Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 25, 2024

SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance) PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) WTAX requests permission to photo, leave is granted. WGEM requests permission to record audio/video, leave is granted. WGEM again, requests permission for Max Cotton, previous for Clint DeRosa. WCIA record -- requests permission to record video and audio. Blueroomstream requests permission to video stream. WAND TV request permission to record video and Capitol News Illinois requests permission to photo/record, 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 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. Seeing there being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Daily Line request permission to photograph the proceedings today, and Lee Enterprise request permission to take audio and photos of the proceedings. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to turn to final action on page 6 of your printed Calendar is the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. And on page 7, we begin with House Bill 1855, Senator Chesney? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Senator Chesney, on your bill. 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024

Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1855 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 57 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 1855, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving ahead to House Bill 3046, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Senator Villivalam.

Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation provides that recycled water can be reused for irrigation purposes. It also allows the IEPA to propose rules establishing programs for both direct potable and non-potable water reuse. I would ask for an Aye 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 vote.

Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise?

Will the sponsor yield?

Sponsor indicates that he'll yield. Senator McClure.

Senator Villivalam.

Thank you, Senator, for that question. When it passed over from the House last year, IEPA had some concerns. We worked to address those concerns, what they believe with Amendment No. 3, we did not adopt Amendment No. 4 and 5. So, I don't believe there is -- there is -- there is no opposition.

Senator McClure.

Senator Villivalam.

I -- we -- I don't think there's -- there's isn't a cost 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 estimate because I don't think there is a need to have one. This simply allows repeals of prohibition in terms of being able to use water reuse for irrigation purposes. And it does in terms of establishing -- having the Department establish rules for water reuse for non-potable and -- and potable, you know, situations. That's what this does.

Senator McClure.

Senator Villivalam.

I think the concept of water reuse is becoming more, prominent. In fact, there's 20 -- we would be essentially doing what 23 other states do for non-potable water reuse and 16 other states do for potable water reuse in terms of allowing the Department to establish regulations and guidelines.

Senator McClure.

Senator Villivalam.

There are absolutely communities asking for this again, and it's not my understanding that that IEPA can just do this on their own. But -- but for us, one again, it repeals the prohibition for water use for irrigation purposes. And two, it's the legislature saying, look, we want you to move forward with this concept that 23 other states have done for non-potable, 16 for potable, because water reuse is something that we need to do. And yes, this is an initiative that has come from a constituent and has come from several communities that want to have this explored due to the -- the need of -- of water accessibility.

Senator McClure.

To the bill, Senator.

Any further discussion. Senator -- Senator Rezin, for a purpose do you seek recognition?

Sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Rezin.

Senator Villivalam.

I'm sorry. Senator. Can you repeat that, please?

Senator Rezin.

Senator Villivalam.

Senator. I'm not familiar with the -- the exact, you know, proposal you're referencing. All I can tell you is this legislation passed the House last April. IEPA reached out to me. I held the legislation at their request because of their concerns. We met in October, again, to go over language. They did not provide language. We met, again, in February, to discuss the issues that they had. Then the Illinois Environmental Council and my constituent provided language to them, which then they subsequently accepted. And here we are.

Senator Rezin.

To the bill.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Villivalam, to close.

Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. Obviously, I appreciate the discussion. This is legislation that has been negotiated, we've certainly spoke with the IEPA several times, I imagine we're going to continue to speak with them. Twenty-three states have centralized non-potable water reuse regulations and guidelines. Sixteen states, have with -- have potable water reuse regulations and -- or guidelines. That's what we're doing here today. I ask for an Aye vote.

The question is, shall House Bill 3046 pass. All those in favor 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 Aye, 15 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3046, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Let's move to the top of page 8, on the printed Calendar. House Bill 4179, Senator Bennett. Senator Bennett seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4179 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now, on 2nd Reading, House Bill 4179. Mr. Secretary, please… On the Order of 2nd Reading -- have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Senator Bennett, on your amendment.

Senator Bennett moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 4179. All in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendments have been adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

3rd Reading. Now on 3rd Reading, House Bill 4179. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Senator Bennett, on your bill.

Thank you, Senator. Senator, any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purposes do you rise?

Sponsor indicates that he'll yield. Senator Rezin.

Senator Bennett.

Senator Rezin. 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024

Senator Bennett.

Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Bennett, you wish to close?

Thank you. Senator. The question is, shall House Bill 4179 pass. All those in favor 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 4179, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to shift gears in just a moment and turn to the Order of Secretary's Desk Resolutions. Just want to make sure, Members and staff are prepared to -- to go to that Order of Business. We'll hold for a minute to allow people to catch up with our change of schedule. Just for the sense of the Body, we're going to begin on Senate Joint Resolutions in a moment. That would begin on the middle of page 13, if you want to look at your Calendar to be prepared. Ladies and Gentlemen 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 of the Senate, we're on the Order of Secretary's Desk Resolutions. We're going to pick up Senate Joint Resolutions and House Resolution -- House Joint Resolutions, renaming roads. These all require the expenditure of State funds, so they will require roll call votes. Let's start in the middle of page 13, on Senate Joint Resolution 43. Senator Bryant, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Bryant, on your resolution.

Thank you, Senator. The question before us is - shall Senate Joint Resolution 43 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 43, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Senator Bryant's request we'll observe a Moment of Silence for Lance Cpl. Uhles. (Moment of silence observed) With leave of the Body, we'll jump ahead to Senate Joint Resolution 48. Senator Halpin, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Halpin, on your resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 48 honors someone, well remembered in the district that I represent, and someone, without whom, I would not have the privilege to serve in the General Assembly. Congressman Lane Evans. Lane represented Western Illinois in Congress for 24 years. During that time, he fought for work, organized labor, and all working families. He fought for the dignity and comfort of our seniors in retirement. And above all else, the respect, honor, and care of our veterans. Lane himself served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 A Vietnam era veteran. He spent every day in Congress, later, working to expand health care for our veterans, even in the face of opposition within his own party, at times. And culminating in his success, in making exposure to Agent Orange a basis for service-connected disabilities. During tough times, in Washington, when there wasn't much work being done, Lane would -- would joke that the only thing they could agree on out there was naming post offices after dead Congressmen. His colleagues showed him something, though, by naming Rock Islands Post office after him while he -- while he lived. We don't have that luxury today, unfortunately, Lane passed away about ten years ago, this coming November. But IDOT, in the Quad Cities, recently completed the new I-74 bridge and the highway stretch that approaches it. And Lane was instrumental in -- in the conceptualization and getting that project started decades ago. And so, it's fitting with this resolution to name the stretch of I-74, from - I think it's 4th Avenue to I-280 as the "Representative Lane Evans Memorial Highway". And, so may his family, and friends, and supporters remember him and may future generations of the Quad Cities forever be reminded of a true public servant. Thank you so much. I would ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. The question before the Body is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 48 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 48, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Senate Joint 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Resolution 59, Senator Porfirio. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Porfirio, on your resolution.

Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 59 resolves that we designate the portion of I-80 of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways within the State of Illinois, from mile marker 26 to mile marker 51, as the United - "U.S. Marine Corps Highway Semper Fidelis". This is in, honor of the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary. The phrase Semper Fidelis, is Latin, for always faithful and the motto of the United States Marine Corps, and exemplifies the promise that Marines are always faithful to those on their left and right. And on this -- on this Memorial Day and in honor of their 250th Anniversary, this is a great way to recognize the service and sacrifice, of the United States Marine Corps, in the history of the defense of our nation.

Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 59 pass. All those in favor 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 59, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Let's jump forward to House Joint Resolution 28, Senator Bryant. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024

Senator Bryant, on your resolution.

Thank you, Senator. The question before the Body is, shall House Joint Resolution 28 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present and House Joint Resolution 28, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. The request of the sponsor we'll now observe a Moment of Silence in honor of Deputy Riley. (Moment of silence observed) Continuing on the same order. House Joint Resolution 36, Senator Bryant. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Bryant, on the resolution.

18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 36 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Joint Resolution 36, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Now, at the sponsor's request, we'll observe a Moment of Silence for Firefighter Vanfossan. (Moment of silence observed) House Joint Resolution 37, Senator Plummer, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Plummer, on your resolution.

The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 37 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 Aye, none voting No. House Joint Resolution 37, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Now, with the sponsors request, we'll observe a Moment of Silence for Lance Cpl. Kleiboeker. (Moment of silence observed) Continuing on the same Order, we have House Joint Resolution 39. Senator Rose, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Rose, on your resolution.

The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 39, be adopted. 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 Aye, none voting No. House Joint Resolution 39, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. At the sponsors request, we'll observe a Moment of Silence for Lieutenant Southworth. (Moment of silence observed) Let's turn to House Joint Resolution 50. Senator Rose, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Rose, on the resolution.

Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 50 be adopted? 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? Please take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No. And House Joint Resolution 50, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. The request of the sponsor we'll observe a Moment of Silence for Specialist Lamb. (Moment of silence observed) At the bottom of page 13 near the end of the Order is House Joint Resolution 60, Senator Lewis. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Lewis, on your resolution.

Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 60 be adopted. All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No. House Joint Resolution 60, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. And at the sponsor's request, we'll observe a Moment of Silence for Staff Sergeant Miller. (Moment of silence observed) Thank you, I'd invite the Members to take their seats. This is the Memorial Day weekend, and while the Chamber is in a particularly somber and reflective moment, it might be an appropriate time for us to recognize a Memorial Day in our 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 traditional fashion. We'll stand up for a moment. We typically invite our veterans serving in the Senate to share some remarks or remembrance. We'll stand by for just a moment to make sure everyone's ready to proceed. On this Memorial Day weekend, as we do the people's business, let's take a moment to observe the Memorial Day celebration and the cause for its remembrance. I'd invite Members of the Senate wishing to speak to share some remarks. Senator Porfirio, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I rise to -- to today, in honor of Memorial Day weekend and appreciate the opportunity to - - to speak… You know we really enter into -- the most sacred of days on our Calendar, Right? We've -- we've 4th of July, we -- we celebrate our independence and Veterans Day. We recognize our veterans. But, you know, Memorial Day is the day where we, we hold sacred and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, for -- for this country. And, If you'll indulge me, like a moment, some -- some -- some remnant {sic} remination or… You know, I think of friends, classmates, colleagues, I've served with, who paid the ultimate sacrifice. One-- one was Captain Matt Freeman. He -- he was my -- my detailer when I was a pleb at the at the Naval Academy. And he had -- he had -- he was from California, this bleached blond hair. And, after, detailers are kind of like drill instructors, but then as that relationship evolved, we realized he was kind of like this, a little bit of a laid-back beach bum. And I think his he came from a lineage of fighter pilots. He had jet fuel in his veins. His dad was a, I think, a consultant for Top Gun. You know, Tom Cruise continues to be one of the best recruiters the Navy ever had. And so, Matt -- Matt's dream is to be a -- to be a Navy 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 fighter pilot and, you know, he -- he kind of looked the role. And, I remember when -- when service selection rolls around, he - - he gets a -- he gets the assignment of aviation of pilot but in the United States Marine Corps. And we're all kind of looking at each other like Freeman's going into the Marine Corps, like, okay. And, but just an outstanding American. In 2009, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Theresa. And, three weeks later, he volunteers for ground action when he -- when he knows that his fellow Marines need more support in Afghanistan. He's a C-130 Hercules pilot. He volunteered for an individual augmented position with the fourth Marines embedded training team and deployed in Afghanistan. He was conducting operations with first Battalion, third Brigade, 201st Corps and the Afghan National Army. Engaged in Operation Brest Thunder in one of the most dangerous regions within the 201st Corps area of operations. When his team came under heavy enemy fire, he led his men to a building where they could locate a better firing position and was the first to reach the roof, killing a Taliban insurgent attempting to shoot a rocket propelled grenade at -- at his team. While continuing to engage insurgents, Captain Freeman was mortally wounded in the ensuing exchange of fire. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with combat V posthumously for his actions. A graduate of the 2000 Class of the United States Naval Academy, he's now laid to rest at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. I think of Lieutenant Brendan Looney. Brendan was on the lacrosse team that made the -- the national championship when we were seniors against Syracuse. It was a big deal. And, as -- as my -- as my seatmate knows, sometimes the curriculum at the service academies can be pretty intense. And I think Brendan and I think we're, we're 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 going to pull, you know, our last semester, we're going to take the history of piracy. Well, it wasn't as easy a class as we thought, right? So, we're -- we're preparing for a final exam, and, you know, me -- me and Brendan are going to, you know, cram for this exam, and we go to -- we go to, we end up going to Ram's Head Tavern. We don't really study for the exam. I don't think, the next day, we get -- we get our we get our blue books. This is, you know, before ChatGPT. I'm sure my essay started with such brilliance as, 'Throughout history, there have been pirates.' After the exam is over, you know, Bren and I are kind of looking at each other. How do you think it went? And he, you know, we end up passing. It all worked out. But, Brendan also, three days after his wedding, he met his teammates on deployment in Iraq. And was eventually killed on his 59th mission while conducting combat operations in the Zabul province of -- of -- of Afghanistan on a later deployment. And while I try to bring in the context of -- of -- of my friends, it's because I think oftentimes, we -- we -- we lionize and -- and the -- our service Members. And -- and want to make them into, like, comic book superheroes, to make us maybe feel better, maybe more comfortable and -- and we kind of dilute their humanity. Right. And -- and I would say their - they transcend that. They're -- they're real heroes. They're the definition of real heroes. And they're people who are who -- who are willing to sacrifice their life for this country, knowing they may have to sacrifice their life for this country, certainly not wanting to sacrifice their life for this country, shattering lives back home, grieving mothers and fathers, widows and widowers, orphans, really the best of us who had talent and dreams, to -- to make this world a better place and we've lost that. So again, on 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 this Memorial Day, I think it's important to remember that real service and sacrifice that this country was built on, the foundation of the greatest country in the history of the world, built on -- on these brave Americans who have been willing to raise their right hand for us. And, you know, so, as we enter into the Memorial Day weekend, please remember that service and sacrifice. Please honor it, and remember those who gave their life, and those who they left behind. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator. Well, next, recognize the newest Member of the Military Veterans Caucus, Senator Walker.

Thank you. I -- I wasn't fully prepared to bring up names of people. I will -- I'll tell you that what Memorial Day means to me. It -- it is exactly as the Senator has said, it's about humanity. The -- I served with a whole series of volunteers in Vietnam, and I was an enlisted man, and I didn't trust officers much. The -- but just to describe the people that I was with, there were college graduates from Yale, in my unit, on the ground, in the mud, in the jungle. There were people that had been sent by Circuit County Justices to get out of a sentence. There was a leader of a bicycle gang that was in some kind of trouble, he never would describe. And there were people that were really just young kids lost out of high school. Every one of us worked hard and fought for our country and believed in it, believed in fighting for our country and making ourselves, at least, maybe a better human being. The thing that I recall and not -- not all of us -- not all of us made it back. The thing that I like to remember on Memorial Day when I talk about it is that every one of these people 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 was a member of a family. Every one of these people was the son, or in -- in many cases, the daughter of someone who has held that loss in their heart for 50 years, still to this day. The people that sacrificed for this country include their families, it includes their sons and daughters, their parents. There'-- there's no replacing that. The only thing we can do to make it worth mild -- make it worthwhile on a human basis. Is maybe recall or project the character that people can hold and build, in service to their country, and make it a - something that we can aspire to. And God bless them all.

Thank you, Senator. Senator McConchie.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Plummer.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Wilcox.

Thank you, Senator. Our final speaker, Senator Hastings.

Thank you, Mr. President. And it's, it's fitting, Senator Wilcox, to talk about speaking soldiers' names. We have six Members of the General Assembly, at least in the Senate, that are former veterans and it's amazing the camaraderie that we have between one another. And it crosses both are all the services, with Senator Walker coming to the Chamber, I realized that, you know, he had a very interesting job as a MAC, on the MACV team. About 30 or 40 years later, Senator, I served on an equivalent of that. And we kind of had a -- a lot of different, interesting stories with one another, which I really appreciate. We talk about, speaking the names of those that have fallen. I always mention certain names on Memorial Day because they mean a lot to me. Laura Walker was the first female graduate from West Point in our class to -- to get killed in action in Afghanistan. Colonel Tom Felts, we -- I served with him throughout Iraq. We had to recover his vehicle after it was hit by an IED. There's a long list of names, unfortunately, that I would love to say on the Floor, but it would probably take, a lot of time to go through those. But I want to thank our, our veterans here in this Chamber. I want to thank you to the staff members that we have that are veterans as well. 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Because I know today, we will all gather. We will all gather to commemorate Memorial Day. We're reminded of the sacrifices that are made by our brave men and women who've served our country with unwavering dedication, and this past month, I've had the privilege of attending Olivet Nazarene's ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, where I witnessed the beginning of military careers filled with optimism, energy, and commitment. These young individuals, barely in their early 20s, are starting their military careers and they embody the essence of service to our nation. So, among them were families from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Each were united in their pride for their loved ones embarking on this noble journey. Some hailed from affluent backgrounds, while others persevered through hardships to ensure their children had brighter futures. One such family stuck out to me. They had humble beginnings. They poured all of their efforts into their daughter, who chose a path of military service as a means to learn, serve, and uplift not only herself, but her family's future generations. And that's one of the special things about the military, is because it does uplift families future generations. Memorial Day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes, whether on the battlefield or something that I've experienced recently, with the aftermath of conflict, it's the silent battles that reside in your head that sometimes take the lives of others. Or in lives dedicated to noble service. Those that didn't that weren't killed in action. Their selflessness extends beyond their own lives, and they served for the betterment of future generations. While reflecting on their valor and sacrifice, I can't help but draw on the parallels to the duties that we have here in the Illinois General Assembly. Just as soldiers engage in vigorous battles, we too, in this Chamber and 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 outside of this Chamber engage in political battles. Sometimes there are petty war words, whether that be through ginned up newspapers, text messages, mail pieces, commercials, if you will. They use campaigns. Campaigns use tactics that are similar to the military, whether you think so or not. And yes, there's winners and yes, there's losers. And yes, there are families that are affected and the aftermath of decisions, made by those bring turmoil and chaos. And excuse me, as I get emotional, that very rarely happens on the Floor here, obviously. Those who fall victim, the strength, and their resolve, and their commitment make them want to fight harder for their people to find justice, to ensure the betterment of the next generation. This is how serious our duty is here. Because as we honor those and the memory of those who have sacrificed, let us remember that our actions here echo throughout time. They shape the future generations for those to come. And let us draw inspiration from our brave veteran's courage and resolve and let our service in this Chamber stand as a beacon of hope for progress for the next generation. So, I want to focus on these last two points. So, as we honor those who served on Memorial Day, and this applies to both sides of the aisle, not just one. Let us pay homage to the fallen by reaffirming our commitment to service, to unity, and the enduring values that define our State and our nation. And may we never, ever forget the sacrifices made. And the most important point, may we always strive to honor their legacy through our actions -- through our actions. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator. On behalf of the Illinois State Senate, I wish to thank all those Members of the Senate who served in the 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 military and shared their wisdom today. And I would invite all of us to rise, as able, to observe a Moment of Silence for all of those who gave the last full measure of devotion. (Moment of silence observed) Senator Koehler, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) We are going to continue with resolutions. We're going to go to the top of page 12. We're going to start with Senate Resolution 532, Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution designates the month of September 2024 as River Clean Up Month. Calls for chambers of commerce and various organizations, schools and colleges to organize and coordinate river cleanup. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 702 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 716, Senator Tracy. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024

Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution urges election authorities to conduct outreach and trainings for qualified high school students to become deputy registrars in accordance with the Election Code. I appreciate the support of the Body. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 532 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Secretary, please read resolution -- Senate Resolution 737, Senator Faraci. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 737 recognizes February 18th as 2024 World Cholangiocarcinoma Day. I'd like to support that and ask for the Body to indulge me in their patience. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Could you repeat that, please? Seeing no discussion. Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 737 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 770, Senator Ventura. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution. 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024

Thank you, Mr. President. May there be much jubilation as Amity Day is a day of friendship, collegiality, civility, respect and kindness, and above all, bringing people together. This resolution declares June 9th, 2024, as Race Amity Day in the Senate (State) of Illinois. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 770 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We'll go to Senate Resolution 775, Senator Villivalam, are you ready on your resolution? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 775 states we shall recognize the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year to Asian American communities. I would ask for everyone's support. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 775 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Nay. The Ayes have , and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 785, Senator Joyce. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 75 resolves to urge each member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to support the continued funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program so that low-income Illinois households can continue to receive the support they need to participate in the digital marketplace. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 785 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Secretary, Senate Resolution 796. Senator Halpin, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. So, Senate Resolution 796 asks that the State of Illinois recognize Invisible Disabilities Week here in the State from October 20th through October 26th, 2024. Some of you may remember that several weeks ago, a young woman 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 named, Megan Bowlyou, joined me on the House Floor as part of the Sunflower Project to bring awareness to invisible disabilities, those disabilities that may not be apparent or obvious when looking at an individual. Things like autism, and other conditions. So, it's an opportunity for us all to be aware of the people around us and recognize when another person may need assistance. Recognizing it in the week of October, of late October, but throughout the year shows that we care about others as human beings and want to assist them in any way we can. I would ask for your support. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 796 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 799, Senator Bennett. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 809 resolves that we declare June 2nd through June 8th as Law Enforcement Civilian Personnel Appreciation Week. The civilian personnel are the people who staff our law enforcement positions but do not hold police powers. These positions helps officers focus on responding to calls where their police powers are needed. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 809 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate resolution 820, Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution declares September 7th Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day, one of 5000 live male births are affected by Duchenne's. The symptoms include progressive loss of strength and functions of the limbs and body, and later in life, the heart and lungs. Newborn screening in early diagnosis can improve health outcomes for those who are affected. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 820 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Skip down to the bottom of the page. Senate Resolution 868, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 868 resolves that we encourage the utilization of small, diverse, and veteran- owned firms, as M/WBE and DBE programs have demonstrated success in promoting economic opportunity, equity and access and transportation contracts. This is a resolution to - signal to the - that State of Illinois is committed to these programs, despite some of the national conversations that are taking place to eliminate them. We want to ensure - the State of Illinois wants to ensure our commitment and illustrate the importance of this -- these programs to minority owned and women owned and veteran owned firms. I would ask for support from the Body. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 868 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Turning the page to the top of page 13 is Senate Resolution 830 -- 883, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 883 declares June 7th, 2024 as Global Gandhi Youth Mission Day in the State of Illinois. On June 7th, 1893, Gandhi was evicted from a train after refusing to give up his first class seat because the compartment was reserved for white individuals only. Gandhi was a proponent for the principles of Ahimsa as he led and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. As Gandhi was a leader in India's movement to earn independence from the United Kingdom through the means of using nonviolence. In declaring June 7th, 2024 as Global Gandhi Youth Mission Day in the State of Illinois. I think, again, it -- it signals our commitment to nonviolence and respect for all living things and avoidance of violence towards other(s). I would ask for the Body's support. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 883 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 897, Senator -- Senate Resolution 898, Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 898 recognizes June 14th as Grandparent Alienation Awareness Day to encourage parents to support and foster positive relationships between children and extended family members when possible. 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 898 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the Senate Resolution is declared passed. Senate Resolution 936. Senate Resolution 957, Senator Johnson. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 957 declares July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month. Parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the State of Illinois. Parks and recreations are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of our community and region. Parks and recreation programs build healthy, active communities that aid in the prevention of chronic disease, provide therapeutic recreation services for those who are mentally and physically disabled, and also improve the mental and emotional health of all Illinoisans. Parks and recreation programs increase our community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, and the attraction and retention of businesses and crime reduction. I ask for your support. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Resolution 957 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Go to Senate Resolution 1018, Senator Rose. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 61 recognizes June 27th, 2024 as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 61 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. I'm going to jump down to the bottom of the page. House Joint Resolution 58, Senator Joyce. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Resolution - Joint Resolution 58 declares June 15th as History Day in the State of Illinois. It recognizes all those volunteers at historical societies in Illinois that do all the work that they do to preserve and spread our history. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Joint Resolution 58 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Cunningham, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) With leave of the Body, we're going to move back on the Calendar to near the top of page 12, where Senator Koehler brings Senate Resolution 632. Senator Koehler. Mr. -- Mr. Secretary, read the resolution. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to do something that might be unprecedented here, we're going to adopt an amendment to a resolution. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration.

Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to adopt the amendment. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. All those Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, any further amendments approved for consideration.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. And it's an 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 honor to be breaking precedent here in terms of the resolution, but this is an exciting resolution. It's created by the students, really, at the Pontiac Township High School. And Senator Bennett is the chief co-sponsor on this. This is a group of students that have -- have worked year in and year out under the, you know, auspices of their -- of their teacher. And they have created what is called the 30 (by) 30 Task Force. And so, this amended resolution creates the Coordination Council under the IDNR, the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The Council - and encouraged to meet the minimum of two times a year to bring together relevant staff, agencies, students at Pontiac Township High School, and NGOs to develop a strategy implement -- to implement the 30 (by) 30 Task Force recommendations, 30 (by) 30 Task Force has met for the past couple years. They have talked about conservation practices. The amendment was because they had the wrong Department initially put into the resolution. And so now it's all corrected. I asked for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 825 would, essentially, encourage a forward-thinking vision for Du Sable Lake Shore Drive which I'm honored to represent as a Senator from 7th District. This resolution came out of the grassroots advocacy of multiple community organizations across Chicago that are advocating for safer streets, safer roadways that would accommodate all road users. So, not just motorists, but people who are on foot, the disabled, and of course, as a public transit user, just having dedicated lanes for -- for express busses. I live right off of Du Sable Lake Shore Drive and I'm honored to carry this resolution. I want to thank Better Streets Chicago for leading on 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 this resolution and helping to encourage Members of the General Assembly to be forward thinking and advocating for recreational uses around Du Sable Lake Shore Drive and making that -- that beautiful, iconic American roadway safer, and even more beautiful for the next 100 years and beyond. I want to thank Senator Villivalam, Senator Feigenholtz, and Senator Peters for joining me and calling for this resolution. And I encourage all of my colleagues here to, whenever you're in Chicago to -- to take a drive down Lakeshore Drive. It's one of my favorite things to do for work and for recreation. And, I also, want to just say that, you know, thank -- thank you to Daniel Burnham, and his infinite wisdom, as a civic planner, and helping us to even have Du Sable Lakeshore Drive as a -- a roadway that abuts, you know, forever open and clear lakefront for Lake Michigan. That's -- that's a privilege I don't take for granted a lot of American cities don't have what we have in terms of the immediate access to the lakefront that can't be developed, and can't be acquired, and -- and can't be destroyed. So honored to carry this resolution. And thank you so much for the consideration. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 825 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We'll go to page 13 on resolutions. Senate Resolution 936, Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This resolution urges Congress to support the mental health of first responders and create and pass legislation to remove existing barriers to mental health treatment for individuals who respond to emergencies for the benefit of all and provides Members with important statistics regarding mental health of first responders. Mr. President, this month is Mental Health Awareness Month and recently, in this Chamber, we passed out a piece of legislation that discussed $0 dollar copays for first responders. That bill passed I believe it was unanimously in the House of Representatives and it heads to the Governor's desk. But Illinois is an example by that piece of legislation to provide $0 dollar co-pays for mental health treatments for first responders. I think this should be a national initiative. One of the great things about Senate Resolutions is that we're able to send messages to various forms of government to urge them to act on behalf of constituents across our State and to - across our country. This bill is a great, great bill that we passed. This resolution sets the framework for our Congress to do something about it, as well. And I urge its passage. Thank you very much, Mr. President. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 936 pass? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Moving on down further on the page, we have Senate Joint Resolution 64, Senator Simmons. Senator Simmons, on Senate Joint Resolution 64. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

I thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you so much for the recognition. Senate Joint Resolution 64 is a resolution that would honor John Lewis as a Commemorative Day in Illinois. I'm sure everybody in this Chamber is familiar with who John Lewis was. You know, just a profoundly influential civil rights leader who not only advocated and protested and marched so that we would have civil rights in this country, literally helping to push the federal government, push President Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act. But what I personally admire about John Lewis and why I volunteer to carry this resolution is, Mr. President, this man took a brick in the head, on Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, in the 60s. Literally put his body on the line so that, you know, African Americans, people like me could be able to vote, and just so many other constituencies, not just even African Americans who enjoy stronger civil rights to this day because of the profound legacy of the activist, community organizer, and -- and longtime serving Congressman John Lewis, who we lost just a few years ago. So, thank you so much for the consideration, Mr. President. I -- I asked my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 64 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 5/25/2024 Assignments to meet. Will the Members of the Committee on Assignments, please meet in the Chamber Front Room Committee on Assignments. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.