Committee on Health and Human Relations meeting, December 18, 2023
- When: Mon, Dec 18, 2023, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Health and Human Relations
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/894581145
- Transcript: full text (18,363 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Health and Human Relations, chaired by Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez, approved its November Rule 45 report and two resolutions. Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes presented a resolution calling on Congress to clarify the U.S. tax code to prevent misuse of Puerto Rico tax incentives, which was recommended for passage by voice vote. The committee then accepted a substitute resolution, introduced by Alderperson Daniel La Spata, expressing support for United Nations Resolution 377 (Uniting for Peace) and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and heard invited testimony from a rabbi, a journalist, an anthropologist, a state representative, an emergency physician, an attorney and organizer, and a historian. Alderpersons La Spata, Sigcho-López and Fuentes spoke in support, and the substitute resolution was recommended for passage by voice vote. Fifteen public commenters spoke, most of them urging support for the ceasefire resolution.
Topics: Gaza ceasefire, UN Resolution 377, Puerto Rico tax incentives, international affairs, public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 51:46 Approval of the November 2023 Rule 45 report: passed
- 52:11 Resolution calling on Congress to clarify the U.S. tax code to prevent misuse of Puerto Rico tax incentives (R2023-0005541): passed
- 55:24 Substitute resolution expressing support for United Nations Resolution 377 (Uniting for Peace): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (chair): Thanked Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes for the Puerto Rico resolution, noting she had to leave Puerto Rico because of economic circumstances. (54:37); Said the substitute resolution was introduced by Alderperson Daniel La Spata and developed collaboratively to reflect shared values. (1:22:05); Said the resolution is about recognizing the humanity of Palestinians and compared their experience to the bombing of Vieques in Puerto Rico. (2:17:02)
- Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Said misuse of Puerto Rico tax incentives has allowed individuals and corporations to avoid taxes, contributing to gentrification and displacement without benefiting residents, and asked Congress to clarify the code. (52:50); Thanked Alderperson Daniel La Spata and described her long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian community dating to her student years. (2:10:48); Responded to a colleague's tweet by explaining that Resolution 377 addresses UN inaction and encompasses the release of hostages and protection of civilians. (2:12:16)
- Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Said the council is authorized to speak on issues affecting constituents and cited a 2015 council resolution on Israel as precedent for addressing the conflict. (1:56:18); Explained the history of UN Resolution 377, which allows the General Assembly to act when the Security Council cannot. (1:57:29); Spoke as a parent about the deaths of children in Gaza and said he calls for a ceasefire. (1:58:17)
- Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Thanked the panelists and the chair and spoke about the violence in Gaza beginning before October 7. (1:59:53); Spoke on behalf of 25th Ward residents in support of Palestinian self-determination and connected the issue to displacement in Chicago. (2:07:27); Said he is committed to securing the 26 votes needed for the resolution at the full council. (2:10:10)
Exchanges between members
- 54:37 Chair Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez thanked Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes for bringing the Puerto Rico resolution.
- 1:22:26 Chair Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez thanked Alderperson Daniel La Spata for introducing the substitute resolution and working with her.
- 2:00:25 Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López thanked Chair Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez for her leadership on the resolution.
- 2:04:48 Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López said he was glad Alderperson Daniel La Spata reminded members of past council actions.
- 2:10:53 Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes thanked Alderperson Daniel La Spata for bringing the matter to a subject matter hearing.
- 2:16:06 Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes responded to her colleague's remark that history is repeating itself, saying instead that history is begging to be resolved.