics to get a dog. And honestly, I got to say that -- that Senator Pacione- Zayas is a dear friend in the most authentic way that I could articulate it. Because she, in the time that we've gotten to known each other, there have been times she said something to me where I'm just like, wow, she really sees me, right? She really sees what I'm trying to do. She really sees where I come from. She really sees what I'm trying to do, even when I don't quite even see what I'm trying to do and that -- that -- that wisdom is going to be deeply missed. You know, her integrity that she brings to this work and the way that she fights for justice and the way that she lifts up the struggles of the people that are back in our 128  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 communities is -- is such an example to me. And I think that that's a legacy that we can -- we can hold on to and build on and build upon in the, in the State Senate even when she goes back up north to Chicago. And the other thing that -- that I just wanted to -- to talk about is it also has just been really inspiring watching how she interacts with her family in this role. The most stressful part of public office for me has been the strain that it puts on your personal life. And you are such a great mother to your two children. She loves her kids. I see how she pulls them up on the video and talks to them when she's down here. And it's so obvious that you -- you love your kids, and you give them so much time and so much attention and that -- that's inspiring. That's beautiful to watch. The -- the way that you spend time even with your husband and -- and everybody back home. Your mom is -- is so beautiful. And so, I'm going to miss you deeply, dearly. But I know -- I know that you are going to do great things for Chicago kids. Kids like us, that next generation that -- that, you know, are going to have a better future because of what you're going to be able to do at City Hall. So, as your colleague in a moment, thank you. As a future constituent of the Mayor of Chicago, thank you for what you will do. And we will always be friends and siblings and so, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you so much. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. A point of announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your announcement, please.

130  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Thank you. CPZ, you're my Amado -- I don't -- I don't want to turn around and look at you because I've been sitting here just crying, just thinking about coming in together with you as a freshman during such a pivotal time in our history in the midst of a global pandemic. And you just came in unapologetically strong, walking into spaces and knowing what your mission was. And whenever I walked into a room with you, CPZ, it felt like I was walking into a room with a giant. Because when you walk into a room, you command attention, and we all pay attention, and you have this beautiful way of bringing stories to the table with your elegant words and in a way that is just undeniable that you've got the facts. I'm going to miss you greatly but know that you have an Hermana over in DuPage County that you can count on, and we'll continue those dinner traditions with Simmons and love you so much. Good luck in your future endeavors. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Belt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Point of announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your announcement, please.

Mr. President, I too rise, to give the flowers to CPZ. I've said it to her, in private, all this week, I think. We -- we took a picture together, which is an annual thing for us. We took the picture. But -- but you're -- you're lucky in your life if you're -- if you're able to in -- in different fields of your life, come across a unicorn and -- and she's one. She was never meant to be here long. She has bigger and better things to do. I -- I -- I 131  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 I'll miss our -- our conversations. We -- we got into one earlier today. We -- we talk about the pedagogy, and we talk about the who's the best singer between Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Lauryn Hill. I mean, you never know where we may go, right? But - - but when I was the Chair of Education, I don't know if you remember this, I reached out to you and I said, "hey, I need you to ride shotgun with me." And she -- she's ridden shotgun with me beyond Chair of Education. Her word is her word. I think Omar or Rahm said it, she's authentic, she -- she is who she purports to be, and -- and -- and even though she's -- she's tiny as -- as Cristina stated, her -- her shadow cast a seven-foot one shadow. Her heart is big. She knows what she knows. She knows who she is. And it's never -- it's never, you know, we'll -- we'll continue to see each other. We'll continue to be friends and -- and I wish you the best. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Majority Leader Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

A point of personal privilege. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please, state your point.

It is my privilege to speak to Senator Pacione-Zayas. I've got to tell you guys, we met about 8 or 9 years ago, it was about 2015 or so. I was invited to be a member of the Erikson Institute's I think it was the first group of fellows. And when I arrived it was this little bossy chick bossing everybody around. And all I could think about is, what did I just get myself into. She's like, 132  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 have a seat. Hurry your homework assignments. And I'm like, Homework. Who is this little dynamo? And I think we instantly connected on the real, the real in the both of us. And I shared with her instantly that I've got to Puerto Rican nieces. And I just hope that they grow up to be just like you Senator Pacione- Zayas, a fireball. You demand the space as Senator Villa just spoke. You're so freaking intelligent. You're super smart. And in that short period of time at the Erikson Institute, I felt like I left there knowing even more about early childhood education that I had learned in the legislature for 15 years at that point. Your wisdom of the subject is beyond incredible. When we talked about you coming to the Senate, I was super, super excited. Now I'm super, super sad that you're leaving so soon. I felt like the COVID just took that time away from us where we really didn't have the presence. But your homework assignments constantly showed up in my emails. If it were not you bossing me around at the Erikson Institute, you came to the legislature and bossed me around. So, thank you for helping me be better, helping me to seek more in that early childhood education space. I thought I had done some things until I met you. So, I want you to know that Mayor Johnson has done a wonderful job recruiting you. I think of all the things that he's done; I think he knew that he needed you. And the way you deliver the message is always -- it's not just factual, but it's with a smile. But it's sincere, but it's still badass. It's to the bottom line. And I tell you all the time, you are just such a fireball, and I will miss you tremendously. But I'm not shame about calling you up. I will remain in touch. I want to feed off your knowledge. I want to know more. And I hope that our paths cross in a professional way, once again, so that I can be a better 133  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 legislator, a better woman, and a better mother to my child as you are to yours. We've been on the phone and your boys are all around and you just go with it. You go with it, you let them be. And I think that you're just raising some powerful young men. So, I wish you nothing but the best in your new role. But know that I'm not going anywhere because I'll still be here. And one last thing I thought, how lucky could the legislature be to attain this woman who knows so much about early childhood education? So, I was so excited for you to serve on the Education Committee and then creating the Early Childhood Committee. It was perfect. You were primed to be the Chairman of that Committee, so we will miss you. I don't know that I'll miss all of your homework assignments. I know, I -- I -- Mr. President, I was just doing a search. I told her this yesterday. I was just doing a search on my computer. Not for her, for someone else. And all these homework assignments she gave me in 2015 and 2016 showed up, and it just made me feel good. It made me feel good about the relationship that we developed. I do see you as my sister, and I do again hope that my nieces grow up to be just as bad ass as you are. Good luck. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. I also rise on a point of personal privilege. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please, state your point.

So, Tina, as I've been sitting here and listening it's, you know, I've really -- I've really enjoyed all these speeches because 134  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 so many people have done such a great job of encapsulating who you are and what you're about and what you've been able to accomplish. And -- and it was -- it was very affirming because that's who you are and how I know you to be. And so, I'm not going to be labor that, rather what I want to do is I want to -- I want to tell you about -- about how I feel. I always find that the greatest sacrifice for me is when you put everything into this life, you don't have enough time. For anything. You don't have enough time for your family. You don't have enough time for your friends. And so, I spend a lot of time thinking regretfully about people that I wish I had more time to spend with. One of those people and this probably bring a little tear to my eye is a guy we celebrated recently, Ivan Gonzalez. I just loved that guy, as so many people did. And he was one of those guys. I thought, you know, when I don't -- when I have more time, I'm going to spend more time with that guy. And -- and when -- it makes you think about how precious that time is and I -- when I was listening to everyone talk about you and the feelings they have for you, I assure you that over the time that we spent together again, not to belabor those, but you've been one of those people that I think to myself, I've enjoyed so much of the time that we spent that I want to spend more of that with you. And I'm sad to see you leave here because I know that that's less of an opportunity. However, there is good news because I think most people will find it surprising that for the first time in 11 years, I might actually be welcome on the fifth floor of City Hall. There might be a Mayor who actually isn't -- want to throw me out. And so, with my downtown office being a block away, I look forward to you in that new role. We have so much work to do together to save our City and put it on a good path and make it 135  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 grow and thrive for everybody in the City of Chicago. And I -- I just know that the good work that you've done here, you're going to do so much good work. And, well, I won't see you as much down here. I'm looking forward to seeing you back in Chicago. And I'm going to come visit you for coffee on the fifth floor and not have to worry about it. So, I'm so proud of you and I've so enjoyed our time together and can't wait to see more of you and congratulations and best of luck. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Cervantes, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President, for a point of personal -- personal. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your point.

So, just wanted to thank Senator Pacione-Zayas for welcoming me with a very warm welcome when I got to the Senate. I remember a conversation I had with her when I first started. I -- I wasn't sure how much of myself I could be because of my background. And -- and she just made me feel very comfortable, like being to be myself. She said, you know what? Just be yourself. And -- and you're going to see that the way that you do things is going to just roll well. And so, she gave me the -- the courage and to be able to be myself, to be able to fight for what I want - what I believe in. And just wanted to thank you, Senator Pacione-Zayas and the passion you have for early childhood that I know that we share and look forward to working for you -- with you in the future, in your new role. So, thank you. 136  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Ventura, for what reason do you seek recognition?

Personal privilege. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your point.

I want to say that, Senator, you were one of the first people who welcomed me before I was here officially. And I will never forget the time we sat in Chicago and got to know each other. And I was like, what do you want me to say? And you're like, just tell me your story. And that was so welcoming and helpful, and it's been a pleasure serving with you on the early childhood education and bringing the baby in the room. And even though we couldn't blow the bubbles, we were able to gift those to some of the children who came and spoke and gave testimonies. So, -- so, I just want to say thank you. And I do look forward to continue working with you in your role in Chicago. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Our final speaker on this topic is President Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to join this parade of speakers to a retirement resolution not yet written. Rarely has a Member arrived in the Senate so able and so determined to change the world. Armed with facts and a laser like intentionality. And rarely has any one of us made such an impact in so short a period of time. I know what a difficult decision it was for you to make this change, to leave this glamorous life of being in the Senate Chamber at 12:15 in the morning. But very few people could walk 137  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 away from a job like this because of the prospect of doing more good in another setting. And that, too, is a testament to who you are and to your commitment to the things that really matter to you that live in your heart. We will miss you here, but your retirement resolution is far from written. I'm excited to read this next chapter at the City of Chicago, but I know that there are many chapters to follow after that. Once a Senator, always a Senator, I hope you come back to visit. If you come back as a Senator someday in the future, that would be a wonderful blessing for us all too. But I am so proud to be your friend and to watch you take on this next challenge. You will make us all proud. Go get 'em. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate for a final time, Senator Pacione-Zayas.

You know, I have to do the mic. Thank you, Mr. President. I just really am touched and honored and humbled by the experience. You know, the words, of course, are the cherry on top. But when I look around this room, the education that I have received in this space, you all have given such accolades to what I brought. But what I'm taking with me is so much. And, you know, there were times where I didn't know why I was here. I didn't -- I accepted when you know, my predecessor said, please, will you do this? And she chased me a few times before I said, "Okay, I'll consider it." And I came and there were some peaks and there were some valleys and y'all witnessed everything in between. And this year, with the introduction of the Early Childhood Smart Start initiative, I said, oh, this is why I'm here. This is precisely why I'm here. But even with that and when I was presented with this opportunity and it 138  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 was very true, as Senate President said, it was such a difficult decision because to serve with each and every individual and the lived experience that they bring and the expertise and the dedication and the willingness to sacrifice so much to give to our State so that everyone can live up to their greatest potential. That is such an honor. And so, when I made the decision, I realized you all prepared me for it. If I didn't have this experience, I wouldn't have felt as confident going into that role. And I know I'm going to experience some peaks and some valleys. But what I know is that I've got Members of this Body who are going to continue to pour into me so I can pay it forward and pour into our City so that we can make Chicago the great space that it is that produced all of these Chicago kids that are serving here today. And to be able to continue to produce so many more Chicago kids so that our State can be great and thrive from -- I didn't -- it's not lost on me my first bill that I passed was the State designated cultural districts that my brother Senator Aquino started to incubate before I came. And what it's going to do for the communities that we come from to drive economic development with culture and arts so that our communities can be stabilized so that the people that build them can stay there. To the last bill I just passed about healing centered engagement and ensuring that our State has policy practice, definitions, and language to do that. I think those are great bookends. And being in a Body that allows you to do that work, to take these ideologies and these values and make them concrete so that we can actually live a better life. That is such a gift. And I can't thank you all enough for honoring me in this moment. But seeing me here in the Senate, because sometimes it can feel lonely, like it's not made for you. It's not meant for you to 139  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 be here. But it has each and every conversation that we've had, meals that we've shared in moments of joy and accomplishment and also sorrow -- sorrow or what I call Springfield heartbreak. Because that is a real feeling. That's like that first love heartbreak. It -- it really is just a highlight of my human experience. So, thank you so much for welcoming me, pouring into me. And I will be back. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Villanueva, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

The purpose of another announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please, state your announcement.

Thank you, Mr. President. We're not anything without our staff here in Springfield. And I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge my communications guru, who has been leading the charge for me both on my social media and also helping to draft my website entries, talking points, a lot of different things. Brittany Burton has been with me this past year, and in that past year we have laughed, we have cried, we have raged together about a lot of different things. But again, without her, I wouldn't be able to do the work that I do, along with the rest of our staff who provide us so much support in -- in everything that we do. She is leaving us after the conclusion of her contract this year -- this Session moving on to very sunnier pastures in California. And while we wish her the very best. I wanted to just take a moment and thank her for her service to us and the other legislators that she served 140  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 during her time here and also wish her the best on her future endeavors. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Thank you and best wishes, Brittany. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to go to Supplemental Calendar No. 3 under Secretary's Desk Concurrences, Senator Morrison brings Senate Bill 2123. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill -- the motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do move that the Senate concur, and I'd like to mention some of the high points of the amendments that we are adding. This is the Election Omnibus Bill. First, it moves the date by which the General Assembly must draw the Chicago Elected Representatives School Board Map from July 1st, 2023, to April 1st, 2024. It creates the Security of Remote Vote by Mail Task Force, which will be a 15-member Task Force, and study the feasibility of implementing a remote vote by mail system that would allow an election authority to both transmit a vote by mail ballot electronically to a voter and allow the voter to mark verify and return that ballot to the election authority electronically. It will create the Ranked -- excuse me, Ranked-Choice and Voting Systems Task Force. It will allow an individual who is 16 years of age or older to preregister to vote with the registration held in abeyance until the individual reaches 18 years of age. It will 141  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 require, if within 10 days leading up to any election, an election authority changes a polling place, an election authority to will -- will send a notice by electronic mail or phone call to the township committeeperson, ward committeeperson, or precinct committeepersons as applicable - as soon as the location of the polling place is changed. And Vote Centers, it will extend the sunset for Vote Centers by six years and require curbside voting at voting centers. We'll also require counties with 500,000 or more residents to have at least 2 voter centers. And lastly, this legislation will create November 5th, 2024, as a State holiday, which will be (2024) General Election Day, and will allow us the ability by amending both the Election and School Code to use our public schools for polling places. We had good discussion in Committee, but I'm happy to answer questions or clarify if there are any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

142  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 I -- I - I believe this is the fifth amendment, but I don't understand the rest of your question Senator, I'm sorry. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.

Thank you for the question. 282 would have been the completion of the -- the voting by mail electronically for a person with a print disability. In other words, they would have had the ability to both accept the electronic ballot on an assistive device and also return it. We are not at that point with this, this is setting up a task force that specifically will look at the security issues, some that were expressed to me. And I'm hoping that we will be able to resolve that, so that in the future, we'll be able to offer both a transmission of the ballot to the voter and then receipt back to the election authority. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.

So, Senator, the other example would be -- we are looking at the security of remote voting. And one of the things we would also like to be able to do once the security protocol has been established, is to offer this to our military families and service people who are located out of the country. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.

This legislation has some advancements and voting is one of the most critical parts of our democracy and our government. By 144  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 allowing more people to vote independently and privately, such as this work on the task force, I believe will produce. I think we are serving our State in a -- in a very good way. I would ask for an Aye vote and appreciate your questions this evening. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall the Senate concur to House Amendments 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to Senate Bill 2123. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 36 Senators voting Yes, 18 voting No, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to Senate Bill 2123, and the bill is declared passed. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. To filibuster. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Go ahead with your filibuster.

We've reached that point in the evening, we are still waiting for action from the House. I do just want to share, yesterday we passed perhaps the most significant piece of legislation of the year in passing Italian American Heritage Month. Upon my return to the Capitol, feeling very proud of myself, striding in, I came, I saw, I conquered. I was greeted by Representative Bob Rita and Anthony DeLuca, who presented me with a official Bob Rita extra virgin olive oil bottle with Anthony DeLuca's name written in under Bob's on the label. So, if anybody wants to taste this before I do, I'd be happy to let you have a taste. But again, just wanted 145  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 to thank Representative Rita and DeLuca for their thoughtfulness in bringing over the olive oil. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to go back to Supplemental Calendar No. 3. The Secretary's Desk on the Order of Concurrences or I'm sorry, Secretary's Desk in the Order of Resolutions. Senator Rezin brings House Joint Resolution 10. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. For an announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please state your announcement, Senator.

Mr. President, I left a good job in the city, working for the man every night and day. And I never lost a minute of sleep and I was wearing about the way that things might have been -- big wheel keep on turning, proud Mary keep on burning. Rollin, rollin, 147  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 rollin on the river. Rest in peace, Tina Turner. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Pretty good singing, the dancing needs a little work. Although, Leader Lightford is now nailing the dancing routine. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, it is our understanding that the Medicaid bill we've been waiting for the House to take action on has passed. We expect it to be transmitted here momentarily so we can take it up and conclude our business for the spring. Please stand by. Senator Lightford, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen, of the Senate. A point of an announcement, please. We are waiting for paperwork to arrive from the House. Please remain on the Senate Floor for further Floor action. We are just in a holding pattern, waiting for paperwork. If you are not on the Senate Floor, please come to the Senate Floor for further Floor action. If you are not on the Senate Floor, please come to the Floor. Thank you. The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Senator Lightford, back in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your attention to Supplemental Calendar No. 4. It has been distributed to each Member, should be printed out on your desk. We are going to Senate Bill 1298. Senator Gillespie. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.

Thank you. I move to concur with the House Amendments to Senate Bill 1298. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 149  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill, Madam President. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.

There's been a couple of things that have been weighing on my heart for quite a while as we've been debating and going through the budget and obviously this Medicaid omnibus that we've been waiting for -- for a while. I wanted to say a couple of things to my neighbors across the aisle who insinuated making decisions between the developmentally disabled and undocumented communities in this State. Senate Bill 1600, which was my bill, which was the bill that was actually asking for $4 for DSP wages. We respected you when you were talking and you're going to respect us when we talk. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) There we go. Please continue, Senator.

It's important this bill because that's my bill that was pushing for the wages that you were trying to compare and say, well, you know what? We don't get more wages if we give undocumented people Medicaid access. But here's the thing. You 151  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 really got to question yourself if you're trying to basically pit vulnerable populations against vulnerable populations. And while I'm glad to hear that there's going to be people from across the aisle that are going to be voting on this bill because it's a good bill that Senator Gillespie has worked very hard for. Let's be very, very clear for those individuals that are trying to say that somehow undocumented communities, taxpayers, taxpayers, because they pay taxes regardless of whether they have a Social Security number or not, they pay taxes, somehow deserve anything less. Because guess what? I was also pushing to make sure that $4 happened for our DSP folks who are doing the good work. You know why? Because it's a bill that I've introduced several times. So, for anybody that's attempting to try to say that undocumented community somehow deserves something less because they don't pay taxes, because they don't deserve it, guess what they do. You see a lot of things on the news that aren't correct. The $1.1 billion was an estimation that was not real money. So, don't try to pin my communities and say, well, you represent different communities because guess what? There are immigrants throughout the entire State. And I want to share something because I think this is really imperative. One of the big issues over the course of this conversation for the past couple of months has been, well, why do they cost so much money? Because the number and the rate of cancer amongst this population is higher because this is the first time that they've ever had access to health care. And I'm going to break it down to you like this. My mother, who died of cancer two and a half years ago, while she was going through her treatments and unfortunately had a difficult situation with one of the hospitals that was treating her. I was a newly minted State Representative. 152  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 Had just literally a month before, been appointed to my position, and my mother was diagnosed and within a couple of months had a huge surgery to try to cut out the tumor that invaded her body. My older brother and I had to take over and be advocates for her and my mother being fully bilingual, being a former undocumented person that was now a naturalized citizen after a very long time, needed her children even though she was an English speaker to advocate for her. And I remember having this conversation with my mother because my mother said, "Mija, I have you. But what about everyone else, here, who doesn't speak the language or doesn't have the status that we have to be able to handle things". That doesn't have the health insurance that we have to be able to cover the cost of this. Don't use my communities as political scapegoats and whatever games you're trying to play as a political ploy. And that is for anybody that is continuing to try to insinuate that undocumented people deserve any less. They pay taxes and they stay. They contribute to our economy; they contribute to our State. And every single time that you say something, I will be there to challenge you, to challenge anyone. And I'm not alone. This is a good bill. And anybody that wants to continue to talk about and say that somehow anybody is getting anything less because undocumented people are getting something is someone that needs to look deep down in themselves and really question why they feel that way. I urge a Yes vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion, Leader Curran, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you. There's been a lot of negative comments throughout the evening tonight about how we're not doing enough or we're not priorities are not in the right place. But this bill provides sorely needed increases across the board for hospitals, for substance abuse disorder, for dementia, for FQHCs, for medically fragile, technologically dependent children, for home workers in our community care program, for the frontline nursing home workers, for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, community based mental health services, medically complex, developmentally disabled and adult day services. This bill provides sorely needed resources for those frontline workers that care for our most vulnerable people, and I hope we can all find it in our hearts to vote Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall the Senate concur House Amendment No. 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1298. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 44 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. Senate Bill 1298, having received the required 154  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 57th Legislative Day 5/25/2023 constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments No. 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1298, and the bill is declared passed. Leader Curran, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Madam President. The hour is indeed late, and Madam President, I do believe I can see Nutbush City limits right up ahead. I am so grateful for this Body; this has been the most normal Session we have had. And despite the two bonus days we got this week, it is one of our earliest adjournments in many, many years. So again, especially I joined Leader Curran, our incredible staffs who have done so much work to make all of us with fancy titles look good. I am incredibly grateful, and I am incredibly grateful to our caucus that has put your trust in me. I am humbled and -- and honored to do this job. I want to end on the point we've made several times. This has been an unusual Session, and it has been one that emphasizes that cooperation, collaboration, and collegiality are indeed possible and do make the process and the legislative output better. So, I -- I look forward to our next Session after a good long summer. I'll see any of you coming back on June 12th for the portrait unveiling. And please be safe. And -- and we will -- we will get the Veto Session schedule out to you as soon as it is ready. So, Godspeed all. Thank you very much. Be safe. Good night. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Mr. President. I didn't know the follow up line. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.