"The House will come to order. Members will please be in their seats. We will be led in prayer by Reverend Shoultz from the church...Baptist Church in Springfield. Reverend Shoultz."
"...Of the living God, we ask of Thee this day to breath upon this Body, give them their power to do Thy will for we know, Lord, in doing Thy will as the 'right of whole' one hast what you desire from man. And You let it be known we are to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Thee. Master, You have shown us how we are to do justly because of what You have done for us inspite of ourselves. Teach us, Dear God, how to walk humbly with You because of the people have trusted us to elect us to serve Thee. Be with us this day and the Leadership of this chamber we pray as we ask it in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen."
"Thank you, Reverend. We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Madigan."
"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. And may God help George."
"It's a cinch I won't get any from you. Roll call for attendance. Mr. Madigan, do you have some excused absences?"
"Mr. Speaker, might the record show that Representatives Schneider and Huff are excused because of illness."
"The record will so indicate. Mr. Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, I rise for the purpose of an announcement."
"Proceed, Mr. Madigan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Joining our newly appointed 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Representative Sylvester Rhem today is his Alderman and Democratic Ward Committeeman, the Alderman of the Third Ward of Chicago, Chicago Alderman 'Ty Kenner'. 'Ty'."
"There being 146 present, the Members answering the roll a quorum of the House is present. The Clerk will take the roll call. Representative Daniels, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, with your permission during the temporary law and proceedings I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you the youth governor of Illinois from YMCA. His name is William 'Danielcek'. He is in the gallery to my right, and he is from Elmhurst, the 40th Legislative District represented by Representatives Redmond, Hoffman, and myself. Bill 'Danielcek', the youth governor of Illinois."
"Welcome to Springfield. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills."
"House Bill 327, Rea, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act concerning public utilities, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 328, Leverenz, a Bill for an Act to repeal an Act relating to the agcuisition, possession, and transfer of firearms and firearm ammunition, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 329, Barkhausen, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Regional Transportation Authority Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 330, Saltsman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Municipal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 331, Bradley, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Workmen's Compensation Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 332, Bradley, a Bill for an Act relating to compulsatory no fault motor vehicle insurance, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 333, C. M. Stiehl et al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981. Act relating to alcoholic liquors, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 334, Tate, a Bill for an Act to amend the Unemployment Insurance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 335, McClain, a Bill for an Act to add Sections to the Trust and Trustees Act, First Reading of the Bill."
"Doorkeeper, will you clear the floor of all unauthorized persons please. I understand there are several agency liasons here and would you clear the floor please? Under the order of motions appears House Bill 294, the Gentleman from Cook, Mr. Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, I have filed three motions which are shown on the Motion Calendar, and I would like to call the second motion first."
"Which one, Representative?"
"The second motion."
"That...that motion, I think, would be out of order, Representative. The Bill presently resides in Committee on Transportation."
"The purpose of the motion..."
"I think the first motion is to discharge that Committee. Is that the motion you want to call, Representative?"
"Mr. Speaker, if you persist, we could take the first two motions together. The import of the second motion is to create a Committee of the Whole tomorrow at 12 noon on the House floor to consider House Bill 294 which would provide a temporary interim borrowing authority for the Regional Transportation Authority. If that motion is successful, then we would call the motion which is listed first on the Calendar which would take the Bill from the regularly assigned Committee and assign it to the Committee of the Whole."
"Mr. Madigan, your motion...your second motion 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 reads 'If the said Bill is discharged from Transportation Committee. So I think it would be out of order to take the second motion ahead of the first motion."
"And as I said, Mr. Speaker, if you persist, then I'll call the two motions together."
"Are you asking for leave to do that, Mr. Madigan?"
"If that is required, that is what I request."
"The Gentleman has asked leave to call House Bill 294, the two motions under the category of motions on page three on the Calendar, he asks leave to call those as one motion...take one vote as I understand it. Is that right, Representative? Are there any objections to the Gentleman's motion? Hearing none, leave is granted, Representative Madigan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These two motions taken together address the problem of an eminent shut down of the RTA and the CTA in the City of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. News reports which have been documented in the newspapers clearly indicate that the Mass Transit agencies in the Chicago area are slowly moving toward a cash shortage which will result in a shut down to those systems unless there is some provision made for temporary borrowing authority. House Bill 294 would simply provide additional borrowing authority which would be in existence from the date of issuance of the notes until July1, 1981. The purpose of this borrowing would be to correct a cash flow problem at the RTA and to keep that system operational into the month of June at which time it is hoped that there will be a legislative solution fashion for both the RTA and the state road fund. The purpose of my motion and the purpose of my request for a Committee of the Whole is two-fold. Number one..."
"Just a minute, Mr. Madigan. Let me get a little 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 order here for you. Could we give the Gentleman some order please? Would you be in your seats and pay some attention here to the Gentleman from Cook? Proceed, Mr. Madigan."
"Number one, a Committee of the Whole would give the officials of the RTA and the CTA an opportunity to appear before the entire House of Representatives to offer their financial documentation on behalf of their request for this temporary borrowing authority and it would give them an opportunity to address all of us at one time on this very important subject matter. Secondly, an appearance by those officials before a Committee of the Whole, before the whole House, would give those of us who wish to question those officials an opportunity to pose questions to the RTA, to cross-examine if you so desire, these particular officials to determine in your own mind if you as an individual Member of this House wish to grant additional borrowing authority. The Bill is currently scheduled to be heard in the Transportation Committee of the House on Thursday. If the Bill is heard only in the Transportation Committee, then only those Members of that Committee will have the benefit of the testimony offered by the RTA officials and the opportunity to question and cross-examine those officials. If my motion is adopted, then the full House will have those opportunities. All of us will be in an equal position to determine whether we wish to vote for or against this very important Bill. I read with great interest in the early additions of the Chicago Tribune this morning that the very officials that I wish to appear before the full House appeared yesterday before a select group of Legislators in a Chicago hotel. I have no objection to those officials appearing before any Legislators, but I do feel that all of us should have equal opportunity to hear testimony and to offer our 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 cross-examination, and for those reasons, I would respectfully request your 'aye' vote on this motion."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Mr. Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, the Gentleman from Cook, in my opinion, has made a very specious argument regarding our giving him an affirmative vote on the motions appearing on the Calendar. As he said, his Bill is posted in the Transportation Committee Thursday of this week. The Gentleman has asked you for a Committee of the Whole and frankly, I cannot really grasp the rationale for his doing so. The Gentleman neglects to mention that in a Committee of the Whole, Amendments aren't offered and that the Bill which is heard in the Committee of the Whole will then move to the floor of the House in its present condition. The Minority Leader also makes a point that he would like to have participation on the part of all the Members of the House. I would like to respond by simply saying that any Member of the House is free to attend any Committee meeting which the Legislature holds. And what's more, I am confident that the CTA and the RTA or even the commuter railroads would be more than happy to answer any inquiry or question which any Member of the Assembly has on his or her mind. I can't quite figure out the logic which the Gentleman is trying to present today. He has filed a Resolution of his own in order to obtain more facts about the transportation problem confronting us. He has filed an Amendment to an existing Resolution which currently appears on the Calendar. He's filed a Bill with blanks in it, and now he is filing three more motions dealing with the same subject matter. I think it is about time that this Assembly did what was right, and the right thing to do is to take this very critical important matter and hear it in a Committee where the Members have an expertise in this 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 particular field. If we were to follow the Gentleman's logic this Session, we would be hearing every Bill in the Committee of the Whole, or we would be increasing the number of Members on all Committees. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, the citizens of Illinois want accountability. They want to know how we're going to spend their money. They want us to be able to zero in on problems such as mass transportation. And I say to you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, the way to do it is in a Committee which has the expertise and the staff with which to deal with this very critical politically volital problem. A Committee of the Whole, Mr. Speaker, is simply not the way to handle this problem this week or at this time. The Gentleman's Bill has some serious problems within my view. One question which comes to my mind, what financial institution or who will be buying the instruments of credit which the Gentleman alludes to in his Bill? The Gentleman has in his Bill a restriction on fair increases or a restriction on cuts in services. That is a very appealing idea, and I think it has some merit, but I hope the Gentleman sticks with that line of reasoning. But nevertheless, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, this should go to the proper substantive Committee so testimony can be heard so the question can be dealt with in a logical substantive manner, and we shouldn't be making the political decision regarding mass transportation of the State of Illinois. And it is for these reasons, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, that I urge every Member of the Assembly to vote 'no' on the Gentleman's motion in connection with House Bill 294."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Mr. Levin."
"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, I rise in support of the motion by the Minority Leader. The issue of the RTA is 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 probably one of the most important issues that will come before this Body this year. If there is a shut down of mass transit in the six county area, it will affect not only the residents of the area who take the buses, and the trains, and the commuter railroads, but it will affect disasterously the economy of the entire State of Illinois. We saw the experience in Boston where they ended up with a brief shut down. The effects were disasterous. House Bill 294 does not provide for any state subsidies. It does not provide for a roll over even of the state loan. It does not provide for an acceleration of payments of the taxes to the RTA. What it simply does is authorizes additional interim borrowing on the part of the RTA so that we can get through till June 30 without the entire system closing down. This is something that is an approach which I think is a fair approach. It keeps the status quo. It allows for deliberation by this Body in coming up with a permanent solution. The idea of a Committee of the Whole makes infinitely good sense in this particular matter. This Body had a Committee of the Whole with respect to the problems in the Chicago Board of Education, and it allowed the individual Members of this Body to hear the testimony from the experts, from Mrs. Rohter, Van Gorkum, and others, and to have their individual questions answered. I think that is really needed in this case. I think there is a credibility problem as far as the RTA because we've been hearing that the RTA is in financially bad shape for a while now. The facts are that the system is about ready to close down sometime between March 15 and March 30, but the Members have to have the evidence presented to them...have to have the opportunity to listen to the witnesses, to ask their own questions, to make up their own minds. And this, I think, is the best, the most expedicious way of doing 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 this. As a result, I urge an 'aye' vote on the Gentleman's motion."
"The Gentleman from Henderson, Representative Neff."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I am going to have to oppose this bi-partisan Committee. Mr. Madigan came to me about a few days ago and asked me to set this up as soon as I could. I set it up for the next meeting which is Thursday of this week at nine o'clock. There is a lot of interest in this Bill. We've had a lot of correspondence on it, and many people want to appear. I don't think this would be fair to the public...the people that are interested in this Bill if we bypass the Committee because many of these people to my knowledge will be here to testify at nine o'clock Thursday morning. Therefore to be fair with all the people and give Mr. Madigan a fair shake on this Bill I think what we definitely should...keep this Bill in Committee."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lechowicz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I stand in support of bypassing Committee. It is really not a bypassing Committee at all. There are times in this that we've had people on this floor, used the House floor on a very important subject matter so that the people that could come in and testify could be heard by the entire Membership and questions could be asked by the entire Membership. This issue will not go away. This issue can actually break the back of the State of Illinois and its fiscal implications for this state and yes, for private industry. When you're talking about moving over a million people a day in an urban area, this issue has to be coordinated and questions should be available and should be 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981. answered by the entire Membership. Previously the same type of requests were requested of the Democratic Majority. The request was granted and we had public hearings on this House floor. I believe that the issue is of such utmost importance that this issue should be discussed, Committee of the Whole, questions can be raised, questions can be answered. Ladies and Gentlemen, this issue and education are probably two issues that we'll be confronting with from today all the way through June. The RTA and transportation cannot wait until...after March. If you read the Tribune articles you will make mention of the fact of the Boston situation and how close we are in Illinois to be facing that similar situation. I beg and urge you to give an 'aye' vote and have House Bill 294 heard as a Committee of the Whole."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Collins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in opposition to this...to this motion and somewhat bewildered as to its motivation. I might remind the Members of this House that earlier on the Speaker of this House said, 'Yes, there is an apparent emergency...an apparent problem in the RTA, and we should look at it and look at it with very close scrutiny as to the solutions necessary to straighten out the affairs of the RTA'. The Speaker of this House very early called for the appointment of a Committee of this House to look into the financial conditions of the RTA so that it could be determined whether or not legislation of this type should be considered in this Session. The Speaker of this House asked to bypass Committee so that his Committee could be established and begin the work of looking into the financial conditions of the RTA, and that request, that Committee was blocked...blocked by the very maker of this 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 motion and the Sponsor of this legislation. Now it amuses me if it wasn't so appalling that now they have discovered there is an emergency in the RTA that they want to be considered and looked at. If they had supported the Speaker's motion in the first place we would be well down the road towards establishing whether or not a true emergency does exist, whether or not this legislation should be considered, whether or not other legislation should be considered. I say I am amazed; I am appalled; I am mystified by the motivation of the makers of this motion. I can only say that there is an apparent effort on someone's...behalf to cover up something that may be going on in Chicago...to whitewash some conditions that may exist in the RTA and to hide...hide behind the hypocritical...hypocritical status of saying 'We have to do something to bail out the RTA'. The Mayor of Chicago last week questioned whether there was indeed an emergency in the RTA. She is closer to the situation than any of us are. If we're going to find out, we can do it easily by expediting the passage of the Resolution introduced by the Speaker of this House and get to the heart of the matter. Let's find out what's wrong. The vehicle is there. We don't need any phony motions such as this or any phony Bills such as the one the motion deals with. Let's dispense with this motion and get on with the Speaker's Resolution which will get to the heart of the matter and find out just what is wrong in RTA."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Ewell."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we have to take recognition of what this will do to the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. What we have to do is something about the RTA now. Not next month, not next June. We cannot bury this in Committee and make it a 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 vehicle for every road, bridge, and viaduct in every county in the state. What we have to do is address the problem clearly and concisely. There is no better way to do it than to put it in a Committee of the Whole. The last time the City of Chicago went into the tank with Big Jim we got suckered. We ended up with the deal that we got now and the RTA is busted. And he got his road program. But I want to say to you that the close down of the RTA in the City of Chicago will affect the production of all of the plants in Cook County, Illinois. You're going to cost billions of dollars of losses to the businessmen. You're going to cause a loss of sales tax revenue to the state because the state can't get the sales tax unless the sales are there, and they can't get there unless the people get out to shop. Finally, you're going to have an impact upon the Chicago school system. We can't get the kids to school. It is impossible to make the days. It will be impossible to get the reimbursement. We're asking for a simple concise measure. The ability to put this measure out on the floor in the open where there will be no secret deals; where there will be no considerations but just an equitable consideration of the problem. I ask you, if you want to be fair, if you want to be fair with the citizens of Chicago and those of Cook County and the surrounding counties, you will give us an opportunity for we are indeed in dire need. Now I ask you because I know that you're going to have problems. You're going to have problems with your roads when they wash away. The floods are going to flood your lands and you're going to ask for help. Think of the problems that affect the people of the City of Chicago now. We can't wait until a June 30 deal. The RTA will be shut down and we beg the consideration of all just and equitable men...and women." 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981
"The Gentleman from Madison, Representative Steele."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise to urge that you vote 'no' on this motion that is before the House. I would like to point out this measure deals with one of the most important issues that is going to come before this General Assembly this entire Session...one of the most important issues. And if it is one of the most important issues, then certainly it deserves a thorough hearing. Certainly it deserves a thorough examination. Certainly it deserves a thorough testimony and thorough Committee action. Now we're going to spend by such a measure here before us over $40,000,000 without Committee action, then why do we need Committees? What do we need Committees for because there isn't many Bills that come through this House in which are spending over $40,000,000. Most of them are much less than that. And so I would say as the previous speaker has indicated, that this measure that is before us not only deals with $40,000,000 or more, but some of the blanks aren't even filled in. Some of the blanks aren't even filled in this measure that they're asking to bring before this House and vote upon it. I say to you that let's at least getthese blanks filled in. It's ridiculous to bring it before us when the blanks are on this Bill without them even being filled in. So let's not be stampeded. Let's not be railroaded. Let's not be rushed into action when the Bill isn't even complete yet. Let's put it through the regular Committee process. It deserves a thorough hearing...a thorough examination. I urge you to vote 'no' on this motion."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Jones."
"Thank you...thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Gentlemen of the House. I rise in support of this motion. After listening to the debate by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I can see what they are afraid of. Are you afraid of the Membership voicing their opinion on the most critical issue we're going to face this Session? If we restrict it to just the Members of the Transportation Committee the Members of this floor may not have an opportunity to voice their opinion on transportation not only in the six county area, but it affects the people throughout the State of Illinois. Each and every Member deserves the right to have their input on this critical issue. So I urge you...I urge the Members of this Body on the other side of the aisle in particular, to vote in favor of this motion because if you leave it to just the Transportation Committee your voice will not be heard. We have nothing to hide. This is why we're asking for a Committee of the Whole. We know you want your input, so vote in favor of this motion."
"The Gentleman from Adams, Representative McClain."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I stand in support of Mr. Madigan's motion. On extraordinary circumstances, the House of Representatives ought to consider a piece of legislation as a Body of the Whole. We did that for education a few years ago. We have done that occassionally on other specific issues. The issue really for us ought to be that we have a transportation network that claims it's going to close down March 15. Through the normal channels of the legislative process, we will not be able to do anything by March 15 unless we as a whole Body do it. Now Mr. Ryan and the Speaker of the House claims that he wants it to go through the Committee process. Mr. Madigan specifically says all of the Membership ought to be fully informed as to what the 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981. RTA and the CTA really does and what the RTA and the CTA financial circumstances truly are. He wants all of us to know, all of us to have the right to seriously cross-examine both bodies. Mr. Ryan, on the other hand, and Mr. Conti, and Mr. Telscer, and Mr. Daniels, met privately in a Chicago hotel in a Chicago room and found out about the private financing of both bodies, but they want to deny us the same opportunity. They would rather find out privately in a Chicago hotel rather than letting us know as a Committee of the Whole, and I support the motion."
"The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Giorgi."
"Mr. Speaker, the RTA has probably caused more anguish and more misinformation than...in becoming a piece of government of the State of Illinois than any issue that I know of. There are 30 new Members on this House floor. Thirty new Members are going to be asked to support either the...helping the of RTA or the dismantling of the RTA, and they ought to be given an opportunity to question the people from the RTA so that they can understand fully the matter. The Committee of the Whole has been used quite often and quite effectively in the House of Representatives in matters of Class X legislation, gun control, death penalty, and so on. So it is an established format. I know that at the Bismark Hotel you yourself, and your Majority Leader, and a couple of your Assistant Leaders met with the hierarchy of the RTA, and you may be satisfied with what you learned that day, but I think what you learned that day ought to be made.....to us also so that we can be afraid of what's going on between you and the RTA. Now, I think the 30 new Members here ought to study...ought to study the exclamations of their leaders, 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 because they seem a little hysterical. And they're hysterical because they don't want you to know what you should know about the RTA. And the only way you'll know about the RTA is by attending a Committee of the Whole. I urge you to support that motion."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Conti."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I wasn't going to say anything on this subject because enough has been said, but my name was mentioned by the previous Gentleman speaking. For the benefit, and I do say this for the benefit of the new Members, this is nothing new. The Sun Times, the Tribune, Lou Hill, Chairman Barnes, they knew they were going to find themselves in a position like this. It is out of hysterics that we've been passing peace meal legislation for the last 17 years. Always bidding them out under pressure. There is nothing wrong with coming in with a long term solution and the only way you can do that is not by bypassing Committee, not by making hysterics out of this and having everybody in this room think that they have to vote for something. This can be delayed, come in with a long term solution so that we don't have to come back here year after year after year on the CTA or the RTA."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative O'Brien."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, will the Minority Leader yield for a question please?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Madigan, is it your intention that House Bill 294 and in the Committee of the Whole to have the bonds...the short term bonds to finance the CTA issued without a ceiling on the amount that we will be issuing?"
"House Bill...in response to the Gentleman's question, House Bill 294 was purposely left silent on the question of 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 how much additional borrowing authority would be granted to the RTA. The Bill is purposely blank at that point. The purpose of leaving that section of the Bill blank was to require the RTA and CTA officials to appear before this Body and to prove up exactly how much money will be needed to carry them into June of 1981. If they are able to prove a certain dollar amount, then I would presume that the Legislature in its wisdom would grant that additional authority. If they are unable to prove up the wisdom of their request, then I presume that the Legislature would reject it."
"Well, Mr. Speaker, I think that what Representative Madigan is saying is that a Committee of the Whole will enable each and every Legislator in this General Assembly to work out his responsibility towards the CTA on certainly a piece-meal approach. But we will have the opportunity to see just exactly what they need to tie them over so that we can work without the long...on a long term program without the pressure of the RTA shutting down within the next few months. Mr. Speaker, I had mixed emotions about this motion of Representative Madigan, but now that he has answered that question, I would presume that...Democratic side to see to it that there is a ceiling put on the amount of bonds that will be floated, and this will give us the opportunity to work out some of the more important problems that we see facing the RTA, problems relating, and I think the Governor has indicated this in more than one press release, problems relating to the future make-up of the RTA Board, problems relating to the make-up and the interaction between both the CTA and the RTA Board, and also a new long term formula for funding urban transportation on a comprehensive level through out the Regional Transportation Authority. I think this is a good motion. I think it 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 should be supported by any responsible Legislator whether he be Republican or Democrat, and I think also that Members from the CTA, the RTA, and the Chicago Urban Transportation Authority ought to be present to answer their questions on what...answer our questions on what their funding needs may be. Thank you very much."
"Representative Laurino, did you seek recognition? Representative Ewing."
"Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question."
"Representative, would you hold that motion for a minute, please? We're almost through here, Representative Ewing. Would you hold that motion? Thank you. Representative Braun."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Every citizen of this state has a stake in what happens to the RTA. Every Legislator here has a stake in how they vote on the RTA. All of us should want the opportunity to hear what the plans are for the RTA. This is not purely a partisan issue. It is a chance for the Membership to avoid the kind of embarrassment that we had last year in which some Democrats and some Republicans alike were 'hoodwinked' with an illconceived fully constructed plan for the RTA. To the new Members, I want to give you a warning. This is not purely partisan. You should grab every opportunity you have to get all of the information you can get about a subject matter that is going to be this important and about which your vote will count. I have to tell you, I was a freshman last year, and for the first time had a chance to see how at the 11th hour 59th minute they come in with a package that is 99 pages long at 12:00 at night that you don't get a chance to read much less get a chance to understand, and you're forced to react and vote upon something that may not be in 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 the best interest of yourself or your constituents. I am happy to say I avoided the trap last year and didn't vote for it, but I can tell you there were a lot of people back home who when they got home found out what it was they were voting for and hung their heads in shame. You have an opportunity now by virtue of this motion to avoid yourself tht embarrassment, to avoid yourself being led down the primrose path by your leadership on whichever side...a chance to find out what the facts are for yourself. And as conscientious Legislators to the new Members and the old Members alike, I would hope that we would see 176 votes up there or however many we can get in behalf of this fine motion. I urge your support."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Yourell. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Garmisa."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As the Sponsor of House Bill 294, and as the Spokesman of the Transportation Committee, I rise to support Representative Madigan's fine motion. There has been a question raised as to whether or not we would be bypassing Committees and talking about the abolishment there of these Committees. There's no precident being set here. In times of emergency we have many a time come up in front of the Committee of the House as a whole to go into subjects that are of an emergency nature and that are of primary importance. And Ladies and Gentlemen, let me tell you this, that this is so important to have for the population of this state...or just about half of the population that this is not a proposition that we should be practicing brinkmanship on. I feel that it is very important that every Member of this House have the opportunity to hear from the RTA, its reasons, and its need for this legislation. And in addition, it is important 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 that this legislation be given immediate and quick consideration. The need for help is right now not later this spring. And I would appreciate the support of every Member of this House for this fine motion. And thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan, to close."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the issue has been very clearly defined. We have heard from both sides of the issue. The arguments have been well put. To those of you who have argued against this motion I simply ask of you, what are you afraid of? What are you afraid of? Are we, the elected Members of this Body, being led to believe that there is some reason why we should not convene here as a Committee of the Whole and receive testimony from public officials in this state? Are we being told that there is something wrong with that procedure? And if we are, I say to you, tell us what is wrong with this group at this point in the Session when the work load is very light convening here tomorrow as a Committee of the Whole to receive testimony on a very important Bill. Do not be misled. There is nothing wrong with that procedure. If you are a new Member, if this is your first Session, there is nothing wrong with you coming to that Session and learning something about this particular Bill and this issue which will face us throughout the Session. I recommend an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman's motion is to suspend Rule 66A to discharge the Committee on Transportation and to suspend Rule 31 to move House Bill 294 to a Committee on the Whole. All those in favor signify by voting 'aye', and those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Representative Madigan."
"I request a poll of the absentees."
"The Gentleman has requested a poll of the absentees. Mr. Clerk, will you poll the absentees, please?"
"Abramson, Bullock, Catania, Cullerton, Hanahan, Hoffman, Huff, Kociolko, Kucharski, McBroom, Schneider, Stearney, Tuerk..."
"Record Representative Tuerk as 'no', Mr. Clerk."
"Van Duyne,..."
"These motions having failed to receive the requisite 89 votes are hereby declared lost. There are 84 'nos' and 80 'ayes'. First Reading and introduction of House Bills."
"House Bill 336, Yourell, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the Department of Revenue, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 337, Mautino-et al, a Bill for an Act relating to the use of guide dogs by deaf persons, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 338, Mautino, a Bill for an Act to authorize police officers in the Department of Law Enforcement of the State of Illinois to organize and bargain collectively with their public employers, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 339, Lechowicz et-al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Criminal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 340, Huskey, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 341, Deuster, a Bill for an Act to provide for the safety inspections, licensing, and regulation of amusement rides and attractions, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 342, Balanoff, a Bill for an Act to add Sections to the Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 343, Pierce-Bowman-Sandquist-et al, a Bill for an Act to amend 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Sections of the Environmental Protection Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 344, Deuster, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 345, Friedrich, a Bill for an Act relating to election of city officers and certain municipalities organized pursuant to special charter, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 346, Bower-et al, a Bill for an Act in relationship to forms of acknowledgement of conveyances, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 346...(sic), Schraeder-McCourt, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 348, Swanstrom, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Insurance Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 349, Jaffe-Barnes et al, a Bill for an Act to provide for assistance to victims of violent crime, First Reading of the Bill."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker, I filed a Resolution..."
"Just a minute, Mr. Telscer. Could we have a little order please? Would you please come to order and take your seats? Representative Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, a Resolution has been filed with the Clerk. I wonder, Mr. Clerk, if you could read the Resolution."
"Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 50, Telscer, whereas the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives has always been and is properly acknowledged to be one of the most powerful officials in the Prairie State; and whereas, many a Speaker in days gone by demonstrated their awesome powers with a legerdemain not often seen outside these hallowed walls; and, whereas the greatest feat of all making a clock stop and time itself stand still was in those days of yore 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 nothing more than ordinary test of the Speaker's powers; and, whereas we duly note that the adoption of the new State Constitution in 1970 has diminished the Speaker's range of widzardry and has demonstrated that on rare occasions the printed word may be more powerful than the Speaker's gavel; whereas we must therefore spread upon the pages of this House Journal the observation that our present esteemed Speaker has failed to stop the clock or make time stand by..still; now, therefore be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly rise to extend our heartiest congratulations to its Speaker on the occasion of his 47th birthday and be it further resolved that we wish him good health, happiness, and prosperity in the years ahead as well as wish him that tenure of presiding officer of this House will fulfill his deep heart desire to bring honor and dignity to the work of this Body, and, be it futher resolved that a copy of this Preamble and Resolution be presented to Speaker George H. Ryan as a small but tangible momento of our respect and admiration for him as our Speaker and our unbounded regard for him as a loving, caring, and thoughtful human being."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, first let me ask the Members for leave to have everyone added as a Cosponsor on the Resolution."
"Is there leave? Nobody wants to get on, Representative."
"Well, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I now offer to move the adoption of the Resolution."
"The Gentleman has moved the adoption..."
"We've also got...Linda Wolf has a birthday cake and every Member will be reciving a piece of the birthday cake. Mr. Speaker, how does it feel to be 27 years old?" 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981
"Marvelous, then only another year and I'll be 28. Thank you very much. There is enough here for everybody. It will be available in my office, I guess...on the floor. Right here on the floor so you can all have a little pice of my 27th birthday cake. Thank you very much. Representative Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minority Party I wish to extend to you our sincerest wishes on your birthday and to hope that one year from today you don't look any older than you do now, Sir."
"Thank you, Representative Madigan. Age is better than any alternative that I can think of at this point. Thanks to each and every one of you for the kind gesture. I appreciate it very much. House Bills, Second Reading on page two under House Bills Second Reading appears House Bill #2, Representative Katz."
"House Bill #2, a Bill for an Act to amend the Vehicle Code, Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments."
"...You take that out of the record, Mr. Clerk. Representative Bradley."
"Question of the Chair, Mr. Speaker. In just the situation you just found yourself in, what is going to be the option of the...of the Speaker? Is he going to move those of those Members not here, or are you going to wait and make sure that a Member is in attendance?"
"No, at this point we're not going to move them, Mr. Bradley. We're going to hold them until the Member's on the floor."
"Thank you."
"House Bill #15, Representative Huskey."
"House Bill #15,..."
"Is Representative Huskey on the floor? Read the 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill #15, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Code, Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments."
"Are there Floor Amendments?"
"No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill #31, Representative Polk. Take it out of the record, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 116, Representative Vinson. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 116, a Bill for an Act to repeal the Illinois Health Finance Authority Act, Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments."
"Any Amendments from the floor?"
"None."
"Third Reading. House Bill 125, Representative Swanstrom."
"House Bill 125, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code, Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments."
"Amendments from the floor?"
"None."
"Third Reading. House Bill 130, Representative Hallstrom. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 130, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code, Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments."
"Any Amendments from the floor?"
"None."
"Third Reading. House Bill 173, Swanstrom. Take that out of the record, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 192, Darrow. Take that out of the record, too. House Bills, Third Reading. On the Calendar on page two under House Bills, Third Reading appears House Bill 141, Representative 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Hoxsey."
"House Bill 141, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act making appropriations to the Supreme Court, Third Reading of the Bill."
"Representative Hoxsey."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Bill 141 is a transfer. It transfers 37,000 from the contractual services line item for the third appellate district office of the clerk in Ottawa, Illinois. The requisition to the Capital Development Board for an air conditioning project in the appellate court building in Ottawa should have been line itemed as a permanent improvement. As it was, it was put in contractual services. There are no new money in this. It is simply a transfer of funds so that it is properly appropriated in the proper perspective. Amendment 1 adopted in Committee transfers $32,000 in the line item...for personal services to the Springfield offices and personal services from the Washington office. That is the Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation that is also a transfer fund. We have another Amendment. I would defer to Representative Giglio...Amendment 2."
"Representative Steele for Amendment #2."
"Giglio."
"Giglio. Excuse me. Representative Giglio."
"Amendment #2 to House Bill 141..."
"Amendment #2 to House Bill 141, Representative. Is that your Amendment? House Bill 141, Amendment #2. We're...its on Third Reading and they would like an explanation from you on your Amendment."
"Amendment #2 was the Amendment that was put on when I took office in December. The balance and the amount of money that was left in the contingency fund for each of us 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 had only $27. And what I am asking for is one month reimbursement for the contingency fund that every Legislator gets."
"I would ask a favorable vote on the transfer Bill."
"Representative Pullen."
"I would like to ask the Sponsor a question please."
"Yes, go ahead."
"Yes."
"Why is the extra travel money alleged to be necessary for the Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation?"
"The increases were not anticipated to the extent because of the cost of the airline transportation and an error in estimating the long distance telephone calls."
"Is this for travel to meetings of the National Conference of State Legislatures?"
"I can't answer that, Representative. It was my understanding it is between Springfield and Washington."
"Between Springfield and Washington?"
"Right."
"Thank you."
"Is there any further discussion? Representative Hoxsey to close."
"I would simply ask a favorable vote on the transfer Bill."
"The question is 'Shall House Bill 141 pass?'. All those in favor will signify by voting 'aye', and those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? On this issue there are 1...Mr. Clerk, will you take the record? On this question there are 132 'ayes', and nine 'nays', and four 'present'. This Bill having received the Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. On page three of the Calendar under the order of House Bills, Third Reading appears House Bill 157. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, House Bill 157 is a $16,000 appropriation for the six month period from January of this year through July 1st for the additional compensation for officers of the General Assembly which were created on the...opening week of this year's General Assembly..."
"Mr. Telscer, we're going to have the Clerk read the Bill."
"House Bill 157, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act to provide for the ordinary and contingent an distributive expense of the State Comptroller, Third Reading of the Bill."
"Mr. Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker and Members, I think I've just adequately explained House Bill 157. To repeat myself it is a $16,000 appropriation to compensate the officers of the General Assembly that were created on the opening day of this year's Session. Appreciate a favorable roll call. Answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 157. All those in favor will signify by voting 'aye', and all those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. On this question there are 115 'ayes' and 37 'nos', and three voting 'present'. This Bill having received the Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. First Reading and Introduction of House Bills."
"House Bill 350, Miller, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act in relationship to simultaneous tenure of certain public officers, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 351, Giorgi et al, a Bill for an Act to establish a program 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 of financial protection with regard to catastrophic health care and expenses incurred by residents of Illinois, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 352, Giorgi-et al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Lottery Law, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 353, Conti-Chapman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act in relationship to compensation and annulments of Members of the General Assembly, First Reading of the Bill."
"Representative Ewell, did you seek recognition?" Representative Schraeder did you seek recognition?"
"Mr. Speaker, I move to table House Bill 172, it was drafted incorrectly and it's being substituted by another one. That's House Bill 172."
"Are you the chief Sponsor, Representative? The Gentleman asks leave to table House Bill 172, are there any objections? Hearing none, the Gentleman's leave is granted and House Bill 172 is tabled. Representative Hoxsey."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would like to table House Bill 188, please."
"You're the chief Sponsor?"
"Error in introduction."
"The Representative from LaSalle, Representative Hoxsey, has asked for leave to table House Bill..."
"188."
"...188. Are there any objections? Hearing none, leave is granted, and House Bill 188 is tabled."
"Thank you."
"Representative Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I had wanted to speak on House Bill 157 and when I pressed my speaking button I was not recognized. I would have...after this, appreciate the opportunity to speak out on that 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Bill."
"I am...I am sorry, Representative, but you're not timely on your request. And I apologize for not seeing your light, but your request is just not timely. The Bill has been passed and has gone."
"Thank you very much."
"Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 48, Hoxsey, House Resolution 49, Tuerk, House Resolution 51, Yourell, House Resolution 52, Lechowicz-et al, House Resolution 53 Macdonald-et al, House Resolution 54, Capparelli-et al, House Resolution 55, Jaffe-Barnes."
"Representative Conti."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 48 by Hoxsey relates to the federal laws regulating advertising. It urges the National Advisory Committee and outdoor advertising and motorist information outside of the cities or villages. Only in the unicorporated area. House Resolution 49 by Tuerk notes that Charles 'Remburg' will receive the distinguished Eagle Scout award on February 24, 1981. House Resolution 51, Yourell, recognized Jane Elizabeth Connolly, a senior at Bremen High School Midlothian, Illinois as one of the four students selected to go to Washington D. C. as a student body. House Resolution 52 by Lechowicz recognizes the installation of new officers of the Polich American Community namely Jasinski, Wrobel, Zabelski, Gembala, Owens, Marusky, and Dulski. House Resolution 53 shows the patriotism where Patricia and Richard Gill of Arlington Heights distributed more than 5,000 yellow ribbons during the long hostage ordeal that we've had just over with a couple of weeks ago. Capparelli-et al House Resolution 54 recognizes or acknowledges John Serpico as the Man of the 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Year by the Joint Civic Committee of Italians American, and House Resolution 55 by Jaffe and Barnes extends the Rape Commission Reporting date until June of 1982."
"The Gentleman has moved for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Change of votes. Mr. Clerk, would you read the request for a change of votes?"
"Representative Hudson requests to vote 'aye' on House Bill 141. Representative Saltsman requests to vote 'aye' on House Bill 141. Representative Bartulas requests to vote 'no' on House Bill 141. Representative Macdonald requests to vote 'no' on House Bill 157. And...and Representative...Representative Tuerk wishes to vote 'no' on House Bill 157."
"Is there leave to have these votes recorded as changed? Leave...leave is granted, and the votes are changed. Representative Friedrich, for what purpose do you rise?"
"For the purpose of an announcement, Mr. Speaker."
"Proceed."
"Because of a conflict in scheduling, the Rules Committee will not meet until 9:45 in the morning instead of 9:00. Rules Committee in 212 at 9:45 tomorrow."
"Are there any other announcements before we adjourn? Representative Wikoff."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Cities and Villages Committee will not meet this afternoon because of no Bills being posted, but the Republican Members will meet at 2:00 for a few minutes in room H2. That is conference room H2 for the Republican Members."
"Representative Macdonald."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, there will be a meeting of the 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 7th Legislative Day February 24, 1981 Conservation and Natural Resource Committee in room 118. We have only one Bill so if everyone is there promptly we can get out almost immediately. Thank you."
"Representative Giorgi."
"Mr. Speaker, there will be a meeting of all downstate Democrats tonight. Downstate Democrats on 'reapportionment' at 6:00 in room 114. We're going to write our own map."
"Good luck. Representative Huskey."
"Mr. Speaker, we'll have a Motor Vehicle Committee in the...in D...in the C room over in the Stratton Building and there is only one or two Bills, so get there real quick and we'll get rid of you in a hurry."
"Are there any further announcements? I would like to announce that there is plenty of cake up here for everybody. There is still some left, and feel free to come up and have some of my birthday cake. You too, Mr. Redmond. You're welcome to have some of my cake. You don't need it, but you're welcome to have some. Representative Telscer."
"Mr. Speaker, I move the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at the hour of noon."
"The Gentleman has moved that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at the hour of noon. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House stands adjourned." 32