Illinois House Floor Debate — May 25, 2017

"Members are asked to be at their seats. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Doug Banks who is with the Maranatha Chapel in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Pastor Banks is the guest of Representative Kelly Burke. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance."

"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Crespo."

"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Fine is excused."

"Representative Andersson." 10000054.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

Speaker Turner: "With 116 Members present, a quorum is established. Representative Cavaletto is recognized."

"Please proceed, Sir."

Speaker Turner: "Thank you and welcome to your Capitol. Representative Welch, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed, Sir."

"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, I have two fine gentlemen here with me today that I would like to introduce to all of you. They will be interning in my office this summer. On my left, we have Mr. Kristopher Leggin. He is a sophomore studying business management at Northern Illinois University; and he graduated from my fine alma mater, Proviso West High School in Hillside. On my right, we have Jason Mendonca. He's a junior studying political science at the Illinois State University. And Jason was here two years ago 'cause he was the team manager for the champion, St. Joseph Chargers, who had won the state championship that year. These gentlemen are going to do a great deal of positive work in the 7th District this summer. And I ask that we give them a warm welcome." 10000054.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

Speaker Turner: "Thank you and welcome to your Capitol. Representative Swanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed, Representative."

"Thank you, Representative. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Nekritz, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed, Representative."

"So, I know that all of us in this chamber think that we have great assistants over there in the Stratton Building and here in the Capitol, but Silvana Tabares and I think the world of our assistant, Jennifer Davis. And Jennifer's son is Paging on the floor today, Jaylan Stotts. He's a third grader at Carl Sandburg High School here… Carl Sandburg School here. And he's also a wonderful little soccer player and he tells me that they won their soccer tournament in Decatur a couple of weeks ago despite the fact that he got hit in the face with the soccer ball and still has a little bruise from it. So, welcome, Jaylan." 10000054.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

Speaker Turner: "Thank you and welcome to your Capitol. Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed, Sir."

Speaker Turner: "Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Kelly Burke, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Burke, K.: "Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed." Burke, K.: "I'd like to ask the Body to welcome my intern for the summer, Jack O'Sullivan. Jack is a student at the University of Arizona, studying political science and considering law school. So, hopefully, some of you will talk him out of it as I bring him around to introduce him. But please give him a warm Springfield welcome."

Speaker Turner: "Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Jimenez, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed, Representative."

Speaker Turner: "Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Costello, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed, Sir."

"I'd like to welcome Jacklyn Hopkins here today. She's the daughter of my legislative aide, Patsie Hopkins, who's also here with us in the gallery. Jacklyn will be a freshman at Southeastern Missouri State University."

"Thank you, Representative. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Sommer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed, Sir."

"Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. Leader Bellock, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. Will all Members please rise, and guests? Will the Members and our guests in the gallery please stand for the presentation of colors by the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated? Mr. Clerk, please read House Resolution 423."

Speaker Turner: "Leader… Representative Lang moves for the adoption of House Resolution 423. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. We will now have the roll call of fallen soldiers. Representative Beiser."

"Staff Sergeant Christopher A. Wilbur, United States Army, died August 12, 2016, Granite City."

"Representative Unes."

"Representative Hammond."

"Representative Bryant."

"Representative Spain."

"Representative Brady."

"Representative Chapa LaVia is recognized."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House, and those in the gallery that honor us today. Today I rise in honor of all the service men and women who came from our great 10000054.docx 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 State of Illinois. This coming Monday, 29th, is Memorial Day and I'd like to take a moment to present to this Body this House Resolution 423. This is a long-standing tradition for the Illinois House of Representatives to honor Illinois veterans and there is no better time to continue this custom than right now. The Resolution maintains the State of Illinois appreciation for our veterans and upholds our commitment to those who sacrificed everything so that we can be here today discussing important matters to those in whom we represent. Let me share with you some words from past American Presidents on our heroes. Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. President Harry S. Truman. In the truest sense, freedom cannot be not be bestowed. It must be achieved. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. And last, I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world. President Ronald Reagan. Speaker, I ask that every one of our Members be added to this Resolution. And God bless the American soldier. We are so blessed to come from this amazing country, that we can stand here and at night not worry of our freedoms, but there are people on the lines, dedicated from the past that we should always honor. Thank you."

"Seeing no objection, all Members will be added to the Resolution. The Resolution has been adopted. House Resolution 157, Representative Costello. Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Costello."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the Members of the House. It's extremely fitting that we just had the ceremony that we did, talking about men and women that have given their lives for our freedom to protect others. House Resolution 157 honors Officer James Brockmeyer of Chester who passed away on October 28, 2016 in the line of duty. Officer Brockmeyer was born in Chester to Donald and Dixie Brockmeyer on April 30, 1994. He graduated from Chester High School in 2012 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Officer Brockmeyer worked for the City of Chester Gas Department before joining the Chester Police Department where he was… and then joining the Chester Volunteer Fire Department, as well. Officer Brockmeyer dedicated himself to public service. He demonstrated this by his service as a fire fighter and by his commitment to the profession of law enforcement. Officer Brockmeyer served as a cherished member of the Chester Police Department and Fire Department. He will be missed by his fellow fire fighters, brothers and sisters in blue, and all those who knew him. Officer Brockmeyer was also a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Chester and the Randolph County Rod and Gun Club. Officer Brockmeyer is survived by his parents, Donald and Dixie; his sister, Megan Brockmeyer; his fiancée, Lauren Hoops; maternal grandmother, Joleen 10000054.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Bowen; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, brothers and sisters in law enforcement and fire fighters. May Officer Brockmeyer rest in peace. May his memory live on in all of those who carry on the mission to serve and protect with the same honor and dignity that he did. We mourn the passing of Officer Brockmeyer and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all that knew him. I would like to also thank James's parents and grandparents for raising such a fine young man, someone dedicated enough to give his life for the wellbeing and safety of others. Like to thank, as well, Senator Paul Schimpf, who is here on the floor with me today. I'd like to thank Police Chief Ryan Coffey, Sergeant Joe Jany and Officer Seth Buch from the Chester Police Department who are in the Speaker's Gallery; Randolph County Sheriff Shannon Wolff, his wife; Chief Deputy Jarrod Peters and his wife. And as a past police officer, I can tell you that I truly realize, and I hope everyone else does, that you all lost a member of your family. I understand that. I would ask that all Members be added to this Resolution, and I would also ask that the Body take a moment of silence in recognition of such a wonderful human being."

"The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you, Members. Seeing no objection, all Members will be added as cosponsors to the Resolution. Representative Costello moves that the House adopt House Resolution 4… 157. Excuse me, House Resolution 157. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 407, Representative Brady. Mr. Clerk." 10000054.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Representative Brady."

"The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you, Members. Seeing no objection, all Members will be added 10000054.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 as cosponsors to House Resolution 407. Representative Brady moves that the House adopt House Resolution 407. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 428, Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth. Mr. Clerk."

"Excuse me. Mr. Clerk, please take this Resolution out of the record. House Resolution 400, Representative Riley. Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Riley."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body. And I don't know if they were here, they were over in the Senate being honored by Senator Hastings, but VFW Post 311 in Richton Park that I'm proud to be affiliated with is not only an All American VFW Post, and that is a designation that's not easy to get, but they are also valiant and valuable services to the community. Now, many of you have VFW Post and 10000054.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 American Legion Posts, and maybe you're affiliated or a member with them, but they really do a lot for the community, be it in education, be it mentoring, and this post was named after a very legendary General of the Army Benjamin O. Davis, whose son, Benjamin Jr. was also a general officer. And between them both, they gave a lot of inspiration to a lot of people at a time where, you know, everyone was not accepted, even, unfortunately, in our Armed Forces. But they achieved great things and we saw fit to name this post after them. So, I wanted to give special recognition… and I don't know if they're here, but if they are here, to these valiant soldiers, men and women, who have served in many conflicts. So, if in fact they are here, I'd like for you to give a round of applause to my post, VFW Post 311."

"Thank you. This Resolution was adopted on a previous day. Leader Currie is recognized."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Drury will be excused for the remainder of the day."

"Thank you, Representative. Representative Currie on a Motion."

"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. I move to suspend the posting requirements so that Senate Bill 2185 could be heard in the Criminal Judiciary Committee, Senate Bills 1381 and 1451 in House Public Utilities, and Senate Bill 1871 in House Revenue & Finance."

"You've all heard the Lady's Motion. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, 10000054.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 the 'ayes' have it. And the posting requirements are suspended. Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Andersson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed, Sir."

"Members, can we please bring the noise level down in the chamber?"

"Leader Lang is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. A point of personal privilege, please."

"Shhhh, Members. Members."

"So, thank you for the shush, Mr. Speaker. That was… that wasn't directed at me?"

"It's not directed at you but go right ahead, Sir."

"So, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen, I appreciate the comments of the Gentleman. Everyone in this chamber wants a budget, although I'm not sure everyone in this chamber is prepared to do the budget. I've heard a lot of people talk about things they want to do but then they never do them. I also note, and I think the Gentleman will note as well, that every Bill that has come over from the Senate has been assigned to a committee, has been posted. There will be committee hearings, subject matter and otherwise, and people will get to say what they want about the Bills that have come 10000054.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 over from the Senate. But I do think it takes courage to get this to the bottom line. It's one thing to say you want to do a budget; it's another thing to do one. The comments that this is an impasse… everyone uses the word impasse, but Ladies and Gentlemen, we don't have an impasse. What we have is a crisis. An impasse happens where… we've had impasse before where the Legislature and the Governor can't agree on the line items in the budget. That's an impasse. We had one of those with Governor Edgar many years ago. That was an impasse. But this is not an impasse because we aren't talking about the budget. The Governor of the State of Illinois will not talk about the budget. Except that today, I noticed, that the Governor has invited 13 House Democrats to a meeting to discuss all of these issues, completely ignoring the letter that Leader Currie, Leader Hoffman, Leader Turner and I sent to him offering to sit down and get these things accomplished, completely sidestepping the negotiating team that's been created here in the House, on our side of the aisle, to meet with the Governor. Instead, the Governor has chosen, very carefully it appears, 13 Democratic political targets to meet with. I think that says a lot about his resolve and I think it says a lot about his desire to work with this General Assembly as a coequal branch of government. He and we have responsibility to work as partners in government, not only across the aisle, which we do most of the time, but between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch. So, Mr. Andersson's comments… notwithstanding Mr. Andersson's comments, while we might be interested in doing this, we need to see some courage from people who are willing to pull away 10000054.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 from the Governor of the State of Illinois, discuss the issues he has on his mind, but then do the job we were elected to do in this chamber. Do not kowtow to a different branch of government. The Constitution refers to the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch as coequal branches of government. And yet, there are many people, and I must say honestly, particularly on the other side of the aisle, perfectly willing to give away their Constitutional prerogatives to be a coequal branch, to be a partner in government, to a different branch of government. And when you stand up and tell him, the Chief Executive of the State of Illinois, that it's time to do his job and it's time to get the budget done, and it's time to end this crisis, that's when the crisis will end. His actions today tell you otherwise. His actions today tell you he is not interested in resolving this crisis. He's only interested in exacerbating it, extending it, making it worse. Governor, we think you should do your job, and we think Members on the other side of the aisle ought to ask him to do that so we can finish this and get our work done and stop injuring and harming the people that live in the State of Illinois. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Representative Sente, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Personal privilege."

"Please proceed, Representative."

"Thank you. I would like to echo many of the statements of my peer on the other side of the aisle, Senator Andersson. And I'd like to try and… a different type of exchange today. 10000054.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 I'm not going to blame the other Party, a Leader, the Governor, or anyone. We spend…"

"Excuse me, Representative. Excuse me."

"Thank you."

"Shhh. Members, it is very difficult to hear the conversation in the chamber. Please take all discussions to the rear of the chamber. Thank you very much. Representative Sente."

"Thank you. We spend so much time here focusing on our differences. I'd like to highlight our many similarities. We all represent constituents who want their Legislators to make thoughtful decisions that are good for Illinois. We all want a full-year balanced budget. We want to demonstrate fiscally sound allocation of taxpayer dollars, which includes searching for areas within our budget to cut. We want to reform systems that could benefit from change. We want every student to receive a great education. We want to responsibly consolidate local government and with local resident input. We want to make constitutional changes to our pension system and get to a healthy funding level. We want to procure services and products in a transparent, fair, and highly cost- effective manner. We want employees who get injured on the job to get back to good health quickly, and organizations to care about their workers and pay reasonable workers’ compensation rates. We want to provide some property tax relief to our residents. We want to be competitive with our surrounding states. These are six big areas that could benefit from reform and we are close on four of the reforms, and we could make some effective movement on the final two. Two weeks 10000054.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 ago, 33 House Members, that's a significant number on both sides of the aisle, signed a statement asking the Senate to do their best job on a grand bargain, and then send that compromise package of reforms and budget to our chamber. This is a group… ours is a group that trusts each other. This is a group who agrees we can get a full-year balanced budget by May 31, with cuts in revenue. Folks, we have seven days left. Let's, please, build on that trust and finally, once and for all, put an end to this all-too-long budget impasse, crisis, whatever you want to call it. Thank you very much."

"Members, on page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 587. Representative Breen. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Representative Breen."

"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 587 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 115 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', Senate Bill 587, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 3 of the Calendar, under House Bills on Third Reading, we have House Bill 1774. Representative Martwick. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to the Order of Second Reading and read the Bill."

"Representative Martwick."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment is a gut and replace Amendment, but the Bill is a rather large Bill, is essentially saying there's one change in the Bill. It says that… or I suppose two small changes. It moves the election date from 2019 to 2023 of the first election, and it says that electoral districts must be drawn on or before May 31, 2022 as opposed to 2018. Those are the only changes."

"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1774. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 1774." 10000054.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Representative Martwick."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Bill 1774 is a Bill that would provide for an elected representative school board for the Chicago Public Schools. Many of you will remember that I ran this Bill last year. It received a vote of 110 to 4. It is a Bill that was… has been negotiated heavily, certainly amongst both Members… both sides of this chamber as well as both Houses of the Legislature. What this Bill does is it creates an elected school board, providing elected accountability to the decisions of the Chicago Public Schools to the people that pay the taxes for the Chicago Public Schools, the residents of the City of Chicago. Briefly, it would create a 20 member board… a 21-member board, 20-members being elected from specifically drawn districts to ensure diversity on the board, a representative diversity, as well as a citywide elected school board president. All the positions would be uncompensated and the first election would be held along with the consolidated primary election in 2023. I move for its adoption. I ask for… I'd be happy to answer any questions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Representative Andersson is recognized."

"The Sponsor will yield."

"It is identical except for one change. Last year, we ran a Bill that would've provided for… actually, last year we ran a Bill that would've provided for an election in 2018. This year, the Bill was filed with an election date of 2019. In attempting to try and assuage some of the concerns of the current administration of the Chicago Public Schools, we have moved that date back to 2023."

"That is… that is correct. Yes. This is about local control for the people of the City of Chicago. Obviously, we know that there's been… like every other school district in the State of Illinois, there are challenges with education. Chicago is facing their own unique challenges. And the citizens of the City of Chicago have sent in a referendum, a citywide referendum, nearly 90 percent of the people said we want elected accountability. We want a say in the way that our schools operate and we want that accountability through elections. This Bill would provide that."

"Thank you."

"Leader Currie is recognized."

"Thank you, Speaker. I know this is a very popular idea but just a word of caution. First, nothing in the literature says that student outcomes are better because a school board 10000054.docx 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 is elected rather than appointed. There's absolutely no correlation whatsoever. Second, a 21-member board may be an unwieldy board. It may be very difficult to bring 21 people, representing very different perspectives, together to work in the best interest of the children. Generally speaking, in this country, individual boards like this, when separately elected, may be very much the center of everyone's attention in the beginning, but over time they are not. Over time, they tend, in fact, to be much organized by the stakeholders in the system rather than the citizenry at large. I would also point out to the Members of this chamber that anybody who thinks that the mayor of the City of Chicago was not held accountable for the Chicago Public Schools in the last several years may have missed the information that he was in a runoff. And I would suggest to the Members of this Body that centralized control gives you the opportunity to let your voices be heard when things are not being run in a way that is satisfactory to the populous. I know the Sponsor is well- intentioned. I know this is a very popular idea. Just a word of caution."

"Representative Martwick to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the City of Chicago, as the citizens of a democracy, have requested elected accountability. They have requested representation for the tax dollars they've spent. They have requested the most fundamental right in a democracy and we are the only thing standing in the way of them getting it. It's time to give the citizens of democracy what they request, what they needed, what every citizen of democracy should have. 10000054.docx 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 It's time for an elected school board for the City of Chicago. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1774 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 105 voting 'yes', 9 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 1774, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Resolution 438, Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Slaughter."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Can we please direct our attention to the gallery on the Democratic side of the aisle? I would like to take a moment just to highlight the success and achievements of these young men from Morgan Park High School. They are the Class 3A basketball champion. I believe that makes three out of the last five years that Morgan Park High School has won the State Basketball Championship. Their run to becoming champions made Chicago CPS and the 27th District very proud. It was an awesome display of teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship. And Ladies and Gentlemen, can I just have your attention just for one second? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At a time 10000054.docx 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 where we have so many young African-American men that are at risk in the black community, these young men are an inspiration and a beacon of hope, and they're an example of success that can and will happen when our youth have the right dedication and motivation. I'd like to also highlight the parents and the caretakers of these young men, especially the coaches; Nick Irvin, Lance Irvin, Terry Johnson, their Athletic Director Michael Berger. They all share a common goal and commitment to youth basketball as a means to give these kids positive encouragement and do all that they can to provide an environment where these young men can strive for success and be positive, productive citizens. Coach Irvin, for many, many years has had a great program. I'd be remiss if I didn't highlight my brother, State Rep Marcus Evans who is an Alum of Morgan Park High School. Please join me in giving these young men a big congratulatory hand. Thank you for coming down to Springfield."

"Congratulations, gentlemen, and welcome to your Capitol. Representative Evans is recognized."

"Yeah, just a quick point of personal privilege. Yes, I did attend Morgan Park. I was too short to play on the basketball team, but I still want to honor these kids. And also, a special thanks to the coach. You know, Coach Nick Irvin does a wonderful job with these boys, being in their lives, and I'm sure they also impact his life. So, please honor Morgan Park. And you know what, Nick Irvin, this is like the third time I've done this. I'm getting tired because Morgan Park keeps winning. The rest of you all got to tell your schools to step it up ‘cause CPS is dominating 10000054.docx 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 basketball. We also won… and again, we won at 2A and 4A. CPS is doing their thing. So, thank you, Morgan Park, and keep making us proud."

Speaker Turner: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Slaughter moves for the adoption of House Resolution 438. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Batinick, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Representative. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed."

"Thank you, Representative. And welcome to your Capitol. House Bill 3376, Leader Lang. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10000054.docx 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 3376. Leader Lang. Please read the Bill."

"Leader Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This Bill relates to the Home Services Program. Some time ago, the Governor's Office, through DHS, put a draconian series of rules upon caregivers, people that come to people's homes, some of the most frail people that need their caregivers in their home to live their daily lives. The original set of rules that came out and what the DHS wanted to do is pretty appalling, actually. They took people who were having caregivers for 40 hours a week and put a limit on them where they might have to go out and get a separate caregiver for 2, or 3, or 4 hours a week, if it went beyond the 40. Now, while that sounds interesting, the fact is that if you are homebound and you need a caregiver and you have someone coming in under this program and they've been coming to you for weeks and months and years, you create a family-type relationship with this person. Where a person who’s almost family is giving you care. You don't want someone coming in for another 2 or 3 hours a week, you want your person. And what happened then was that they came into JCAR and tried to pawn these rules, off as if they were reasonable. They did change some of the 10000054.docx 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 rules but in the end, there was an effort at JCAR which succeeded to limit the amount of hours that these folks can have in their home, requiring them to get additional caregivers. It's just not right. If you were home and sick and homebound and needed somebody with you every day, you wouldn't want two or three different people. You'd want one person you could count on every day. This Bill is designed to remedy that problem. And I ask your support."

"The Chair recognizes Representative Andersson."

"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield."

"The Bill would limit the number of hours to 55 hours per week."

"There are some exceptions but basically, for virtually all, it would limit to 55 hours a week."

"Well, certainly not. This is for the benefit of those receiving the services."

"This is… this is not any kind of mandate on employees. This is a reasonable approach to making sure that homebound 10000054.docx 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 people who get services under this state program, who have been getting services under this state program for many years, are not forced for a few hours a week to get a different person in their home."

"This has no mandate on employees."

"Let me try to get back to you on that question, Sir."

"Representative Keith Wheeler is recognized." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield." Wheeler, K.: "Leader Lang, we did discuss this in JCAR and we had some discussions about it outside as well, I believe. Can you take me back to the beginning? Why did this ever become an issue? Was this a federal overtime rule change that made this occur?"

"This Bill's in response to a policy that came out of DHS, Sir." Wheeler, K.: "I appreciate that but the policy at DHS had to be changed because the Obama administration changed the way we look at overtime for these caregivers. Originally, they were not subject to overtime rules. Now that they are, there was a dramatic increase in costs and the department had to respond. Therefore, they promulgated these rules. I know you're not a fan of the rules, but let's discuss the rule that's in place now before we look at changing it, just for a moment. What percentage of DHS home service customers have service plans that exceed the current 45-hour limit?"

"Twenty-two percent, Sir." Wheeler, K.: "Sir, our analysis shows 11 percent for that."

"All right. So, let's assume it… let's use your number, if that makes you happy." 10000054.docx 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Wheeler, K.: "No, I'm just saying… I'm just trying to get to a consensus here. We're in a situation where 89 percent of the… of the DHS home service customers don't have any change at all in their approach right now. Is that right? Assuming that number."

"Yes, but that came after a very long battle. But if either… the number may be 11 percent, it may be 22 percent. Maybe we can agree it's somewhere between there. But yes, with the rules in place now, after a very long battle, certainly most people will not have to worry about overtime." Wheeler, K.: "Okay. And the oth… the concern that when I talked to DHS about this, they have another concern that you're not addressing here and that is the fact that if someone has that great of a need, they're beyond 45 hours per week, we want them to have a backup provider so that they, in the case of a situation where they're primary provider's not available or becomes sick or goes on vacation, whatever those cases are, they have that backup provider. That's an important element of this. I don't think that's being taken to the greatest degree that it should be in this discussion. I wish that it were 'cause it's an important element of their lives."

"Well, certainly, if anybody needed, under the current state of affairs with the current limit that the department put on these folks, certainly they would all be prudent to have a backup person. They would probably be prudent to have a backup person even if this Bill passes. I don't understand the point." Wheeler, K.: "My point is that that was one of the things that DHS wanted to see, these people that have great need, have a 10000054.docx 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 backup for their benefit, Leader. That’s… that was my point, I’m bringing that up, not to detract from your Bill but to point out the fact that there's another element that the rules we're promulgating had a purpose for. And that was… just wanted to put that into the discussion, into the record. Secondly, is there anybody under these rules that have been approved by JCAR that lost service based on that rule?"

"If your question is, are people able to get the service they need anyway, whether we have overtime caps or not, the answer is if there's available access to an available person, yes, they can get a second person." Wheeler, K.: "Right. And if there's not, then there's an exception process that they can go through and then they keep their provider for more than 45 hours."

"Yes, but this is a process that a homebound, sick person that can't even take care of themself, they're in a wheelchair, they're blind, they have whatever problems they have, not so easy to access, Sir. It's not… it's not like you or I are going to fill out a form and get access to a service." Wheeler, K.: "Leader, I'm not disputing that part of it. We want to help these people and I'm not trying to dissuade that part of it at all. My point is that I think that the rules that were approved actually have… there not just draconian as were originally presented and I want to make that point clear. This is not something that has been done to hurt anyone receiving care. This is something that was done to find a balance for both the state, the worker and the providers who are sometimes working way more than 45 hours a week. To the Bill. I appreciate the Sponsor's intent of trying to help 10000054.docx 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 people who are… who are home service customers at DHS. I don't believe that this is a necessary Bill to really do that. In this case, while we are still… without a budgetary process in place, I'd have to ask for a 'no' vote. Thank you."

"Representative Wallace is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Yes, he will."

"Thank you. So, we've heard a lot of comments about the dollars and cents related to this particular Bill, but I'm wondering what is the type of care that these workers provide? What are some of… some examples of the duties that they do?"

"Well, they take care of these folks' personal and medical needs in the home. Perhaps, they're cleaning them or bathing them or feeding them. These are essential services. They may also be dealing with their… with their other personal needs such as while they're there, it’s to provide someone to talk to. And as you know, I'm sure, Representative, these service providers, these caregivers that'll go under this home services program are people that, as I said before, become almost like family members. They are there all the time for the needs of these folks."

"So, they provide lots of intimate care like bathing and feeding, clothing. But the other piece that they may also provide may be setting up medication or… not necessarily administering it but following the instructions of a medical or health care provider. They're performing a skill task, would you say?"

"Absolutely." 10000054.docx 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"And I heard some discussion about the turnover. Do you know some ideas as to why there's such high turnover in this area?"

"Well, certainly, there's… I'm sorry to interrupt… there's turnover because this is very difficult work. We can't even find people to do this work. We have all kinds of Bills in this chamber regarding staffing levels at various places: nursing homes, DD facilities and all kinds of places. And the reason we try to force feed that is we don't have enough trained people that want to do this work. This is very difficult work at very low wages. So, of course there's turnover."

"So, very difficult work, very low wages, with some of them making, on average, 9 to 10 dollars an hour?"

"That would be correct."

"Thank you. To the Bill. This is a measure that, yes, will have some fiscal implication, but I believe that the implications… or the fiscal impact that will come from individuals having to be institutionalized is at least five to six times higher than having this individual in their own home. And then the point of dignity that needs to be addressed as far as the consumer is concerned. These individuals, again, are receiving their most intimate care. The things that most of us take for granted, how we got dressed to get here today, this is a thing that these consumers are not able to do on their own and they rely on their workers to be able to help them. Having a switch in a turnover, even if it's just by shift because of number of hours that their primary assistant can provide, it's disruptive to the customers and the 10000054.docx 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 individuals that we care for in the State of Illinois. I would encourage an 'aye' vote."

"Leader Lang to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There have been a couple of fairly misleading comments made on the floor and so I want to clear them up. This does cost $12 million, but it's eligible for a 50 percent federal match. So, the net cost to the State of Illinois, Representative, is $6 million. The net cost is $6 million. Additionally, when these folks are taken care of in their home and we have a robust Home Services Program, we're keeping people out of institutions, which cost us, additionally, much more money. And let me also add this. We could stand here and talk about dollars and cents all day, and of course dollars and cents are important, but we have to have a heart. We have to have some humanity. If you were home and had somebody taking care of you 45 hours a week and there was a hard cap and they had to go away after 45 hours and you had to bring someone you barely knew in to take you to the bathroom, to bathe you, to talk to you, to feed you, to take care of, as Representative Wallace said, some of your more intimate items that you… that a human being needs, you wouldn't want a second person in the house for an hour, or 2, or 3 a week. You would want to be taken care of by a person that you've developed a relationship with. So, yes, it's $6 million. It's not a large sum of money, but it is money at a time where we don't have a lot of money. But still, if you put your humanity into this, you'll understand that if you were in the position of these homebound folks who needed these services, you would know who you would want your caregiver to 10000054.docx 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 be. And I think, if you search your heart, you'll know how to vote. Please vote 'aye'."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3376 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 64 voting 'yes', 49 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 3376, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 428, Representative Gordon-Booth. Please read the Resolution."

"Representative Gordon-Booth."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. If the gallery would be willing to lay their eyes on the Speaker's Gallery at the front of the room. Before us this afternoon is a group affectionately known in Peoria as the Royal Family Dance Team. The Royal Family Dance Team is… they are coordinated, choreographed by two beautiful young women, Courtney Langhorn and Shenneca Williams. These two young women are clearly… If we could bring the noise down a bit in the room?"

"Members, please bring the noise level down."

"Thank you. These young women give their all. And I want to be sure that everyone gives their undivided attention to these two young women who have decided that they 10000054.docx 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. They didn't wait to get government funding. They didn't go after anyone's money. What they did is they went to their own pocket and they worked with parents, they worked with mothers and fathers who wanted to see more for their young women. Oftentimes, you hear about the things that aren't happening in the community. And what I'm so proud to share with this Body today is that these parents and Shenneca and Courtney said, you know what, if the community isn't doing it, we're going to provide it. And so, they have been, for the last couple of years, competitively dancing all around the state. Just recently, they danced at the United Center right before the Bulls game started. They dance competitively all over the state; and they win trophies all over the state. Again, these young ladies are working in a phenomenal way. They don't have any government funding, but when you see these young ladies, whether it's at community events, church events, civic engagements and… civic engagement events, you clearly see that these young women are being poured into, not only by their dance instructors, but their parents. And I just wanted to bring them down here to show them that we care, we are concerned, and we are honoring the work that you are doing in our community. And I thank you."

Speaker Turner: "Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Gordon-Booth moves for the adoption of House Resolution 428. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Ford, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10000054.docx 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, on the left side of our chamber we have a friend of mine and a renown lawyer named Jeffery Leving. Jeffery, if you could please stand. He's down here in Springfield. He's the fathers’ attorney and I would like for you all to welcome him. He's been recognized by the White House and he's helped all of us in Illinois make laws better for fathers’ rights in Illinois. Thank you, Jeffery. Please welcome, Jeffery."

"Thank you. And welcome to your Capitol. House Bill 1785, Representative Harris. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Thank you, Members. Representative Harris." Harris, G.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This piece of legislation, House Bill 1785, updates a half-century-old statute in the State of Illinois that deals with how transgender persons correct the gender marker on their birth certificate. So, this has been the law of Illinois for 62 years, but what has not changed since 1955, when this law was first passed, was an update to make sure that our language in our statute required the most clinically appropriate treatment according to contemporary medical standards. We do these updates on laws very regularly as technology changes and health care changes. We have done it for digital mammography and 3D ultrasounds. We have done it 10000054.docx 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 for… on the lock zone to treat substance abuse disorder. We have changed the law to recognize telepsychiatry and telemedicine. So, this is a piece of update language that does the same thing for diagnosis, people with diagnosis of gender dysphoria. It changes Illinois law so that persons can conform their birth certificates, as they have for more than half a century, but to do so with contemporary medical standards. I will point out to you that this also conforms Illinois law with the same requirements that are used by the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department for passports, and for the Social Security Administration for Social Security cards. Also, 14 other states have adopted these standards. The course of treatment is not a simple, easy or inexpensive course of treatment to go through. This is not something people do lightly. And for those who have raised concerns that this is an easy process and you know, people might undertake it without due thought, this is a process that takes many years and cost many thousands of dollars. It requires a lot of consultation, a lot of therapy to be sure that folks are making the correct decision. These definitions and these standards are present in most private commercial insurance policies. I have with me, here at my desk, the standard summaries of benefits for Aetna and Cigna, which again are very similar to those standards which we wish to adopt in Illinois. There have been questions raised about could this possibly used… used for fraudulent or nefarious activities in these days of terrorism? And the answer to that question is, no. Thanks to Representative Elaine Nekritz, who passed through this chamber House Bill 2559, which is now on 10000054.docx 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Third Reading in the Senate. This is a Bill that was worked on with law enforcement in conjunction with the State Police just to tighten standards around all birth certificate changes, not just changes for this purpose. And I'll tell you that, you know, birth certificate changes are really a very common occurrence. It's been pointed out on this floor, when an adoption occurs, birth certificates are changed. When a court orders a name change, birth certificates are changed. But now we will have the most up-to-date, current, medical standards in use as a model in the State of Illinois. And I will point out that these standards are supported by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychoanalytic Association, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, the Illinois Psychiatric Society, the Illinois Psychological Association. So, this is what the Bill does. I would be happy to answer any questions."

"Representative Andersson is recognized."

"Sponsor will yield."

"Representative Ives is recognized."

"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield." 10000054.docx 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Representative Breen is recognized."

"The Sponsor will yield."

"Excuse me. Excuse me."

"Excuse me. Excuse me. Shhh. Members, there's a very important debate going on. Can we please take the additional conversations to the rear of the chamber? Thank you very much. Representative Breen."

"Representative Morrison is recognized."

"The Sponsor will yield."

"Thank you, Members."

"The Chair recognizes Representative Williams."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I think we're overcomplicating what is really a very simple issue about what it means to be a human being. This isn't about Democrats, Republicans, liberals or conservatives. And I learned this when I met with a mother of a transgender girl, eight years old, in my district. She shared with me how important this Bill was to her and her family. She shared this via email and in her person and shared her family's journey. They didn't set out knowing anything about what it meant to have a transgender child, but they did the work that was required to do what they could to protect their daughter, just the same as every single one of us in the chamber would do. Let me read directly from an email she sent me. We have such a strong stake in the passage of this Bill which would allow our precious daughter to change the gender mark on her birth certificate. Reflecting her gender is important not only because it would mean this important document affirms, aligns and respects her true identity, but also because it would help protect her from discrimination, abuse and violence in the future. It would also simplify her life in the future. Wouldn't you want that for your children? I would ask that of 10000054.docx 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 all of you in this chamber. It's about men and women; and it's about human beings. It's about nothing more than that. I'll be voting 'yes'."

"Representative Cassidy is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. To the Bill. I want to thank Representative Harris for his hard work on this. We've heard some very interesting debate. Unfortunately, it's really been a great deal of red herrings and not a lot of thoughtful considerations of the human that we are talking about today. Transitioning is not something that anyone takes lightly. This isn't about dorms, this isn't about prisons or any of the other things that were raised here. Corrected birth certificates are things that folks need for a lot of different reasons. Representative Harris shared many of those. My children have corrected birth certificates. Those of us in this Body who are adoptive parents or adoptees have corrected birth certificates. It is an administrative function. The process by which someone transitions is something that they share with their… with their medical professional. We shouldn't be dictating what that procedure is. This… this outdated law got us into this situation when we attempted to dictate it in… 50-plus years ago. We are… we are adhering to appropriate medical practice. What this Bill is about, plain and simple, is consistency, science and medicine, and most importantly, the dignity, the safety, and the security of the people that we serve. This is about the humans we serve and their ability to live full lives. I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Representative Harris to close." 10000054.docx 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Harris, G.: "Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, on both sides of the aisle for the very thorough debate and thoughtful comments. Again, this Bill just modernizes a 62-year-old law in the State of Illinois and brings us up to the most contemporary medical standards. I would appreciate your 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1785 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 63 voting 'yes', 43 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present', House Bill 1785, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1317, Representative Harris. Mr. Clerk, please read this Bill."

"Representative Harris." Harris, G.: "Can you just give me a moment? My computer is not working."

"Absolutely, Sir. Take your time. Still on Floor Amendment #1, Representative." Harris, G.: "So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Amendment #1 is a gut and replace Amendment. This has to do with changes that are currently being contemplated in the U.S. Congress regarding changes to the 10000054.docx 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Affordable Care Act in the Affordable Health Care Act. There are many challenges to the people of the State of Illinois in this legislation that is proceeding in Washington. Yesterday, we saw the updated… updated congressional budget office score. We know that 23 million Americans will lose health care coverage should the Affordable Health Care Act pass. We know that in the State of Illinois, 900 thousand people will lose health care should the Affordable Health Care Act pass. There are two facets of this that we, as Legislators in the State of Illinois, should pay attention to. One is the Medicaid side; the other is the private insurance side. And in all those cases, our residents could be put at risk should this legislation pass in Washington. What this Bill does is it looks at the legislation moving ahead in Washington, which would allow states to pass… request waivers on both the Medicaid side and on the private side that could raise the cost of health care, doubling it for senior citizens. It would take out protections for people with preexisting conditions from being able to obtain health care. And it would… could also change the essential health benefits. A state could remove itself from any of the essential health benefits currently required in insurance plans. So, this means that a state, if it looked at the cost of certain items like prescription drug benefits, maternity and pediatric care, mental health or substance abuse treatment, the state could drop those from required services, from the essential health benefits, with one of these waivers. What this Bill does, Ladies and Gentlemen, is one thing. I believe it should be within the purview of those of us in this room, those people 10000054.docx 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 who've been elected, to make decisions that will affect 900 thousand folks in Illinois who could lose insurance, that could… it would also affect one in every four people, who in Illinois, who right now are covered by the Medicaid program. So, this Bill would say that before any of these changes could be requested by the State of Illinois, before these coverages could be dropped… Okay. I'm… before these changes could be dropped, that the Legislature would have to pass a Joint Resolution in support. Right now, in the state of the law, the Chief Executive of the State may submit a waiver and change any of these provisions. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, if you're worried about the effects on your constituents of health care changes being made in Washington over which we have no control, this is the way that you as a Legislature can obtain control and protect the best interest of the citizens of your district."

"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1317. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

"Mr. Clerk, please hold this Bill on the Order of Second Reading. On page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 473. Representative Martwick. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to the Order Of Second Reading and read the Bill." 10000054.docx 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Representative Martwick."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment #3 changes one Section of the Bill. The Bill would move the income threshold for a senior freeze from 55 to 65 thousand. The change is that it would be effective in 2017 in Cook County and 2018 for the rest of the state, the other counties, because they have a different assessment process and so they've already mailed out their applications. So, it'd give them one year to come up to speed."

"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3 to Senate Bill 473. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

"Mr. Clerk, please read that Bill for a third time."

"Representative Martwick."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill… excuse me… Senate Bill 473 is a Bill that would provide property tax relief to the residents of Cook County. This is an initiative of the Cook County Assessor's Office. And what it does is it takes some of our exemptions… 10000054.docx 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 so, it takes the homeowner's exemption, the general homestead exemption, as we call it; the senior citizen's homestead exemption, which is an additional exemption for senior citizens; and then finally the senior citizen freeze. And it moves the levels up on that so that there is either more relief in terms of the exemptions and in terms of the freeze so that there is potentially more relief but definitely more people eligible. So, basically what this does is this takes the homeowner's exemption in the City of Chicago… excuse me… in the county of Cook and increases the maximum exemption amount from $7 thousand to $10 thousand. It takes the senior citizen's exemption and moves that from $5 thousand to $8 thousand. And finally, the senior citizen assessment freeze, it makes people who are… have a total household income, it moves the threshold for qualification from 55 thousand to 65 thousand. I believe the last year that that was changed was 2008, so that hasn't changed at all. So this would make more senior citizens available for the freeze. It would give them a higher exemption level. It would give all homeowners a higher exemption level, giving real property tax relief to the residents of Cook County. I'd be happy to ask… answer any questions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Mr. Phillips, do you rise on this Bill, Sir? All right. Put your light back on, I'll get back to you. Mr. Andersson is recognized. Representative Lang in the Chair. Excuse me, Mr. Andersson, now we're going to Mr. Demmer, who’s waving at me. Yes, Sir." 10000054.docx 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"The record will reflect that request, Sir. Mr. Andersson is recognized."

"Absolutely."

"It does. And Representative Andersson, my understanding is that for years and years and years there have been different levels for homeowner's exemptions, seniors' exemptions, senior freeze qualification throughout. So, there's always been a separation in the Code where Cook County is separate from the rest of the counties in terms of that. There is a slightly different way of calculating taxes in Cook County, as you know…"

"…than the rest of it. That could be the reason for it. I do not know. But what I would say is that, you know, there are other Bills floating around that make statewide changes and I'm fine with those. I was in support of those too. This is just a way of putting this in for Cook County, and I'd be happy to support ones that are separate Bills for other counties too, to give the Governor more options to decide which ones he wants to sign."

"Well, you know, this is an initiative that comes from the local level. This is our county assessor who deals with these issues and in Cook County, unlike many other counties, assessment’s done at the county level not at the township level. And this is from his experience in the last eight years of office, or so, that these levels need to be moved to address property issues in Cook County. So, it's simply that. It's a myopic view of what's going on in Cook County. There's a decision that there's a need. I support that need to increase the relief of… from property taxes in Cook County for homeowners there."

"Oh, so… I mean, obviously anytime that there is an increase in exemptions, right?"

"As we all know, the property taxes is the best example as the balloon. You squeeze it one place, it grows in the other."

"And there's no doubt that the people that would not be entitled to exemptions would pay more while the homeowners and seniors of Cook County would pay less, and that's… You're right. So, you're going to see business, industry, rental properties would be subject to slightly higher taxes while the homeowners… homeowners and senior citizens would pay lower."

"Thank you."

"Mr. Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Speaker, and a question of the Sponsor."

"Sponsor yields." Harris, D.: "Representative, if I may, again, this only applies to Cook County, correct?"

"That's correct." Harris, D.: "And you made reference to the fact that there have been other Bills that were considered and even passed by this House that take action in these areas as well."

"Yes, Sir." Harris, D.: "As an example, House Bill… I believe it was House Bill 156 that increased the senior citizen’s homestead exemption. That passed this House, correct?"

"Yes, Sir." 10000054.docx 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Harris, D.: "And the general homestead exemption was increased in that Bill, as well, and that passed the House?"

"Yes." Harris, D.: "And… and that Bill, House Bill 156, applied to all the counties in the state, correct?"

"That is correct." Harris, D.: "But yours only applies to Cook County and I'm a Cook County person as you are. And I just question is it… is it fair and equitable to give the property taxpayers in Cook County perhaps a benefit that the property taxpayers in other counties don't get?"

"Well, so my answer to that, Representative, is that they already do get… all of these benefits are available throughout the state, but they have always been at different levels. And in my view, I think it is wise or advisable… these are complicated issues. What is the proper ratio between exemption relief for Cook County versus other counties? And that… the answer to that might be hard to ascertain, but by passing more than just one Bill, we have options on the table, right? I trust that the Governor will… if property tax is a big issue for him, I trust that he will investigate this thoroughly so we have Bills that do it throughout the state; we have a Bill that does it for the county. Again, I would be happy to sign on to Bills that move it in other counties as well. But I think that the more that we have out there, the more likely we are to find the right solution." Harris, D.: "And… and I suppose they could put lots of Bills on the Governor's desk dealing with the property tax exemptions and let him choose which ones he may or may not want to sign. 10000054.docx 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 It does come down, to me, a sense of equity. As an example, the other Bill that I referenced, House Bill 156, does increase the general homestead exemption even for Cook County."

"It does." Harris, D.: "It goes from 7 to 8 thousand, House Bill 156. Here, we're moving Cook County from 7 thousand up to 10 thousand, correct…"

"Yes." Harris, D.: "…on the general homestead exemption? So, I do think there's a question of fairness between what we do in Cook County and the rest of state. There's no reason why the rest of the state should not enjoy the benefits that are enjoyed by property taxpayers in Cook County. And the other thing that… and I would like to emphasize and I note, you have… you have, I think, openly admitted this and I appreciate your honesty, is that it is like a balloon?"

"Right." Harris, D.: "If you grant an exemption over here and you push on the balloon, and you grant that exemption over here, it pops out over there. In other words, someone, some tax… property taxpayer, is going to pay that bill somewhere, somehow, that the folks who get the exemption don't have to pay?"

"Yes. It is, without a doubt. And Representative Harris, I've been very publicly upfront with this." Harris, D.: "Right."

"I believe that real relief to our property tax systems will come when we properly invest money in the education, create property tax relief funds. That's how we will give 10000054.docx 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 people real property tax relief. But short of that, I think that this is a good measure in the meantime." Harris, D.: "And I understand where you're coming from and I appreciate your directness and your frankness and the accuracy with which you answer the questions. And just to the Bill, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'd simply say this. If it's good enough for Cook County, it's good enough for the rest of the state. There's no reason why there should be a difference of amount in terms of the general homestead exemption. I harken back to House Bill 156, which was passed overwhelmingly. I think there was only one negative vote in the House, on House Bill 156, that increased the general homestead exemption for every property taxpayer in the State of Illinois. I don't think we should have a separate one just for Cook County. And for that reason I'm going to be voting 'no' on this Bill, notwithstanding the fact that I'm a Cook County guy, and my property taxes would be impacted. Thank you."

"Mr. Reick."

"Sponsor yields."

"I certainly can and I appreciate your concerns. So, what I would say to you is 1) this does not lower property taxes in Cook County. What this does is it provides a modicum of relief for homeowners and senior citizens. And that is not an overall lowering of the property taxes. As I said, I have… I'd be happy to run a Bill, but I don't know if that one's going to pass. So, this does not change the amount of property taxes that Cook County will pay in relationship to McHenry County. So, that's number 1. Number 2, you should support it because this is about giving property tax relief, which I know that is something that you support, to homeowners and to senior citizens to allow them to stay in their homes. And it is a… it is probably the same reason that you supported the Bill that did it statewide. There have been… so, the people in your county are entitled to the same exemptions, but they have always been, Representative Reick, at a different level, right? Because the Cook County property tax system is different, there have always been varying levels. They have never been parity the same, right? So, what this does is this is, as I said to Representative Andersson, sort of a myopic way of honing in just on the problem of Cook County. Representative Mussman passed a Bill that does it statewide. I supported that Bill because it provides relief to my county and your county. If you had a Bill that did it just for your county, I would support that too. So, I think it's important that we have options on the table, right? This is a complicated issue. With Representative Mussman's Bill, we 10000054.docx 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 have a statewide approach. In the event that since we've always had these varying degrees of how exemptions look across counties, maybe it's not right. This Bill provides an alternative of what might be right from the local prospective of the assessor who handles property. So, I'd be happy to support one for the rest of the counties, as many Bills as we need to do."

"Representative McDermed." 10000054.docx 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Sponsor yields."

"No, no, no. You're…"

"I apologize. There is one… there's one provision that does apply statewide and what that is, is the eligibility for a senior freeze. So, what that does is it takes all residents of Illinois, who are senior citizens, and it moves the eligibility for the freeze, which is based on total household income. So, it moved… that was set in 2008, and it hasn't moved, at 55 thousand per household. Now that moves it up to 65 thousand. So, currently across the state, 55 thousand. After this Bill in '17, Cook County, 65 thousand, the rest of state in '18, 65 thousand. Does that make sense?"

"Thank you. Yeah."

"It does apply, right."

"And that is…"

"…for the current speaker, it would make more of your seniors… I mean, the previous speaker… would make… well, 10000054.docx 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 everyone's really… it would make more of your senior citizens eligible for the freeze."

"Right."

"That would… it would be both of them. Yes."

"Thank you."

"Mr. Breen."

"Sponsor yields."

"There might be one or two that I didn't get around to. So, the Bill was passed out of committee yesterday and I started working my way through the floor and that's who I got to."

"That's correct. Yeah. It's been nine years."

"Well, yeah. I mean, the way the property tax system works is that… like I described it as a balloon. This will not be a dramatic shift. I mean, you're talking about a pretty small amount, really, in the grand scheme of things. But yes, it does create a small shift, yes."

"Yes, that's correct."

"Mr. Skillicorn."

"The Sponsor yields."

"Mr. Martwick to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I appreciate the questions. This is about providing a modicum of relief for homeowners and senior citizens from high property taxes in Cook County until we get to a real solution which gives property tax relief. This helps them now. This is something we should all do. It's better to have more Bills than less. And I'd be happy to join you in Bills that support all of your counties as well. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Those in favor of the Gentleman's Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 87 voting 'yes', 24 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Phillips is recognized."

"Please proceed, Sir."

"Welcome aboard. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, Representative. Page 11 of the Calendar, Senate Bills-Second Reading, Senate Bill 41, Leader Currie. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."

"Leader Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. This measure does two things. First, it allows Home Rule municipalities by ordinance to direct state moneys coming their way into, essentially, a separate entity in a bank or in a trust account, that way earning much lower interest to the extent that they are bonding the money out. Second, this responds to work that's done by Representative Pritchard and the Department of Central Management Services. It would allow the chief procurement officers to enter into lengthier contracts and leases for 10000054.docx 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 energy efficiency than is permitted today. I would be happy to answer your questions. And I appreciate your support for this money saving enterprise."

"Mr. Andersson."

"Sponsor yields."

"What it does, it allows Home Rule municipalities to invite the state to put receipts going to that municipality into a separate account into… under a different name so as to give the municipality the opportunity for a lower interest rates. A little of the way our Build Illinois Program works, as against our general obligation bonds."

"There would have to be an ordinance adopted by the municipality."

"No, no. The city could go ahead and do regular bonds as well. But the theory here is just the way… when we did our Build Illinois Bonds and dedicated a portion of state sales taxes to the Build Illinois Bonds, we were able to get a lower rate of interest even though the full faith and credit of the state was not behind them, then we do under GO bonds. So, the hope here is that the municipality would be able, by virtue 10000054.docx 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 of pledging this state revenue stream, that they would be able to get a lower interest rate when they go to market."

"I have no idea what the opposition could've been about."

"Maybe they didn't understand it."

"We believe it's 60 votes, but we'll get back to you, Sir."

"Mr. Breen."

"Sponsor yields."

"I don’t think that this is intended to apply in a bankruptcy. I think it's to give another tool to Home Rule municipalities to manage their debt, manage their responsibilities. And the idea is that the bond market would look favorably upon money that was organized in a separate location, under a different name from the municipality itself." 10000054.docx 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Well, they would be first in line in terms of debt repayment, I believe. So, I mean, the analogy I used was Build Illinois Bonds. We tend to get a… we got a lower rate of interest on those bonds because they were backed by segregated sales tax revenue. So, the same concept would apply here."

"Representative Willis, does not wish to speak. Mr. Andersson, I'm told by the parliamentarian this Bill requires 60 votes. Leader Currie to close."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the Assembly. There's nothing in this Bill that would undercut a municipality’s obligation, constitutional obligation, to pay its pension debt. Nothing in this Bill could impair that responsibility. All this measure does is give municipalities another tool so that they can try to find a way, when they need to borrow funds, to do so at a lessened interest rate. I urge your 'aye' votes."

"Those in favor of the Lady's Bill vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 68 voting 'yes', 44 voting 'no'. And this 10000054.docx 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On Supplemental Calendar #1, House Bills- Second Reading, House Bill 3259, Representative Wallace. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. House Bill 3792, Representative Lilly. Representative Lilly. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 312, Mr. Turner. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 314, Representative Stuart. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 448, Representative Stuart. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 611, Representative Ammons. Representative Ammons. Please… Out of the record. Senate Bill 611, Mr. Clerk. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 707, Mr. Breen. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 955, Representative Gabel. Please read the Bill."

"Please hold that on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 1304, Representative Willis. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1353, Mr. Sims. Please read the Bill." 10000054.docx 84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Please hold the Bill on Second Reading. Senate Bill 1433, Mr. Fortner. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1446, Mr. Harris. Please read the Bill."

"The Bill will be held in the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 1449, Mr. Slaughter. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1502, Mr. Turner. Please read the Bill."

"Please hold on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 1722, Leader Durkin. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1796, Mr. Hoffman. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1882, Mr. Costello. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1895, Mr. Phelps. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1969, Representative Ammons. Please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. The Chair recognizes Representative Bryant. For what reason do you rise?"

"The record will reflect your intention. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Leader Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. The Chair recognizes Representative Turner."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the Body, today marks 16 days since Representatives Currie, Lang, Hoffman and myself asked Governor Rauner to meet us and seek common ground on his off-budget agenda. That's 16 days when the Governor could've been working with us. Instead, its 16 days lost 'cause the Governor will not meet. As a result, we are now just 7 days from the statutory end of the Legislative Session. I speak for everyone here in saying that I can support parts of the Governor's agenda and I have. I think I also speak for everyone on both sides of the aisle in saying that I think some parts of the agenda go too far and are not in the best interest of the middle class. But regardless of these differences, I know more than anything we need a budget. We're willing to do the work and make the compromises necessary to 10000054.docx 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017 get it done, but we need the Governor back at the table. This budget crisis has cost my community critical violence prevention programs that have been proven to save lives. Parents who want to work or continue their education have lost access to affordable child care. Women are being turned away, unable to potentially… receive potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings. Elderly residents have lost Meals on Wheels. The Chicago Public Schools and districts throughout the state will not be able to open their doors in the fall. That should concern everyone. Now, I'm sure someone on the other side will come to the Governor's defense by listing times in the past when you think we should've done things differently. But tell me, how does relitigating the past move us forward today? The only way we're going to get a budget is through negotiation and it's unacceptable that the Governor is refusing to meet. If the Governor has legislative changes he expects us to pass before he will consider a budget, he needs to talk with Legislators. And if he's serious about fixing the budget crisis, he needs to come back to the table. We stand ready to negotiate anytime, anywhere. But on behalf of the children and parents in my community who look ahead with fear to a summer without life- saving violence prevention programs, the elderly who go hungry without Meals on Wheels, and countless others, I plead with the Governor to come back to the table soon. People in my community can't wait any longer. Thank you very much."

"Mr. Andersson."

"Proceed, Sir." 10000054.docx 88  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 5/25/2017

"Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Ladies and Gentlemen, on the Democratic side, there will be an immediate caucus following adjournment. That's immediate caucus after adjournment in Room 114. And now, leaving perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Friday, May 26 at the hour of 9 a.m. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned until Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m."