May 5, 2026 · 8,088 words · 24 speakers · 184 segments
The regular Session of the 104th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Chuck Kurfman, Highland Hope United Methodist Church in Highland. Pastor.
(Invocation)
Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge. Senator Johnson will lead us.
(Pledge of Allegiance)
Paul Elders from BlueRoomStream seeks leave to video today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, April 30th, 2026.
Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
Senator Glowiak Hilton 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 Resolution 55,{sic} (755) offered by Senator Ventura and all Members; Senate Resolution 756, offered by President Harmon, Senator Feigenholtz, Senator Peters, and all Members; Senate Resolution 767, offered by Senator Villanueva and all Members; They're all celebration of life resolutions, Mr. President.
Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 751, offered by Senator Martwick; Senate Resolution 753, offered by Senator Porfirio; Senate Resolution 754, offered by Senator Villa; Senate Resolution 759, offered by Senator Faraci; Senate Resolution 760, offered by Senator Fine; Senate Resolution 762, offered by Senator Doris Turner; Senate Resolution 763, offered by Senator Villa; Senate Resolution 764, offered by Senator Villanueva; Senate Resolution 765, offered by Senator Rose; Senate Resolution 766, offered by Senator Preston. They're all congratulatory. Senate Resolution 752, offered by Senator Edly-Allen; Senate Resolution 757 and 758, offered by Senator Hunter; Senate Resolution 761, offered by Senator Edly- Allen, and Senate Joint Resolution 65, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. They are all substantive.
Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 4191, offered by Senator Porfirio, an Act concerning criminal law. 1st Reading of the bill.
Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1040480, Governor's salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board, Jeffrey Lorton. Appointment Message 1040481, Governor's salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Educational Labor Relations Board, Lara Shayne. Appointment Message 1040482, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, Stephen James Lefaver. Appointment Message 1040483, Governor -- Treasurer's unsalaried appointment, to be a Member of the Charitable Trust Stabilization Committee, José Muñoz. Appointment Message 1040484, Governor's unsalaried appointment, to be a Member of the Labor Advisory Board, Anthony Jerome Womick.
Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President, I'm 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 3, offered by Senator Syverson and adopted by the House May 27th, 2025. We have received like message on House Joint Resolution 4, offered by Senator Hunter and adopted by the House May 30th, 2025. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. They are both substantive, Mr. President.
Mr. Secretary, the reading of House Bills for the first time.
House Bill 4379, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel, an Act concerning health. House Bill 5330, offered by Senator Guzmán, an Act concerning education. 1st Reading of the bills.
Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement.
Please make your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I am proud to announce today that I am joined by three young students from my District. With me, I -- they are, they participate in my "Senator for a Day Program". So, with me I have the Flanagan family. I have Kellen, who's in eighth grade, I have Arden, who is in third grade, and I have young Cameron, who is in kindergarten, all at Disney II Magnet School in the Chicago Public Schools. They're joined by their mother, Abby, who is, behind me, and up in the gallery their dad, Ryan, has -- has joined us here in Springfield to learn all about what it means to serve in the General Assembly and be "Senators for the Day". So, if you would all please join me in welcoming them to the Illinois Senate.
Senator Johnson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of announcement.
Please make your announcement.
Yeah. So, I rise in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, and I had the distinct honor to celebrate Guru Vandana with AHSS, HSS of my District. HSS has been celebrating Guru Vandana, their Teachers Appreciation Day Program, for 18 years across the nation, and last year they celebrated more than 2,200 educators, which they, solicitated across the U.S. through 150 events. Guru Vandana, provides students with a meaningful opportunity to honor their teachers for the knowledge, wisdom, and guidance they impart. In keeping with this tradition, Indian tradition, the students seek blessings from their teachers, and they express their gratitude with respect and appreciation. So I want to congratulate and thank HSS for celebrating teachers throughout Illinois and the 30th District.
Thank you, Senator. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement, if I may?
Go ahead and make your announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen, super excited today, it is County Fair Day at the Capitol. I've got some ladies up here in the gallery, if you'd like to stand up, ladies. We've got, let's see here, we got Bridget McIntyre for the Macon County Fair Board. We've got Terri Quinn from the Edgar County Fair Board in my District. We got Mary Liz Wright from the Edgar County Fair Board. And this is a very special day, my great friend, Mary Lou Wright, who literally is one of the first people I ever met when I ran for office, who is 48 years at the Edgar County Fair Board, and many, many years before that running the Harness Racing Program at the fair. Mary Lou Wright is the -- the great dame of Edgar County, and we just absolutely love her, we love everybody, and we appreciate these ladies' dedication to their communities and the wonderful fairs they put on. If we could welcome them. Thank you.
Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for a -- introduction, please.
Please make your introduction.
Today I have joined with me, my guest, Payton Johnson. Payton is an intern in our communications staff. He's a recent graduate of Illinois College, and he's graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science. He's also the Treasurer of Illinois College Student Senate his senior year of college. Payton is from Lincoln, Illinois, and he lived there his entire life until he went to college at Illinois College, and now he is currently residing in Jacksonville. In his whole life, he's enjoyed being a part of seeing the legislative process and the functions of State government. He's enjoyed meeting other legislators and working with constituents from across Illinois, and has been a very rewarding experience in his internship, and we are happy to have him, and we're also joined by his family, who are up in the gallery, and they are also all public servants, and we appreciate them being here as well. Please help me welcome him to our -- Senate, today.
Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of introduction.
Please make your introduction.
So today, here in the Senate, I welcome Dominic Camporese as our "Page for the Day". Dominic is -- lives in Glendale Heights, age 11 years old, attends St. Isidore, Catholic Middle School in -- in Glendale Heights. His hobbies are sports, chess, and plays band, he actually plays the trumpet. Loves baseball, football, basketball, and soccer; a true athlete. Has ambitions of one day becoming a professional sports person or a veterinarian, so we'll see what works out. We're here today with his grandparents, Pam and Fred, who are in the gallery, and I would ask the Senate to give a warm welcome to Dominic Camporese today.
Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Purposes of an announcement, please.
Please make your announcement.
You, Mr. -- Mr. President, it's always great to have local staff down in the office -- in the office, in the Senate Chambers with us here in Springfield. I'd like to introduce my Chief of Staff, Becky Gillam. Becky, stand up. I don't know why we didn't get her a Floor pass. Becky does an outstanding job overseeing two offices for our District up in, Kane and -- and McHenry County. She does a wonderful job of making sure I'm where I'm supposed to be when I'm supposed to be there, and it's always great to have her down here because then I get to tell her where to be and what time to be there. So, please join me in a warm welcome for my Chief of Staff, Becky Gillam.
Senator Cervantes, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, as a point of introduction.
Please make your introduction.
So as -- as Senators and what we do, we would not be able to do this without amazing district staff. And these two folks here do amazing work in making sure that we give back to our constituents, and they do an amazing job. And so, I just wanted to, you know, give her -- give them a warm introduction from the Senate to Jacky Candelas, my Chief of Staff, and Liz Rodriguez, my Office Manager, so wanted us to welcome to the Senate.
Senator Ventura, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of introduction.
Please make your introduction.
Apparently, we all got the memo to bring our district staff down, so good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. President. Today, I'm welcoming my Chief of Staff, Jessica Wimbley, who makes everything run smoothly in our district office, as well as keeps me moving down here, along with my legislative assistant. I'm also brought down my three spring interns from the district to join us today. I have Cameron, Julio, and Ava. Cameron is from Bolingbrook, Illinois. Cameron graduated on Friday from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Political Science. He has been very grateful he -- he gains hands-on experience in legislation and policy work at the State level throughout this internship, and he can't wait to see what comes afterwards with his graduation here in May. Julio Ruiz is the Senior at Olivet Nazarene University studying Economics and Poli-Sci with minors in legal studies and finance. Originally from St. Anne, he has developed a strong interest in policy and legislative work throughout his experience. Julio aspires to build a career in law and public service, and he can contribute to meaningful and lasting policy change. And lastly, Ava Grubb is a recent graduate from University of Missouri with degrees in Journalism, Strategic Communications, and History. A longtime Woodridge resident, Ava has enthusiasm -- enthusiastic about the opportunity she has had over the past 5 months to support the 43rd District through our social media management and other communication-based responsibilities. So if you're wondering why I'm so put together and prepared, it's because of the individuals standing behind me. So please, my Senate friends, please give them a warm welcome.
Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For purpose of introduction, Mr. President.
Please make your introduction.
Thank you. I'd like to introduce to the Body, Colton Pazdera, who is from Kansas City, Missouri. He's a junior at UIS studying political science. At UIS, he's also a member of the tennis team. Colton has been interning with our communications department this semester and says that he loves working here because he's able to learn about the legislative process and because he gets to work with some great people. Colton has an older brother, Garrett, and back home he lives with his grandmother, Betty. Colton's a Royals fan, a Chiefs fan, and soon will be departing to work on congressional campaigns, but hopes to come back next year to maybe join ILSEP and continue his time with the Illinois Senate. I'd appreciate if the Body would -- would welcome Colton to the Floor this morning. Thank you.
Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For an announcement, Mr. President.
Please make your announcement.
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber, I'd like to introduce my "Page for a Day", she actually is my goddaughter, this is her first visit to Springfield, Xiomara Ruiz, and her parents, Marlena and Edgar. Marlena's known me since we went to school in first grade, so yes, she has stories to tell, although she -- she needs to keep them to herself. Anyway, I would like to welcome her to the Chamber, and if you can give her all a great Springfield welcome. Thank you.
Senator Villivalam, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. For purposes of an announcement.
Please make your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Body, we have a very, very special person here today. It is, our colleague who has become a new father, Senator Robert Peters. I know, I am as shocked as you are that he has become a father. I'm glad he's, he's married up. But we are very, glad to have him back. Senator Peters and I, or Senator Aquino and I are trying to provide him as much advice as possible, but if you have any advice, please, go see him and give him long lists of things that he needs to do as a new father. Welcome back.
Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement.
Please make your announcement.
The Senate Democrats will caucus in the President's Office at 1:00 p.m. with leadership meeting beforehand. The Senate Democrats will caucus in the Senate President's Office at 1:00 p.m. with leadership meeting beforehand.
Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For an announcement.
Please make your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Senate Republicans will caucus in Room 400 of the Capitol upon recess.
The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After caucus, the Senate will reconvene to take up Executive Appointments. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
The Senate will come to order. The Senate will come to order. The Members of the Committee on Assignments, please assemble in the President's Anteroom. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: refer to Appropriations Committee - Senate Resolution 726, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3652; refer to Appropriations Education - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3598; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3506; refer to Education Committee - House Bill 5107 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3408; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2785 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3922; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 66, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3466, Committee Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 4038, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4340; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4757 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4868; refer to Higher Education Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4990; refer to Insurance Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4160, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 5284; refer to Judiciary Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4984, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5228, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2822; refer to License Activities Committee - Senate Bill 3211, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1807, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4762, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5225; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 4025, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate -- House Bill 5187; refer to Pensions Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2826 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4909; refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Resolution 747; refer to Revenue Committee - Committee Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3169 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3934; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5474 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 807. Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills -- Senate Bill 3352, Senate Resolutions 684, 696, 733, 734, 728, 738, 742, 759, and 764. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3- 8(b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments. Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5187, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5284, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 938. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advice and Consent. Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on Appointment Messages set forth in Appointment Message 93, 105, 106, 110 to 119, 125 to 130, 141 and 142 of the 104th General Assembly.
Senator Murphy moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Messages just read. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040093.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment to be a member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees, Robert Navarro Jr..
Senator Murphy.
President, I move the Senate Do Consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators, elected concurred by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040105.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments, recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Raven A. DeVaughn.
Senator Murphy.
President, I move the Senate Do Consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurred by record vote. The Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040106.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments, recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Aundra Devon Williams.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made? All those in favor will -- will vote Aye, opposed Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote. The Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040110.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments, recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment - to be the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, James Jennings.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To correct the record. I meant to -- I'd like the record to reflect that I meant to vote Yes on -- not -- the one right before this, Devon Williams, I believe.
The record will reflect your intention. Is there any discussion on this appointment? Seeing none. The question is, did the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected, concurring by a record vote. The Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040111.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Raymond P. Marchiori.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected, concurring by a record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040112.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Mario Treto Jr.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. The -- excuse me… A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040113.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Erin Ashley Johnson.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040114.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Director of Professional Regulation of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Camile Lindsay.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040115.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Director of Financial Institutions of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Francisco Menchaca.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Oppose, 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040116.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Director of Real Estate of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Laurie A. Murphy.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination who is not me nor a relative.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040117.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Director of Banking of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Susana M. Soriano.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those -- for 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040118.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Brian Joseph Dunn.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040119.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Elizabeth M. Whitehorn.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination
Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to speak to this nomination.
To the nomination.
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, this job we do in appointing these positions is very important, and we try to vet each and every one. Now, I appreciate the work that the Department of Health and Family Services does, it's a very important Agency as it serves those that need Medicaid services, among other things. Those are the most vulnerable population that need to be taken care of, and that population is only taken care of if we have Medicaid providers. And I've experienced some things, and I've made the Agency aware of this, where Medicaid providers were required under new federal requirements to certify for Medicaid as a Medicaid provider. And the system was a little bit cumbersome, and the Department tried to make everyone aware. But as you know, Medicaid providers, like everybody else, are busy just doing their work and -- and weren't perhaps aware of this change. So, what I found out was that there were some Medicaid providers, like Medicaid doctors, that were not aware of the recertification, or pharmacists that thought they were certified or emergency management services that thought they were certified. And what happened is, within the portal of when you certify in the Department, they -- they don't confirm that your certification has been received. So, say a -- a emergency management service may be operating for months before all of a sudden it becames{sic} (becomes) known, or a doctor may be providing Medicaid services for months and does not know they're certified to be paid. Likewise, a pharmacist may not know if he's certified because the system does not recognize or send back a confirmation. I've spoken with the Department about this many times and said, "Surely there's a way you can fix this and allow providers to know whether they're certified and going to be paid." So far, the doctor missed months of payment, never to be recovered. The pharmacist missed months of payment, never to be recovered. And the Adams County Emergency Management System is owed hundreds of thousands of dollars and will probably never be paid because they didn't know they were certified. I've asked the Department to fix this glitch, and I was told, "Well, we try to email." We all know emails change. They may email somebody that's a -- was an employee that gave their email to - as the contact, and that email then becomes invalid when the person retires or goes away from that particular position. So, I take this confirmation appointment process very seriously. I value the work that HFS does. I know they serve a very needy, needed population that needs to be served properly. This Agency needs to work. And as we make these Appointments, I notice that many of these people on the sheets reach out to all of us and ask, "Have you any questions of our Department? If so, please let me know. I'm up for Appointment process." I really appreciate when they do that because I think they're doing their due diligence and they're doing their job. I -- the Agency knows I've had this problem with them. I don't think they're addressing it correctly, and I did not hear from the -- the Appointee. And for these reasons, I will not be supporting this Appointment. Thank you for this opportunity to speak.
Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor of 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 Senators voting Yes, 17 voting No, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040125.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Robert D. Vickery.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor of 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040126.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salary appointment, to be the Director of the Illinois Department of the Lottery, Harold Mays.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 57 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040127.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natalie Finnie.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040128.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Todd Strole.
Senator Murphy.
President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040129.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Sameer Saifee Vohra.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040130.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Janice Phillips.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Senators voting Yes, 2 voting No, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040141.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be the Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Kristin Ann Richards.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does concur to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1040142.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Cameron Joost.
Senator Murphy.
President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Yes, Mr. President. It was my intention to vote on the Appointment of Mr. Todd Strole.
The record -- the record will reflect your intent. Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To correct the record. Mr. President, I missed, I meant to vote Yes on appointment Raymond Marchiori.
The record will reflect your intention. Senator Murphy.
President, thank you, ladies and gentlemen, I move the Senate arise from Executive Session.
Senator Murphy moves all -- moves that the Senate arise from Executive Senate{sic} Session. All those in favor will say Aye, Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the motion carries, the Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Senator Fowler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement, please.
Please make your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Yesterday afternoon, we held our second annual Red vs. Blue Golf Scramble at Piper Glen Country Club, and I -- It was a great, great event, and I just -- we had 9 players from both sides, 9 Republicans, 9 -- Democrats, and we played three-person scrambles. This is the second annual, and I'm excited to announce that Team Red will -- can keep the trophy for one more year. Oh, thank you. I'll -- I'll be done in just a second. So I'd also like to congratulate, Team Blue and their Captain, Senator -- Senator Joyce, on a -- on a gallant effort. And I would like to mention, Senator Joyce mentioned to me yesterday, he said, "You know, Senator Fowler," he said, -- "You and, Senator DeWitte are going to gonna go out in retirement at the end of this Session undefeated. So, I appreciate you acknowledging that, Senator Joyce. But it was a -- it was a great day and, great event, and I just appreciate everybody's participation, and it was a wonderful day. Thank you all so much. Appreciate it. Congrats to our team here.
Senator Joyce, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
No, no, no, I'm going to gonna be fine. It'll be fine. You know, the one thing that I -- I will acknowledge is that we need to have events where we can be in a bipartisan nature, have a good time together. We get a little chippy every once in a while, you know, on -- on -- on the Floor, and it's something that I really appreciate Senator Fowler bringing this up a couple of years ago. I think that they already knew that they had a stacked team and - - and thought, "You know what? Why not try golf?" So, congratulations once again, and I do stand by yourself and Senator DeWitte in your lifelong achievement of -- of being winners.
President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For purposes of a rebuttal.
Please state your rebuttal.
I -- I was reminded last night at dinner after the -- after the tournament that I apparently made some remarks on the Floor last year about Country Club Republicans and people with too much time on their hands to practice golf. I -- I don't remember any of that. But I do wanna say something serious, and I wanna pick up on what Pat Joyce said. "Yesterday was terrific; we had a ton of fun playing golf together, Democrats and Republicans." And I would venture to bet not many other legislative Bodies get to do that.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are preparing to adjourn to go to committee. The following committees will meet upon adjournment, in other words, immediately: Criminal Law, Education, and Public Health. That's our 2 o'clock line. Please proceed to those committees. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11:00 A.M. on the 6th day of May 2026. The Senate stands adjourned.