"The House will be in order. Members will be at their desks. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Shaun Lewis, the Executive Director of Civil Servant Ministries in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Lewis is the guest of Representative Morrison. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting laptops, please turn off your cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Lewis."
"Thank you. If you'd bow with me in a word of prayer. Father in heaven, the Psalmist tells us to number our days. I pray that You would help us to do that, help us to realize the transients of life. We are only here for a mere moment in the history of one state that's just now celebrating a bicentennial. It's a humbling thought and I pray that it would cause us to step back for a moment to examine our lives just against the authority of Your word. To turn to You for grace, and mercy and even joy. Pray that You would uphold each of our Representatives, give them strength and clarity of thought today. Protect their families as they're away. Comfort them while they serve, grant them wisdom. I pray that You would do that indiscriminate of party. Use the trials that they face to draw them to You. May they seek Your glory when governing and to seek Your honor. May they seek Your face before seeking Your hand. Bless them I pray, Amen."
"Thank you very much. We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Sara Wojcicki-Jimenez."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 10000151.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. For excused absences, Representative Feigenholtz."
"Thank you. Good morning, Madam Speaker. There are no excused… there are three excused absences: Representatives Crespo, Soto, and Stratton."
"Representative Keith Wheeler." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Jesiel, Phillips, Reis, Barbara Wheeler, and Leader Durkin are excused today."
"Is everyone… Representative Feigenholtz, our information was that those were absences…"
"I'm sorry."
"…not excused absences."
"I'm sorry."
"Is that correct?"
"You are correct."
"Okay."
"We have no excused absences."
"Thank you. Thank you. All right. Everyone has recorded him or herself. Then a hundred… Clerk, please take the record. 109 answering the Roll Call, we have a quorum, ready to begin our work. Clerk, please give us the Rules Report."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on November 29, 2018: recommends be 10000151.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 adopted, and referred to the floor is Floor Amendment #4 for Senate Bill 1226 and Floor Amendment #4 for Senate Bill 2365."
"And now to the Calendar. On page 3 of the Calendar, Second… Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1364, Representative Meier. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1364, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1364, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Meier."
"Thank you. 1364 is an agreed upon Bill that we've worked on for about four and a half years. David Reis has been doing this. And it allows Illinois' meat facilities, type 1 and type 2, to have the same rules and do home butchering where that it will be marked 'not for… not for resale and not inspected'. And it will be allowed if they choose to do that. The facilities are not forced to."
"Representative Meier moves passage of Senate Bill 1364. Seeing no discussion, all in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, 107 voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having achieved the required Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. 10000151.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Next is Senate Bill 2365, Representative Davis. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2365, a Bill for an Act concerning government. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Davis, is approved for consideration."
"Representative Davis on Amendment 2. Out of the record. On page 4 of the Calendar, Senate Bill 2744, Representative Zalewski. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2744, a Bill for an Act concerning government. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2744, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Zalewski."
"Thank you, Mr… thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill is a technical clarification of what happens when a water commission acquires a piece of property for the purposes of expanding their pipe. The Department of Revenue feels that there's a clarification that's needed for the purchase of a acquisition of a piece of property in Chicago. This correction oversight that requires a public water commission to pay property taxes. This overstate recently occurred when the Brookfield North Riverside Water Commission acquired land that would house a water pumping station. When the commission applied with the department for its governmental exemption, the exemption was denied which itemized gover… which itemized 10000151.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 exempt governinities even though the water commission had the same judicial… jurisdictional authorizations. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, all in favor say… vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, there are 107 voting 'aye', 1 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having achieved the required Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We are now moving to Concurrences, page 6 of the Calendar. And the first Concurrence is House Bill 156, Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. You kind of caught me off guard there. Senate Bill 156… House Bill 156, I'm sorry, is a Bill to add to and amend the Enterprise Zone Act of Illinois. I'll talk about it on Third, if you want to."
"It is… it is a Concurrence Motion…"
"Oh, I'm sorry. It is. Okay. It's on Concurrence."
"…so you just go ahead and explain it."
"Yeah. Basically, what we have here is one… one site in Illinois in Zion has a nuclear waste repository. And the request of the sponsors of this Bill is to have this property added as a factor which is used to determine eligibility under an enterprise zone application. I'll take any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 156?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this Concurrence 10000151.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Motion, the… 106 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', the House does concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 156. House Bill 3274, Representative Finnie."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move to concur on Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3274. This is a mirror Bill to legislation I passed first week of Veto Session transferring the Hardin County Work Camp from state to the county of Hardin. And I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Finnie moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3274. Seeing no debate, all in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, 106 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present', the House does concur in Amendment 1 to House Bill 3274. Next is House Bill 4560, Representative Sosnowski. Out of the record. House Bill 40… House Bill 4637, Representative McSweeney."
"Madam Speaker, I move to concur to Senate Amendment 1. All we're doing is changing the effective date by eliminating the immediate effective date. I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Representative… will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor will yield."
"Representative, what is the current status of vote… petition signatures required to get a township elimination 10000151.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 referendum on a ballot in any… in any particular county? What's the current law?"
"Current law is that you have to get 10 percent in each township of registered voters. Then you actually have to get 75 percent of the total counties that include 50 percent of the population. That's the current law, Representative."
"Thank you. What is the law… what is the petition requirements under this Bill?"
"Petition requirements under this Bill would be five percent of the last comparable election. And this is back… and I appreciate your… your questions, Representative. The background in this is that we're simply giving the ability to citizens to make a decision in McHenry County on eliminating townships. Nothing will happen without the citizens applying. There are two ways to do it. One is through the township board or two… and to answer your question again specifically… is through a five percent requirement on the last the comparable election."
"To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I'd like you to know a few things about this. This Bill is… it requires, as the Representative said, five percent of the voters of a previous comparable election to get the number of petition signatures to get it on the ballot. In the case of Algonquin Township, which I believe is probably the most contentious issue in my county, that number of signatures is 268 which is 5 percent of the people who voted in the previous election in 2016, instead of over 2 thousand signatures as it would be otherwise required under current law. The second 10000151.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 part of this Bill relates to the issue of it taking effect 90 days after the referendum passes. The county chairman of McHenry County sat in this chair two weeks ago and I asked him specifically what was going to happen if after 90 days McHenry County could not take over the functions of a dissolved township. He said that they would do intergovernmental agreements until they were able to work it out. This has not been thought through, people. This has not been thought through. If there is debt in the township that's dissolved, there's no discussion as to who's going to take over that debt. There's no discussion at all of who's going… how you're going to allocate motor fuel revenues. There… the Bill also provides… the Bill also provides that the levy of the dissolved township will be sent up to the county at a point of 90 percent of the… of the current levy. Basically, what that's telling us is that the one of the few township functions that is actually in statute that of general assistance, is being kicked to the curb. There is absolutely no provision whatsoever in this Bill to continue general assistance within a dissolved township without the rest of the people of McHenry County… McHenry County only I might add… to take over that function. This Bill is not well thought out. The Sponsors of this Bill are taking advantage of political upheavals in one township in Illinois to bring this upon one county in Illinois. If this Bill is so good, why was it not made statewide? If the townships are so burdensome upon the taxpayers of McHenry County, they're certainly just as burdensome upon the taxpayers of every other county in this state. I strongly urge you, at this last moment, to 10000151.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 please vote 'no' on this Bill because this Bill is meant to put… it's like throwing sand in the gearbox and asking the insurance company to buy you a new car. That's basically what this Bill is because of the conflicts that have been created within my county that are trying to be solved by this piece of legislation. Please, please vote 'no'. Thank you."
"Further discussion? Representative Yingling."
"Thank you. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor will yield."
"Representative McSweeney, I want to thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this Bill. This went through my committee and you did a very wonderful job thoroughly thinking this Bill through. This is pro-taxpayer. The number one concern we hear, especially in the collar counties, is how people are being forced out of their homes because of property taxes because of the excess layers of government we have. And your very well-thought-out Bill provides local control to these property taxpayers to make a decision for themselves whether or not they want to alleviate their property tax burden. This is a… this is a fantastic Bill. This is a great pilot program. I'm certain that the way you've drafted it, it is going to be hugely successful. And then we can look at moving it around to other portions of the state. So, I… to the Bill. This is a fantastic Bill especially for our constituents who are being forced out of their homes because of property taxes. And I wholeheartedly support people… or ask people to vote 'yes' because this is a pro- taxpayer Bill. Thank you."
"Further discussion? Representative Halpin." 10000151.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have to disagree with the previous speaker. We already have provisions to consolidate government and eliminate government if the taxpayers and the citizens want. We should follow those procedures and not continue to demonize some of the… the most close to the taxpayer governments. You don't get any closer to government than a village trustee or a township official. They're there. They're in the community. They're elected by the fewest number of folks in their… in their district and almost everyone knows where the… where the trustees live. They know where the supervisor lives. This is… this is an attempt to take maybe a bad example or a bad instance of township government and start to apply it to governments that are doing their jobs the best they can and the way they should be doing it. And I know this is only localized to one county right now, but once we pass something like this it starts to become acceptable that we can continue to limit our local government's ability to do their job. So, I would strongly urge a 'no' vote and I… we don't want to go down this road any further. Thank you."
"Further discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm going to go straight to the Bill. We have been talking about consolidating units of government forever. We don't know if we have the perfect Bill until we start taking some action. This is targeted; this is piloted. And I think the biggest concern of some of the opponents is that it's going to work effectively. This is a great Bill. This is a step in the right direction. I've been here for four years. I'm tired of talking about this. I'd 10000151.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 like to see some action. I'm looking forward to a lot of my colleagues supporting this Bill. Thank you."
"Representative DeLuca."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for…"
"He will."
"…a couple questions? Representative McSweeney, do you know how many townships have 15 center line miles in length in Illinois? Do you have any idea what that number is?"
"Not in the State of Illinois, but within McHenry and Lake County there are five 'cause this only applies to Lake and McHenry County, Sir."
"Do you have an estimate… if this was statewide, do you have an estimate of how many that would be?"
"I do not. I do not 'cause it's not a statewide Bill. It's only for Lake and McHenry and it's five."
"Okay. Do you have an idea for a township that has at least 15 center line miles or less? What is the cost for them… for the operation of the equipment and everything that's involved to maintain the roads? I assume that's snow removal as well. Do you know what the cost is for a township?"
"It's different for each township depending on the size. In these cases, the operations will continue as is. It's just simply for 15 miles and below. And this is something I'm working on with Chairman Yingling. It would eliminate that, so I understand…"
"'Cause I see all the townships… not all of them… but there's many townships who are opposed to this. But when you're talking about 15 miles or less, it seems like it would 10000151.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 be a cost savings to them to not have to maintain these roads from…"
"It really should, Sir. It should. That's what I think but this is only for those two counties and it's only five."
"Thank you very much."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Further discussion? Representative Carroll."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I want to compliment the Bill's Sponsor, the Gentleman from Grayslake. I want to compliment the four names on the board there. You see this is a bipartisan piece of legislation: two Democrats, two Republicans on this Bill. Yesterday, in this chamber we talked about ways that we can work together on legislation. This is a beginning step in that. This is a great bipartisan piece of legislation that's going to work on an issue that we have in the state of too much government. This is a step in the right direction. So, I applaud… I applaud everybody who worked on this Bill. This is a great start. And I would encourage everyone to give it a 'yea' vote. Thank you."
"Representative McSweeney to close."
"I would appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"Representative McSweeney moves to concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4637. All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, there are 78 voting 'aye', 23 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment 1 to 10000151.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 House Bill 4637. Returning to House Bill 4560, on the Concurrence Calendar, Representative Sosnowski."
"I'd like to move to concur with the Senate. This Bill has to do with the county occupational tax. Really, just expands our counties ability to apply that tax to mental health and substance abuse. I think most of us would argue that in the public safety area of mental health that substance abuse is a huge contributing factor. So, this will give our counties more flexibility. I'd ask for its support."
"Is there any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4560?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, 103 voting 'yes', 6 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4560. Turning… we're now going to Senate Bills- Second Reading. Returning to page 4 of the Calendar, Senate Bill 3174, Representative Hoffman. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3174, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3174, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is an initiative of the Illinois Insurance 10000151.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Guarantee Fund. As you know, I believe two days ago we passed the omnibus Bill regarding insurance reform. What this would do is it would make sure that the Guarantee Fund would cover insolvent companies that may be divided as a result of that Bill. There's no known opposition. This is really just a clarifying Amendment."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall the House approve Senate Bill 3174?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having achieved the appropriate constitutional requirement, is hereby declared passed. Back on Concurrences, page 6 of the Calendar, House Bill 200, Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a clarification of Senate Bill 904 which we passed two days ago as well. The Amendment was offered by the Illinois State Medical Society to clarify that injured workers and their attorneys have a right to be copied in on insurance… insurers or employers explanation of benefits. This was initiative of President Cullerton. I know of no opposition."
"Representative Hoffman moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 200. And on that, for discussion Representative Keith Wheeler." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor will yield." Wheeler, K.: "And Jay, I just want to clarify very quickly that this is a part of that whole Senate Bill 904 solution that 10000151.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 was agreed to by both business and the Med Society. And this is one more component of that process, correct?"
"Yes. We had agreed to two trailer Bills. This is one of them. And I assume we'll do the…" Wheeler, K.: "Next one next?"
"…the next one next." Wheeler, K.: "Okay. Thank you, Jay. Appreciate it."
"No further discussion, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 200?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, there are 106 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 200. House Bill 3452, on the order of Hoffman. Representative Hoffman."
"After this, I will sit down and shut up. House Bill 3452 is the other trailer Bill that I… we just discussed with the Representative Wheeler. And what it would do is it would be very specific that the jurisdiction of the courts will have nothing to do with indemnity. It will only have to do with collection of the payment for the medical providers."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3452?' All… sorry. Sorry… Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 3452. All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk… have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this measure, 108 vote 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. 10000151.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 And the House does concur in Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 3452. Leader Turner in the Chair."
Speaker Turner: "Members, continuing down the Order of Concurrences, on page 6 we have House Bill 3538, Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I move that the House concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 3538. We have voted on this measure before. All this does is to combine the Legislative Research Unit with COGFA, the Commission on Government Finance and Accountability. We anticipate this will save taxpayer dollars. And we are very comfortable with this approach to streamlining government. I'd be happy to answer your questions. And I'd appreciate your support for the Concurrence Motion."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3538?' 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 109 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present', the House concurs with Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3538. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Gabel, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"So, yesterday, I mentioned to everyone that we had this beautiful photography book of Barbara Flynn Currie that was 10000151.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 in the back. So, I've now brought it out and it's going around the chamber. So, please… please sign her book before we leave today. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Members, on page 3 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills on Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 21, offered by Representative Currie. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 21, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 21."
"Senate Bill 21, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. This measure corrects a drafting error in legislation we adopted in the spring that reduced the size of the Illinois Human Rights Commission. We reduced the size from 13 members to 7, but we did not at the same time manage to reduce the number of votes required for rehearing. What this measure does is correct that error and sees to it that a majority of the quorum, as it was required under the old… the old 13-member commission, will still apply for the 7-member commission. I'd appreciate your 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 21 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 10000151.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 take the record. On a count of 107 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present', Senate Bill 21, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 4 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 3430, offered by Representative Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3430, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 3430."
"Senate Bill 3430, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hernandez."
"Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 3430 is actually a Bill that was put together based on a issue that occurred within my district. I originally had proposed another Bill to take action to what had occurred. It was a referendum that took place back in 2015 that the school district had requested for due to the financial circumstances that they were dealing with. Obviously, with the years of not having a budget in place this particular school district was affected tremendously. So, with much reason, the referendum was posed. It was passed. However, it came at a time when reassessments took place where the… the result was that the reassessment took up to 20… 21 percent increase within the district where… where the taxpayer ended up really getting hit hard due to the… a triennial reassessment that occurred. And therefore, I really began to receive a swarm of calls as to what we can 10000151.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 do about this. So, what I ended up doing is I… I submitted a… a Bill that would help actually try to reduce the overage. And instead of doing that, I left it in the district… district's corner to remedy that. They did tell me that they were working on it, that they were going to work on abating the aggregate assess… or the tax for the following year to try to remedy that overage and the pain that the taxpayer is… is right now experiencing. So, SB3430 is a Bill that would give more the referendum language a more simplistic way of understanding and a different way of approaching. What I'm going to ask the Speaker if you would allow me to refer to Representative Zalewski who has a much more… a under… better way of explaining the details 'cause it's very… very complicated and you'll see why. So, if you would allow me to ask Representative Zalewski to offer the details of the… of that formula. "
"Chair recognizes Representative Zalewski."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the previous speaker mentioned, this is a truth in referendum Bill that allows a district to place the aggregate amount on the ballot question as opposed to the rate. It was a Bill that was originally sent over a few years ago enlight of the incidents in Berwyn 100. This would of, in large part, solved that problem by allowing the district to place the amount on the ballot. And while it may not have completely cured it, it would have been a better approach had it been available to them. So, Representative Hernandez and myself urge an 'aye' vote."
"For further discussion, Representative Breen is recognized." 10000151.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates that she will yield."
"And Representative, just so that I'm clear about what… what the Bill is doing. Instead of putting the tax rate to be increased on the ballot for a… a property… an excessive property tax increase, you're going to put the actual dollar amount on the ballot and tell people how much their taxes will go up per hundred thousand dollars in value?"
"That's correct. Does that sound simpler?"
"Well, that does sound simpler and it also sounds a bit more friendly to the taxpayer because they will actually know how much money it's going to cost them instead of a rate which is not the way that their levies are set anyway. So, again, I don't see any problem with the Bill. When you're on a local government board, you ask for a particular amount of money. So, asking for an extension really should be in another… another amount of money. That's something people can wrap their arms around. So, it seems like you guys have come up with a very nice solution to an issue that really is… I think it doesn't just plague Berwyn but everybody around the state. So, thank you."
"Representative David Harris is recognized." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, to the Bill. The… the Lady had a very serious problem in her district where a referendum was passed and the district expected to get a certain amount of money from that referendum and because of a significant increase in the assessed value, instead of getting roughly $2 million the district ended up with 6 million or more dollars that was… you can imagine what 10000151.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 the property taxpayers thought about that. This is a very serious issue in her district. She has tried to address it reasonably in a number of ways. While this Bill doesn't attack it directly, it does attack an issue going forward. I stand in strong support of the Bill. And hopefully, you can give her a 'yes' vote on this Bill."
"Representative Hernandez to close."
"I appreciate your support. It was… I would call it a crisis that occurred. And the taxpayer in… within my district needs to hear that at least some actions that… that their voice has been heard. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3430 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 106 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present', Senate Bill 3430, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on November 29, 2018: recommends be adopted, and referred to the floor is Floor Amendment #3 to Senate Bill 2365."
"Representative Ann Williams is recognized for a point of personal privilege."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, November is National Adoption Month. As many of you know, I was born in Pennsylvania and adopted at birth. Usually, this time of year 10000151.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 I stand up and talk about how adult adoptees should have access to their original birth certificates. I've been working with many of you for years to advocate for adoptee access to these documents. I think by now we know how critical it is that adoptees to have access to the truth about their story: who they are and where they come from. Thanks to the years of effort by my friend and fellow adoptee Sara Feigenholtz and the support of many of you in this room, Illinois passed a law in 2010 which allowed adult adoptees to get their original birth certificates. It was a watershed moment for adoptee birth certificate access and since then numerous… numerous states have fallen… followed suit including the state where I was born, Pennsylvania. So, I was adopted into an amazing family and I've had a wonderful life. My parents have always been supportive of my search to find my biological family and learn more about the circumstances of my birth. They've always been open about the fact that I was adopted and I'm grateful for that. It's part of my identity as a person and part of who I am. But like so many adoptees, I was curious about the beginnings of my story. What were the circumstances that led up to my birth? Who's my birth mother? Who's my birth father? What's my ethnic background? I had none of that information. But adoption, as many of you in this room know, looks a lot different now. When I was born, 1968, we didn't share information about adopted families. Now, we understand the importance of knowing ones identity. So, like so many adoptees, I've had these questions. Adoption looks different now, but luckily law is starting to change. However, many of the secrets from 10000151.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 the past have remained intact and even as sites like 23andMe and Ancestry are turning this reality upside down. So, as you know, and many of you have been with me along the way, I've been searching for decades really as I waited for Pennsylvania to pass the law. Then, in December of last year I found my birth mother. Her name was Janet Martin. I couldn't find where she was, where she lived or anything else about her, but she did name me. At birth I was Maria Martin. Unfortunately, as my search progressed over the past year, I found out that she had died tragically in 2004. Quickly, the house of cards began to fall and I put together more pieces of the puzzle. My birth mother had a brother and sister. Unfortunately, the sister had just died in February of this year. If only Pennsylvania had passed the law a bit sooner, I might have known her, but she had a brother, my uncle. He welcomed me warmly into his family and helped me to put together some of the pieces of the puzzle. I met him for the first time just a few weeks ago. The reason I'm sharing this story is a) some of you have helped me along the way and b) I just want you to understand what an incredible impact the decisions you make down here and we make every day can have on peoples' lives. It has shifted my life and changed my life dramatically. Through him I have learned so much about my ethnicity, ancestry, and biological relatives. Things I have never known before literally until two months ago. Things most people who are not adopted take for granted. So, it turns out my family is from a small coal mining town called Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, which in the early 1900s was a destination for immigrants from Eastern Europe, Poland, Italy, Lithuania. 10000151.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 They came to work in the coal mines and it was a rough life. My uncle took me to Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, over the holiday and gave me a tour of where my great-grandparents lived, where my grandparents grew up, where they worked, they went to school and went to church. He shared photos and family videos. It was really surreal to see these old family videos and realize, oh, those are my relatives. It's pretty amazing. So, again, I was able to find, along this journey, who I am and where I came from. This is now the end, in a way, of a search, but also the beginning of a new adventure. It was and continues to be amazing. I want to, again, thank you for sharing this experience with me along the way. Many of you have inquired about my search, been interested in learning more about adoption access and birth certificate access, but more importantly than ever, thank you for those of you who supported the original birth certificate in Illinois. You paved the way for me to have a life-changing experience and a wonderful journey for adoptees throughout the State of Illinois and frankly, throughout the country. Thank you."
Speaker Turner: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Marron, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"Thank you. I just wanted to take a brief moment to introduce some special guests. I have with me my daughter, Ainsley, who took the day off school to learn about State Government. And in the gallery, I have my parents Pat and Linda Marron. Thank you." 10000151.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018
Speaker Turner: "Thank you, and welcome to your Capitol. Representative Finnie, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
Phelps Finnie: "I stand to honor Beth Chapman, who is my Legislative Assistant. She has been serving for the last 11 years. I believe she had… was… served Representative Osterman for a short time, Representative Bradley and of course, my predecessor, Brandon Phelps for the majority of his tenure. I've had her for the last year and I can just say that my life is better for the knowing her. She… she brings such professionalism. If you stop by our corner over there at our office, you will be greeted with hospitality for sure with her spread of candies and whatever kind of food. Sometimes there's even a crockpot full of something warm. So, I'm so thankful that I had the chance to know her and I hope everyone will have a chance to go by and visit with Beth and let her know how much she is loved and how much she will be missed. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. On page 7 of the Calendar under Agreed Resolutions we have House Resolution 1309, Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This House Resolution is… thank you. This House Resolution mourns the death of Donald Leroy Thompson of Montgomery, Illinois. I asked to speak on this because he was one of our World War II veterans. He always said that he aspired to be 100 and he passed away at 98. So, I think he came very close to his goal. He flew missions over 10000151.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 World War II; he was a fighter pilot in the Navy. He was a commander. Also, he was a person who was reliable, who was always ready with a smile and was all around part of the embodiment of the World War II generation. And I just wanted to memorialize him and offer our condolences to the family and to just realize that we are losing our World War II heroes every day. And that if you haven't had time to spend time with one of them, please make the time to do that because their history and their legacy is just phenomenal. And I ask that all Members be added to the House Resolution and for the Body to take a moment of silence."
"Representative Keith Wheeler is recognized." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to applaud Representative Kifowit for bringing this Resolution. I asked her to do that when we were in line at the visitation for Don Thompson. Don was an amazing gentleman. He was introduced to me by former State Senator Bob Mitchler, who was one of my mentors. And Don Thompson, like Representative Kifowit mentioned, was a smile every time you saw him, a tremendous advocate for veterans. Kept us all top of mind how important the World War II generation was to our country but also to our communities. And I'm grateful to have known him and I appreciate this Resolution. Thank you."
"The Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you. The Sponsor has requested that all Members be added to the Resolution. Seeing no objection, all Members will be added to the Resolution. Lady moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1309. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And 10000151.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 the Resolution is adopted. On page 10 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 1098, Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Resolution 1098, as amended, is agreed with ISBE and it simply sets up a task force to provide a Black History curriculum review. I move for the passage of House Resolution 1098."
"Gentleman moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1098. 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 in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present', House Resolution 1098, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed… is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 25, Representative Long."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the General Assembly. SJR25 represents a family of six brothers. It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to truly great individuals. Six brothers… six brothers of the Kaszynski family of Peru, Illinois, served in World War II. Five of the brothers served in the United States Army. One brother, Chester, served with the United States Merchant Marine during World War II and with the United States Army during the Korean War. The Kaszynski brothers served all over the world during World War II. Alex, Jr. was the only brother who was seriously wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. What this does it… I see that it's fitting that we designate Route 6 from Mary Street in Spring Valley to 10000151.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Harrison Street in Peru as the 'Kaszynski Brothers Memorial Highway'. And I ask for a favorable… favorable vote on this."
"Gentleman moves that the House adopt Senate Joint Resolution 25. 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 109 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present', the House adopts Senate Joint Resolution 25. On page 5 of the Calendar, under Consideration Postponed, we have House Bill 2367, Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 2367 is a Bill that I've worked on most of the General Assembly… 100 G.A. And what it simply does is it puts people that have been charged with cannabis possession previously with a criminal record. What we allow them to do is simply go into the process and ask for their criminal record to be expunged because the current law today says that you're going to be charged with a penalty of a fine. And so, it's believed that it's best for us to make sure that we have parity in the law. And I ask for the passage of House Bill 2367."
"Further discussion? Representative Breen is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates that he will yield."
"And Representative, I'm looking at the… the proponents and opponents. And I see that the Sheriff's oppose the Bill. Could you explain the nature of their opposition?" 10000151.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018
"I don't know the nature. I've talked with them. And I think that they oppose anything that… yeah… they would oppose anything of this nature."
"Okay. And then just to explain to us again, you're… what you're saying is any conviction? What was the specific crime, very particularly, that would now be… this is sealable or expungable?"
"So, right now in the law that was passed this G.A., if you are charged with a 10… 10 grams of cannabis or less, it is now punishable by a fine. So, there are many people right now in Illinois that were charged with cannabis possession of 10 grams or less and they now have a criminal record. This Bill brings parity and it just simply says that those people now could go before the court and ask the court for those records to be expunged. And they could pay the fine from there."
"Fair enough. A simple Bill, interesting idea. Thank you, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ford to close."
"Appreciate the discussion. And I look for the passage of House Bill 2367."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2367 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Members, please record yourself. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 67 voting in 'favor', 37 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2367, having received the Constitutional Majority, is 10000151.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 hereby declared passed. Representative Cassidy, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just want to add my words of thanks and congratulations to Beth… to Representative Phelps Finnie's statement about our Legislative Aide, Beth Chapman on her retirement. She has been a fixture in so many lives and has really kept… kept the wheels turning in the South Wing. And we love her and will miss her and we're very excited for her next chapter. And I want to thank her."
Speaker Turner: "Thank you and congratulations, Beth. Representative Chapa LaVia, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Chair recognizes… Speaker Madigan in the Chair. Chair recognizes Representative Brady."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if I can have your attention for just a moment. As we all can always use positive and encouraging news and more of it, my daughter just texted me an interesting article that I would encourage you to research. Having a son who's on the autism spectrum myself, it looks like Kent State University is recruiting Kalin Bennett to become the first player with autism to get a D1 basketball scholarship. Kent State is becoming the first school in NCAA history to sign a player with autism to compete in Division 1 sports. Kalin Bennett is just aiming to play basketball when he arrives on campus next summer, but he wants 10000151.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 everyone to know on the spectrum of autism, follow your dreams and be as dedicated and work toward your goals and you can do the same. How about a nice round of applause for that gentleman and his accomplishments."
"Representative Morrison."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"First of all, I would like to welcome or ask the Body to welcome my Page for a day, Samuel Marquardt. If you could stand up for a second. He's from the Barrington area. Thank you for coming down today. And then also, I wanted to point the Body to a… an op-ed that appeared in the Chicago Tribune just a couple of days ago I think is worth reading. I'm not going to read all of it, of course, but it's from Congressman Dan Lipinski who was reelected. And the headline is, Want to end D.C. gridlock? Adopt new House Rules. And there were some interesting points that he made in his piece. He basically outlined a proposal by a group called Break the Gridlock. And for those of us who ran for office, who want to do good things for our district, who did… do good things for the State of Illinois, I think there's some very reasonable proposals here. As we all know, the House Rules do permit us to do things or prohibit us from doing things. And some of the things that Congressman Lipinski brought up, he just talked about the power of the Speaker to decide what Bills we vote on, what's in those Bills, whether or not Amendments can be attached and so forth. And so, the concluding paragraph is that we have a very large… he was saying, Congressman Lipinski, has a very large class of freshmen going to 10000151.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Washington, D.C., likewise we have a very large class of freshmen coming here to Springfield. And so, I would urge… and again, this is a Congressman who is in the Majority Party who is recommending these bipartisan rules changes that would give more power to the individual Members of the Legislative chamber, which I endorse. A lot of… those of us who have been working very hard to push reforms, we think these are good ideas. I think both sides could agree to some of these. And I would ask the Body to consider those. Thank you."
"Representative Long."
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Speaker. I just want to say that these two years in House has been a wonderful experience for me. And I've worked with colleagues across the aisle and colleagues on my side. There are some extremely intelligent people in this General Assembly and… and I was just glad to be a part of this. And we have a wonderful staff on the Republican side that's been very helpful. And I just want to say, although I won't be here next year, I hope and pray that everybody in this General Assembly continues to do the work of the people. And thank you very much for letting me be a part of this and may God bless each and every one of you. Thank you."
"Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I know today is the last day for a lot of people, but there's one good friend 10000151.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 that I would like to recognize and that is Dr. Litesa Wallace for all her contributions to the state and to the conversation as we pass good laws in the State of Illinois ask that we all give Litesa… Dr. Litesa Wallace a great round of applause for her contributions."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Hollman: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1344, offered by Representative Mayfield. House Resolution 1345, offered by Leader Durkin. House Resolution 1346, offered by Representative Slaughter. And House Resolution 1347, offered by Representative Slaughter."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Currie on the Agreed Resolutions."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. These are Resolutions honoring those who have left us already or are leaving at the end of the 100th General Assembly."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative, these are the Agreed Resolutions."
"I'm sorry. Sorry, sorry. I move for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions."
"The Lady has moved for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "Adjournment Resolution. The Senate Joint Resolution #83 offered by Leader Currie. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the Senate adjourns on 10000151.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Wednesday, November 28, 2018, it stands adjourned until Monday, January 07, 2019, or until the call of the President; and when the House of Representatives adjourns on Thursday, November 29, 2018, it stands adjourned until Monday, January 07, 2019, or until the call of the Speaker."
"Representative Currie."
"Move the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chair is prepared to adjourn. We have one remaining item which would be Retirement Resolutions. And for that purpose, I would like the staff to retire to the rear of the chamber. And I'd like all Members to take their seats. Leader Durkin and I have worked out an arrangement on Retirement Resolutions. There are numerous Resolutions. The Clerk will read the number of the Resolution and the name of the Representative who is the subject of the Resolution. There will be four speakers, two Democrats and two Republicans and then we will move to the Roll Call. So, again, numerous Adjournment… numerous Retirement Resolutions. The Clerk will read them by title. There'll be a total of four speakers and then we will move to Roll Call. So Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolutions."
Clerk Hollman: "The Retirement Resolutions from the Agreed Resolution list. House Resolution 666, offered by Representative Hoffman, honoring Brandon Phelps. House Resolution 1305, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Barbara Flynn Currie. House Resolution 1310, offered by Leader 10000151.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Durkin, honoring Representative Steven Da… Andersson… correction… Steven Andersson. House Resolution 1311, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Patti Bellock. House Resolution 1313, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring John Cavaletto. House Resolution 1314, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Mike Fortner. House Resolution 1315, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring David Harris. House Resolution 1316, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Chad Hayes. House Resolution 1317, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Jeanne Ives. House Resolution 1318, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Sheri Jesiel. House Resolution 1319, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Sara Wojcicki Jimenez. House Resolution 1320, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Bill Mitchell. House Resolution 1321, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring David Olsen. House Resolution 1322, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Reggie Phillips. House Resolution 1323, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Bob Pritchard. House Resolution 1324, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring David Reis. House Resolution 1325, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Brian Stewart. House Resolution 1326, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Barbara Wheeler. House Resolution 1327, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Christine Winger. House Resolution 1333, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Litesa Wallace. House Resolution 1334, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Cynthia Soto. House Resolution 1335, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Carol Sente. House Resolution 1336, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Daniel Burke. House Resolution 1337, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Natalie Phelps Finnie. House Resolution 1338, offered by Speaker Madigan, 10000151.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 honoring Emily McAsey. House Resolution 1339, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Silvana Tabares. House Resolution 1340, offered by Speaker Madigan, honoring Al Riley. House Resolution 1345, offered by Leader Durkin, honoring Peter Breen."
"The Clerk has read the Resolutions. The Chair recognizes Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. As this Assembly, the 100th General Assembly, comes to a close, we're losing about 318 years of legislative experience. With the departure of people… long-serving Members like Dannie Burke, Cindy Soto, Bill Mitchell, David Harris, David Reis, Mike Fortner, Al Riley, Bob Pritchard, Elaine Nekritz, Patti Bellock, Dan Beiser, Brandon Phelps, and me. Each has served well in this Assembly and I think they will all, I trust, be missed. Same made their mark through a passion for their views: conservatives like Jeanne Ives and Peter Breen; fierce progressives like Litesa Wallace; Carol Sente and Reggie Phillips, business people with very different backgrounds, but both committed to trying to make the world a better place for those who are in the world of commerce and economic opportunity. Natalie Finnie and David Reis spoke with passion about the needs of rural Illinois. And voices for our suburban communities, David Olsen, Barbara Wheeler, Christine Winger, Sheri Jesiel. Steve Andersson and David Harris brought lively debate to the floor and they both made sure that our Bills always… that we always dotted our i's and crossed our t's. Sara… Sara Jimenez became a fixture in the Capitol, not just as a colleague in the Legislature, but before then as a 10000151.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 reporter and a staff member. All of these people leave with strong legacies and most important about those legacies, I believe, is a clear commitment to helping one another, to supporting one another across all those divides: geographic divides, partisan divides. We have learned how to forge compromise. We have learned how to make our problems go away with a little hard work and a lot of shared commitment. So, that's an important legacy. We compromise, we work together, we support one another. It is my hope that all of us enjoy life outside the Legislature. It's my further hope that the Members of the 101st General Assembly will leave… have that same commitment to helping, to supporting, and to working together. So, congratulations to all those who are leaving, including myself, and wish… we wish you the very best of luck."
"Representative Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand to honor Representative John Cavaletto of the 107th District. A retired educator and former basketball coach, he has spent the last decade promoting economic and job development through his area and especially lower taxes and infrastructure improvements such as U.S. Route 50 from the Indiana border to the Metro East in the St. Louis region. He's also championed right to life, grandparents' rights and our Second Amendment rights all the while fighting for fiscal reform for the State of Illinois. He's advocated for public safety issues through his work with the Fire Caucus and fought for fair funding for all schools. Coach Cavaletto, as we respectfully refer to him, received his bachelor's and master's degree from Southern Illinois 10000151.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 University of Carbondale where he was instrumental in leading developmental programs for special needs children and young adults. His work was emulated at the Kennedy Foundation and helped to develop what became the Special Olympics 50 years ago. Thank you, Representative Coach Cavaletto for your service to your constituents and the State of Illinois. We wish you and Connie all the best in your well-earned retirement and your children and your grandchildren. God bless you, Coach."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I just… I've had my own Retirement Resolution here before. You can come back if you want. I want to specifically speak to the Majority Leader's retirement, Barbara Flynn Currie. She has been a truly, truly, truly a state's person whose integrity has been second to none, who has led the way on numerous occasions when times were grim here in the Illinois General Assembly. She has always stood tall. We're going to miss her. We're going to miss her terribly. Please, please let's honor Barbara Flynn Currie. Without going into individuals, I just want to say that it truly is an honor to serve in this… in this Body. Sure, we have differences; sure, we come from different parts of the state and sure, sometimes it can get heated. But the end of the day, we know what it's like to be on the front lines. And whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, we know what it's like to talk to our constituents, to face our constituents, to make tough decisions and do it for the good of the people of Illinois. I would just say this to some of the Members who are retiring 10000151.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 on the other side of the aisle. I know that many of you in very difficult times over the last couple years stood up to your party, made some very difficult votes and for that some of you are leaving. And it isn't because you didn't do the right thing… you did the right thing. You did what was necessary to move the State of Illinois forward. For that I thank you and on behalf of the Democrats, on this side of the aisle, I applaud you in your retirement, enjoy your retirement and for all the people… for the people on our side of the aisle, Godspeed. And can I tell you one thing, it ain't bad coming back. You can always come back like a phoenix rising from the ashes."
"Representative Demmer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To all the Members of the General Assembly, both Republican and Democrat who are leaving, we salute your service. Representative Hammond and I have put together some remarks to make about each of the Republican colleagues that we have departing us and I'd like to start with Representative Steve Andersson. During his two terms serving the 65th District, Representative Steve Andersson was a strong supporter of local government, advocating for local control and better government practices. A lifelong resident of Geneva, Steve has also been an advocate of historic preservation, which resulted in a new Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit to improve Illinois communities while retaining the culture and history of our state. Representative Andersson improved the criminal justice system by making the fee structure for criminal and civil court cases more manageable and more transparent for all Illinois 10000151.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 residents. Steve staunchly supported mental health efforts both in Springfield and in his district through his advocacy to increase awareness. Steve's lightheartedness wasn't lost in the General Assembly and as an example, his Resolution that supported bacon and the Illinois Pork Producers. We'll all miss his good-natured friendship and his presence here in the House of Representatives. Congratulations, Representative Andersson."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Feigenholtz moves for the adoption of the Retirement Resolutions from the Agreed Resolutions list. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Monday, January 7, 2019, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk… Mr. Demmer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned, Representative Hammond and I have prepared remarks about each of our colleagues who are leaving. And with your indulgence, we'd like to make those remarks at this time."
"How long do you think you'll be?"
"We have a lot of accomplishments to go through, but we'll try to be brief."
"Proceed."
"Thank you. Next, I'd like to recognize a colleague who's left us earlier in this year and that's our dear friend and former colleague, Representative Patti Bellock. Representative Bellock coauthored the Smart Act Medicaid Reforms of 2011 and legislation requiring mental health parity, MRSA infection control, improving the Amber Alert 10000151.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 system and strengthening child support in Illinois, all of which have been recognized on a national level. We remember Patti as a tireless advocate for Illinois's most vulnerable populations especially the seniors, the developmentally disabled and children. Patti was the very first woman in Illinois history to serve as Deputy Minority Leader here in the House of Representatives, a position she served in from 2013 until July of 2018 when she stepped down to become the new director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. In addition, Patti was one of the nicest, most generous, and most thoughtful people ever to serve with us and we recognize her today. Representative Peter Breen has been a valued Member of the House Republican Caucus for four years. His leadership, expertise, strong public speaking skills allowed him to be elevated quickly to the role of House Republican Floor Leader, where he has vigorously defended our caucus positions on many controversial and critical Bills. In just four years, Peter ushered in 32 of his own Bills into law including the law that allows for the electronic filing of business documents which will save small businesses and nonprofits millions, and the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act, which seeks to put to… put an end to pension spiking at the local level. Representative Breen also worked with suburban families with autistic children who attend Lombard Soaring Eagle Academy and passed into law a Bill that allows the accredited school for autistic children to transport its K-8 students to offsite locations for educational learning opportunities. He's always been a strong advocate of responsible spending and balanced budgets, has 10000151.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 fought hard to address the crushing tax burden that's causing rising numbers of his constituents to flee to other states. A devoted husband and father of two young sons, we wish Representative Breen the very best in his future endeavors. In just two and a half years, Representative David Olsen has emerged as a very successful Member of our caucus. Every Bill he passed had wide bipartisan support. He earned the trust and respect of Members on both sides of the aisle by fostering solid working relationships and continually finding common ground on legislative issues. David has been a fierce advocate for the constituents of the 81st District. He fought for balanced budgets and responsible spending while also recognizing that the people of DuPage and Will Counties were looking for a more moderate voice on some social issues. David truly listened to his constituents' priorities and supported Bills that ensured equal pay and that struck a balance between Second Amendment rights for lawful citizens and the growing need to protect the safety of children and families. As most of you know, incoming lawmakers usually choose a 'softball' for their first Bill, not David Olsen. David's first Bill in this chamber addressed the pressing need for property tax relief and pension reform by increasing the number of hours elected officials must work before becoming eligible for a pension through IMRF. At the age of 30, David Olsen already has a distinguished record of public service. We know a bright future awaits him and we wish him the very best, knowing that he'll excel in whatever he chooses. Representative Reggie Phillips of the 110th District is a voice for making Illinois a more competitive and attractive place to live and to do 10000151.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 business. He's a strong advocate of Eastern Illinois University in his hometown of Charleston, and not only is Reggie Phillips a distinguished Representative, he's a successful businessman. In 1986, Reggie and his wife Martha started a residential and commercial building business in Charleston which now employs 400 people. Reggie has made a positive impact in our state during his six years of service in the General Assembly. Reggie's commitment to public service and business experience have been an invaluable contribution to the General Assembly and to the House Republican Caucus. Reggie, your insight and expertise will be missed. We wish you and your family all the best and appreciate your commitment to the people of Illinois. Representative Brian Stewart of the 89th District has been a stalwart supporter of common sense in Springfield, a defender of public safety during his decorated career in law enforcement and as an innovative business leader and job creator in his hometown of Freeport. Many people don't know that Representative Stewart spent his formative years in public housing and worked to pull himself up. He also served honorably in the United States military, became a first responder and a job creator now employing hundreds in his hometown. If that's not the American dream, I don't know what is. Representative Stewart, thank you for your service to our country, to your constituents, and to our caucus. We wish you all the best in a quieter and gentler avenue, the Illinois Senate. Thank you. Representative Barbara Wheeler of the 64th District has never been afraid to take on big issues during her time in Springfield. I'm sure her experience in the Peace 10000151.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 Corps has had something to do with the determination that she brought here to getting things done. Representative Wheeler spearheaded efforts to crack down on repeat DUI offenders and close loopholes to prevent guns from getting in the hands of potentially dangerous individuals. But Representative Wheeler's most passionate issue has been human trafficking acting as the driving force behind several pieces of legislation to increase awareness, enhance reporting and provide recovery services for those affected. Representative Barbara Wheeler, thank you for your service to our state and to our caucus. And best wishes in your future endeavors. Representative Christine Winger has served the communities in her 45th District for two terms. During her time in Springfield, Representative Winger worked to improve the quality of life for families, veterans, and seniors and was a strong supporter of animal rights and welfare. Representative Winger also worked tirelessly to provide relief for area residents from the noise levels generated at O'Hare Airport. Representative Winger is also part of a small group of lawmakers who have given birth while in office when she and her husband Mark welcomed their daughter Samantha into the world on September 10, 2015. A lifelong resident of Illinois and graduate of Illinois State University, thank you Christine for your service to our state and the work you have done on behalf of all Illinoisans."
"Representative Hammond."
"Thank you for your indulgence, Mr. Speaker. Representative Mike Fortner, you brought your experience in local government and research to the General Assembly in 2007 10000151.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 to help further serve the people of the State of Illinois. Mike has served 12 years in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 95th District and then the 49th District, where he contributed dozens of Bills to our state. Mike, you provided honest service, technical reason to countless Bills that you've advocated for. Term limits, to fair map redistricting, and the pension system, you were integral in reform efforts to better our state. In addition, you improved our electric power system, protected privacy rights and changed the way we recycle electronic equipment. With your diverse background of public service, public… professional work, and community service, Representative Fortner, you have helped to make a positive difference in the lives of Illinois residents and your work here in the Illinois House of Representatives will be remembered. Thank you, Mike. Representative David Harris, General, if I may, you have served the people of suburban Cook County and the House Republican Caucus from 1993… 1983 to 1993 and then again from 2011 to 2018. You've been an expert in matters related to budgeting and appropriations, serving all of your years on the House Revenue & Finance Committee and several as Minority Spokesperson. During your time in the General Assembly, you have ushered 57 Bills into law including legislation that created a uniform Code of Military Justice for the State of Illinois and is similar to the Federal Code of Military Justice. You've also been a great supporter of the environment and authored legislation… now law… that requires a certain percentage of vehicles used in the Illinois CMS to be alternative powered vehicles. Representative Harris, you've 10000151.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 also addressed an important issue of delinquent child support by championing a law that requires casinos and racetracks to deduct child support from the winnings of individuals flagged as 'deadbeats'. We thank you, General, for your well-rounded service and dedicated service to your constituents and wish you all the best as you enter a new chapter of your life. Thank you, David. Representative Chad Hays, boy, how we're going to miss Representative Hays. We're going to miss his no-nonsense approach in this chamber. During his eight years as State Representative and five years as Assistant Minority Leader, we could always count on Chad to cut through the politics and get straight to the matter at hand. He did this when he passed landmark legislation on insurance network adequacy and offered significant protections and remedies for Illinoisans who rely on narrow networks of insurance providers when he passed legislation that improved 9-1-1 network reliability and improved emergency access service statewide. We'll also miss those regular Boat Drink Caucus performances at the Butternut Hut and elsewhere in Springfield, where after a tough day at the Capitol lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and both chambers could unwind, enjoy some good music and comradery. Chad always promoted honest dialogue on all points of legislative issues while always being a staunch advocate for balanced budgets. We thank you, Chad, for your service to your constituents in Vermilion and Champaign County and wish you all the best. Thank you, Chad. Representative Jeanne Ives, you will be remembered by this Body as being a tireless advocate for taxpayers and government transparency. Representative Ives, you've 10000151.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 consistently sounded the alarm on Illinois pension crisis and the cost of skyrocketing property taxes on Illinois homeowners and job creators. As a West Point graduate and a U.S. Army veteran, Representative Ives, you have been an effective advocate for veterans and active duty military personnel and their families. We respect the passion and fierce determination that you have brought to this chamber as you have fought on behalf of DuPage County constituents in the 42nd District. We wish you all the best, Representative Ives, and all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you, Jeanne. Representative Sheri Jesiel of the 61st District has been a stalwart defender of taxpayers during her time here in Springfield, using her wealth of experience as a CPA in the private and nonprofit sectors to promote legislation to reform Illinois' tax and pension systems. Representative Jesiel also vigorously took up the causes of human trafficking and domestic violence passing legislation to improve protections for those affected by these issues and improve the police training standards. Representative Jesiel has brought a thoughtful and compassionate approach to legislating that few could match and we will sorely miss her. Although Representative Jesiel will miss representing her hometown here in Springfield, I know she is relishing the opportunity to be closer to home so she can spend time as Nana to her six grandchildren. Thank you, Sheri, for your service to our chamber. Representative Sara Jimenez… I'm going to try and get through this one… you've been a great advocate and a champion for your hometown here in Springfield and Sangamon County. You have spent your entire adult life 10000151.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 here so it's no surprise that your focus in the House has been to make your district a place that is welcoming to businesses and families alike. You've worked tirelessly to bring good jobs back to the State Capital and it wasn't long ago that you stood with your husband Jose and proudly watched his parents become U.S. citizens. You've helped to host and organize citizen workshops to help other families realize their dreams of becoming Americans as well. And as a first generation American, I respect you for that. Thank you, Representative, for your many contributions to making your local communities and all of Illinois a place to call home. God love you, Sara. Representative Bill Mitchell, you were first elected in 1998 spending 20 years working on behalf of people here in Illinois. In 2013, you were appointed Assistant Republican Leader for our caucus and have done an amazing job. You've worked tirelessly as an advocate for central Illinois families in an effort to save thousands of good- paying jobs. You fought several years to save the Clinton Power Station, an economic engine of DeWitt County and a major employer in central Illinois. You've been a fiscal conservative, outspoken critic of wasteful government spending, and sponsored legislation to ground and then sell the state's $22 million fleet of aircraft, arguing that taxpayers could no longer afford this perk of power. And who can forget your gripping floor speech arguing against the flying of prairie chickens into Illinois. We congratulate you, our friend and our colleague on your retirement from the Illinois House. I wish you all the best as we all do. Godspeed, Bill. Representative Bob Pritchard proudly served 10000151.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 the 71st District of Illinois for 15 years. During his time representing portions of DeKalb, Kane, and Boone Counties, he was a strong advocate for education, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility and made significant strides to improve our state. Bob was… is a leader in education reform efforts and produced an historic K-12 school funding reform agreement to adequately and equitably fund education and also passed legislation to help attract students to our institutions of higher education here in Illinois. Representative Pritchard continues to serve the community working for education in a different capacity in his new position on the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees. Thank you, Bob Pritchard. Representative David Reis has served the people of southeastern Illinois for 14 years in the Illinois House. In 2017, David was promoted to the role of Assistant Republican Leader for the Illinois House Republican Caucus. David is a farmer and a businessman who lives in Jasper County on his family's fifth generation farm near the Village of St. Marie, where David… where the Reis's have farmed for over 150 years. Prior to joining the House, David served on the Illinois Pork Producers Association board. He is a free-market conservative voice. David was instrumental in the passage of important legislation related to energy policy and hydraulic fracturing, job creation, concealed carry, and raising the speed limit on Illinois interstate highways. We thank our friend David Reis for his many years of dedicated service to this chamber and his wife Maria and wish them all the best in their future. Thank you, David. If I may, Mr. Speaker, we have been joined on the House Floor by a woman that we have 10000151.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 151st Legislative Day 11/29/2018 honored earlier but are so glad that you are here to share this with us, Representative… Director Patti Bellock. Thank you."
"Representative Currie moves the House stand adjourned until Monday, January 7, 2019, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. House stands adjourned until Monday, January 7, 2019, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5998, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning arrest records. First Reading of this House Bill. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10000151.docx 50