PASTOR SCOTT MARSH: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Johnson, can you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) We have a number of visitors seeking leave to photograph and videotape the proceedings. Clint DeRoze from WGEM requests permission to record and audio and videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Dave Dahl from WTAX seeks permission to photograph the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Lisa Yuscius from the Blueroomstream seeks permission to video stream the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Max Cotton from WGEM Gray TV seeks permission to record video and audio of the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Olivia Olander from Chicago Tribune seeks permission to record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ben Szalinski from Capital News Illinois seeks to photograph and record audio of the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Andrew Campbell from Capital News Illinois seeks leave to record video and audio of the proceedings. See no -- Seeing no objection, leave is granted. And Mike Miletich from WAND TV seeks leave to record and videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, November 20th, 2024.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1307 through 1310, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. They're all celebration of life resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 2703. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2703. Passed the House, as Amended, November 20th, 2024. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The Senate will be at ease for a few minutes while the Committee on Assignments will meet in the back room or front room, rather. The Committee on Assignments to -- to meet in the front room. Leader Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Cunningham, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports, the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2703. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Alex Degman from WBEZ seeks permission to record and audio the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. We are going to be working on House Bills 3rd Readings, final action. On page 2 of the printed Calendar, we find ourselves with House Bill 793. Senator Castro with House Bill -- Senator indicates she would like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 793, an Act concerning State government. 3rd reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro, on your bill.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 793 creates the Dignity and Pay Act, which does the following. Requires HFS and DHS file an amendment to the Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program for adults with developmental disabilities to increase the rate for small group support waivers. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Section 14 C Subminimum Wage Certificate Transition program to award grants that will support community agencies in creating competitive, integrated employment opportunities and programing for people with developmental disabilities in transitioning away from the subminimum wage for persons with developmental disabilities. Requires the Employment and Economic Opportunities for persons with Disabilities Task Force to develop a multi-step plan to assist the State in phasing out 14 C certificates in the subminimum wage for persons with developmental disabilities on or after December 31st, 2029. Beginning January 1st, 2025, requires a state pay an amount in addition to the minimum monthly personal needs allowance, so that persons who is a resident under the CILA Act and determined to be eligible for medical assistance. Total monthly personal Needs Allowance from both State and federal sources equal 100. I just want to know, there are a very broad and passionate discussions on both sides of this conversation, and to many of the folks who I know will be speaking today, this is very personal to me. Many, many, many years ago, my late mother's dearest friend who has also passed, had a daughter who was developmentally disabled. I remember many conversations with her when she worked at a provider. She would go for programing and then would sit for eight hours screwing widgets for a company. At the end of those long 40 hours, she would take home a $5 check. And her mother said, "I appreciate the fact 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 that my daughter has a place to go as she is developmentally disabled, but I'm also concerned at the fact that they use her" And her words, not mine, "in a kind of servitude, and feel that it's okay to pay her $5 for the work she's putting in. There has to be a balance to both. And my daughter's life and value, regardless of her disability, is worth more than $5 a week." And imagine her saying that as a Latina and telling that to me in Spanish with a broken heart look and myself and Rep Mah have made it this crusade to eventually phase this out. Eighteen other states, as well as the City of Chicago, have begun to phase out this process to provide dignity to those who are disabled, to put a human face, to say that those folks who are developmentally disabled are worth more than a subminimum wage to show their value as humanity. And I look forward to the discussion. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, President. I would like to speak to the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Certainly, I appreciate Senator Castro's work on this bill. Representative Mah's work on this bill, it's a very complex issue, and I appreciate the example she gave $5 a week for 40 hours work is certainly sounds inappropriate and not correct in 20 years ago or in today's wages. There were -- on this bill 500 proponents and 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 over 600 opponents. The opponents were individuals with disabilities and individuals that were family members of -- of people with developmental disabilities. There were Avenue of Independent Living was an opponent and a private, not-for-profit Valley Shelter House in Batavia was also a opponent. Now, the national average of subminimum wage is about $350{sic}($7.25} an hour. In Illinois, in 2025, and granted this bill would not go into effect on the wage part until 2029. But right now, in Illinois, it's $14 an hour and it would go to $15 an hour. Somewhere there has to be a balance, no doubt. As Senator Castro mentioned, $5 per week for 40 hours. Totally inappropriate. And also, we must recognize that several other states have done this successfully. But Illinois has one of the higher minimum wages across the country, certainly higher than our neighboring states. This bill would go into effect regardless of productivity level, regardless of productivity level. Now, most of this work in these workshops is done under supervision of staff. It's just the nature of it. And we know that individuals with developmental disabilities have a broad spectrum of abilities and skill sets. And that's why I oppose this bill, is because I think we have to somehow accommodate those that aren't going to be able to meet the productivity levels that allow a business to contract with, say, a private provider like Valley House Shelter to keep these workers employed, there has to be a balance. It's about productivity. It's about your bottom margins. When you're an employer, if they have to pay minimum wage, will they take the -- the work away? Now, I've heard from many advocates that it's been proven differently, and certainly many people with disabilities might get into the workforce that have not gotten into the workforce because they can 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 meet productivity levels, but they didn't want to work in a workshop, and they thought they could be paid a minimum wage. So, certainly they may come into the workforce. That's great. I'm worried about the ones that have they're not profoundly developmentally disabled, but they are moderately developmentally disabled. They have different skill sets because of their disabilities. Now, many of the opponents will tell you that their workshops offer their workers a skill building opportunity, and perhaps they can go to the regular workforce. That is what we want for everyone to be able to do that. But at these workshops, that's not often the case. And then also these workshops provide a place for socialization. They provide a place for those that have hardly any skill sets, as we heard from Hugo Saltijeral from the Valley Shelter House, he has a -- a lady there that could not make it in the regular workforce, and she comes, and she colors. But she is so happy to be there with friends and socialize, and he doesn't pay her anything. But she has a place to go, and her family has a couple of days where they don't have to have her at home and watch her, and she's being productive in her own way. Now, if that workshop closes, this woman will have no place to go except at home. She'll be kept at home. Workshops are less common downstate. They're rural. We're rural area and I had a workshop in Beardstown that closed during COVID. They couldn't meet the regulations that were put on them, and I had so many parents calling me of children -- well, their children, adults had no place to go, no place to go, and that workshop is not opened. That's my fear, is that we're going to have this occur again. As I said, staff work at different levels of speed and efficiency. Hugo from Valley Shelter mentioned that he contracts with a business that does mailing pieces. They 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 could employ a regular employee at $20 per hour. Hugo has perhaps 10 workers doing the work of one person. Some do it quicker. One may take an hour to do that mail piece, but they're there. They're happy, they're getting a paycheck. And again, this is done under the staff supervision. All of this has to be supervised. So, you have that cost, as well, that goes into the factoring of will this workshop survive? I get calls all the time from people that have adult children that are disabled, developmentally disabled. They have nowhere to go. And you look at the Illinois PUNS list, PUNS list is people in need of services that have dev -- dev -- gosh, developmentally disabilities. And if you're over 18 and in that category, Illinois has 6,416 people in need of services. Many of these have waited 4 to 5 years and more and never received these services. We definitely have a need Illinois is at the bottom. I understand that the proponents think this will help Illinois propel out of that bottom of the heap, and the way we serve people with developmental disabilities. I have a brother who shreds paper, and he has to be under supervision. He won't have a job. He can't produce, but he's happy he has a paycheck, and he feels worthwhile that he can go someplace and socialize two days a week. The other two days he visits with my mother. Don't take these jobs away from these people. We had 600 proponents of people that are going to be affected by this. They're telling you they don't want this. And I think we should pause and listen. And I appreciate all the efforts, and I know this isn't till 2029, but that comes before you know it. And shouldn't we recognize the needs of the PUN lists first? These are people, 6000 people in Illinois already in need of services, and they're asking for our help and we're not giving it to them. Thank you. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
It's going to be really hard to add to what, Senator Tracy just said with her personal experience. And I also want to say, what a difficult bill this is for -- for everyone. The -- the sponsor certainly has her experience and why she supports it. I and I -- I certainly don't question that. I certainly don't question anyone who ultimately votes for this bill. But I do have to stand up and tell you how it's going to work in my area. And, you know, I may not stand in Senator Tracy's shoes, but my wife has spent the better part of her entire career working with this population of individuals and as an Occupational Therapist. She proudly builds wheelchairs for people like Stephen Hawking's people, who literally, if they're not positioned correctly, would die if they're not positioned correctly. My little five-foot two wife builds some pretty amazing wheelchairs. Anyway, here's what happens when you're up against Indiana and the entire 51st Senate District. Well, not the entire, but we border Indiana for multiple counties. Indiana's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. From Paris, Illinois to Terre Haute, this is about 20 minutes, $15 an hour. You just put all those folks that this bill is designed to help out of business, out of work. Pink slipped. You know, it's personal. This is personal to the speakers here. And, you know, we 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 every year we take our kids to the Tim Tebow, night to shine so that our developmentally disabled friends and neighbors can have a prom. A couple times back, we saw, our late friend Senator Bennett's wife there, also volunteering. In any event, I can't vote for a bill, no matter how well intentioned it is that I know is going to send pink slips to people in my area. And the answer is, well, it doesn't take effect for, you know, a bunch of years and no -- and we're hoping to find grant money to pay for this -- folks who are we kidding? Grant money? I mean, under Governor Pritzker's leadership, five of the six last budget years for developmentally disabled DSPs, the direct service professionals, the people who provide day-in, day-out care to this population of people; feed, bathe, clothe, personal hygiene. We've gone backwards five out of six years. This year we went from 139 percent of minimum wage to 137 percent of minimum wage, for the frontline workers to bathe these folks. And -- and we're going to suddenly find grant money for this. I mean, who are we kidding? I just I - - I said a prayer before I got up asking God to give me the words on behalf of the folks I represent. They're not my words. And they're not up here screaming and yelling and hooting and hollering because I honestly respect the sponsor and anybody who votes for this bill. I understand why you're voting for it. I'm just telling you right now that in my world, no matter how well-intentioned this is, it will cause harm. And -- and I mean, these people, they don't -- I mean, payday is the greatest day to them. You go to the workshop on payday and there -- they cash -- they got their check, and they contributed, their part of society, they're doing their part. In the future, is not $15 an hour. The future is going back to Ocilla to watch TV for the rest of the day. That's -- I just - 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 - I just ask all of you to consider that as you cast your vote and -- and no matter what happens, no matter what happens to this bill, I respect anybody who votes for it. I understand why, but I can't do it to the people I represent. And with that, thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion. Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the Bill.
This is a tough issue. This isn't a partisan issue. This is a vote that we're taking that we feel is right for our communities. I have the privilege of having Robert Graham, in my district, and up in DuPage County they want a yes vote or want a, you know, they -- they encourage it to -- to support the legislation that Leader Castro has out there. I am going to vote yes. But I do have a challenge, we have until 2029. And to the concerns of those in my own caucus and those who are voting no. I pledge to help try and support, we, more importantly who are voting yes should pledge to get out of the bottom of supporting this community. Our DSPs, we talk about Guidehouse rate studies and fully funding those. We have until 2029 to figure this out. And I pledge to this Body, if I'm allowed to be here, that I will continue to fight and help so that the concerns of those who are opposed are un -- become unfounded, and this community finally gets the dignity and respect it truly deserves. Thank you. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I -- I -- I want to just commend the sponsor for her work on this. I will say it is a difficult issue. I recently did a tour of one of these facilities. There was probably 140 individuals who are developmentally disabled in this particular place. All of them used to work, but the facility owner or the -- the manager had two years ago saw this debate beginning to happen, and they decided that they were going to preemptively end subminimum wage in their facility. There's now only about a dozen people that work there. Everyone else has, they just sit there. I remember going up to one individual, and he was sitting there with an IPad in front of him, watching videos on YouTube. And he begged me, and he learned who I was and that I was a representative for the area. He begged me to help him find a job because he didn't have anything to do all day. And so, I -- I want to echo what Senator Lewis just said is that it is incumbent upon us then, in the next five years to work very, very hard to get this right, because in the district I represent, I've seen what it's -- what happens when we don't prep in advance. The developmentally disabled are the ones who suffer as a result of it. This individual and there was a lot of them that I talked to that day, and they all had kind of the same kind of message. But this one particular individual said, "I don't know 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 why I come here every day because all I do is I sit, and I watch videos on my IPad. I would rather just sit at home if I can't work. I really want a paycheck. I don't really care how much that paycheck is, but I want to have a paycheck, and I want to be productive. Can you help me?" So, it is. I'm going to vote for this somewhat reluctantly, because I kind of wish we would figure out these -- how this is going to happen in advance, but I'm going to just encourage everyone here, as well as the agencies tasked with working on this, to make it a top priority to ensure that not only do we provide a pathway forward for the developmentally disabled, but that we do it for as many people as possible. Because I've seen in my district what happens when we don't? Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Castro, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. First off, to the previous speakers, this is a very personal issue, and I've had wonderful conversations with all of you of how to approach this and how to look at this from a different perspective. It is a difficult decision. It is very personal to many of us. And I give you my commitment. And, you know, we were speaking like, how do we make sure that this -- the goal of this of -- you know, phasing this out also doesn't hurt those providers is having the conversations within those task force. Right. But also, to keep us informed of how the rollout is going out. I think one thing that I want to just talk about, what was said yesterday in Committee. Hugo also mentioned that he was taking no funding, none. Not state, not 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 federal and I just want to highlight something there's three existing federal funded programs: supportive employment, community day services and vocational rehabilitation, which bring more than 150 million to Illinois organizations, workers and employers annually. These three programs cannot pay for subminimum wage activity, but these shelters can apply for that funding. Hugo is just not applying. I don't know where the disconnect is, and maybe we need to do a better job of like connecting them and maybe showing them. Maybe they don't know how to apply for that programing. I give you my commitment that we -- during this task force, I'm going to highlight that or ask the Department to do so. I think there's some examples like El Valor in Chicago voluntarily moved from subminimum wage activity to supportive employment and day activities that enrich the lives of the people they serve, and that drawn significant federal funding resources that are not available to subminimum wage vocational options. Spark, a wonderful DD service provider here in Springfield, provides support, provides subminimum work options for the individuals they serve, and they support this, bill. Their CEO, Doug McDonald, said recently, "People with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve this change, they're human beings, they are members of society, they are citizens of Illinois, just as any of us are and they deserve the same respect, the same protections as the rest of us." I think there's just, you know, I think one of the things is like, will employers stop or reducing work for people with disabilities? There was a recently published journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA, that says no. They published a study on November 15th, 2024, demonstrating statistically significant increases in labor workforce participation, employment 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 rates amongst people with disabilities. The study focused on over 400,000 people in Maryland and New Hampshire who took upon this to start the process of eliminating the subminimum wage and believe in 14 and 15. You know, another thing that was mentioned, people with severe, profound intellectual development just don't understand or care about money. This bill recognizing -- recognizes the need for a broader overhaul of work and day activity options for people with disabilities. If money is not the motivation for a person, they deserve alternatives that are stimulating and fulfilling. Community day programs are one option, funded by federal adults and ID and the ID -- D waiver. There's a lot of opportunities to reform this, and I appreciate everyone's commit -- you know, conversations. And again, it is very personal to all of us. But it is time to end this, that to think that people are less valued because they have a developmental disability. It is time for us to phase this out. And I said this in Committee, and I will say this here. Last I checked, we're not going out of business. I look forward to the task force continuing work on this topic to highlight if there are things we need to adjust, ideas that we need to bring forward, and I'm committed to do that. I'm also committed, and I've mentioned it to my colleagues who are concerned that if I would love their opponent's voice on this task force. Hugo has been put on this task force. I know there are a few other colleagues who asked, hey, how can I get my person on that task force? I'm committed to doing that as well. But I go back to the story I heard earlier -- told earlier of my mom's friend who felt her daughter's life was more valuable than that $5 paycheck and we all get elected to represent, and we all don't forget where we came from. And I feel that while she is no longer 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 with us, I owe this to her. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) As this bill has an immediate effective date, it would require 36 votes for passage. The question is, shall House Bill 793 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 -- excuse me. On that question, there are 43 voting Aye, 11 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 793, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on with House Bills 3rd Reading page 3 of the printed Calendar, we are going to House Bill 4781, Senator Hunter. The Senator seeks - - wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4781, an Act concerning children. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Excuse me, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, as amended, House Bill 4781, creates a Kinship in Demand (Act). The acronym represents the KIND Act, and the bill creates the statutory authority for DCFS to execute a kin -- a kin first approach to service delivery. It directs the juvenile courts to provide necessary oversight to the Department's obligation to maintain family connections and promotes equitable opportunities to youth and families to thrive with rational permanence. In September of 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services authorized states to voluntarily establish a different licensing 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 or approval standards for kinship caregivers to align with research and remove barriers and -- and impediments to permanency. House Bill 4781 is intended to be the General Assembly's effectuation of the federal rule by leveraging opportunities provided by the federal government to maintain federal funds for family funding - - family finding, and relative placements, including payments to kinship caregivers, at least equivalent to those provided to licensed foster parents, and kinship navigator programs, which are designed to support kinship caregivers who are providing homes for youth in care. To accomplish this goal, House Bill 4781 amends the Child Care Act of 1969, Children and Family Services Act, and the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, with conforming changes related to the certification of relative caregivers homes pursuant to related federal dollars, family finding efforts, and the establishment of a kinship navigator program. I would like to really thank all of the proponents that has come together and has aligned themselves working together to put this piece together, especially ACLU of Illinois, DCFS, Bright Point, Cook County Public Guardian, Family Forward Illinois, National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Ascend, Justice Shriver Center, ICOI, National Council of Jewish Women, and Illinois Now for making this possible. At this time, I'll take any questions if there are any, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question -- Senator Hunter would you like to close? Or can we -- Senator Hunter, to close.
Please vote yes for the children, our children. Thank you. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 4781 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4781, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We are moving to Supplemental Calendar No.1 where we find our concurrences of Senate Bill 2703. Senator Harris. Senator Harris, seeks to -- to move forward. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No.2 to Senate Bill 2703. Signed by Senator Napoleon Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Harris.
Thank you, Mr. President. With Senate Bill 2703, as amended, replaces all and becomes the TIF Omnibus, which extends the TIF for eight TIF districts. There's no opposition, and I look for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. As this bill has an immediate, effective date, it requires 36 votes for passage. The question is, shall Senate concur in the House Amendment No. -- House Amendment No.2 to Senate Bill 2703. 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? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 Aye, 3 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate -- the Senate has concur in House Amendment No.2 to Senate Bill 2703, and is declared passed. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
I'm sorry, Mr. Speak -- President, I was distracted at the time. I meant to vote Yes for that last bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) It would be so reflected, thank you. Moving to page 4 on the Calendar or Secretary's Desk Resolutions. We have Senate Resolutions 891. Senator Peters, with Senate Resolution 891. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 891, offered by Senator Peters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution about Promontory Point in my district, which is just an important Park and has a history of being a key part of the lakefront. And we just want to make sure that it's restored and protected. And I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 891 pass. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 1274, Senator Bryant, with Senate Resolution 1274. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 Senate Resolution 1274, offered by Senator Bryant.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. As many of you know, my husband, actually has epilepsy, which caused a brain resection even years ago. And so, many people in the United States, suffer from epilepsy but live very normal lives. I think it's imperative that we bring attention to this each year. So, appreciate your support for Epilepsy Awareness Month.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sir -- is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 1274 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 1280. Senator Morrison, on your -- Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1280. Senate Resolution 1280, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask all the Members to join me in commemorating December 21st, 2024, as James A. Lovell Day to celebrate the Lake Forest man who is credited with the phrase "Houston, we have a problem". It's often repeated still 54 years later. James Lovell isn't just a resident in my district. He is the oldest living former astronaut of NASA, and his extraordinary courage and skills have left an indelible mark on human space 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 exploration. He's best known for his remarkable role in the Apollo 13 Mission and the incredible story of survival and human resilience. In April 1970, when an oxygen tank explosion crippled their spacecraft. Lovell and his crew transformed what could have been a tragic disaster into one of the most remarkable rescue missions in history. With limited resources and facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, they navigated their damaged spacecraft back to Earth. Before Apollo 13, Lovell was already a distinguished astronaut. He was the first person to travel to the moon twice and went on two Gemini spaceflights and two Apollo missions, logging 715 hours in space. Lovells achievements have long inspired generations to dream big and persevere in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. Please join me in commemorating December 21st, 2024, as James A. Lovell Day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the resolution.
First of all, I thank Senator Morrison for bringing this resolution. It's been fun working with her on it. I had the incredible honor of getting to give this resolution to and inform Captain Lovell of this resolution, a couple of weeks ago, he was extremely excited about it. He is a historic figure that will be talked about for as long as humans exist. He was on the first mission ever when humans left Earth orbit and went to orbit the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 moon. Only three people were on that mission. He was one of them. So, to be first to the moon and then to be the Commander of Apollo 13, and to have chosen to live and remain in our State, in Senator Morrison's District, is an incredible honor. It's not often that we have someone that is this historically significant that's still alive, let alone get the chance to honor them in the State Senate. So, I rise in support of this. I look forward to December 21st. I hope Captain Lovell and his family can celebrate that day. That is the day that Apollo 8 launched humans for the first time out of Earth orbit and into the orbit of the moon. So, I rise in support. And this is a very fitting honor for Captain Lovell.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Morrison, would you like to close? The question is, shall Senate Resolution 1280 pass. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 1285, Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1285, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Individuals with disabilities deserve the same chance as everyone else to build a secure, fulfilling future and thanks to the Illinois ABLE program, more than 6500 people have been afforded that chance. That program offers a range of investment options that allow for tax deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for individuals with disabilities to pay for qualified disability related expenses, including 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 education, housing, and transportation. It's timely, that I am standing here today to commemorate the Illinois ABLE Day, just weeks before the anniversary of the untimely death of Senator Scott Bennett, whose public service has been recognized by renaming -- let me repeat that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Excuse me, Senator. Folks, we're almost done, but let's -- let's give a little respect to these resolutions. Please keep your voices a bit down. Thank you.
It is timely that I am standing here today to commemorate the Illinois ABLE Day, just before the anniversary of the untimely death of our colleague, Senator Scott Bennett, whose public service has been recognized by renaming the ABLE Account Program in his honor. Senator Bennett created the ABLE program during the 99th General Assembly and without his advocacy, thousands of individuals living with disabilities and their families wouldn't have the ability to properly save for the future. Join me in declaring December 19th, 2024, as Illinois ABLE Day. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 1285 pass. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 1298, Senator Bryant. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1298, offered by Senator Bryant.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant, on your resolution. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution, a day late, but that's okay. November 20th is Utility Scammers Awareness Day. Scammers call the elderly and claim they must send them cash for the bill from utilities and others. To bring awareness that utility officials do not call asking for payment, and utilities scammers are on the rise. So, we want to bring attention to this, so our seniors are not caught off guard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 1298 pass. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Cunningham, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's an announcement I wish I didn't have to make. It's that time of year where we often recognize staff members who are leaving us, and I have to do that now for Mary Hanahan. As you might see, Mary is up in the Chair right now, which our Parliamentarian had to do to make sure she would be on the Floor for this. Mary has long been one of the most capable staffers we've had. Senator Castro mentioned, yesterday in Exec, the great work she's done there. And that extends to JCAR, where I know both, Democratic and Republican Members of our Chamber have benefited from her work there. I have most, benefited from Mary's work working on energy, where she's just been a terrific 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 asset. Mary, I've done this for 14 years, and Mary is easily the best staffer I've ever worked with. So, please join me in thanking Mary and wishing her well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) I -- there are some additional lights, which I believe that we are going to continue on some honors for Mary here. So, Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your point.
So, I actually had to prepare my remarks today, Mary. I just want to read them because I think you know how much you mean to not just to me, but to everybody else. So today, we gather to honor and to bid farewell to a remarkable leader and an even more remarkable person, Mary on her last day in the Illinois Senate. Over the years, Mary has been a true force for good, shaping policies that have made a real difference in the lives of our residents here in Illinois. Many of us know her best for her tireless work on the Energy bill, an achievement that will have a long-lasting impact for generations to come. But what many may not see is the person behind that legislation. Mary's intellectual curiosity has fueled her ability to tackle immense, complex challenges with grace and determination. Her compassion for others has guided her decisions, ensuring that the policies she's championed always put people first. And let's not forget her dream to live her life on a boat, a reminder of her adventurous spirit and her desire to explore life beyond the Capitol. Mary has been 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 a leader, a mentor, and a friend to so many young lawyers, staff members, and fellow Senators. Your office became a safe haven where people felt encouraged to drop in daily, to bring with them random and sometimes outright crazy ideas. You just didn't listen. You inspired, challenged, and helped transform these ideas into actionable -- actionable goals. And that open door and open mind created a lasting ripple effect, not only shaping policies, but also the people who will carry your legacy forward. Mary your legacy will not only be the laws you helped pass, but also the example that you set as a leader, mentor, and as a friend. And I want to say, "Thank you for your service to the Illinois Senate and to this great State. We're forever grateful." And as the sailors say, "Farewell -- fair winds and following seas, your next journey" Mary, you deserve it and you earned it. Congratulations, Mary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Ventura, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your point.
Mary you can't go. The work is not done, but we will wish you well on your journey. You have raised the standard of what our policy team and staffers have to do now, and you have impossible shoes to fill, so I hope that you are guiding them as you leave and showing them the way and providing your notes on the bills to the next people who will take over. I think Senator Hastings said it right. You really have left a legacy, and I want to thank you 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 for putting Illinois on a sustainable path forward. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
So, I -- I made Mary come to Exec yesterday, so I could say my goodbye as -- as her last Exec prior to a meeting to the Governor's Office. I don't know how many meetings we've been in together, whether it is reviewing Exec, JCAR. I think some of us still have PTSD from the Energy Bill. But one of the things. Celina nods her head. I think one of the things that I would say, a little history about Mary. Mary came in, when I was a young legislator, in 20 the end of 2018 with five amazing women. I always tease them and call them the five -- Fab Five. It was Ashley Stead, although Ashley was here a little bit before that. Erica Tremble, Haley Guion and Maria Martinez and they were these five dynamic women who took on some of the biggest pieces of legislation in that year and helped craft some monumental pieces that passed, allowing each of us to share our thoughts, our concerns, always with a smile. Could say no to you with a smile. And many of us who've had to deal with Mary on bills know what that smile looks like with the very kind. No. But each of those women have grown and moved on. And as we all know, in this Chamber, we grow, and they move on. Right. We set them up to a path we hope to success. And it is very hard but bittersweet to see, all of -- as our staff move on and grow and we see them in other venues. And to -- to for Mary, I will miss your quick wit, your dry sarcasm. A lot of people don't realize Mary has a way to deliver a line and make you laugh with that quick wit. I will miss bringing an extra La Croix to Executive for Mary, as she is a La Croix junkie, like I am. But I know I 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 will see Mary in a different light and will continue to -- to foster and provide the mentorship. I'm sure all of us will when we see her. And I wish her nothing but the best. Good luck and we'll see you soon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Thank you for your service to this Senate Chamber and our State. Leader Curran, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For an announcement Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your announcement.
I just wanted to, highlight, inform that we have on our side a birthday coming up here, Senator Sally Turner, whose birthday is Sunday. So, I just wanted to -- 29 you said? So, I just want to want to wish Senator Turner a Happy Birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Happy birthday. Going from one Turner to the other. Senator D. Turner, Doris Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Happy birthday to the other part of this Turner caucus. And we have a special birthday on this side of the aisle, as well. Senator Lakisha Collins, is celebrating her birthday on Saturday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Happy birthday. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are reaching the end of our work for the fall Veto Session. There are items still on our agenda which we will be able to take up in January, but we're going to wrap up here for the day. Our Calendars for the Spring Session will be distributed momentarily, so please take those with you when you go. I would highlight that we are adjourning to the call of the President, and we are holding all of those days in January from the second through the seventh for potential action. So please keep your Calendar clear for a return to this Chamber before we migrate over to the old Senate Chamber for inauguration on January 8th. The weather out there is a little dicey. It's windy and there's some snow between Springfield and Chicago. I'm not sure how south it's going, so please be careful on your drive home. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Happy birthday to all celebrating birthdays, and we will see you on the holiday circuit, and we'll be back here in January. Happy Thanksgiving all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President, I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following Joint Resolution in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 76. Resolved by the House 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024 of Representatives. The 103rd General Assembly of the State of Illinois. The Senate concurring here in that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, November 21st, 2024, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until the call of the Speaker, and the Senate stands adjourned until the call of the President. Adopted by the House, November 21st, 2024, John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
House Joint Resolution 76, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) On the Order of Resolution, is -- on the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 76. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 76, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of an immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 76. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Now, Senator Lightford moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 76. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We will now proceed to the Order of Consent Calendar, Congratulatory Resolutions. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 127th Legislative Day 11/21/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. We will now proceed to the Order of Consent Calendar, Celebrations of Life Resolutions. The -- with leave of the Body all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, will -- have there been any objections filed to any resolutions on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate pursuant to House Joint Resolution 76. The Senate stands adjourned until the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. Happy Holidays. 31