Illinois Senate Floor Debate — February 7, 2024

Senate Journal of Tuesday, February 6th, 2024.

Senate Resolutions 766 through 768, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. They are a celebration of life resolutions, Mr. President.

Senate Joint Resolution 48, offered by Senator Halpin. It is substantive.

Senator Martwick, Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bills 2683, 2715, 2764, 2765, 2798, and 2834 Do Pass. Senator Johnson, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bill 2675 Do Pass. Senator Sims, Chair of the Committee on Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety, reports Senate Bill 2535 Do Pass. And Senator Peters, Chair of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Bill 2737 Do Pass.

Senate Bill 3279, offered by Senator Villa, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 3280, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3281, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3282, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3283, offered by Senator Joyce, an Act concerning business. 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 Senate Bill 3284, offered by Senator Halpin, an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3285, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning civil Law. Senate Bill 3286, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 3287, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 3288, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning civil Law. Senate Bill 3289, offered by Senator Chesney, an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 3290, offered by Senator Wilcox, an Act concerning employment. Senate Bill 3291, offered by Senator Wilcox, an Act concerning employment. Senate Bill 3292, offered by Senator Wilcox, an Act concerning employment. Senate Bill 3280 -- 3293, offered by Senator Ventura, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3294, offered by Senator Holmes, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3295, offered by Senator Holmes, an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 3296, offered by Senator Toro, an Act concerning human services. Senate Bill 3297, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 3298, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 3299, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3300, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3301, offered by Senator Morrison, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 3302, offered by Senator Syverson, an Act concerning liquor. Senate Bill 3303, offered by Senator Wilcox, an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 3304, offered by Senator Glowiak, an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 3305, offered by Senator Fine, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3306, offered by Senator Holmes, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3307, offered by Senator Holmes, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3308, offered by Senator Gillespie, an Act concerning 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 children. Senate Bill 3309, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 3310, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3311, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3312, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning gaming. Senate Bill 3313, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning gaming. Senate Bill 3314, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 33 -- Senate Bill 3315, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 3316, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 3317, offered by Senator Napoleon Harris, an Act concerning elections. Senate Bill 3318, offered by Senator Murphy, an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 3319, offered by Senator Murphy, an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3320, offered by Senator Murphy, an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 3321, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning courts. Senate Bill 3322, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3323, offered by Senator McConchie, an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 3324, offered by Senator Edly-Allen, an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3325, offered by Senator Edly-Allen, an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3326, offered by Senator Stadelman, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3327, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 3328, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 3329, offered by Senator Aquino, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3330, offered by Senator Aquino, an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 3331, offered by Senator Aquino, an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 3332, offered by Senator Aquino, an Act concerning State 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 government. Senate Bill 3333, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3334, offered by Senator Rezin, an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 3335, offered by Senator Bryant, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3336, offered by Senator Morrison, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3337, offered by Senator Rezin, an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 3338, offered by Senator Anderson, an Act concerning wildlife. Senate Bill 3339, offered by Senator Anderson, an Act concerning wildlife. Senate Bill 3340, offered by Senator Anderson, an Act concerning fishing and hunting. Senate Bill 3341, offered by Senator Jones, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 3342, offered by Senator McClure, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 3343, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 3344, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 3345, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 3346, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 3347, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 3348, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 3349, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 3350, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 3351, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning housing. Senate Bill 3352, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 3353, offered by Senator Halpin, an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 3354, offered by Senator Holmes, an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 3355, offered by Senator Rezin, an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 3356, offered by Senator Doris 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 Turner, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 30 -- 357, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 3358, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning liquor. Senate Bill 3359, offered by Senator Lightford, an Act concerning liquor. Senate Bill 3360, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 3361, offered by Senator Castro, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3362, offered by Senator Castro, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3363, offered by Senator Wilcox, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3364, offered by Senator Wilcox, an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 3365, offered by Senator Collins, an Act concerning courts. Senate Bill 3366, offered by Senator Collins, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 3367, offered by Senator Collins, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3368, offered by Senator Collins, an Act concerning courts. Senate Bill 3369, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 3370, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 3371, offered by Senator Gillespie, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 3372, offered by Senator Gillespie, an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 3373, offered by Senator Gillespie, an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 3374, offered by Senator Gillespie, an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 3375, offered by Senator Rezin, an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 33 -- Senate Bill 3375, offered by Senator Rezin, an Act concerning safety. 1st Reading of the bills.

Thank you everyone. It is my honor to, present Senate Resolution 718, which designates this week as Court Reporting (and Captioning Week) recognizing all of our court reporters in our local clerk's office. I thank you for your support and encourage an Aye vote.

WHEREAS, the Members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 learn of the death of former Illinois Senate President James "Pate" Philip, who passed away on November 21st, 2023. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was the longest-serving Republican Senate President in State history, having been first elected to the position in 1993 and serving until 2023 {sic} (2003). And WHEREAS, prior to his political career, Senator Phillip proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, where he learned the importance and value of planning his work and working his plan. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was employed as the district sales manager for Pepperidge Farms bakeries for 38 years. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip began his political career as Auditor of York Township in 1965, he also served as Chairman of the DuPage County Republicans, building a grassroots political network that would become pivotal--pivotal to Republican electoral victories up and down the ticket. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1966, where he served until he was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1974. And WHEREAS, during his tenure as President of the Illinois Senate, Senator Philip achieved many significant accomplishments, including maintaining responsible budgeting, increasing funding for education, introducing property tax caps, holding the line on taxes, improving the State's job climate, and supporting anti- crime laws; he was also noted for his work in increasing public access to the legislative process, implementing governmental ethics reforms, and streamlining government, and WHEREAS, Senator Philips tenure also saw a modernization of the Senate Chamber, including the use of computers on the Senate Floor for the first time. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was known for his straightforward approach, which earned him the respect of legislators on both sides 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 of the aisle, and he will be remembered for his often-colorful quips in the media and on the Senate Floor. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was proud to be a lifelong resident of DuPage County and was active in numerous civic and charitable organizations. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was a lifelong member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago, and he was given the honor of 33rd Degree Mason; he was also a life member of The Most {sic} Wonderful (Worshipful) Grand Lodge, A.F. and A.M. of the State of Illinois Lodge No. 941, the Knights of the Templar, and the DuPage County Shrine Club. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip was honored to serve on the board of Shriners Hospitals for Children and strongly supported its mission of caring for kids. And WHEREAS, Senator Philip is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Nancy Louise, his stepsons, Randy and Kevin; his daughter, Cindi, his son, Jase; his sister Zilpha; his grandchildren, Zachary Ramey, Alexandra Ramey, Christopher Ramey, Kiara Wallace, Darcy Wallace, Jayelyn Philip, and James Philip; his step-grandson(s) Dakota Soria and also Logan Soria; and his great-granddaughter, Alice Quinn Ramey. Therefore, be it RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former Illinois Senate

Mr. President, I am joined on the Floor today by the family 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 of former Senate President Pate Philip, with many more family and friends watching online, I was going to -- an opportunity for other Members to comment, and I would request an opportunity to then close on the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.

Thank you. I rise in support of the resolution and Nancy and family, thank you so much for being here. And thank you for sharing Pate with us all these years and allowing him to be down here and making a difference in the lives of Illinois residents. It was interesting over the last few days, knowing this resolution was coming forward, I started hearing from former legislators who said, can you make sure you mention us as supportive of this resolution? So, I like to quickly just read through those who have reached out, who said they wanted to be added as supporters of this 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 Senators Pam Althoff, Bill Brady, Brad Burzynski, Dan Cronin, President John Cullerton, Jimmy DeLeo, Senator Kirk Dillard, Laura Kent Donahue, Walter Dudycz, Peter Fitzgerald, Carl Jakobsson, Dave Luechtefeld, John Maitland, Tony Munoz, Kathy Parker, Bill Peterson, Chris Radogno, Bob Raica, Steve Rauschenberger, Dan Rutherford, Cal Schuneman, Todd Sieben, Dave Sullivan, Tom Walsh, Frank Watson, Kay Wojcik. All individuals, who served with him and wanted to be listed in support of this. I'm one of those that was actually elected in 93 and started, under Pate. So, when Scott introduced that resolution, he made it sound like 1993 was so long ago. It really wasn't. I may be the longest serving, but I'm not the oldest one here in the Chamber, so I want to point that out, but -- but you know, Pate -- Pate style was of -- of leadership was really a lot like Ronald Reagan. He knew what he didn't know, and he surrounded himself with the best and the brightest to try to do what needed to be done to turn Illinois around after the struggling 80s. And so, in 92, he brought in that kind of a sense where committees would be meeting early and on time, and they really focused on a lot of ways to improve Illinois jobs climate. And so, under Pate's leadership with Governor Edgar, the reforms that were passed really improved the jobs climate. And by the late 90s, Illinois really was an economic giant, not only in this country but around the world. And so, a lot of that credit goes to Pate and his business background and his willingness to work to make those kinds of, those kinds of differences. The other was which really wasn't mentioned, but his impact on improving the lives of Illinois families. I remember when I was honored to have him, appoint me to a lead and work on Illinois's Welfare Reform and Children's Health plan. And then I worked with, Senator, at 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 that time, Senator Barack Obama and the two of us were allowed to craft a legislation that Illinois passed that was the most sweeping reforms in the country's history. And as a result of that legislation, within a matter of a couple of years, we had reduced our -- our welfare rolls by over 50 percent and we had created a children's health plan, so those who were transitioning into the workforce would still have coverage for their children. And so, the impact of that legislation really affected a lot of families in Illinois. So, we're grateful for the impact that Pate had lasting for -- for the State of Illinois and appreciate, all he's done for us. And, Nancy, again, thank you, to you and your family for letting him make a difference for Illinois. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. President. As the longest serving Illinois Republican Senate President in modern history, Pate was a leader and a mentor to countless Senators, staffers, and political figures in Illinois. Beyond the legislature, Pate was renowned in the Chicago suburbs, where he built a grassroots political network that was a force to contend with. He was a committed public servant, serving in both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Senate, which he led for 10 years as Senate President. His tenure as President from 1993 to 2003 was a pivotal time for technological advancement. From the first computers on the Senate Floor to increasing public access through the internet, Pate leaned into the future instead of running from it. His many infrastructure accomplishments included leading the modernization of the Illinois Tollway and the creation of the I-355 toll road. He was proud -- he proudly led the charge to reduce the tax burden on Illinois families. Many people may not realize that Pate was also a deeply committed conservationist, ensuring the preservation of massive amounts of Illinois -- of Illinois land during his tenure. He was especially supportive of the Forest Preserve District in his home county of DuPage. His commitment to the outdoors will continue to be honored by the thousands who visit James Pate Philip State Park every year. He also prioritized preserving Illinois history here 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 in Springfield, planning the first renovation of the Senate Chamber since the 1960s to give the people of Illinois a more beautiful and safe State Capitol. We joke about legislative time, but it was no joke, as we've heard to Pate. The story of his April adjournment continues to cement him as a legislative legend. Pate was deeply rooted in the Republican principles of freedom, responsibility, and opportunity. He was the first State House Leader to ever appoint a female member to leadership naming Senator Adeline Geo- Karis, the Senate Republican Caucus Chair. In addition, he gave many new opportunities to female staffers and legislators who were underrepresented in the State Capitol at that time. Pate was very proud of his working-class upbringing and career as a sale -- in sales at Pepperidge Farm's. Despite a 36-year career as a legislator, he always kept his achievements in perspective. He often joked during leader's meetings that it was a gathering of four lawyers and a bread salesman. His life outside of Springfield was just as rich as his decades in the capital. He was a proud Mason and Shriner, even serving on the board of the Shriners Children's Hospitals. He was also an avid outdoorsman, spending time hunting and fishing in the great outdoors with family and friends. One of the keys to his legislative success was the allies and opponents alike agreed that his word was his bond. The son of a German immigrant, Pate Philip, was deeply patriotic, honorably serving his country in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. There are met -- there may be some people here today who remember his final farewell to the Chamber, when he was escorted from the podium by a color guard from the U.S. Marine Corps. Pate was committed to country, State, community, family and the Republican principles that guided him. I am honored to extend this resolution 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/7/2024 to his beloved wife, Nancy, and their children and grandchildren. A moment of silence doesn't seem to be a fitting tribute to Pate, a man who was larger than life. So instead, I hope you will join me in a round of applause to honor the big life and legacy of Senate President Pate Philip. Thank you.

Senate Bill 3376, offered by Senator McConchie, an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3377, offered by Senator McClure, an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 3378, offered by Senator Johnson, an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 3379, offered by Senator Johnson, an Act concerning education. And Senate Bill -- 1st Reading of the bills.