Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Annie Wirth 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 Annie Wirth and the relay team for their accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan infrastructure package.

We have heard the stories of cracked roads, crumbling bridges, flooded farm fields, even kids doing homework from fast food restaurants so they can glom onto the internet access.

Sadly, this isn't the exception. It is the status quo, and it is time to fix it.

In my corner of Illinois, 1 in 10 bridges is classified as structurally deficient, 1 in 3 roads is rated in poor or mediocre condition, and 1 in 4 households don't have internet access of any kind.

Our communities deserve much better than this. Americans deserve much better than this.

Now is the time to think boldly in this once-in-a-generation investment in rebuilding America. Now is the time to create millions of good-paying union jobs. Now is the time to lay the foundation for the economic opportunity for years to come.

There is plenty of work left to do. But if we do it together, we can get it done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rev. Dr. Melvin L. Grimes for celebrating 50 years as a Pastor and Minister.

Melvin Grimes is the Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church as well as Executive Director of Churches United of the Quad City Area. Churches United serves hundreds of thousands of local residents each year by bringing together an ecumenical coalition of Quad City area churches to help feed the hungry, offer emergency assistance to those in crisis; and provide transitional housing for women and children victims of domestic violence or human trafficking. By growing this church and its programs to help the needy, Melvin has made a profound impact in the Quad Cities communities throughout the years, and I commend him for his service not only as a pastor and leader, but also as a community member who cares deeply about other people.

It is because of strong community leaders such as Rev. Dr. Melvin L. Grimes that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Rev. Dr. Melvin L. Grimes for his 50 years of service to the community and the church.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate EP!C's 70th Birthday of empowering and inspiring people with disabilities through the services and support they provide to the community.

EP!C offers a range of programs and services to help individuals with disabilities with educational, residential, employment, and care-taking resources. EP!C was founded in 1950, and began as a group of Peoria- area parents who wanted to provide their special needs children with education and opportunity. These parents decided to open a school in 1957, and what started out as an organization to help 10 children has now helped over 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. I commend EP!C for its work in the Peoria community, and I thank the management and staff for their dedication to helping people with intellectual disabilities.

It is because of strong organizations such as EP!C that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate EP!C on its 70th Birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize MaKenna Peed of Kewanee High School for winning four gold medals for Track in the IHSA State Competition.

MaKenna competed in the 100 meters (41.12 seconds), 200 meters (1:32.09), shot put (2.23 meters), and discus (5.28 meters), winning gold in all four events. She is also the first Kewanee High School athlete to medal in the Athletes with Disabilities Division. As a former student athlete, I admire and appreciate MaKenna's hard work and dedication to track. I am proud that she represented Kewanee High School and the community exceptionally well throughout the state.

It is because of student leaders such as MaKenna that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate MaKenna Peed on her success in Track while competing at the state level.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julia Finazzo of Galena, Illinois, for winning the Long Jump at the IHSA State Championships.

Julia Finazzo competed in the IHSA State Competition at Eastern Illinois University in the 100, 200, long jump and 4x100 meter relay. Finazzo finished first place in the long jump event, jumping 18 feet, which broke her own record. She also anchored the winning 4x100 meter relay, which set a program record with a winning time of 50.46. As a former student athlete, I admire and appreciate Julia's hard work and dedication to track. I am proud that she has represented the Galena community exceptionally well throughout the state.

It is because of student leaders such as Julia that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Julia Finazzo on her success in Track while competing at the state level.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Olympic Tavern for its 75th anniversary of serving the Rockford area.

Anthony Rotella founded The Olympic Tavern in 1945 when he returned from serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces. As a cook in the U.S. Marines, he figured he could use his knowledge and experience to open a restaurant, which has become a staple in the Rockford community for the last 75 years. Zak Rotello, Anthony's grandson, currently runs the restaurant and has maintained 95 percent of his pre-pandemic staff during the last year. Zak credits his father, Tom, his grandfather, Anthony, and their staff, for keeping the doors open for all these years, always providing great service and great food. I commend the Olympic Tavern and its team of management and staff, who commit every day to serve the public.

It is because of strong community business leaders such as Zak Rotello of the Olympic Tavern that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Olympic Tavern on its 75th Anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Y Quad Cities Row team for winning their 7th straight title at the national level.

The Y Quad Cities Row team consisting of Ava Satterfield, Olivia Meskan, Ella Saunders and Elizabeth Tessen finished first in the girl's quadruple sculls, winning their 7th consecutive national title. Their historic reign began in 2014 but suddenly came to a halt as the pandemic hit Illinois. The Y Quad Cities Row team is the first team ever in the history of the event to place 1st and 2nd. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to pull off such an amazing feat. I am proud there is such young talent in our district, and happy to see them represent the Quad Cities so well throughout the state and country.

It is because of student leaders such as Ava, Olivia, Ella, and Elizabeth that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize them for winning their 7th consecutive national title in rowing.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mattie Kindelsperger, a senior at Sherrard High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A state championship in the 3200-meter run.

Mattie beat her qualifying time by twelve seconds to win the state championship with a time of 11:19.93. As a former student athlete, I understand the time that goes into being awarded such a title, and I applaud Mattie's persistence and hard work to archive her goals. I am proud to see her represent Sherrard exceptionally well throughout the state.

It is because of student leaders such as Mattie that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mattie Kindelsperger on her state championship, and I join the entire Sherrard community in wishing her every success in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rockridge High School Chorus Department for taking 1st place in the IHSA Class B Music Sweepstakes.

The IHSA Music Sweepstakes is an annual competition that judges solo and ensemble performances based on tone, technique, performance, creativity and other metrics. The exceptional performances secured Rockridge's sixth State Championship in the last ten years. It gives me great pleasure to see these students thriving both in school and with their peers despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is because of talented and determined individuals such as these students that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Rockridge High School Chorus Department on being named Class B State Champions. I commend their hard work and perseverance, and I am very proud to be their Representative.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mercado on Fifth for its effort in aiding small businesses and fostering cultural pride in the Quad Cities. The organization received the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for the incredible work they have done in the community.

Every Friday evening, Mercado on Fifth hosts market events where families come from all around the Quad Cities to enjoy Latin food, music and art. These inclusive events bring neighbors together to celebrate culture and community in the Quad Cities. Additionally, Mercado has served as a resource for aspiring entrepreneurs by offering free small business workshops in partnership with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University. These events also host several nonprofit organizations that have provided educational and outreach materials to local families. I want to thank and honor Mercado on Fifth for their commitment to bringing people together and for their continued service to the Moline community.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reginald ``Reg'' Pohlman on his retirement as a Police Officer from the Carrollton Police Department.

Reg joined the Carrollton Police Department on January 7, 1991 and dedicated over 30 years in service to the Carrollton community first as a police officer, before being promoted to Assistant Chief. Reg received both the distinguished Medal of Honor and Officer of the Year award during his time at the police department. Reg spent much of his time announcing, coaching and serving as an outstanding community advocate. He enjoys coaching and said it ``keeps him young.'' He served as an assistant coach to his brother, Greg Pohlman, for high school sports, including baseball. Reg has always been generous with his time and when the community needed something, he was always willing to help. I want to thank Reg for his dedication to his community and as a former athlete, I appreciate his kindness and generosity.

It is because of leaders such as Reginald ``Reg'' Pohlman that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Reg Pohlman on his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the TBK Quad Cities Marathon for bringing together thousands of athletes, volunteers and speculators to the Moline region. The event was selected as a winner of the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for the positive impact it had in the community.

The TBK Quad Cities Marathon, a USATF certified course and great Boston Marathon qualifier, offers some of the most beautiful views of the Mississippi River. The 26.2 mile run covers four cities and two states in the Quad Cities region. Run by more than 1,400 volunteers, it is a weekend full of activities that celebrates the accomplishments of these dedicated runners. I applaud the TBK Quad Cities Marathon for their philanthropic work and showcasing the very best of the Moline community.

I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District with community leaders like TBK Quad Cities Marathon. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor the TBK Quad Cities Marathon for their contributions to the community and to congratulate them for receiving the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Natalia Moreno, a senior from Winnebago High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A title in the 1600 meter run.

Natalia earned the state championship by 18 seconds, with a personal record time of 5:05:45. As a former student athlete, I admire

Natalia's hard work and determination. She is an excellent example of the importance of commitment and persistence. Natalia has represented Winnebago High School and her community exceptionally well throughout the state.

It is because of student leaders such as Natalia that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Natalia Moreno on her state championship, and I join the rest of the community in wishing her success in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Stockton High School Choral and Instrumental Music Department for taking 1st place in the IHSA Class C Music Sweepstakes.

The IHSA Music Sweepstakes is an annual competition that judges solo and ensemble performances based on tone, technique, performance, creativity and other metrics. The exceptional performance of the students secured Stockton's first Class C State Championship, having already won seven Class D Championships over the last ten years. It gives me great pleasure to see these students thriving in school and with their peers despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is because of driven and dedicated individuals such as these students that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Stockton High School Choral and Instrumental Music Department on being named Class C State Champions. I commend their hard work and perseverance, and I am very proud to be their Representative.