Illinois House Floor Debate — February 3, 1981

"The House will come to order and the Members will please be in their seats. All unauthorized people be removed from the floor, Mr. Doorkeeper? The House will be lead in prayer today by Doctor Rudolph Shoultz of the Union Baptist Church of Springfield. Reverend Shoultz."

"Oh God, Our Father, before Thee we stand this day in recognition of Thy sovereignty as we approach this new Session together. Your children are seeking Your divine guidance and vision. For as Your prophets once stated: Where there is no vision the people will perish. We pray a special blessing this day upon him who shall deliver his thoughts to this our state. May the words of his mouth and the meditations of his heart you will accept it, Oh God, for we realize the creed of our country: Liberty and justice for all. For these who will lead this area of responsibility may they lead with dignity and impartiality. Give Your divine blessing this day we pray. Amen."

"Thank you, Reverend Shoultz. Roll call for attendance. Oh, pardon me. We will now be lead by Representative Catania in the Pledge of Allegiance."

"I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

"Now we'll take the roll call for attendance. Representative Collins."

"Mr. Speaker, may the records show that Representatives Hallstrom and McBroom are excused because of illness?"

"The record will so show. Representative Madigan."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the record show that Representatives Garmisa and Hanahan are excused because of illness?" 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"The record will so show, Mr. Madigan. There being 143 Members answering the roll call, a quorum of the House is present. Take the record, Mr. Clerk. Representative Laurino."

"...You add me to the roll call, please? My light won't go on."

"Add Representative Laurino, Mr. Clerk, to the roll call. Messages from the Senate."

"A message from the Senate by Mr. Fernandes, Secretary. Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has adopted the following Senate Resolution to wit: Senate Resolution #4 resolved by the Senate of the 82nd General Assembly State of Illinois that the Secretary informed the House of Representatives that the Senate is now operational by the election of a President, Secretary, and other permanent officers and are now ready to proceed with the business of Session, adopted by the Senate January 15, 1981. Edward Fernandes, Secretary. A message from the Senate...Mr. Fernandes, Secretary. Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has concurred in the House in the adoption of the following Joint Resolution: House Joint Resolution #1 concurred by the Senate January 15, 1981. Edward Fernandes, Secretary."

"Mr. Madigan, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to object to the receipt by this Body of the Resolution just read by the Clerk of this House. That Resolution purports to...be a message from the Senate indicating that the Senate has been duly and properly organized on January 16, 1981. Quite clearly in light of the events of this morning the Resolution is not accurate in the terms set forth therein. I would object to its receipt, Mr. Speaker." 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Are you finished, Mr. Madigan?"

"And, Mr. Speaker, I hereby request that you direct that that message be returned to the Senate."

"I am not aware of any action that was taken this morning. Your objection will be noted, Mr. Madigan and the message shall be entered in the Journal. Members will please be in their seats and come to order if we may please. Alright, let's come to order here and the Members be in their seats if you will please. Representative Telcser, for what purpose do you rise?"

"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, for the purpose of adopting House Joint Resolution #3. Would the Clerk please read it?"

"House Joint Resolution #3. Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois that the Senate concurring herein that the two Houses shall convene in Joint Session on February 3, 1981 at the hour of one o'clock p.m. for the purpose of hearing his excellency Governor James R. Thompson present to the General Assembly his report on the condition of the state as required by Article 5 Section 13 of the Constitution combined with his budget message for the fiscal year 1981."

"Representative Telcser...Representative Madigan."

"Question of the Sponsor. Does that Resolution indicate that the Governor will deliver his budget message today and that there will be no budget message in March?"

"Representative, I'm sorry I can't answer your question. He may very well come back in March with his budget or budget in further detail. I simply do not know the answer to your question."

"Mr. Speaker."

"Mr. Madigan." 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Would the Clerk read the last three sentences of the Resolution?"

"Mr. Clerk, would you read the last three sentences of the Resolution please?"

"His excellency, Governor James R. Thompson, present to the General Assembly his report on the condition of the state as required by Article 5 Section 13 of the Constitution combined with his budget message for fiscal year 1981."

"Thank you."

"Representative Telcser, do you want to move the adoption of House Joint Resolution #3? Representative Telcser moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution #3. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Messages from the Senate."

"A message from the Senate by Mr. Fernandes, Secretary. Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House that the Senate has adopted the following Joint Resolution, the adoption of which I am directed to ask concurrence of the House to wit: Senate Joint Resolution #1 resolved by the Senate of the 82nd General Assembly State of Illinois, the House of Representatives concurring herein that when the Senate adjourns on February 3, 1981 it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 24, 1981 at 12 o'clock noon, and when the House of Representatives adjourns February 4, 1981 it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 1981 at 12 o'clock noon, adopted by the Senate February 3, 1981. Edward Fernandes, Secretary."

"Representative Telcser."

"Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the House will perfunct, the Senate will adjourn until the 24th. I now also move the adoption of the adjournment Resolution." 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Representative Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker, I object to the adoption to that Resolution because the Resolution necessarily includes action of the Senate and, Mr. Speaker, you have no knowledge at this time that there will be a Senate Session today and that there will be a quorum of the Senate in a position to adopt an adjournment Resolution."

"Mr. Madigan, we received an official message from the Senate. It has been signed by the Secretary of the Senate, and I feel that we're obligated to report that and record it in the Journal, and you're objection will be..."

"I object and I request a roll call vote."

"Representative Telcser."

"Does the Gentleman request a roll call vote?"

"Yes, he has."

"Mr. Speaker, I then also move the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution #1...is that the number? Number one."

"Yes...Senate..."

"The adjournment Resolution."

"The Gentleman has moved the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution #1. All in favor will signify by voting 'aye', and those opposed by voting 'no'. Representative Getty."

"Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body, I rise to explain my vote. The proper vote here is a 'no' vote. The reason is that the Resolution is in question. We should not take action on it because there's a question as to whether or not..."

"Representative Getty...Representative Getty, this motion is not debatable and therefore, I am ruling you out of order. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. Representative Telcser, for what purpose do you rise?" 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Want to poll the absentees, Mr. Speaker?"

"Take the record, will you, Mr. Clerk? On this question there are 83 'ayes' and 82 'nos', and the motion is adopted. Representative Kelly, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I've been informed that my switch will not work, a 'yes' or a 'no' or otherwise, and I did push a 'no', and I don't know whether or not it's been recorded. It doesn't show next to my name, and I don't know if it's included in the total, but I would like to be registered as a 'no' vote."

"Mr. Kelly, you are recorded as voting 'no' on the printed roll call, and we will have your lights working in due time. Representative Zwick, for what reason do you rise?"

"Thank you. I would like to be recorded as voting 'aye'. There seems to be a problem with my button."

"Please record the Lady as 'aye'. Representative Koehler, for what purpose do you arise?"

"I would like to be recorded as voting 'aye'. My light does not work."

"Please record the Lady as voting 'aye'. Representative Madigan, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Request a verification of the roll call."

"...Representative Telcser requests a poll of the absentees."

"Poll of the absentees. Bluthardt, Epton, Garmisa, Hallstrom, Hanahan, Henry,..."

"Representative Henry."

"Record me as speaking...as voting 'no'."

"Record the Gentleman as 'no'. Representative Darrow, for what purpose do you arise? Oh, thank you. Proceed, Mr. Clerk." 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Continuing with a poll of the absentees. Kucharski, McBroom, Stearney, and Yourell."

"The Clerk will now call the 'aye' votes for the verification. Mr. Clerk, just a minute. The Members are going to be in their seats. Mr. Doorkeeper, will you put these Members in their seats? We're going to have a verification on a roll call. You might as well get started out right with this procedure. I want everybody in their seats or we won't proceed with the verification till everybody is in their seats. Now there isn't any reason you can't be there. Let's get there. Representative Van Duyne and Christensen, could we get you in your seats please? Representative Matijevich, would you take your seat please? Right there where you got it is fine. We'll write out instructions and mail them to you later, John. Proceed, Mr. Clerk."

"Poll of the affirmative. Abramson, Ackerman, Alstat, Barkhausen, Barnes, Bartulis, Bell, Bianco, Birkinbine, Boucek, Bower, Catania, Collins, Conti, Daniels, Davis, Deuster, Deuchler, Jack Dunn, Ralph Dunn, Ebbesen, Ewing, Fawell, Findley, Virginia Frederick, Dwight Friedrich, Griffin, Grossi, Hallock, Hastert, Hoffman, Hoxsey, Hudson, Huskey, Jackson, Johnson, Karpiel, Jim Kelley, Klemm, Kociolko, Koehler, Kustra, Leinenweber, Macdonald, Margalus, Martire, Hays, McAuliffe, McCormick, McCourt, McMaster, Ted Meyer, R.J. Meyer, Miller, Neff, Nelson, Oblinger, Peters, Piel, Polk, Pullen, Reed, Reilly, Rigney, Robbins, Ropp, Sandquist, Schuneman, Irv Smith, Stanley, E. G. Steele, C. M. Stiehl, Swanstrom, Tate, Telcser, Topinka, Tuerk, Vinson, Watson, Wikoff, Winchester, J.J. Wolf, Woodyard, Zwick, and Mr. Speaker."

"Mr. Madigan, do you have any challenges for the affirmative roll call? Just a minute, Mr. Madigan. 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Members be in their seats, please. Especially on this side of the aisle. Would you take your seats? The Gentleman is going to verify the roll call. The center aisle, could you be in your seats...Representative Giorgi and Representative Henry...Representative Stanley...Proceed, Mr. Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker...Mr. Speaker, would you recognize Mr. Getty for that purpose?"

"Mr. Getty."

"Mr. Bianco."

"Mr. Bianco in the chamber? The Gentleman is in his seat."

"Fawell."

"Representative Fawell...he's in his seat."

"Huskey."

"Representative Huskey...Representative Huskey is in his seat."

"McAuliffe."

"Representative McAuliffe is in his seat."

"Stearney."

"Representative Stearney...Is Representative Stearney in the chamber? How is the Gentleman recorded?"

"The Gentleman is not recorded as voting."

"Proceed, Mr. Getty."

"McBroom."

"...How is the Gentleman recorded?"

"The Gentleman is not recorded as voting."

"Proceed, Mr. Getty."

"Margalus."

"Margalus...is in his seat."

"McCourt."

"Representative McCourt...is in his seat."

"Piel."

"Representative Piel, is that what you said, Mr. 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Getty? Piel, he's in his chair."

"Ropp."

"Representative Ropp...There he is. Right there next to you. To your left."

"Irv Smith."

"Representative Smith...Representative Smith in the chamber? How is the Gentleman recorded?"

"The Gentleman is recorded as voting 'aye'."

"Remove him from the roll call."

"Tate."

"Representative Tate is in his chair."

"E. G. Steele."

"Representative E. G. Steele...is Representative Steele in the chamber? How is the Gentleman recorded?"

"The Gentleman is recorded as voting 'aye'."

"Remove him from the roll call."

"Jake Wolf."

"Representative Wolf...right here in front of me, Mr. Getty."

"Representative Zwick."

"Representative Zwick is in her seat."

"Representative Hallstrom."

"Representative Hallstrom was excused for sickness. How is she recorded, Mr. Clerk?"

"The Lady is not recorded as voting."

"Proceed, Mr. Getty. Do you have any further questions, Mr. Getty?"

"No further questions."

"Mr. Kucharski, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Record me as 'aye'."

"Record Mr. Kucharski as 'aye' please. The roll call is 84 'ayes', 84 threes...83 'nays', and the motion is adopted. First Reading, Mr. Clerk." 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"House Bill 127, McBroom, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Pension Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 128, McGrew, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the State Employees Group Insurance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 129, Hallstrom, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 130, Hallstrom, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 131, Watson, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 132, Getty-Leinenweber, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 133, Braun, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Human Rights Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 134, Klemm-Hastert, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Surface Mine, Land Conservation, and Reclamation Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 135, Chapman-Hallstrom, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the State Board of Education, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 136, Preston, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act concerning public utilities, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 137, Steczo, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act to revise the law in relationship to township organization, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 138, Wikoff, a Bill for an Act to amend the Unemployment Insurance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 139, Wikoff, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Unemployment Insurance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 140, Wikoff, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Unemployment Insurance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 141, Hoxsey, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act making appropriations to the Supreme 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981. Court for pay for certain officers in the judicial system of the state government and for ordinary and contingent expenses of the judicial system, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 142, Breslin-Beatty, a Bill for an Act to revise the law of negligence, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 143, McAuliffe-Schraeder-Neff-Sam Wolf, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 144, Zwick, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Surface Mine, Land Rec...Conservation, and Reclamation Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 145, Terzich et al, a Bill for an Act to codify civil procedure, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 146, Hoffman-Daniels-Redmond, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Municipal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 147, Klemm, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Highway Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 148, Schraeder, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act in relation to state finance, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 149, Cullerton, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Criminal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 150, Cullerton, a Bill for an Act in relation to exemptions from jury service, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 151, Schraeder, a Bill for an Act to limit revenues received by local taxing districts from personal property replacement tax, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 152, Deuster, a Bill for an Act in relation to placement of liens upon real estate property of general assistance recipients, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 153, Stearney, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Athletic Exhibition Registration Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 154, Stearney-Greiman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, First Reading of the 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Bill. House Bill 155,...Somebody has left a Bill at the Clerk's desk pertaining to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act...would you please come up and claim it so we can introduce it properly? House Bill 155, Stearney, amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 156, Stearney, a Bill for an Act in relation to fees and salaries, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 157, Telcser-Madigan, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act to provide for the ordinary and contingent and distributive expenses of the State Comptroller, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 158, Giorgi et al, a Bill for an Act to provide for the licensing and regulation certain games of chance and amending certain Acts herein named, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 159, Ronan-Stanley, a Bill for an Act creating the Data Information Systems Commission, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 160, Ronan-Stanley, a Bill for an Act creating the Data Information System Commission, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 161, Ronan-Zito, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act to create Commissions to study the coverage of Illinois citizens under plans and programs of health assistance and medical assistance, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 161...162 excuse me, Ronan-Stanley, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of State Property Control Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill...House Bill 163, Greiman-John Dunn, a Bill for an Act relating to homestead and personal property exemptions, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 164, Greiman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act concerning public utilities, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 165, Richmond-Mautino, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Horseracing Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 166, Matijevich-Cullerton-Giorgi, a Bill for an 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Act to amend Sections of an Act concerning public utilities, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 167, Matijevich-Currie, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act concerning public utilities, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 168, Greiman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Unified Code of Corrections, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 169, Epton, a Bill for an Act to add Sections to the Illinois Insurance Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 170, Epton, a Bill for an Act in relation to the right to refuse medical treatment administered solely to prolong human life, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 171, Deuster, a Bill for an Act relating to midwife practice amending repealing certain Acts and parts of Acts herein named, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 172, Schraeder et al, a Bill for an Act to reduce state occupation and use tax on food, medicine, medical appliances, and diabetic supplies, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 173, Swanstrom et al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 174, Pierce-Jaffe-Greiman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 175, Pierce-Greiman-Jaffe, a Bill for an Act to amend the publicly...Public Community College Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 176, Vinson, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the State Property Control Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 177, Van Duyne-Christensen-Pechous, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Environmental Protection Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 178...R. Kelley, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Probate Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 179, Wikoff-Davis-Hudson, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 180, 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Kosinski-Capparelli-Cullerton-Stuffle, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act concerning fees and salaries, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 181, Pullen, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 182, Van Duyne et al, a Bill for an Act abolishing an affirmative defense of insanity and providing for a finding of guilty but mentally ill, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 183, John Beatty, excuse me, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Pension Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 184, McCourt, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 185, McCourt, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Court of Claims Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 186, McCourt, a Bill for an Act to abolish urban transportation districts amending or repealing certain Acts in connection therewith, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 187, McCourt-Tuerk, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Criminal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 188, Hoxsey, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Municipal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 189, Collins, Giglio-Balanoff-Oblinger-Reed, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Environmental Protection Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 190, Cullerton, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act relating to alcoholic liquors, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 191, Darrow-Mulcahey-Preston, a Bill for an Act to reduce state occupational use tax on food, medicine, medical appliances, and diabetic supplies, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 192, Darrow, a Bill for an Act distinguishing a state animal, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 193, Dick Kelly-Jack Dunn, a Bill for an Act requiring the Secretary 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 of State to affix a plaque to the coal miners' statue located on the House grounds, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 194, Dick Kelly, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Insurance Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 195, Darrow, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act to revise the law in relationship to attorneys and counselors, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 196, Ropp et al, a Bill for an Act relating to special service area for weather control, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 197, Ebbesen, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Fish Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 198, O'Brien, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 199, Terzich, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Pension Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 200, Katz, a Bill for an Act in relation to transportation, administration, finance, and certain Acts herein named, First Reading of the Bill."

"The House will be in order pending the convening of the Joint Session. Members will please be in their seats. Clear the aisles and be in your seats if you will please. Will the Members please be in their seats so we can proceed with the Joint Session, please? The regular Session will stand in recess. Mr. Doorkeeper."

"Mr. Speaker, the Senate has...is at the door and seeks admission to this chamber."

"Would you admit the honorable Senators please? The hour of 1 p.m. designated in House Joint Resolution #3 having arrived, the Joint Session of the 82nd General Assembly will now come to order. Will the Members of the House and our esteemed guests from the Senate please take their seats? Mr. Clerk, is a quorum of the House present?"

"Yes, Mr. Speaker." 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Mr. President,...is a quorum of the Senate in attendance?"

"In my opinion there is a quorum of the Senate present."

"A quorum of the House and a quorum of the Senate joining this Joint Session of the 82nd General Assembly is hereby convened. Take your seats would you Gentleman please? Mr. Madigan, I'll recognize you in due time. If you'll conduct yourself as a Gentleman we'll proceed with the proceedings here. Mr. Madigan, you're now recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request...I question the quorum of the Senate, and I ask for a roll call vote of the Senate to establish the quorum of the Senate."

"Under parliamentary procedure, Mr. Madigan, only a Member of that Body may question a quorum."

"Not in a Joint Session, Mr. Speaker. You are bound by Joint Session rules, Mr..."

"Mr. Madigan, for what purpose do you arise, Mr. Madigan...Turn him on."

"I resent having my microphone turned off in the middle of my commentary. And if that is how you intend to conduct this Session, you and the clique behind you will regret it..."

"The Gang of Four if you will please."

"We have requested...if you so wish, then we will use your terminology. I had requested a quorum call of the Senate, and I want a roll call vote on that quorum call. You are bound by Joint Session rules, and not simply the rules of the House."

"Are you through, Mr. Madigan?"

"At this time."

"There are no Joint Session...no joint rules for the Session, Mr. Madigan. I have ruled on your point, and 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 we will now proceed with the business of the House. We're not in regular Session at this point, Mr. Madigan. Mr. Madigan, this is a ceremonial Session, and we're not in regular Session, and I have to rule your motion out of order. Mr. Madigan."

"I appeal the ruling of the chair. And I request a roll call vote."

"Mr. Madigan, I have to rule your motion out of order. As I said, this is a ceremonial Session, and there are no rules that govern this Session, and your motion is out of order."

"Mr. Speaker, again, I appeal that ruling of the chair. We will operate under Robert's rules of order, Mr. Speaker, in the absence of duly established rules for this particular Session."

"Mr. Madigan, I have to reiterate what I said. There are no rules for this Joint Session, and I'll have to rule your motion to overrule the chair out of order. Mr. Madigan."

"Let me suggest to you, Mr. Speaker, that you have ruled that any presiding officer, not just you, but any presiding officer, can never have a ruling of the chair appealed. Mr. Speaker, that borders on tyranny, and you ought to be ashamed of your ruling."

"Thank you, Mr. Madigan. Let's proceed here. Let's go on...The Gentleman from Cook, Mr. Telcser is recognized."

"Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of Joint...Senate Resolution #3 to create a Committee to escort the Governor to the rostrum."

"You heard the Gentleman's motion to move the adoption of the Joint Session Resolution #3. The question is on the adoption of the Resolution. All those in favor 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 signify by saying 'aye', all those opposed by saying 'n...'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the motion is adopted. Mr. Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker, I sincerely regret that you have followed the course of conduct that you have done today. I feel that it is incumbent upon the House Democrats that they convene in conference to determine if they wish to participate in this Session. We have asked you to conduct this Session according to a normal rules of procedure and conduct and you have rendered rulings which I have said border on tyranny. I hereby request a conference of House Democrats. Immediately, Mr. Speaker."

"Mr. Madigan, I believe the Governor is at the door. You have requested of me earlier a conference following the Governor's message, and I will be glad to grant that conference immediately following the Governor's message. Mr. Madigan, do you care to be heard? Turn Mr. Madigan on, would you please?"

"That is correct. I had said to you that I would defer to the Governor's schedule until you started to engage in a course of conduct that you have shown us today. And in light of that conduct that the House Democrats want a conference immediately. We've waited Governor on many many occasions, he can wait a little bit for us."

"Mr. Madigan, how much time do you think you'll need for a conference?"

"I would estimate a half an hour to 45 minutes. What room, Mr. Speaker?"

"That Joint Session will reconvene at 1:45. Can we get a room? Just a minute and I will get you a room."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Mr. Madigan, your conference room 114 will be available." 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"The House will reconvene the Joint Session at 1:45. I have been informed that there will be no more than a five minute delay from the Democrats, and we'll wait another five minutes for them. The Joint Session will now be in Session. Mr. Doorkeeper, will you have all unauthorized people removed from the chamber and all Members will be in their seat before we will proceed. All unauthorized Members will be removed. Members please be in their seats. The Senate Members and the House Members please find seats and be seated. I'll be with you in just a minute, Mr. Madigan, as soon as we get to...get some order here. Mr. Doorkeeper, are there any unauthorized people in the back of the chamber? Escort them out if you would please. Tell them to go to the gallery. Put the Members in their seats. Senate Members, would you find a seat please? Mr. Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives and the Senate of this state, Mr. Speaker, this is indeed a sad, sad day in the history of Illinois. The Senate Democrats have reached a judgment that the Senate of this state has been illegally constituted through a parliamentary maneuver of the Governor of this state. Those Senate Members, the Senate Democrats, exercising their rights in a democracy and in protest of Governor Thompson's arbitrary parliamentary ruling, have decided to boycott this Joint Session of the Legislature. As the House Democratic Leader, and in furtherance of the legitimate aims and desires of Senate Democrats, I asked you, Mr. Speaker, to conduct by roll call vote a quorum call of the Senate Members at this Joint Session. I felt, and many others agree with me, that that request was legitimate and an honest furtherance of the legitimate aims 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 of a group of public officials in this state. You denied my request, Mr. Speaker. I then attempted to appeal your ruling, a parliamentary tactic which is available in all forms of democracy throughout the world. Nowhere in civilized society in a Legislative Body is a person denied the right to appeal the ruling of the chair. I attempted on two occasions, Mr. Speaker, to appeal the ruling of the chair, and on both occasions you arbitrarily denied my right of appeal. It had been the intent of the House Democrats to participate in this Joint Session. It had been our intent to defer to the dignity of the office of the Governor. Naturally we disagreed with the Governor's ruling in the Senate, but we felt that as public officials we would defer to the dignity of that office. But, Mr. Speaker, when I attempted to exercise my rights as an individual Member and my rights as the leader of the Minority Party in this Legislature and in this House, and when you denied me that right, House Democrats then convened and unanimously agreed, Mr. Speaker, that in light of the illegal organization of the Senate and in light of your actions which I consider to be tyranny, that we will not participate in this Joint Session. We will stand ready after the Joint Session to join you in the conduct of regular House business on this day and on all Legislative Days, but I must say to you, Mr. Speaker, House Democrats will not participate in tyranny. We live in a democratic society, and where there is democracy people have a right to be heard and when they are denied they have a right to appeal to a higher form, and today you have turned your eyes away from those principles of democracy and fair play, and for that reason, Mr. Speaker, on this occasion, we will not participate with you."

"Mr. Telcser, for what purpose do you arise?" 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981

"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, The Minority Leader is a long time friend and generally an eloquent spokesman for his Party. I think that his actions today have indicated a gross error in judgment not only for his Party, but for all of us who serve the citizens of Illinois. We're gathered today in a nonpartisan forum to listen to the Governor of Illinois. The Governor is everyone's Governor, and we represent all of the people. The partisan election was over in November. We all had the responsibility to set down our partisan charges and our partisan electioneering and work together for the good of the people we represent. This Session convened with a deeply divided Democratic Party, a Party which could not among themselves agree on a Leader in the Senate. And after all, it is that Senate's leadership contest that is a catalyst for today's action in the House. So let's talk for a moment about that Senate activity. The Republicans came out of the election a unified Party and they cast the largest number of votes available and elected Dave Shapiro President of the Senate. The Senate Democrats then went to the State Supreme Court and in doing so they accepted the election of Dave Shapiro at least for the time being and said we will let the State Supreme Court decide. The Gentleman from Cook talks about tyranny and democracy and yet what is he and his Party doing today? They are defying the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois. Earlier today Democratic Members took the podium in the Senate and conducted some sort of a hearing or a meeting or convened the Senate in some fashion that clearly, that clearly defies the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois. What could be a better symbol of democracy? What could be a better symbol of law but the Supreme Court? The Gentleman talks in pious platitudes about not attending today's 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Session. It is a sad day indeed, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. It is a sad day to see the Democratic Party a great major political Party walk out of this chamber. What are they doing when they walk out of the chamber?. They turn their backs on the 11,000,000 plus citizens of Illinois who are looking to us to help solve the problems that confront Illinois in dire, treacherous, dangerous time. Governor Thompson wants to talk to us today about the problems of Illinois as he sees them. We're not going to solve those problems unless every branch of government works together. And for the Democratic Party to walk out on the executive branch of government is a disgrace. It is a disgrace for this institution. And, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I know that many Democrats didn't want to walk out today. I know many Democratic Members who want to discharge their responsibility to the people of their districts and to the people of the state but their leader has taken them off of the floor, and he has done that for a reason which I think any sophomore high school student could explain. When you're divided among yourselves, look for a scapegoat...look for a common enemy. So the Gentleman rises in partisan debate throwing arrows and slings at the Republican Party in an effort to consolidate the Members of his side of the aisle and so they walk off of the floor. I happen to think that the people of Illinois are going to judge the Democratic Party very harshly by their actions. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I hope that the Democratic Party returns, and I hope that they will listen to what the Supreme Court says regarding that Senate leadership. I know whatever that decision is we're going to abide by it because we believe in the law. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I welcome the Democratic Members to come back onto the floor 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 and to discharge their responsibility to the people of Illinois. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I hope that Governor Thompson will come this afternoon and tell us how he views the condition of Illinois. I am proud to be here today with the Members on my side of the aisle. I am sad for the Illinois citizens who are not going to be represented, and I am sorry for the damage that the Minority Leader and his Members have done to what is indeed in my view a great institution."

"Thank you, Mr. Telcser. The...Governor is indeed at the door. But prior to that time I would like to introduce his lovely wife, Mrs. Thompson, in the balcony. I might add that the Governor is at the door for the second time. Pursuant to Joint Session Resolution #3, the following Members of this Joint Session are hereby appointed as the Committee to escort the Governor into this chamber. Representatives Friedrich, McCormick, Neff, DiPrima, and Redmond...and Senators Ozinga, Grotberg, Davidson, Dawson, and McLendon. Will the Committee of escorts please convene at the rostrum and then retire to the rear of the chamber and wait his excellency, the Governor? Oh, they're already back there. Okay. Mr. Petefish, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Mr. Speaker..."

"You're on."

"Mr. Speaker, the honorable Governor of the State of Illinois, James Thompson and his Party wishes to be admitted to this chamber."

"Admit the honorable Governor, Mr. Doorkeeper. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it is my honor to present to you his excellency, James R. Thompson, the Governor of the State of Illinois. Governor Thompson."

"Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor, 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Attorney General of the State of Illinois, Members of the House and the Senate, it is my pleasure to respond to your invitation today to appear before this Joint Session of the House and the Senate to deliver a state of the state address. I wonder, Mr. Speaker, if I might be permitted just a moment of personal reference since my name was invoked in debate preceeding this appearance."

"Proceed."

"First to thank the Majority Leader for his most eloquent words which I think will in time come to bespeak the feelings not only of this House, but of the people of the State of Illinois and simply to tell the Members of the House and the Senate who are here directly that in submitting as the Governor of the State of Illinois to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Illinois as I did willingly with a reverence for the court and the law before whom I have practiced for the last 21 years and of whose bar I am a proud Member. I stated publicly in court through my council, the Attorney General of the State of Illinois, and publicly outside of court that I as Governor would accept whatever decision the court rendered on the law suit in front of them and would do whatever the Supreme Court told me to do because I believed that no man or woman nor body of men or women were above the law. I thought, Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, and Members of the House and the Senate, that those who invoked the jurisdiction of the court in the beginning would likewise accept the court's ruling and would await it. They have instead taken the law into their own hands. But I fear, Mr. Speaker, that by their actions this morning in the Senate they have not only taken the law into their own hands, but dropped it, stepped on it. I agree with the Majority Leader. Their action in the Senate this morning was gross and calculated insult to 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 the jurisdiction and the power of our Supreme Court. I want this Body to know, Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, that the Governor of the State of Illinois still stands ready to accept the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and to obey whatever ruling the court issues on the merits of the case. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the House and Senate, Charles Dickens in the first sentence of a Tale of Two Cities set down for us what could well be taken as the theme for the times we are in. I must parenthetically add that this quotation was selected before the events of this morning, so please read nothing into it other than what it directly speaks to. It is one of the most memorable passages in all of literature...speaks to the time of the French Revolution. It aptly has it seemed to speak to the other times of upheaval, or peril, or uncertainty. Times like today. Let me repeat it for you. 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way...' And indeed in Illinois for some of our people things have never been better. But many more are experiencing unemployment, hunger, disease, and the wracking pain of poverty for the first time in their lives. Or worst yet, many were born into such despair and, at least for now, no hope for escape. For them, it is indeed the worst of times. For us as a whole people of this state, while we are certainly better off than in the Great Depression of the 30's, and relatively better off than many of our sister states today, our financial position is 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 precarious, and unless we exercise spending restraints, it will become perilous. We must not let the 'worst of times' be visited on any more of our people. In the past four years we have acted wisely. We put aside some money in each of the first three to see us through the recession which now besets us. But unless the growth of spending is brought under control now that wisdom will quickly be replaced by the foolishness of living beyond our means. Our people, I think, have a basic belief that we will handle their affairs with prudence and common sense. But if we spend money we do not have or unnecessarily ask our people for more, incredulity will indeed replace belief, cynicism will replace trust, and none of us can afford that. I believe that no General Assembly in recent history has faced so many grave challenges to the state of our great state. On the other hand, no General Assembly in recent history has been faced with so many opportunities to make its own mark, to make its own difference in the state of our state...in the quality of our lives. This 82nd General Assembly can go down in history as the Great Assembly. The Assembly that saw us safely through what could have been the worst of times. The Great Assembly that acted with wisdom to balance the greatest of spending demands against the toughest of financial conditions. The Great Assembly that kept faith with the demands of the people for honest, prudent, compassionate government in a time when keeping that faith was sorely tested by great temptations already yielded to, to put politics ahead of programs and the people they serve. The Great Assembly that saw the light of fiscal reason in a time of fiscal darkness and kept that light burning. The Great Assembly that faced challenges and worked to build and strengthen a state that has for so many years served as a symbol of what 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 America, the best and most unique country in the history of the world, is all about. And so though we are not all going directly to heaven, there is no excuse at all for going direct the other way. And we must choose now. Here is where we stand. First, almost alone among our midwestern neighbors, we have led the way remaining fiscally strong and delivering promised services to our people. But unless we act and act now to control spending, the quicksand of recession will surely pull us down to their level which has meant for all of them across the board cuts, unpaid bills, short-term borrowing, and new taxes. Illinois can and must remain a leader. Second, to do so will require the full partnership of this Assembly. The House and Senate are closely divided on partisan lines and the necessity to draw new district lines will color and shape all that we do. None of us in this chamber are political neuters and all of us are here...well, some of us are here because we were willing to fight under the banners of our Parties. But in times like now, we must be prepared to move quickly and cooperatively without partisan rancor to help our people. We have done so for four years, and we must do so again. I cannot believe that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle when they reflect on what they have done today will long continue to turn their backs on the people of the district who elected them. I take their absence today as no personal affront to me. I am here in response to the commands of the Constitution that I inform you of my opinion of the state of the state. I must say though that I believe that the people of the districts whom those empty chairs represent will resent those absences. Those men and women were sent here to represent those people they asked to come here. And now a second chamber has fled their duty. And I am sorry for that. Third, we 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 must retool the Illinois economy. We must have jobs for our people. Rational federal economic policies are imperative. Regional reindustrialization efforts would be welcome, but if we must do it alone, we can and we must. Fourth, the backbone of our economy is made up of our transportation system, air, water, rail, highways, and mass transit. The latter two are in genuine peril and must be saved in this Session of the General Assembly. There can be no more delay. There are gaping wounds which band-aides can no longer cover. I think the bottom line choices are clear as we look at the course of the economy for the next year. No new general taxes are necessary to fight recession, but a temporary suspension of ongoing tax relief probably is, and the sharp cut in the growth of new spending all across the board certainly is. To protect the jobs of our people, new transportation resources...that means higher taxes, help pay for roads, bridges, streets and buses, I am afraid, are necessary. We must have the courage to tell our people so, the courage to enact them, and the willingness to pay them. And so I repeat, this Assembly has the chance to go down in history as the Great Assembly which put all of that together. One month from tomorrow, I will propose a spending plan for the year to come in my budget address. My choices will be spelled out in the budget proposal I will present in March. I will then call on you, on the people we serve, and on the Boards of Education and Higher Education, and my fellow constitutional officers to understand that whatever choices this Assembly ultimately makes cannot exceed the bottom line drawn in that budget. For if they do, it will mean increased general taxes or deep slashes in current services or spending away the peoples' bank account leading us down to the ultimate bottom line of bankruptcy. If proof 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 positive of that point be needed, we need only to look to the fiscal carnage of states all around us. Each of the five states sharing our borders and all of their neighbors are in deficit this year. Most have had to cut current services and spending. Some like Kentucky and Missouri by as much as 10% across the board. Others like Ohio by as much as seven percent, a level that would have been far deeper had the Ohio Legislature not just agreed to raise statewide taxes by nearly $400,000,000. Many of these and other states are steeling themselves to the hardest of choices next year. States like Michigan which has already cut current school aid by 25% and may have to repeat that agony next year. New York faces a budget crunch leaving room for only three percent in additional school aid despite deep cuts in other forms of aid to localities. And California faces a year when all new spending must be kept to no more than one percent over last year. But Illinois has not yet had to slash services, or renege on promises, or raise general taxes, or slash aid to local government. It is a tribute to our record of fiscal restraint when times were good. But let us make no mistake from this day forward in the bad times now upon us. That record is ours. This Assembly's to build on or to break. I will propose that we choose to build on that record. I will propose for fiscal 1982 that we once again have a balanced budget that spending not exceed current income, that we choose to live within the resources we have, that we together endure this year of adjustment by adjusting our spending to reflect the realities we face rather than raising general taxes, or slashing current services, or spending down the people's bank account any further. I will propose that we choose not to raise the statewide income tax or the sales tax as other states have done. We have gone 11 years without a 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 general tax increase in Illinois, and I, for one, would like to see that string stretch to an even dozen years and beyond. We can live within our means. And I will propose that we find a way to do all of this without depleting the peoples' bank account to the point where we are unprepared for an emergency or unacceptable as a credit risk. Those are the kinds of choices I hope we can all agree to make. Here are the facts we must all face. I warned in November in a special appearance before this Body, and I can confirm today that we face a new fiscal year when we will have less than half of the new resources we would ordinarily need just to keep the budget even with inflation and pay for the added costs of assistance and medical services to those forced out of jobs and onto the welfare role. That is to say that if we took this year's budget, added the costs of inflation, and the added costs of public aid, and computed the new level of spending that would be necessary just to finance those two things next year, I am telling the Members of this Assembly that our revenues to do so will be only half that amount. And that...says nothing about the whole rest of government. Continuing inflation, the lingering effects of recession, high unemployment, Illinois' employment is now the second highest in the nation, ruinous interest rates, and cuts in federal aid, and more are coming, and tax relief already on our books are all combining to reduce our resources even as they increase the demands on those resources. In fiscal year 1982 we can expect to have uncommitted new revenues in the $400,000,000 range. Those new revenues are less than half of this year's new spending. And before a dollar of these new revenues can go to increase spending for any other area of concern, hungry men, women, and children must be fed, sick people must be treated, and debts already incurred 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 such as interest on outstanding bonds, tax refunds to our citizens, and aid to local government must be paid. Those things alone, public aid and the unavoidable expenditures of government will take more than half of our available new revenues next year. Moreover, those same factors are already forcing us this year to draw down as much as $165,000,000 from our available balance hopefully leaving us with approximately $225,000,000 in the bank at the end of the year. But possibly dipping below. I will propose that we will regard a minimum $200,000,000 balance in that account as a second bottom line for our budget next year and the years to come. For I believe that $200,000,000 in our available balance on the base of spending from which this state now operates is a fail-safe bottom line below which we cannot and must not fall. For to do so would leave us unprepared for emergency, unable to meet day to day cash flow needs and unstable in the eyes of the financial communities. In Ohio today they've got a billion dollars worth of bills stacked up in cartons in the halls of government, and they haven't paid their teachers in two months. We don't want times like that in Illinois. If we do not maintain at least the $200,000,000 reserve against continued recession or emergency, we will have to break promises or raise taxes, and we should do neither. Now we have already acted in Illinois to meet this fiscal emergency that is seizing the nation. The 81st General Assembly acted in agreeing not to override $400,000,000 in vetoed new spending and tax relief measures last November for which I express my profound thanks. And we have acted in freezing state employment to eliminate or avert nearly 2,400 jobs to date for an annual rate of savings of more than $36,000,000. Something most every other state of the nation is doing as well as is the Federal Government. The 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 toughest of the new choices for this Assembly will be to get to the bottom line of our general funds, the line we already know will permit no more than around $400,000,000 in new spending or about five percent more than current spending without forcing us into deficit. The costs of inflation, rising welfare rolls and tax relief measures already on our books will dictate a minimum demand for $600,000,000 in new spending next year. $200,000,000 more than the new revenues we expect. And that $600,000,000 demand is indeed a bare minimum. It assumes for example, that we can hold aggregate executive department operating costs to no more than five percent, less than half the rate of inflation which my budget will propose that we do. It also assumes that new spending for all of education can be held to that same five percent growth level which would mean cutting the combined requests for new funds by the Boards of Education and Higher Education in half. Even so, if that is done, how do we make up the difference between the $600,000,000 that we need and the $400,000,000 we expect in new revenues? Either we make up that minimum $200,000,000 shortfall by cutting base spending, deferring or limiting tax relief, or we raise taxes. I believe we should consider, and I will make my recommendation in March, a one-year roll-back of Phase Two of the sales tax reduction on business equipment and machinery. This would increase our revenues by about $140,000,000, but still gives job producing business and industries $132,000,000 in sales tax relief next year which is incidently $33,000,000 more than anybody anticipated for the year when the law was passed. I believe we should consider, and I will make my decision in March, deferring for just one year the removal of the third penny from the statewide sales tax on food and drugs. This action would avert the loss of $40,000,000 in 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 revenues during the first six months of calendar 1982 but still leave $225,000,000 in sales tax relief in the pockets of the people during fiscal year 1982. Deferring both increases in tax relief for one year spreads the burden equitably. In my view if we must ask people to wait a year for us to remove the third cent on food and drugs we must also ask business a year to benefit from the second stage of the of the sales tax reduction on machinery. I believe people and business should be treated alike. I believe we should consider the elimination, reduction, or tightening of controls on certain optional non-critical Medicaid services to help limit the cost escalation that threatens to undermine the entire Medicaid program of the State of Illinois and other states. No sick person will be unserved by such cost containment measures. Indeed, some states have never offered as many optional services as does Illinois or are now in the process of cutting them back. Unless we get a handle on Medicaid spending in Illinois now it will in the years to come simply overwhelm us. Choices like these may sound harsh, but so are the conditions we face. Moreover, if we have to make such choices, let's keep them in perspective. Even with such tax relief deferrals and roll-backs as these one year, we would still be providing more than $325,000,000 in sales tax and circuit breaker tax relief for individuals and $180,000,000 in sales tax and corporate sales tax relief for job producing business, industry, and farmers. The choices could be worse, and they may well have to be. That will be up to this Assembly. The choices I have outlined only suggest the gravity of the problems that we face. But face them we must for that is why the people put us here. When the special interests and advocates come knocking on your door as they will come knocking on mine remind them as I 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 will of some simple facts of economic life. The budget we will be working on will not be a stand-stilll, stand-pat, no-growth, no-go spending plan. Nor will we in Illinois be talking about going backwards as so many other Governors and Legislators are being forced to do. We are talking about moving forward perhaps not as fast as we might like, but forward. We can still move forward next year on restructuring and strengthening our services to children and families and senior citizens. We can still move forward on our initiatives to reduce infant mortality, to increase services to the disabled and the handicapped, to move people out of state institutions and into the community, to help keep people from having to enter long term nursing care. We can still move forward on protecting our lands, and water, and air, and ourselves from nuclear and toxic waste. We can still move forward to strengthen our criminal justice system and increase the capacity of our corrections system. We can still do all of that and more if all of those who benefit from state spending and programs keep in mind that one and all must accept their fair share of the pain of moving forward at a slower pace in what we hope will be no more than a one-year period of adjustment to the state of our national economy. Remind the interests, as I will that they're not just asking for more dollars for their own program, they are also asking that fewer dollars be granted to some other interest or that more dollars be taken from every citizens pocket. For we all are in the same boat. We're all traveling on the same ship of state. And there's precious little satisfaction to be had in occupying a first class cabin if the ship is going down. I need not remind the Members of this Assembly of the continued decline and threatened fall of our transportation system. We hear about it from the 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 people who elected us who fear their buses and trains will run too seldom or cost too much or stop running all too soon unless we act. We hear about it from people who fear for their cars, even their lives as they travel our crumbling highways and outmoded roads and send their children off to school over rural bridges past their time. We hear about it from our businesses and industries, and farmers, and miners whose livelihood depends on the quick and efficient movement of goods and services and workers. We see it in the headlines about the beginning of the end of mass transit in the six-county Chicago area and in the growing demand for expanded services in 12 other metropolitan areas of our state. And, we see it in the bottom line of our road funds which are shrinking to the point of bankruptcy because of falling revenues and declining federal aid. Must we wait until the RTA buses and trains grind to a halt and throw 2,000,000 of the people who elected us out on the streets? Must we wait until a bridge collapses? Or until we have no choice but to stop all new construction and fall even further behind in reparing highways, and bridges, and railroads, and rail systems that we already have? Must we wait until factories start moving out or stop moving in because we can't guarantee that they can do business here? One out of five Illinois jobs is in and around our transportation system. Five out of five of our jobs depend on the state of our roads and rails. Four out of five trips in and out of downtown Chicago are on the buses and trains that move 800,000,000 riders a year. And no farm or factory or business in Illinois can survive without the means to move products and customers and employees. That's how important transportation is to the health of our economy and the quality of our lives. That's how critical a test of our 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 leadership that we face, and we are not alone. Twenty-one other states have raised gasoline or other transportation related taxes over the past two years. Nearly half of the nation, and twenty more are moving right now to meet the exact same crisis we face. They have no other acceptable choice. And neither do we. If we are to have trains and buses that run at all, if we are to make steady progress on Route 51, on the CIE, on the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, on the East St. Louis bypass, on any or all of our other high priority projects, and if we are to make any inroads at all on fixing the overwhelming backlog of crumbling roads, and bridges, and streets we have allowed to build up, then we must make that choice this year. And if and when we do confront that critical choice, let's dispel the myths of transportation and begin facing the facts. Myth number one: The Byrne-Thompson transportation program isn't working. The fact is that the Byrne-Thompson plan was never passed by the General Assembly, and so naturally it is not working. What went into the Assembly hopper was a bite-the-bullet, get-to-work plan that included the first increase in our gas tax and other transportation fees since 1969. What came out of the Assembly was at best a get-over-the-hump compromise that produced no major new revenues for our road funds. Myth number two: The RTA is going broke because we cut off state subsidies when the 1979 compromise transportation package was passed. The fact is the RTA is getting substantially the same revenues today from the substitute sales tax that it would have received under the old subsidy and gas tax system. But (a) it is not enough, and (b) the RTA isn't running the RTA right, and I hope the Legislature will do something about that. Myth number three: Some people in Chicago believe that Chicago got the short end of 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 the stick on the Crosstown Agreement. And some people outside of Chicago believe that they got nothing from that agreement. The fact is it was then and is today a fair and good agreement for everyone. The problem is that the Congress has not funded it. The failure of Congress to appropriate the federal dollars to which we are entitled under federal law, $2,000,000,000 to which we are entitled under federal law, has already cost us $400,000,000 and may cost hundreds of millions more over the next several years. Tomorrow morning in Washington I will be knocking on the doors of the federal establishment in the Reagan administration and on the hill to make the case for our fair share of federal highway and transit dollars. But we already know that we will get at best a shrinking share of a shrinking pot, and it is already clear that the administration and the Congress are probably not about to up the federal ante. The bottom line of the transportation budget I will propose next month will reflect what little we can do with what little we have and with what little in the way of federal help we can reasonably expect now or in the year to come. So let's start with that grim bottom line and together this Assembly, my administration and the people of Illinois who depend upon our response to their needs. Let us all put together a transportation funding plan we can live with, a plan our economy can't long live without. Given the enormity of the problem we face, I can't believe that the people of this state will begrudge spending a few more pennies a day if they know those pennies are driving the buses and pulling the trains and building and reparing the roads that we need to keep our economy moving. But I serve fair warning to this Assembly and to the people of Illinois that without substantial new transportation revenues, we risk the serious and perhaps 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 permanent damage to our economy that will haunt this state and its people for decades to come. The state of our state's economy is in a very real sense the state of our nation's economy, so closely do we reflect what is right with it and so darkly do we mirror what is wrong with it. The cloud of stagflation casting a pall over nearly every sector of our economy and forcing one in eleven of our working men and women onto the unemployment rolls is a condition of our economic climate that we alone cannot control. We can only hope that the new national administration and the new Congressional leadership and the new mood of the American people will at long last let us move on the agenda of long overdue actions that we need to take as a nation to get our industries and commerce back into high gear. That's what the last election was all about. That's what Washington should be all about in the months and years to come. Illinois, like every other major industrial state of the Midwest, has its very economic life at stake in the great debate that has already begun over national fiscal, economic, and tax policy. As Chairman of the Midwest Governors' Conference this year, I intend to see it that the voices of Illinois and our hard-pressed neighbors are heard loudly and clearly in that debate. We need to form common cause to make the case for the special attention in national economic and tax policy that must be paid to the special problems of our aging and neglected industrial base. I have already begun discussions with leaders in other states looking to the possibility that a regional compact on reindustrialization could be assembled. As these talks go forward, I will move to make the Members of this Assembly full partners in such an effort. We need targeted tax policies to make it pay for outdated factories to be rebuilt where they are, rather than be abandoned in 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 favor of a move to warmer, cheaper climates. It makes no sense to build new plants where new housing, schools, roads, sewers, power lines, and transportation systems will have to be built too. We need to focus national economic policy on the need to develop capital to underwrite plant modernization and expansion. And we need deep deep cuts in the red tape that ties the hands of our industries to the strong right arm of the federal and state beauracracies, and in my view the President of the United States should be congratulated for his action of the other day in freezing all new Federal regulations till we can sort them out. We need to strike that rational balance our political leaders keep talking about between the ideals of a perfect environment and the realities of our industrial society so we can get midwestern coal out of the ground and into our economy. And most of all,...most of all we need to put an end to the elitist just plain dumb kind of thinking that has become so prevalent in Washington that no less than President Carter's Commission on a National Agenda for the 80's has formally endorsed it. That is the kind of thinking this is that we should give up the ghost on our most basic industries. That we should let other nations produce our steel, and our cars, and our rubber, and our glass, and other major components of our industrial engines. That is the kind of thinking that says we should concentrate instead on high technology leaving it to other nations to tell us that it is alright to build a ship or a tank, and that is the kind of thinking that says the decline and fall of our great industrial cities is inevitable and that we should just let it happen and pack ourselves up and move to Arizona. Now, I like Arizona, but I don't want to live there, and more than 11,000,000 people don't want to live there. There want to live in an 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Illinois that gets its fair share. And we're determined to get our fair share. The Carter Commission report is not an agenda for the 80's. It is an agenda for economic disaster for Illinois and like states...as one...If one blue-ribbon Commission report that so far as I am concerned, and I believe you will agree with me that can be put right on the shelf right now and gather that proverbial dust. We don't want to see it again. The economic agenda for Illinois for the years to come must focus on what more we can do ourselves to enhance and promote our business climate. Three major initiatives should be at the top of that agenda. First, we need to build on the modest start we made last year to bring the bottom line costs of our unemployment insurance and workers' compensation systems into better balance with costs in states competing for us with jobs. Action on unemployment and workers' compensation may well call for some hard choices by this Assembly, but our failure to act may well mean even more hard times for the working men and women of Illinois who depend on a healthy and growing private sector economy for their jobs. Second, we need to at least take a look at what it is we do and what we might do with one of the largest single pools of investment funds available to us: our own $4,000,000,000 in public employee pension funds. If we demand, and we have, that the federal government target its tax and fiscal policies to revitalize our industries, we should act ourselves to target our resources to compliment and supplement what Washington might do. My charge to the Commission I am about to create to explore this possibility is simple and direct. Take a look at what we do with these billions now. Is the money in New York banks in commercial paper? Is 96% of it in Sunbelt Industries and cities? Give us some ideas of what we might 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 better use them for. What use we might make of them, but at all times consistent with the need to safeguard the future income for their beneficiaries. Third, we need to do more to promote the use of our own energy resources in our own economy. We have already completed the conversion of our state vehicles to gasohol to prove to industries and individuals that it can be done. We've made the point. We've expanded the market, and that market is now alive and well, and well on its way to making a significant contribution to our nation's energy economy. We have also moved to convert state facility boilers to Illinois coal beginning one major project at the University of Illinois last month, laying plans for conversions at Western and Eastern Illinois Universities, and beginning feasibility studies for 12 more conversions throughout the state. We have joined forces with a consortium of utilities and industries to begin construction of a coal gasification plant at Wood River to prove tht we can make safe clean use of our own coal. And I will propose to this Assembly that we create a fast-track review process to speed state agency decisions on siting and construction of other synthetic fuel plants. I want to make sure that if and when the Federal Government or private industry are looking for the best possible site to develop clean safe uses for our coal, we're ready, willing, and able to set them up in shop in Illinois. The unfinished agenda of the 81st General Assembly included the unresolved issue of ceilings on taxes and spending at the state and local level. I need not remind you of the four to one vote of the people we serve in favor of such limits. Nor need I remind you that this issue will not go away, not in this Session, not in the next Session, not at any Session until the General Assembly acts. This new 82nd General Assembly has the chance to 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 start anew on resolving this issue, and I urge you to do just that. Within two months we will be presented with the findings and recommendations of the Local Government Finance Study Commission which you created in the wake of the failure of the 81st General Assembly to act on the ceilings issue. Our charge to the Commission was to recommend what might be done short of ceilings to make more sense out of the archaic, chaotic system of local taxation under which we have labored since time immemorial. The Commission may well call for legislative action on some of its proposals, and I have no doubt that some of its ideas will call for some tough choices to be made by this Assembly. Once again, like the issue of ceilings, this issue must not be ignored, for it is too important to the people that we serve. I am proud of the fact that we together have operated state government over the past four years as though the ceilings on taxes and spending that I have several times proposed and that my side of the aisle has several times passed had been in place. This has meant keeping spending growth and taxes below the rate of inflation and below the rate of growth in the people's income, just as effective ceilings would demand. It has meant making more sense out of the dollars we have to spend, as we have done through the Governor's cost control task force whose good ideas have aready made more than a $400,000,000 difference in the bottom line of the way we do the people's business. And it has helped us to retain our triple A bond ratings, something only two other large industrial states can boast. And it has given us the right to boast. As few, if any other states can boast, that our state government today in Illinois is running better and costing relatively less than it was four years ago today. I am fiercely proud of that record, and you should be too. 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 And I'll fiercely oppose any action, or pressure, or attempt to tax or spend it away, and you should too. Sixty-three years ago Teddy Roosevelt said that 'In America today, all our people...all our people, are summoned to service and sacrifice.' We were then a nation at war. But we are at war today. The enemies are an economy wracked with inflation, recession, stagnation, and uncertainty. And we are a people who are alternately brave, frightened, uncertain, disillusioned. We have just inaugurated a new President who was elected, I believe, because our people felt bottom line that he more than the other men who competed, believed in them as our greatest resource. The people of America, the people of Illinois are ready for service and sacrifice, but those qualities can only be brought forth and applied by inspired and inspiring leadership. The men and women in this chamber have the enviable opportunity and the imperative responsibility to provide it. If our people are to serve and sacrifice, so must we here and now in this building and from this great capital. Our examples must come first. I am proud that on this side of the aisle the people's Representatives are here, the chairs are filled, and you are ready, willing, and able to do the people's business. I am sad that on this side of the aisle the people's Representatives are not here. The seats are empty for all the people of Illinois to see and feel shame until those empty chairs are filled, until those Representatives of the people are willing to come back to this chamber and to the Senate, to act responsibly and to vote. This Assembly, which can be a Great Assembly, cannot begin. It is time we begin. Thank you very much."

"Will the Committee of escorts come forward to the rostrum to escort the Governor from the chambers? And 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 before you leave, Governor, I would like to take an opportunity here to introduce the Attorney General of the State of Illinois, Tyrone Fahner, and our own Dave O'Neal, Lieutenant Governor of the State. Joining the Governor on the rostrum today is the Eagle Scout Governor, a young man from Evanston at St. John's Military Academy, James 'Scholser'. Welcome to the Illinois House, Jim. Governor, thank you very much. Your Committee is here. We appreciated your comments. Well...The President of the Senate, the Honorable Dave Shapiro, is recognized for a motion."

"Mr. Speaker, I move that the Joint Session do now arise."

"The President of the Senate has moved that the Joint Session do now arise. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', all those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Joint Session will arise. David...The House will reconvene back into regular Session. Representative Telcser, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Mr. Speaker, are we taking up House Resolution 17 now?"

"Yes, that's right, Representative."

"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I have filed House Resolution #17. I believe all the Members have it on their desks."

"Proceed, Mr. Telcser."

"Mr. Speaker, I now move to suspend the provisions of Rule 41 for the purpose of immediate consideration of House Resolution #17."

"Is it...Representative Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I rise in opposition to the Gentleman's motion which is to suspend the rules for the immediate consideration of a Resolution which would create a select Committee to study the 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 financial condition of the Regional Transportation Authority in northeastern Illinois. The Gentleman's Resolution provides that there shall be a nine Member select Committee. Eight out of those nine Members have already been selected in the Resolution because the Resolution provides that the first eight appointments shall be either the Chairman or the Minority Spokesman of the Appropriations, Revenue, Executive, and Transportation Committees, and then the ninth appointment will be made by the Speaker. I disagree with this form of a select Committee. Point number one, the people who will be appointed by action of the Resolution may have no interest in serving on this Committee, but yet under the language of the Resolution they will be compelled to serve on the Committee. I would suggest that the Body would be better served if the Resolution simply provided that the Speaker and the Minority Leader could make appointments from among their Membership of people who would have both an interest and an expertise in this area. Secondly, we all realize that the question of RTA financing and the general question of the RTA will be the subject of great debate during this Session of the General Assembly. I suggest to you that it is not fair to the RTA. It is not fair to ourselves as Legislators to begin this examination on a partisan footnote. Unfortunately, this Resolution would immediately provide that the select Committee would be balanced in favor of the Republican Party. The Republicans would be given a one vote advantage on the select Committee. I intend to resist the Gentleman's motion. I have prepared another Resolution which will be filed shortly which would provide for the creation of a select Committee much the same as this Resolution provides, but under my Resolution the select Committee would be composed of eight Members, 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 four appointments by the Speaker, four appointments by the Minority Leader, and there would be no restrictions as to who those appointees might be. Under my Resolution, any Member on the Democratic Side...or any Member on the Republican side..."

"Mr. Madigan,, would you confine your remarks to Resolution 17 please?"

"Yes, I will, Mr. Speaker, with also a view toward giving our Membership a full background and facts concerning this situation. Thank you very much. To continue, under my Resolution, if someone on my side of the aisle or on your side of the aisle has a special interest or expertise in transportation, then they can serve on the select Committee, even though they may not be the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Revenue Committee, the Appropriations Committee, or the Transportation Committee. Secondly, this Resolution sponsored by Mr. Telcser, contains a good provision. It provides that certain agencies will be asked to participate in the work of the select Committee. It provides that the Auditor General of the State of Illinois will be asked to participate, and that the Department of Revenue and that the Transportation Study Commission, the Legislative Advisory Committee to the Regional Transportation Authority. My Resolution goes a step further. It not only provides that all of these agencies would serve on an advisory Committee to the select Committee, but it provides for the inclusion of more agencies such as 'CATS', Chicago Area Transportation Study, which is omitted from Mr. Telcser's Resolution, and also the representatives of the news media. Very recently in Chicago both the Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune have run feature articles concerning the status of the RTA. I think it is fair and proper that the people who drafted those 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 articles be asked to participate in the deliberations of this select Committee. And for those reasons, Mr. Speaker, I stand in opposition to the Gentleman's motion to suspend the rules for immediate consideration which will require 107 votes under our rules unless you've changed them, and then I will offer my own motion on behalf of my own Resolution which I feel will more adequately serve the needs of this Assembly."

"Mr. Telcser."

"Well, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, the Gentleman from Cook, I think, has very succinctly described his opposition to House Resolution #17, and if I may, I would like to go over some of his points, and articulate how we feel regarding each of those points. The first point the Gentleman made was that the Res...House Resolution #17 specifically appoints Members to the Committee who are serving as Chairmen or Spokespersons on specified Committees. The Four Committees named in the Resolution, I think everyone will agree, are those Committees by their very nature that will very well have a great deal to do with the debate, the discussion, and the ultimate solution to the trasportation problem in the entire state, not only northeastern Illinois. So it is for those reasons that we specified which Committees should be represented by House Resolution #17. I might also add that by spelling out what the Membership would be, the Members of the House would know beforehand, would know before they vote on this type of Resolution who in fact would be serving on the Committee. As most of you know who have served in prior Sessions, it is sometimes a temptation because of internal pressures on your own side of the aisle for the leader to appoint Members to a Committee that don't necessarily reflect the thinking of the entire Membership 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 on your side of the aisle. And so we feel it is indeed fairer for the Members to know beforehand who will be serving on the Committee. Secondly, the Gentleman made the point that our Committee consists of nine Members. Well, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, everyone is fully aware of the nature of this subject matter, the different points of view, and the gathering techniques for all the information necessary to bring back to our Members the transportation people up in the Chicago area have told us that the shut-down for parts of the system is imminent. I think it would be a mistake for us to let ourselves fall into the trap of possible deadline...deadlock votes in this Committee when it comes to the gathering of this information. And so we have provided, by a ninth member, so we could have an odd number of people thereby generally insuring a vote one way or the other. Now if I may be a bit partisan, I think it is only fair that that ninth Member come from our side of the aisle. The Gentleman also suggests that other Members would have an interest in the Committee work other than the people who chair or who act as Spokesperson on these individual Committees. I would like to point out to the Gentleman from Cook that any Member of the Assembly is free to attend any Session or any meeting which is called pursuant to House Resolution #17. Lastly, the Gentleman suggested that some newspaper people participate in the deliberations of this Committee. Well, I think the suggestion speaks for itself. The news media's function is to report the news, and on the editorial page tell their opinions as to what we are doing and what we are not doing. I think by trying to coop some elements of the media by putting them on this Committee simply isn't a fair or a legitimate reason for that type of appointment. And what's more, I'm confident in saying that any professional 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 journalist would decline serving on the Committee were they asked to do so. And so, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, it is for these reasons that I renew my motion to suspend the provisions of Rule 41 for the immediate consideration of House Resolution #17."

"The...Gentleman has moved the adoption of House Joint Resolution #17...House Resolution #17. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', all those in favor will signify by voting 'aye', all those opposed by voting 'no'. The motion to suspend the rules. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. On the Gentleman's motion to suspend the rules there are 86 'aye' and 75 'no'. The motion fails. I have with me on the podium this afternoon a young man by the name of Bob Wood who is also an Eagle Scout and who is the Speaker of the Eagle Scout...Speaker for the House today. His name is Bob Wood. He comes from Rockford...Eisenhower Middle School. He is in the eigth grade there, and I might add that it is very unusual for an eighth grader to be an Eagle Scout, and I would like to introduce to you Bob Wood, Speaker...Scout of the Illinois House. Mr. Madigan, did you wish to be recognized?"

"Yes, I would, Mr. Speaker. But I..."

"For what purpose?"

"Mr. Speaker, may I ask have you finished with Mr. Wood?"

"Yeah, we're through."

"Okay. Mr. Speaker, in my comments in opposition to Mr. Telcser's motion to suspend the rules on his Resolution #17 I stated that I would offer a similar Resolution today. That Resolution is still in the Reference Bureau, Mr. Speaker, and I am told that in a few short moments that it will be delivered to the House floor. So I would ask you, 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Mr. Speaker, if you would please arrange or provide for the consideration of that Resolution today so that the Body will have been given both versions of the method of creating a select Committee to examine RTA finances. So if you would be so kind, Mr. Speaker, as to provide for the consideration of that Resolution today."

"Well, if we receive that Resolution, Mr. Madigan, we'll certainly entertain the motion if it arrives before we adjourn. Mr. Peters, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Mr. Speaker, there being no further business, I move that the House now adjourn pursuant to the Resolution passed."

"Before we take that motion, Mr. Peters, Representative Wolf, I believe, has an announcement." Wolf, JJ: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to make an announcement for the Members of the Appropriations Committee. We'll meet in room D1 over in the Stratton Office Building immediately following adjournment. That's room D1, Appropriations Committee."

"The House will be in perfunctory Session tomorrow, and we will reconvene here on March 17 at noon. All those in favor of the Gentleman's motion to adjourn will say 'aye', all opposed will say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the House stands adjourned. Seventeenth of March...17th of February. Representative Hallock, and Representative Kelly, and Representative Giorgi, would you come to the podium please? Representative Madigan, did you have an announcement?"

"Well, I had a few things to say, Mr. Speaker, but for one thing I would like to introduce to our Membership the new Member of the House of Representatives, Representative Sylvester Rhem, who is replacing Representative James Taylor. Sylvester, are you still in the chamber? 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 2nd Legislative Day February 3, 1981 Sylvester Rhem, a new Member. And I would also like to announce that the leadership position of assistant Minority Leader which was not filled at the time of our organization will hereby be filled by Representative Emil Jones. So Emil Jones was appointed assistant Minority Leader."

"Representative Friedrich, did you have an announcement?"

"There will be a meeting of Rules Committee on the 10th at 10:00 notwithstanding the fact we will not be in Session in room 114." 51