Illinois Senate Floor Debate — January 8, 2025

SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)

Thank you, Governor. Mr. President, on today -- I rise today to nominate Don Harmon for Senate President. This isn't the first time I've had the honor to nominate Don as Senate President. And I've been honored to rise to nominate him each and every time. It is no secret that nominating him in 2020 was tough. After personally vying for the seat. During that nomination speech, I said, I cannot think of anyone else who would do a wonderful job of leading our caucus and look forward to working with him in unity. And ever since that day. we've worked in unity. A year past, he stood by us through a pandemic. He was calm, understanding and insightful. I was then honored to nominate him again in 2021. I stood up proudly and said, "he's a skilled negotiator who respects his opponent's position and who genuinely listens to people with different viewpoints." And ever since that day, he has listened to us. Two more years passed. He supported the Black Caucus through grave racial injustice. He was intellectual, kind, and compassionate. I was honored to nominate him in 2023. And once again, I stood up and I rang Don's praises, saying, "Oh, he led us with poise. He was always accessible and led our caucus in the Senate as a whole to help millions of Illinoisans during a time they were leaning on us." And every day since, he has led us with poise. In an era of deepening political division, Don stands apart through his remarkable ability to unite people. His quiet strength, intellectual depth, and genuine compassion distinguishes him from many of today's leaders. While political tensions of recent years could have left us fractured and paralyzed, Don's leadership steered us in a different direction. Under his guidance, we've grown more innovative, cohesive, and resilient. His genuine 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 willingness to listen and respect opposing viewpoints has made him an exceptional legislative leader. Most importantly, Don has demonstrated that regardless of zip code, race, or political affiliation, we share a common purpose, building an Illinois that is better, safer, and more inclusive for all. I've known Don Harmon for a long time. I respect him as a neighbor, as a father, as a legislator, and as a politician. But most of all, I respect him as a friend. My friend, it is again my honor to nominate you for Senate President. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, Mr. President{sic} (Governor). I also rise to second the nomination of Don Harmon for Senate President. Having been sworn in to the Senate in 2019, I have been a Member of this Body for all five years of President Harmon's tenure as Senate President. Don has illustrated his dedication to our State, our residents, and all of the Members of this Body through his leadership in ensuring the passage of bold and balanced legislation. With his leadership, our Chamber has passed historic legislation to address income inequality, reduce gun violence, spur small business growth and advance the rights of our workers, women, immigrants and LGBTQ plus members of our communities. Dan. Sorry Don. I know his name. Don has also led this Chamber in our State's accomplishment of passing five balanced budgets that have provided tax relief to working class families through programs such as the Child Tax Credit. Proving that fiscal responsibility 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 and helping those that need a hand up or a push forward are able to go hand in hand. In addition to Don's leadership to ensure the passage of bold and balanced legislation, I must also acknowledge the way in which he leads. With his calm, collected, and collaborative approach. Don has shown that he has an innate ability to meet people where they are and work with them to accomplish their goals. Let's face it, the Members of this Body have one of the most unique jobs one could have. We are expected to represent the voices of 217,000 constituents on hundreds of issues, and work with colleagues who are doing the same and come together somehow to pass legislation to move our State forward. And if we're -- if we're being truly honest, I'm sure there are times each of us have felt alone because we are the only ones in our districts that truly know the stress of weighing and making these policy decisions that will impact people's lives. Because of the way he approaches the role of Senate President, Don has never once made me feel alone, even with me being the only Asian American in the Senate. And in fact, he has had the ability to sense those feelings and work to find a solution for whatever that challenge might be. I fully appreciate the fact that while he is entering his 23rd year of service to the 39th District, his openness to new ideas and different perspectives every day seems unmatched. He is incredibly patient. He always returns telephone calls and there are a lot of telephone calls. He always makes the time to meet with you. Whether we are seeking guidance, asking a question, or looking to catch up with a friend, we can count on Don. Don not only is a strong, steady, and reliable leader, but he is a friend, a father, a neighbor, and a role model. He has shown that it is possible to hold on to your core values and principles and achieve 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 bipartisanship, a trait that I've learned from him and try to replicate in the transportation work we do. Presiding over the Senate is an honor, and Don has shown he will serve humbly, thoughtfully, and respectfully. Today, we are not only electing a Senate President, but a person who will continue to support our communities, the caucus, and the Senate as a whole. While I don't have my kids with me today, which, as Don described a few years ago, is the reason we don't hear colorful music at this moment. My family and I will forever be grateful for your service over the last five years as Senate President. I can think of no one better to lead us in the 104th General Assembly, and I am honored to second the nomination for Don Harmon for Senate President. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President, Governor. Today I rise to nominate Senate -- Senator Don Harmon to serve as President of the Illinois -- State of Illinois, 104th General Assembly. It has been my honor and privilege to know and work with Don over the last twenty-two years. Most of it has been in his district as he serves as committeeman of the wonderful community of Oak Park. And now, in the General Assembly. For the past ten years, I've been able to watch his work up close, both in this Chamber, then in the Howlett, and then back in this magnificently refurbished Chamber that we all get to enjoy today. I've seen him give voice to those who have 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 been marginalized, to those who feel that they have been forgotten, and Don Harmon has done an incredible job of establishing a structure whose core purpose is to ensure that these people feel heard. That they feel that government can actually work for them again. As Senate President, Don Harmon has been able to balance the agendas of multiple caucuses to ensure, at the end of the day, the hard working people of Illinois benefit from the policies, the plan, and the legislation that the General Assembly initiates. And it's for these reasons that I believe in the continued leadership of Senator Don Harmon, and I am honored to nominate him again for Senate President. Thank you.

Thank you, Governor. Today, I also rise to support and second, the nomination of Don Harmon for Senate President. But first I want to take a trip down memory lane. I first won an election in the 2006, and so the year was 2007 when I got sworn in. What was going on in 2007? Well, Steve Jobs announces a new invention from Apple called the iPhone. Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls became the fastest head coach to reach 900 career wins in the NBA history. Nancy Pelosi is elected as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., for the 110th United States Congress. And two men from very different parts of Illinois who shared the same desire to be a better State, who shared the same hairline, sat next to each other for the first time on the Floor. It was the year that I first got to know Don 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 Harmon, and from the first time I spoke to him, I had a sense that he would one day lead our caucus and become Senate President. The reasons were quite simple. He was intellectual. He was constantly curious. He was compassionate and kind. He was quiet, but in a way that showed strength. He was respectful and genuinely listened to other's viewpoints. At the time Don had only been in the General Assembly for four years, but it was obvious to me that he was on his way to becoming a great legislator. So, has he changed as a person over these past 18 years? Oh, he has more experience and many more successes. But I stand here today, almost two decades ago, since I learned to first know the Senator from Oak Park, and I can honestly say that he has not changed who he is. He is still considerate and poised. He is resilient and passionate. He is kind and inclusive, and he is a leader who I'm proud to stand behind. And so, I'm very proud to be able to second the nomination of Don Harmon for Senate -- Senate President for the 104th General Assembly. Thank you.

Thank you, Governor. Governor and Members of the Senate, I 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 move that nominations of the Office of the President of the Illinois State Senate for the 104th General Assembly be closed.

I, Don Harmon,

Do solemnly swear.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

And the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

That I will faithfully discharge the duties.

To the of Office of President of the Illinois Senate.

To the best of my ability.

Good afternoon, all. I want to take a moment to tell you a quick story about the universality of the Senate. Back in October, Senator Cunningham and I had the good fortune of accompanying the Governor on a trade mission to Japan. We spent that trip either in meetings learning about clean energy and quantum computing, or in the back of a van being shuffled between those meetings. It was rainy and overcast almost the entire two and a half days we were there. A dream vacation, but on the final morning, Senator Cunningham and I found ourselves up and out at about 7 a.m. we had some time to kill and there was a break in the weather, so we decided to walk to the National Diet Building, the home of Japan's legislative branch. Now, the first door we came to was that of the Japanese House of Representatives. We approached, we asked about tours or seeing the building, and the Japanese House promptly turned us away. True story. Undaunted, we continued on the next door we came to belong to the upper Chamber of the House of Councilors, Japan Senate. And let me tell you, they could not have been more welcoming. We got the full tour. I came away thinking, hoping that there is some welcoming universality to Senate's everywhere as a place where differences and conflicts are set aside so that we can come together to do the people's business. And now, to hold up my end of the bargain, I'd like to welcome all of you to the new and improved Senate Chamber. We have been gone for nearly two and a half years. On behalf of the Senate, I want to congratulate Capitol Architect Andrea Aggertt, Mark Flowers and the army of men and women whose extraordinary craftsmanship produced this stunning Chamber. Of note, the stained-glass skylight was in this Chamber when the Senate first met here in 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 January of 1877. It was destroyed in a fire in the 1930s, and now it is back. And I'm also advised that the women's facilities received long overdue upgrades. Governor Pritzker, thank you for being here and opening today's ceremony again. I've told you we'd eventually have a normal inauguration, and this one is pretty darn close. I want to take a moment to thank Communications Director Brandy Renfro and her inauguration team, LIS, the pages, the volunteers and the custodians. The pages, volunteers and custodians who moved heaven and earth and a lot of furniture to get us back into this Chamber and make today's ceremony possible. I am once again humbled and honored to receive the support of my colleagues to serve in this post. Thank you. My commitment to you is that I will strive each day to do my best to live up to the responsibilities and trust you have placed in me. And congratulations to Leader Curran. I appreciate your leadership and look forward to continuing to work with you in the Session ahead. I want to thank Senator Murphy, Senator Koehler, Senator Villivalam for their kind words, and especially I want to thank my seatmate and my legislative -- legislative neighbor back home, Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford. I am humbled. I am humbled to have your support and look forward to working with you to another great and productive Session, working with all of you. I want to thank Tiffany Mathis Posey for gracing us with her voice. Thank you. Rabbi Shoshanah Conover and Imam Saad Palwala, thank you very much for the invocations. My friend and neighbor, Doctor Marshall E. Hatch. We're looking forward to the benediction at the end. Thank you. I also want to recognize several guests who have joined us today. The Honorable Kwame Raoul, Attorney General of the State of Illinois. The Honorable Michael Frerichs and his bride our 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 Treasurer. Nice to see you both. Once a Senator, always a Senator. Good to have you in the Chamber. Thank you, Justice Mary K. O'Brien for administering the oath not only to me, but to all of the Members being sworn in today. Thank you, Justice. It's a privilege to honor the a or welcome the Mayor of the City of Springfield, the honorable Misty Buscher. Thank you very much for being here. I have my Harmon support group here today. My wife, Terri is here, and our daughter Frances, representing herself and her two siblings. My family is the foundation of any good decision I may make. So, now let's turn our attention to all of you, the Members of the Illinois Senate. Congratulations. Give yourselves a well- deserved round of applause. Now we each took different paths to get here, but here we are. Now, for some of you, this is a welcome return to this grand Chamber. For others, it's the first time you have been here. I invite you all to take it in. I hope you will appreciate that fewer than 1500 people in the history of our great State have ever held the title Illinois State Senator. And now you will forever be listed among them. So, whether you've been here for 30 years or 30 minutes, you are an Illinois State Senator. We're all in this together. And if you've read media clips or financial reports, it might be a tough year ahead. We will face stressful moments. So, I am challenging myself and everyone here to be the better leaders of our State. To treat everyone with decency and respect and to let that shine through our work. Now, as your Senate President and the presiding Midwestern dad of the Chamber let me offer some thoughts on achieving that resolution. First, treat your neighbors well. Look to your left. Look to your right. Your seatmates, the Members of our caucuses, they're your neighbors in the Senate. Your time here will be much more pleasant 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 if you are good to them. Take a new lawmaker under your wing. Co- sponsor a piece of legislation. Take a colleague out for a cup of coffee to celebrate a legislative win, or to console them after a tough defeat. Remember that your neighbors in this Chamber are some of the only people in Illinois who can relate to what you're going through. The Senate is an active laboratory for coalition building. Forge those bonds and look out for one another. Now, I want you to look a little farther. Look across the aisle separating the partisan caucuses. The Senators sitting on the opposite side of the room are here for the same reason you are. They want to serve Illinoisans and make our State a better place. We'll often disagree about how to reach our goals. We will often become passionate when advocating for our causes, but we will all be more productive and do more good if we remember that our political counterparts are also our neighbors. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Look even farther. Expand your view out of this building entirely. Each of us represents a district with at least 216,119 neighbors. Your presence in this Chamber means that a majority of the voters in your district that you represent agree with you politically. But you came here to represent the ones who didn't vote for you to your neighbors, the volunteer who knocked on hundreds of doors for you in the fall. Your neighbor is also the person who supported your opponent. Your neighbors may not look, eat, love, or pray the same way you do, but you are here in Springfield to be their voice. And remember that while you cannot make every constituent happy. You can serve every constituent well. Next. Stay humble. No matter how strong a sense of humility you have. Being in Springfield will challenge it. People will offer you meals, drinks, and coffee. People will hold open doors for 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 you. People will let you go in line in front of them. There are people in this town whose job description includes puffing up your ego. You even get a special license plate. But you run into trouble when you start to believe you are owed any of these things. Your one vote is just as important as anyone else's. Cagey veteran or green rookie. But your one vote is only as important as everyone else's. And it's important to remember. Try as you might, you cannot pass a bill with only one vote. Work with those neighbors I mentioned earlier. The voters sent you to Springfield with a great responsibility of representing them in the Senate. Hold on to the values that inspired you to seek office. And remember that you answer to your constituents. Finally, be kind. I have often described the Senate as a family. We certainly spend enough time together. As in any family, when tensions get high relationships can be strained. When two people equally passionate about a topic find themselves adamantly opposed to one another tempers can flare. Don't let them. Don't let your words in a heated moment diminish the valuable work you've come here to do. Because at the end of the day, we're all here because we love this State. The people who call it home and we want what's best for them. We can't do this job on our own. We need all of our neighbors. And so don't forget a please and a thank you for the people who keep this building running are excellent staff. They, like everyone else, deserve kindness and respect. They deserve to be treated like the professionals that they are. We are 59 people individually, yet collectively we are chosen to represent all of the people of Illinois. We come from many different places, and you don't have to travel halfway across the world to learn just how much we have in common. So may the universality of the Senate, the camaraderie 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 shared, sense of purpose guide us in this Chamber through these next two years. Thank you for placing your trust in me to lead us through the next chapter. Thank you for your service to the people of the great State. The Illinois Session is now -- the Illinois Senate is now in Session. The next order of business is the election of the Minority Leader of the Senate. Senator Syverson.

Senator Syverson requests unanimous consent on behalf of the Republican Members of the Senate to declare Senator John Curran, the Minority Leader of the Senate, for the 104th General Assembly. Is leave granted? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator John Curran is declared the Minority Leader. Congratulations, Senator Curran. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader John Curran.

Thank you, Leader Curran. We look forward to working with you in this next General Assembly. The benediction today will be offered by the Reverend Doctor Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. My friend, Pastor Hatch, please join us.

The following Senators are appointed to the Committee of Escort for the Governor: Senators Ellman, Guzmán, Preston, Erica Harriss, and Lewis. Will those Senators please come forward to escort the Governor from the Chamber. Will the Senators appointed 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 to the Committee of Escort for members of the Judiciary, Senators Cervantes, Collins', Joyce, Wilcox, and Sally Turner, please return to the front aisle to escort the distinguished members of the Judiciary from the Chamber. It is the intention of the Chair to begin organizing the Senate of the 104th General Assembly. Will Members and guests please remain for a moment in the Chamber as we have further business to conduct. Mr. Secretary, Communications.

Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow our guests to exit the Chamber. Thank you all for joining us today. Thank you for being a part of this ceremony. Members we do have work to do, so please do not leave the Senate Floor. The Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the President's Anteroom. Members, please remain in the Chamber as we have further business to conduct. The Senate will stand at ease. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, will our Members please be at their desks? We have just a little bit of business to conduct before we send you off to greet your guests and celebrate the day. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The Senate Calendar has been printed and distributed to the Members desks. On the Calendar is Senate Resolution No. 1. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Doris Turner, to explain the resolution.

Thank you. Senator Turner has moved for the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 1. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 1. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. Mr. Secretary, please call the roll.

Aye. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, have we recorded all the votes?

Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 voting Aye, none voting No, and none voting Present. Senate Resolution No. 1, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate -- perhaps the Chair should have informed you before that roll call vote that in our return to the Senate Chamber, everything is working spectacularly well, except for the voting system. So, we will be doing these three resolutions on voice votes, and they may require roll calls. So now, continuing on the Calendar on the Order of Resolutions, is Senate Resolution 2. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Cunningham, to explain the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Secretary -- Secretary did a pretty good job of explaining it, but Senate Resolution 2 notifies 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 the House of Representatives that the Senate has organized by the election of officers and is now ready to proceed with the business of Session. I move for its adoption.

Thank you, Senator Cunningham. Senator Cunningham has moved for the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 2. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 2 pass. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. In the opinion of the Chair, the Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Now, on the Order of Resolutions, is Senate Resolution No. 3. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Glowiak Hilton, to elaborate on the resolution, as necessary. Senator.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Senate Resolution 3 direct the Secretary of the Senate to prepare the Senate Journal and to furnish it to the Legislative Printing Unit to print copies.

31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 Senator Glowiak Hilton has moved for the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 3. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 3 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The opinion of the Chair, the Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Congratulations to the officers of the Senate on your election. We're delighted to have your service for another General Assembly. Mr. Secretary, Communications.

Mr. Secretary, further communications.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, congratulations to all the Members of the 104th General Assembly, Illinois State Senate. Congratulations. Enjoy the day. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/8/2025 of 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 9th. The Senate stands adjourned. 33