Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the United Autoworkers on strike at John Deere and to express my heartfelt condolences for a devastating loss.

We woke up to tragic news this morning that a worker in Milan, Illinois, was crossing the street by the picket line and was struck and killed.

This is heartbreaking. He was just described to me as a quiet and kind person, the type of guy who would make you laugh.

My prayers are with his family and with all of the striking UAW workers today.

These workers have put their lives on the line in more ways than one. At the height of the pandemic, Deere employees in the district that I serve were deemed essential, even making thousands of anti-COVID face shields that Deere donated to help keep others safe. They were working 10- and 12-hour shifts.

John Deere is an iconic, homegrown American company, part of the fabric of the community where I live. When a business is as successful as Deere & Company, they need to make sure that their workers are rewarded for that, they are key to that success. These workers have earned a fair deal.

I have faith in John Deere, and I stand with our UAW workers.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of October 22, 2021. Had I been present for the roll call vote on the Motion to Recommit on H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, I would have cast the following vote:

Roll Call 330: No.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of October 22, 2021. Had I been present for the roll call vote on the passage of H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, I would have cast the following vote:

Roll Call 331: Yes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the residents of Lewistown, Illinois for their weekly community event, ``Music in the Park.''

Each Thursday night during the summer, Lewistown residents bring lawn chairs and blankets to the town square to listen to local musicians perform as a part of ``Music in the Park.'' This event has been a vital place of gathering and community and a safe and positive outlet for human connection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is because of gatherings such as ``Music in the Park'' and their organizers that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Lewistown, IL for their community event, ``Music in the Park.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rockford's ``Building New Opportunities'' project for bringing together high school students and families in need to create affordable housing. The organization received the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for the incredible work they have done in the community.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity and the Rockford Public School District came together to have construction trades students at Rockford's Guilford High School build a house from the ground up as part of their academic year

curriculum. 32 high school students constructed a multi-level, four- bedroom home, which Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity sold to a local family in need of safe and affordable housing. In doing so the students mastered the skills needed for their post-graduation trades careers.

It is because of community projects like Building New Opportunities that make me proud to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Rockford's ``Building New Opportunities'' for being awarded the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for their efforts in the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mount Carroll's ``Arbor Day Palooza'' for its effort to replace trees that were lost to bugs, disease and storms. The organization received the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for the incredible work it has done for the community.

The idea for ``Arbor Day Palooza'' was born from a desire to retain the character of the town, as it has been recognized as a Tree City for over 26 years. The city created a Tree Replacement Fund and the community bought in with many volunteers and donors coming forward to assist. In total, the project received over $13,000 in donations used to plant 52 new trees on city property, hold an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony in the new Stone House Memorial Park and host a tour of the Stone House site.

It is because of events like ``Arbor Day Palooza'' and their organizers that make me proud to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor ``Arbor Day Palooza'' for being awarded the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for their efforts in the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Geneseo Kiwanis Club for 100 years of service to the Geneseo community.

The Geneseo Kiwanis Club was chartered on October 22, 1920 and meets weekly to serve the community. In addition to donating to over 20 local charities, the Geneseo Kiwanis Club provides a scholarship for students and sponsors GMS Builders Club, GHS Key Club and Boy Scout Troop 131. The organization also provides free tax help, hosts fundraising events, built the Geneseo City Park shelter, and raised tens of thousands of dollars to help eliminate neonatal tetanus throughout the world.

It is because of strong community organizations such as the Geneseo Kiwanis Club that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Geneseo Kiwanis Club on 100 years of service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Kevin Shook, who is retiring from the Kewanee Fire Department after 23 years of service.

Chief Shook has been a member of the Kewanee Fire Department since 1998. Working his way through the ranks, he became Chief of the Department in 2016. His steadfast determination to keep his community safe, strive for innovation, and ensure the preparedness of the Kewanee Fire Department has been unwavering throughout his career in public service. Earlier this year, under Chief Shook's guidance, the Department was awarded a $205,431 regional grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This transformative investment to the city of Kewanee was made possible because of Chief Shook, one of the latest examples of his strong leadership.

It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Chief Shook that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Chief Kevin Shook on his well-earned retirement and thank him for his 23 years of service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize me Ali Rapps and her relay team for winning the Illinois High School Association State Title.

Addison Pischke ran a strong first leg and passed the baton to Alison Bowers. Bowers handed the baton to third leg Annie Wirth, and the Leafs were in the lead. Wirth increased the lead slightly and when the baton came to Ali Rapps, she increased the lead and finished in 1:42.55, nearly two seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The team captured a state title in the relay and shattered the previous school record of 1:43.85. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and drive of these young women. They are a bright example of the importance of team dedication and strong work ethic. I am proud to see them represent their community so well throughout the state and the country with their dedication and passion.

It is because of student leaders like them that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Ali Rapps and the relay team for their accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alison Bowers and her relay team for winning the Illinois High School Association State Title.

Addison Pischke ran a strong first leg and passed the baton to Alison Bowers. Bowers handed the baton to third leg Annie Wirth, and the Leafs were in the lead. Wirth increased the lead slightly and when the baton came to Ali Rapps, she increased the lead and finished in 1:42.55, nearly two seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The team captured a state title in the relay and shattered the previous school record of 1:43.85. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and drive of these young women. They are a bright example of the importance of team dedication and strong work ethic. I am proud to see them represent their community so well throughout the state and the country with their dedication and passion.

It is because of student leaders like them that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Alison Bowers and the relay team for their accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Addison Pischke and her relay team for winning the Illinois High School Association State Title.

Pischke ran a strong first leg and passed the baton to Alison Bowers. Bowers handed the baton to third leg Annie Wirth, and the Leafs were in the lead. Wirth increased the lead slightly and when the baton came to Ali Rapps, she increased the lead more and finished in 1:42.55, nearly two seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The team captured a state title in the relay and shattered the previous school record of 1:43.85. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and drive of these young women. They are a bright example of the importance of team dedication and strong work ethic. I am proud to see them represent their community so well throughout the state and the country with their dedication and passion.

It is because of student leaders like them that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Addison Pischke and the relay team for their accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Illini Bluffs High School softball team for winning the Illinois High School Athletic Association Class 1A State championship.

The team won the state title in softball, completing a perfect 29-0 season. The Tigers fell behind 3-1, but rallied in the fifth inning. Triples from Zoe Eeten and Addie Welsh as well as timely base knocks from Ashley Aksun, Emma Hicks and Annabelle Fortin allowed the Tigers to score five unanswered runs and pick up a 6-3 win over Orangeville. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and drive of these young women. They are a bright example of the importance of team dedication and strong work ethic. I am proud to see them represent their community so well throughout the state and the country with their dedication and passion.

It is because of student leaders like them that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Illini Bluffs' softball team on their Class 1A State Finals championship.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Black Hawk College for its 75th Anniversary. Black Hawk College has long been an excellent college in our district.

Black Hawk College started off as Moline Community College in 1946, and was located at Moline High School. The College accommodated World War II veterans seeking higher education and offered transfer, career, and adult education classes. In 1961 it became Black Hawk College, which was the first county-wide junior college in Illinois. Black Hawk College expanded as neighboring school districts petitioned to join its district. In 1965, with the passage of ``The Illinois Public Junior College Act,'' Black Hawk College became part of the state's system of higher education, committed to offering traditional liberal arts courses, occupational courses, and adult education courses at its campus in Moline. I commend Black Hawk College for all it has done for students and community colleges in our district.

It is because of community leaders such as Black Hawk College that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize and congratulate Black Hawk College for its 75th Anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bennett Glessner, Dustin Goderis, and Elijah Medina of the Moline High School Bass Fishing Team on winning the Illinois High School Association's State Bass Fishing Competition. This is their second time achieving this honor.

The team won the state title with a fish that was 20 pounds, 3 ounces. As a former student athlete, I admire the Moline High School Bass Fishing team's patience and determination. I am proud that this team represents Moline so well throughout the state.

It is because of the hard-working student leaders such as those on the Moline High School Bass fishing team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Moline High School Bass fishing team for their state title win.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Joe Luna, who is retiring from the Galesburg Police Department after 26 years of service.

Since becoming an officer over two decades ago, Officer Luna has been an honorable steward of the city of Galesburg and a dedicated public servant. As a detective, he investigated cases leading to criminal prosecution, and as Galesburg School District 205's School Resource Officer, he was an invaluable member of the community. Anyone who has walked the halls of Galesburg High School understands the impact Officer Luna had on students of all backgrounds. During his tenure, he kept our children safe, listened to their stories, offered advice, and was an ever-friendly face to every student without reservation.

It is because of determined and compassionate leaders such as Officer Luna that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Officer Joe Luna on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his 26 years of service to our community.