"The House will come to order and the Members will be in their seats. The House will be in order. The Chaplain for today is Father Eugene Costa from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church located in Springfield. Father Costa."
"Let us pray. Lord, Our God, source of all blessings, look kindly on these men and women gathered in this House. Give them wisdom and insight and guide them in the way of justice and peace. We pray through Christ Our Lord. Amen."
"Thank you very much, Father. We will be led in the Pledge today by Representative Polk."
"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."
"Roll Call for Attendance. For what purpose does the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Yourell, arise?"
"I don't know, Mr. Speaker, whether it is a point of privilege, but I would like the opportunity to use this forum to make a statement, if the Chair would grant me that privilege. It is not a political statement. It is something that I..."
"Could you come to the podium for a minute, Representative? There are 156 Members answering the...the Roll Call. 156 Members present, and a quorum of the House is hereby declared present. House Joint Resolution 67. Would you read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk?"
"House Joint Resolution 67, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that the two Houses shall convene in Joint Session on March 3, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 1982 at the hour of 12:30 for the purpose of hearing His Excellency, Governor James R. Thompson, present to the General Assembly his budget message for Fiscal Year 1983, as required Chapter 127 Section 38 of the Illinois Revised Statutes."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Telcser."
"Mr. Speaker, I offer and move the adoption of House Joint Resolution 67."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 67. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the Resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 68. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk."
"House Joint Resolution 68, resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that when the House adjourns on Wednesday, March 3, 1982, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 23, 1982 at 12 o'clock noon; and when the Senate adjourns on Wednesday, March 3, 1982, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 23, 1982 at 12 o'clock noon."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Telcser."
"I offer and move the adoption of House Joint Resolution 68."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 68. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. House Joint Resolution 68 is adopted. Representative Madigan, for the purpose of introductions for a new Member."
"Mr. Speaker, there is a new Member with us today replacing Representative Redmond from DuPage County and, for purposes of the introduction, I would like to defer to the senior Democrat from DuPage County, Representative 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Schneider."
"The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Schneider."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Minority Leader, for the opportunity to introduce a friend who is replacing, as you all know, former Speaker Redmond who has served with us for a long and had...long time and had a distinguished record. But Bud Loftus who is from Addison and DuPage County will be a superb replacement who has always been involved in the community and certainly in Democratic politics in our county. He is, as I say, a friend of mine. He is a diligent and a hard working individual. He is a lawyer, former partner of the Speaker. And it is again my pleasure to introduce Bud Loftus who will be sitting directly behind me threatening to watch how I vote as always is the case of other DuPage Members. But nonetheless, a new Member, outstanding. I am sure he will be a very superb Member of the Illinois House. To all of you, this is Bud Loftus, the replacement for Bill Redmond."
"Welcome to the Illinois House, Representative Loftus, and you're certainly welcome to make any comments that you'd care to make."
"Have...I have no comments other than to thank Representative Schneider and Representative Madigan, and I look forward with serving with all of you Members. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Representative Loftus and I, through redistricting, have ended up in the same district, the new district, but presently we serve in the 40th Legislative District with Representative Hoffman. And, Representative Loftus, 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Representative Hoffman and I welcome you to Springfield and to the General Assembly. If we might just say a few words and take a few moments to speak about the man that he replaced. Speaker Redmond was indeed a friend of ours, a friend of DuPage County, and a friend of all of you that served here in the Illinois General Assembly. We expect that Speaker Remdond's mark here in Springfield will indeed be missed. It will be difficult to replace his soft voice at times, tough voice at other times, and his eloquent manner in which he addressed legislation. Many of us remember times when we worked late, and we were entertained somewhat by an Irish song. And, yes, we'll miss that too in the General Assembly. But we won't miss him for long because he will be around talking to us in his new duties on the Prisoner Review Task Force, and he is here today in Springfield. I think he is in the back of the chambers here, and I would like to join all of you in thanking Representative Redmond, former Speaker of the House, for the excellent job that he has done for us here in Springfield and also for the people of the 40th Legislative District. Thank you, Bill Redmond, for the fine job you've done."
"The Gentleman from Dupage, Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As Bud Loftus is joining Representative Daniels and myself as one of the three Members from the 40th Legislative District, I, too, would like to publicly welcome him to this Body, and we look forward to working with him during this Spring Session of the General Assembly."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Hoffman. Could we have your attention please? The Gentleman from Cook, Mr. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Yourell."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I... have recently done some research into what was commonly called and known as a cut back Amendment that was propounded by the so-called Coalition for Political Honesty and was put on the ballot last November. And some of the arguments that were used in the media, some of the arguments that were used by the League of Women Voters and other organizations throughout the state...state indicated that this would really provide really true, proper representation to all 12,000,000 citizens of the State of Illinois. Well, those who were in favor of that Amendment really ought to get a list from the State Board of Elections of the candidates who are running in each Representative District, the 118 districts in the State of Illinois, and you will find, after going through that list, and pay attention, Media, because this was your big idea and your big thing. There are 57 districts in the State of Illinois out of the 118 that have no opposition either Democrat or Republican in the November election. 50%, 50% of the electorate in the State of Illinois will be disenfranchised in November because they will only have to vote for one name on the ballot, either a Democrat or Republican. Now, I can tell you that there will be an effort expended in this next Session of the General Assembly to do away with that nonsensical thing that deprived 50% of the electorate in this state of representation in the Illinois General Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives. Think about that. 57 districts have no opposition in November. What kind of a choice do the people in those districts have? Absolutely none. If you're a Democrat, and you're a Republican on the ballot with no Democrat running, you have 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 no representation. If you're a Democrat with no Republican, as it exists in all but three districts in the City of Chicago, you will have no representation. It is wrong, and you ought to look at it, and I would suggest the media take another look at that Coalition for Political Honesty's nonsensical Amendment that reduced the size of this House from 177 to 118 and disenfranchised 50% of the voters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The House will now stand at ease pending the arrival of the Senate. The House will be in order and the Members will please be in their seats. All unauthorized people will please leave the floor. The House will be in order pending the convening of the Joint Session. Will the Members please be in their seats? Mr. Doorkeeper."
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable President Rock and the Members of his Senate are at the door and seek admission to this chamber."
"Mr. Doorkeeper, admit the honorable Senators. The Gentleman from Cook, Mr. Telcser, for the purpose of introductions."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I'd like to first introduce to the Members in attendance Illinois' First Lady, Mrs. Jane Thompson, who is with us this afternoon. Also, Laura Lynn Ryan, the wife of Speaker Ryan, who I'm sure everyone knows. Brenda Edgar, the wife of our Secretary of State, Jim Edgar."
"The hour of 12:30 p.m. designated in House Joint Resolution 67 having arrived, the Joint Session of the 82nd General Assembly will 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?"
"A quorum of the House is present." 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982
"Mr. President, is a quorum of the Senate in attendance?"
"Mr. Speaker, a quorum of the Senate is present."
"A quorum of the House and a quorum of the Senate being in attendance, this Joint Session of the 82nd General Assembly is hereby convened. The Gentleman from Cook, Mr. Telcser, is recognized in regard to Joint Senate Resolution...Joint Session Resolution #5."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I now offer and move the adoption of Joint Senate...Joint Session Resolution #5."
"That is to create the Committee of Escort?"
"Yes it is, Mr. Speaker."
"You've heard the Gentleman's Motion moving the adoption of Joint Session Resolution #5. The question is, 'Shall the House...House and Joint Session adopt Joint Resolution #5?'. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, the Members of the Committee will be for the House, Representative Elmer Conti, Representative McMaster, Representative Hudson, Representative Yourell and Representative Matijevich. From the Senate they will be Senators Vadalabene, Hall, Johns, Schaffer and Becker."
"Will the Committee of Escort convene at the rostrum and then retire to the rear of the chamber to await His Excellency, the Governor? They are already out there. Well prepared group. Mr. Doorkeeper, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois wishes to be admitted to this chamber...and his party." 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982
"Admit the Honorable Governor, Mr. Doorkeeper. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you His Excellency, James R. Thompson, Governor of the State of Illinois. Governor Thompson."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, my fellow constitutional officers, Members of the General Assembly and my fellow citizens, today I present to you and to the people of Illinois recommendations for Fiscal 1983, which will begin in just four months. This budget is balanced. This budget...this budget does not request new taxes. And this budget does not draw down our reserves to fight recession, as we have for the last two years. Instead, this budget fights recession with spending cuts to keep government and its programs within the taxes our people have been willing to pay, and it forecasts a modest surplus of $30,000,000 to help strengthen our reserves by the end of next year. For the second year in a row, my request will mean a smaller appropriation from all funds. I ask that you appropriate a total of $14,173,000,000 for Fiscal 1983 down from $14,341,000,000 this year and down from $14,685,000,000 last year. I am requesting that you limit appropriations from the General Revenue Funds to 8.2 billion next year, an increase of just 1.4% over this year. And since spending in the first eight months of this year is still below spending at the same time last year, it is obvious that if you follow the bottom lines of my recommendations, we will have achieved, for our taxpayers, tighter controls over spending than at any time in the history of our state. In one sense...in one sense, these budget recommendations were difficult to draw, for the final product ends or reduces support for programs that we have taken for granted: increased funding for the arts, support for museums and public television, the maintenance 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 of all existing institutions for the mentally ill or the developmentally disabled, increases in state aid for elementary, secondary and higher education, new parks opened, a full array of optional services for Medicaid recipients. All these things and many more are gone. In another sense, however, the bottom line of the budget was not only easy to reach, it was imperative. Unless tax resources change, we must live within the recommendations for spending set forth here. Spending more money than we take in next year will lead to the fiscal ruin of this state and the loss of our credit rating. It cannot be tolerated by me and will not be tolerated by our taxpayers. And whether this budget is labeled tight, or lean, or hard, or difficult, is not as important as your understanding and the understanding of the people of Illinois that, if we have to, we can live with it. It is strict, but it is not cruel. And our priorities are still in order: children to be educated and protected; the poor to be fed, and clothed, and sheltered and treated; senior citizens who, in increasing numbers, must be assisted in maintaining free and independent lives; finding jobs for our people who can work and want to work; and more protection for all of us from the ravages of violent crime. The budget assumes and cares for an increasing number of those who cannot work or who have lost their jobs to recession. The budget recommends increases in resources needed to detect and prevent the abuse and neglect of children. The budget recommends increased support for economic development. The budget assures the greater availability of in - home care for dependent elderly persons, and the budget adequately staffs existing and coming on line correctional institutions. There will be those who say that this budget does not give enough to our people, but the point to 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 remember is what the government gives it must first take away. Unless you are ready, willing and able to take away, to increase taxes, there is no more, and here is why. Can we look to the near term economy? As we begin 1982, we enter our third straight year of essentially no growth in our economy. This stagnation, whether deemed national or regional, hurts. Too many of our people are unemployed, though more are employed than at any other time in our history. Our basic economic strengths, agriculture and heavy industry, are battered by national and international pressures and forces against which no Governor and no Legislature can guard or protect, though we have so far withstood recession better than our neighbor states. High interest rates, whether the result of tight monetary policies, or federal deficits or both, are devastating autos, and agriculture, and housing and retailing. We in the states cannot make credit cheaper. We can only make it available at its market price, as we did last year. Food prices are up, but farm prices are down. Energy is up and so are utility rates. The President and the Congress cut our taxes, but inflation pushes many into higher federal brackets. Education has never been more expensive nor more necessary. Our standard of living is the highest in the world, but, for many, the American dream has been sacked. We, in State Government, have responded to recession with all the tools at our command. We have put aside money in the general funds to spend when revenues were down. We have shifted funds from other priorities to support people who have lost their jobs. We have never been more aggressive in economic development than we are today. And those who have new job capital are responding to Illinois as a good place to live, and work and make a profit. We are rapidly unlocking the chains of sulfur which bind our 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 coal, and we will soon be to the nation and the world in energy what we have always been in food and grain. We have rightly increased day care and other support services to move people from the welfare roles to the employment roles. We have done all this and more, but we cannot control the economy from your chair or mine in Springfield. And so we must live with the budget, with fewer revenues because people who are out of work don't pay income taxes, and consumers are cautious with spending on goods which produce sales taxes. That means we spend less or raise taxes. There are no other choices. The forecasters tell us that recession will ease in late summer. I pray that they are right. But even if they are, people will return to work gradually, and consumers will spend cautiously. There will necessarily be a lag between the end of recession and the receipt of higher revenues by the state. Can we look to the Federal Government? Our state budget, in recent years, has increasingly been supported by federal dollars. Nearly a quarter of the appropriations you will vote this year are federal funds. This dependency is not unique to Illinois. It is shared in greater or lesser degree by all the states. In the last several decades, relying upon the mechanism of the inflated federal income tax, the national government has removed dollars from our people, transported them to Washington, financed hundreds of categorical grant programs and dangled the baited hooks until state and local governments bit. And now the bait is slowly slipping away, but the hooks are set. The states have lost revenue sharing, $113,000,000 a year in Illinois' case. Block grants have replaced categorical aid in some cases, but they are little more than new names for budget cuts. We lobby more aggressively for our fair share than anyone, but the pot is dwindling. We cannot suddenly become a prime 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 defense contracting state. And while we get top dollar in transportation, many social service dollars are delivered by discriminatory formulas that are the product of congressional history. But none of this - absent the return of both responsibilities and tax resources to the states in short order - is relevant to this year or next. Though we lost more dollars to recession, the reduction of federal aid last year was significant. And no matter whose budget is adopted in Congress this year, the President's, the Congress', a Republican budget, or a Democratic budget or a bipartisan budget, further cuts for the states and cities are a certainty. The question is not 'if'. The questions are 'when', and 'where' and 'how' the cuts will come, and we have no surplus in the state treasury to replace further loss. And judging by this year's federal budget process, we will be more than halfway through our Fiscal Year 1983 before the Feds adopt their Fiscal '83 budget and we know the magnitude of loss. There are some stout voices in Washington who tell us that they will not let states and cities take the hit two years in a row. But we know from experience that, if our expectations hit the iceberg, the lifeboats will be filled first with deficit cutters, entitlement spenders and the generals. In short, we cannot expect any significant new help from Washington, from the White House or the Congress, Republicans or Democrats, this year. That, in essence, is the story of the budget this year. Further cuts in spending are necessary unless you, we, here in Illinois, are willing to raise taxes. We are poised for economic recovery on a magnitude never seen in this state in 100 years. But we, in this state, do not price energy. We, in this state, do not pacify Chairman Brezhnev. And we, in this state, do not sweet-talk Chairman Volker. And the Congress will be 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 looking out for number one, not for 50. This Legislature has the right and the power to change the middle lines of this book. You always do. And in some instances, if we have new resources, I believe you should. My budget proposes that we decrease aid to elementary and secondary education by just 1.7%, higher education by just 1.8%. Or, to state it another way, to take appropriations down about $18,000,000 in higher education on a base of more than one billion dollars, and $35,000,000 in elementary and secondary education on a base of more than two and one-half billion dollars net of retirement. We have never done this before in Illinois, but our neighbors have recently, in response to recession, not only reduced aid to elementary and secondary education, by far larger amounts, but have rescinded current year appropriations. And in the nine states surrounding Illinois, in Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and Iowa, and Missouri, and Kentucky, and Tennessee, and Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Legislatures have recently reduced state higher ed spending per student by eight to 24%. At this point we ought to clear away a few myths. A reduction of 1.7% in state aid to elementary and secondary education would lead to no general local property tax rate increases. Most school districts in Illinois now tax at their maximum rates, and local voters would have to give permission for local tax rates to rise. Even a reduction of 1.7% for elementary and secondary schools still increases, not decreases, per pupil support next year. And there is room in the higher educational community for increased productivity to help ease a reduction of 1.8%. But my own view is that, while education can live with this budget, they should not. I would increase support for education as my first priority, if this General Assembly provides new resources. I would increase state aid to 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 local school districts. I would continue the catch up of university faculty and staff salaries. I would enhance programs relating to economic development. I would provide more scholarship aid to cushion the impact of higher tuition, and I would strengthen the ability of community colleges to assist in industrial training and re-training programs. But I do not believe that this $53,000,000 and more can be found in other areas of the budget. Some sort of modest tax increase is the only hope of greater support for education this year. I believe that there will, for the foreseeable future, be a need for a strong and compassionate system of state institutions to care for mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons. Not all who need our help can or should go to community base treatment. The recommendations of this budget will provide treatment and facilities adequate within existing resources. But I believe that if people as compassionate and generous as are the people of Illinois are able to and would want to do more, they would and I would enrich our programs for training and care. They would and I would increase the staff/patient ratio. But resources of this magnitude are not to be found in other parts of the budget, and I do not believe we will significantly differ on revenue estimates this year. That leaves only a modest tax increase as a funding source for better mental health care, or, for that matter, any other priority of this Assembly for increased funding or restoration of lost funds. Edmund Burke, speaking 200 years ago of the American tax system said, 'To tax and to please, no more than to love and be wise, is not given to men'. But our citizens realize that taxes are what we pay for a civilized society. I believe our citizens are much less afraid of a few pennies in higher taxes than they are of politicians who won't openly 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 and candidly discuss taxes with them, in or out of election years. I repeat again, this budget, my recommendation, is adequate for our needs, and it is balanced with no new taxes, but this budget could be better. Our people would be better served with just a modest increase in resources. I have a modest proposal. If we amend the liquor tax, unchanged in more than a decade, to tax alcoholic content instead of volume and then raise the tax 10%, we could raise new revenues of approximately $55,000,000 a year. This tax alone, at a cost to our people of about a penny a drink, would restore the educational aid of $53,000,000. And Illinois is one of only a handful of states that does not levy a premium tax on domestic insurance companies. A tax of 2%, the standard for the industry, would raise more than $70,000,000 at a minimal cost to consumers even if the entire tax was passed through, though free market rate competition would undoubtedly prevent total pass through. That $70,000,000 could enhance efforts in education, mental health and other areas. And together, with more aggressive tax enforcement policies already announced and others to be implemented, the proposals I suggest today would go far to answer those who will say that the effort of this budget is not enough. A final word. Some in this chamber and some outside have called for the enactment of a higher income tax, even a graduated income tax on individuals this year. I am against any such proposals. Quite apart from the belief I hold that such tax increases are unnecessary and thus unjustified, simply increasing the income tax now, to keep spending high, would make impossible long-term tax reform next year. And I believe our tax laws ought to be reformed. I believe taxes should be imposed as a general proposition on those with the greatest ability to pay. And while I believe that our present tax system is relatively 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 fair, it could be made fairer. But there is no doubt in my mind that a unilateral increase in the income tax this year could do many efforts of tax reform next year since our low rate, flat rate, broad-based income tax is the single most important element, in any system of trade-offs, designed to lead to tax reform. I believe, therefore, that we ought to end the 'raise the income tax' debate, if there is one, and end it now and get on with the other business before this Assembly. The Constitution of this state says, it says, 'The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly a state budget for the ensuing fiscal year. Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the budget.' In this book, I have carried out my Constitutional duty. But in this Session of the General Assembly, I shall go beyond that duty and urge you to enact this balanced budget and the two taxes I have proposed. They are, as I have described, modest proposals with little consumer impact and no injurious effect on our economy or business climate. The Constitution also provides that you, and only you, the General Assembly of this state, quote, 'Has the exclusive power to raise revenue by law', unquote. I do not have the power, as some have suggested, to impose taxes, and only the General Assembly has the power, by law, to make appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the state. So I do not officially enter the appropriations process again until you return this book to me in July. But I will work with you, in the meantime, to provide the people of Illinois with the best budget possible to meet their needs, if not their expectations. I trust this General Assembly with the task of raising the revenue and appropriating it in the best interest of the people of this state. I believe the people trust you, too. These are my 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 recommendations, and I stand ready to assist you. Thank you very much."
"The Committee of Escort will come forward to the rostrum to escort the Governor from the chambers. The President of the Senate, the Honorable Phil Rock, is recognized for a Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Joint Session do now arise."
"The President of the Session (sic, Senate) has moved that the Joint Session do now arise. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no' by...all opposed signify by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Joint Session will now arise. The House will reconvene at 1:30."
"All who are not entitled to this House floor, will you please retire to the gallery? Thank you."
"The House will be in order. The Members will be in their seats. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lechowicz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I ask leave of the House to table House Bill 2055. I am the principle Sponsor and there has been a serious drafting error. I would like to have leave to table 2055."
"The Gentleman asks leave to table House Bill 2055. Are there any objections? Hearing none, leave is granted, and House Bill 2055 is tabled. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Telcser."
"Mr. Speaker, could the Journal please show that Representative Swanstrom is absent today because of a death in the family?"
"...Representative Madigan, do you have any excused absences?"
"Mr. Speaker, would the record show that Representatives 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Garmisa, Farley, and Vitek are excused because of illness?"
"The record will so indicate. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Piel, for what purpose do you arise?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Representative McBroom has laryngitis so he asked me to announce that there is a meeting of the Financial Institutions Committee immediately following adjournment in room C1. It will be a short meeting."
"Financial Institutions in room C1 immediately after adjournment."
"Yes, thank you."
"My advise to Representative McBroom is that he see his pharmacist."
"I told him the same thing but he didn't want to go along with that."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan, on House Resolution 673. Mr. Clerk, will you read the Resolution?"
"House Resolution 673, Ryan - Madigan, Whereas the Legislative Article of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 was amended in accordance with law at the election held on November 4, 1980; which Amendment provided for reduction of the membership of the House of Representatives from 177 Members to 118 Members; and Whereas, such a reduction in the size of membership of the House of Representatives will have an impact on the configuration of the House seating arrangement, the allocation of office space and the use and employment of resources and other matters relating or important in connection with the operation of the House of Representatives; Whereas, it is critical that the study of these matters and the issues relating hereto be undertaken immediately. Now, therefore be it resolved that the Committee...that a Committee be established to consider all relevant matters relating to the reduction of the size of 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 the Illinois House of Representatives and that a copy of its report be filed with the Clerk of the House, the Speaker and Minority Leader not later than September 15, 1982. Such Committee shall consist of 14 Members: The Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader, the Clerk of the House, the Assistant Clerk, five Representatives appointed by the Speaker and five Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader. The Speaker shall serve as Chairman of the Committee. The Minority Leader shall serve as Vice Chairman, and the Clerk of the House shall serve as Secretary."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan, on House Resolution 673."
"Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 673 is offered in light of the need for this Body to change the physical structure of this chamber and to provide for new assignments of offices in the Stratton Office Building in light of the reduction Amendment adopted by the people at the general election of November of 1980. The Resolution would provide that there would be 14 Members serving on a Committee created by the Resolution. You, Mr. Speaker, and I would serve on the Committee. The Clerk of the House and the Assistant Clerk would serve on the Committee. There would be five appointments made by the Speaker and five appointments made by the Minority Leader. This Committee would be required to develop a recommendation for the rearrangement of this chamber and for office assignments in the Stratton Office Building and any other physical changes required because of the loss of Membership. I would move the adoption of this Resolution."
"Is there any further discussion? Representative Zwick, do you seek recognition on this issue?"
"Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker. Thank you." 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982
"Proceed."
"I would like to address two points. First of all, I really, violently, object to this Resolution. I introduced a Resolution back in December dealing with Northern Illinois University which I have been trying to get called for quite some time. Now, I don't have a Member of Leadership's name on my Resolution, but mine hasn't been called, and I really object to the way this has been pushed through so that we can hear this right now. Second of all, I don't think that every time our House is changed we go about totally redoing our Houses, and I think this is exactly the type of thing that is expected of us by all those people out there who, do not forget, are going to be voting on you March 16, every one of you. Now don't do this. I mean, this is exactly what everyone said we would do, and you're doing it exactly like they said. Don't disappoint the people again. This is just a vehicle so that you can totally redecorate, not only this House chamber, but all of the adjacent buildings. And I really urge you, I know every time I have a child or a visitor comes, I don't redo my house, and those people out there who are paying their taxes for this kind of thing don't redo their house every time they have a change. I ask everyone to vote 'no'. Stand up for a change."
"Representative Koehler, do you seek recognition on this issue?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I object to House Resolution 673 because the Governor has just told us that we were in times of no growth, too many people were unemployed. We have high interest rates and inflation. I do not believe that a Resolution such as this is responding to the recession that we now find ourselves in. I would also like to speak to the point that earlier 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 this afternoon it was mentioned that the Amendment to reduce the size of the Legislature was resulting in less competition in the upcoming election races for the House. It is important to point out that the Commission...that the Commission drawn redistricting map is the major contributor to this problem. Number one, the court challenges were late in being resolved, so no new candidates did not...the new candidates did not know their new district lines until it was too late for them to get their campaign in order. And number two, the Commission packed the Legislative Districts to reflect political considerations, not the people that we are asking to serve. So, thank you."
"Representative Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, I would like the opportunity to respond to the two Ladies who sit in the front row on the Democratic side of the aisle. They sit among us at our sufferance. Mr. Speaker, first of all, as you know, Mr. Speaker, I play no role in deciding when things are called for consideration. Secondly, this Resolution proposes to create a Committee that would deal with a question which must be met and must be answered. Today there are 177 chairs in this chamber. After this Session and at the beginning of the next Session, there will be 59 less Members. I would presume that the Members would like to remove 59 chairs and provide for more space on the floor of the chamber. The question then becomes, 'Which chairs are removed?'. Do we remove the two that you two sit in or do we remove the back aisles or do we remove every other chair to provide space for people to move around? These are legitimate questions that must be answered, if not now, later. Secondly, there is a certain amount of office space available to the House of Representatives. Today, there is an apportionment scheme which provides how much space each 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Representative gets. With the loss of 59 Members, there will be more space available to be apportioned, and this Committee would develop recommendations in that area also. This is not designed as a...as an underhanded effort to remodel the chamber. I don't think the chamber needs to be remodeled. Our former great Speaker, Mr. Blair, remodeled this chamber before he retired to the Kankakee County area. However, I certainly would not wish to appear to be riding roughshod over those two fine Ladies who sit on our side of the aisle. And, therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that this matter be assigned to the Committee on Assignment for assignment to a Committee for Committee consideration. Thank you."
"House Resolution 673 to the Committee on Assignments, Mr. Clerk. Representative Reilly, would you come to the podium please? Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 649, Giglio; 651, Ryan - Johnson - Wikoff; 652, Barnes; 653, Topinka; 654, Topinka; 655, Topinka; 656, Giglio; 657, Giglio; 658, Giglio; 659, Madigan - et al; 661, Friedrich; 662, Donovan; 663, Ryan - et al; 666, Ryan; 667, Polk - Davis; 668, Topinka; 670, Ryan; 671, Irv Smith; 672, Friedrich; 674, Matijevich - et al; 675, Matijevich - et al; 676, Schneider; 677, Telcser - Madigan; 678, Madigan - Beatty - Kucharski; 679, Yourell; 680, Yourell; 681, Yourell; 682, Greiman; 683, Steczo - Kelly - Keane - Hoffman; 684, Macdonald; 686, Catania; 687, Catania; 688, Neff."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Conti,...I mean, the Gentleman from Florida, Representative Conti."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Resolution 649, Giglio, William Casimir Zajakowski, better known as Casey of Calumet City, will celebrate his 80th birthday on March 1. Ryan - et al, House Resolution 651, 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Seely Johnston has been involved in church fraternal activities in Champaign since 1924. His work with charitable organizations continued over three decades. At the age of 78 he is more active than men half his age. House Resolution 652, Barnes, Robert Borowski has been chosen to receive the Eagle Scout award at a Court of Honor to be held on February 7. House Resolution 653, Topinka, whereas Cardinal Council 1691 of the Knights of Columbus, located in Cicero, Illinois, has joined with other councils throughout the country in celebrating the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Knights of Columbus. House Resolution 654, Topinka, the congregation of the Sisters of Saint Casimir recently marked the 75th anniversary of its founding. House Resolution 655, Topinka, Berwyn Post 2378 V.F.W., Berwyn, Illinois, Ladies Auxiliary both celebrate the 50th anniversary of their founding in 1982. House Resolution, Giglio, 656, whereas February 24, 1982 marked the 25th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Polus. House Resolution 657, Giglio, whereas Mr. Sylvester Bojanowski of Alsup will retire from United States Steel on March 11 after 41 years of dependable and productive service for the corporation. House Resolution 658, Giglio, Father James O'Donnell of Chicago, Illinois was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Mundelein on May 4th, 1942 and in May of 1982 his classmates will celebrate their 40th anniversary of his ordination. Madigan - et al, House Resolution 659, whereas Joseph Bernard Meegan of Chicago, Illinois, age 72 co-founder and executive secretary of the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, America's oldest community organization, and its colorful voice since 1939, announced his retirement at a recent meeting of the executive council of that organization. House Resolution 661, Friedrich, 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 where Centralia High School has become the first high school in the United States to win 1500 basketball games when they defeated West Frankfort on January 9, 1982 at the Trout Gym. House Resolution 662, Donovan, whereas Dale Himstedt and Sandra White are united in marriage on January 29, 1982 at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Morrisonville, Illinois. Ryan - Telcser - Stiehl - Conti, House Resolution 663. The Illinois House of Representatives recognizes and welcomes these honorable members of the Ugandan National Assembly who are visiting Illinois. This African nation, a British protectorate since 1894, became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1962. Uganda, with a population that is equal to this state and with territory about twice the size, became a Commonwealth republic, and we congratulate them in their efforts to understanding the practice of representative democracy and extend them our cooperation in helping make their most informative and worthwhile visit. House Resolution 666, the House of Representatives...be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 80...General second Assembly, that they do hereby congratulate all participants in the Illinois YMCA Youth and Government Program. House Resolution 667, Rock...Polk and Davis. George Huizenga of Des Plaines retired February 28, 1982 from the Illinois State Police after more than 24 years of competent, professional service. House Resolution 668, Topinka, whereas Jean Kolczak of....whereas Jean Kolczak Sciora of 1608 South 57th Avenue is retiring after 39 years of service as an orthopedic nursing consultant. House Resolution 670, Ryan, whereas Josephine Oblinger...we do hereby congratulate Josephine Oblinger and express our deep gratitude for her contributions to the welfare of American women. House Resolution 671, Irv Smith. We hereby declare 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 that in May we designate the Municipal Clerk Week. This is congratulating the municipal clerks of all municipalities in the State of Illinois. House Resolution 672, Friedrich, whereas February 5, 1982 marked the 90th birthday of Stella Bellamy of Sandoval, Illinois. House Resolution 674, whereas the Knights of Columbus was chartered March 22, 1882, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in March of 1982. House Resolution 675, Dan Mota of Waukegan East High School wrestling team has distinguished himself as a champion athlete having won the Illinois State High School wrestling title in the 145 - pound division in 1981. House Resolution 676, to proclaim that 1982 is the year of the bald eagle in Illinois. House Resolution 677 by Telcser and Madigan. We commend Seymour Persky in his valuable contribution to the Chicago community through renovation, preservation of fine Chicago buildings. House Resolution 678, Madigan and Beatty. We congratulate and commend Joseph Vargas for his many years of service to his parish in his community. House Resolution 679, Yourell. We commend Thomas Kobilarcik who is coveted with the Eagle Scout award. House Resolution 680, Yourell, whereas Marvin and Theodora Nowak snared the joys of this festive anniversary with family and friends gathered in the 'Saber' room in Hickory Hills, Illinois. House Resolution 681, Yourell. We commend Mark Sipel for his dedicated effort to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout award. House Resolution 682 by Greiman. Five most distinguished Greek - Americans in 1982: Dr. Steven Economou in medicine; in communications, Charles Mouratides; for humanitarian services, Nick Nicholas; in government, Senator Adeline Geo-Karis; for business, Nick Vern. House Resolution 683, Steczo - et al, congratulations to the Posen - Robbins School District 143 1/2 on its 43rd 1/2 birthday. And be 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 it further resolved by the House of Resolutions...the House General Assembly rather. House Resolution 684. We congratulate the team members and coaches of the Arlington High School trap shooting team. House Resolution 686 by Catania. Congratulations to Dr. Fred Basolo upon his being elected the 1982 president elect of the American Chemical Society. House Resolution 687. We salute the officers and members of the...Cardinal Council members 1691 and their centennial year of the Knights of Columbus. House Resolution 691 by Kociolko. We congratulate Cicero Society Group 325 of the PNA on the occasion of its diamond jubilee. House Joint Resolution 696, Hudson...It is the wrong number on this one. We'll get a corrected number. House Resolution 700 by Katz, Terzich and Deuster. Happy birthday to Harry J. Fins, a friend and counselor in the continuing effort to improve the laws of Illinois. As soon as we get a corrected number, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I have the corrected number. I see. House Resolution 693, the Ottawa rescue squad, a not-for-profit organization totally comprised of highly trained individuals who donate their time. That is the Fox and Illinois Rivers run through the City of Ottawa. House Resolution 694, Bluthardt, Richard and Ronald Sharon belated anniversary, wedding anniversary. March 26, 1982 marks their 50th wedding anniversary. House Resolution 695, Tuerk. Charles Hastings retired as county auditor in 1980 after serving in that office for 28 years. House Resolution...House Joint Resolution 72. The Navy League of the United States is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to support the services which contributes to the nation's sea power. Vincent C. Thomas is a retired Navy Captain joining the National Headquarters Staff of the Navy League of the United States July 1, 1970 as Director of 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Public Affairs, and became Executive Director a year later. House Resolution 688, whereas the Two Rivers Art Council sponsors an annual creative writing contest to encourage residents of Hancock, Schuyler, Warren, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Fulton Counties to record their recollection of early days in those seven counties. Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen, I move for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions."
"Elmer, I didn't understand that. Would you repeat all of that please? Representative Friedrich, for what purpose do you arise?"
"Mr. Speaker, through the years there has been a lot of oratory around here about a basketball team or two that might have won an occasional basketball game, even some remarks about some that won the state tournament. But House Resolution 661 commends Centralia High School which has the all time record of having won 1500 basketball games in addition to having won the state tournament on num...a number of occasions and gone to the state tournament many more. So I hope you will join me in congratulating them for this Guiness Book of Records record."
"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 hereby adopted. Death Resolutions."
"House Resolution 650, Saltsman, in respect to the memory of the passing of John Dyke. House Resolution 664, Topinka, in respect to the memory of the death of James Michels. House Resolution 665, McBroom - Ryan, in respect to the memory of Paul McCullough. House Resolution 669, McBroom - Ryan, in respect to the memory of Jack Harrington. House Resolution 685, Bower - Ackerman, in respect to the memory of F. F. McNaughton. House 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Resolution 698, Lechowicz, in respect to the memory of Edward Bugielski."
"Representative Conti moves for the adoption of the Death Resolutions. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Death Resolutions are adopted. The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Bell, for what purpose do you arise?"
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the Sub...the Executive Subcommittee will be reconvening immediately following adjournment in room 02 of the Stratton Building."
"Representative Winchester, for what purpose do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of an announcement. The Economic Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee will meet March 5 in Chicago to make a...to have a hearing and to have an inspection of the Bureau of Employment Securities. Any Democrat or Republican Legislators who would like to join in that hearing should contact the House Democrat or House Republican Appropriations Directors."
"Agreed House Joint Resolutions."
"House Joint Resolution 70, Bower. House Joint Resolution 71, Macdonald - Meyer - Chapman."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Conti."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Joint Resolution 70, whereas Dwight 'Nickum' of Effingham, Illinois was born in Effingham County, they are going to name a bridge in that particular area for him. That House Joint Resolution is by Bower. I...House Joint Resolution...I don't have a Sponsor on this next one here. Northwest Special Recreation Associations honor the recipient national gold medal award. The National 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Recreation Park Association and National Congress held on October 27, 1981 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The gold medal award is the most prestigious award bestowed on the park and recreation community. I said before, I don't have the Sponsor on this. For the purpose of transcribing, will the Sponsor make himself known? Representative Macdonald. Representative Macdonald - Meyer - Chapman are the Sponsors of that House Joint Resolution. I move for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 70."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of House Reso....Joint House Resolution 70."
"And the other one is not numbered. I don't know what it is. Macdonald..."
"71."
"71."
"All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolutions are adopted. The Gentleman from Morgan, Representative Reilly, for what purpose do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to move to suspend the appropriate rules for immediate consideration of the First Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 315 which deals with the subject of a supplemental appropriation for day care. It must be passed today because otherwise we're going to have to cancel or de-obligate some of the contracts."
"The Gentleman has asked leave to suspend the appropriate rules to have Conference Committee Report #1 on Senate Bill 315 heard immediately. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the rule is suspended. Representative Reilly on Conference Committee Report #1 to Senate Bill 315." 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill, or this Conference Committee essentially transfers monies within the DCFS budget and then adds $329,500. The net result of which is it will have about $3,000,000 more to spend in the day care area. What that does and it has been discussed, I think, on both sides. What that does is put us in the position and the day care agencies in your districts in the position we thought we were in last fall when we dealt with the day care agreement that they made with the Governor's Office. Otherwise, we're going to have to cancel some of these contracts. So I would, on that basis, be glad to answer any questions. Otherwise, I would move the adoption of Conference Committee Report #1 on Senate Bill 315."
"Is there any discussion? The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Conference Committee Report #1 to Senate Bill 315. All in favor will signify by voting 'aye', all opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Mr. Clerk. On this question there are 141 voting 'aye', 2 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present', and this Bill having received a Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. Representative Frederick, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Could I please have leave of the House to be added to this Roll Call?"
"Are there any object...you mean on 315?"
"Yes."
"The Lady asks leave to be added to the Roll Call on Senate Bill 315 Conference Committee Report 1. Are there any objections? Hearing none, leave is granted. The Lady is added. Death Resolutions of former Members. Read the Resolutions, Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 660, Mulcahey - Rigney - Swanstrom, Whereas, the House learns with great sorrow and 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 sadness of the death, on January 18, 1982, of an esteemed friend and beloved former colleague, Merle K. Anderson; and Whereas, Representative Anderson was elected to the House from the 35th District and served with distinction for five terms before retiring in 1974; and Whereas, he was a most productive Member of various Committees of the House and his service as Vice Chairman of the House Transportation Committee exemplified the highest legislative standards and was deserving of our deepest respect; Whereas, born 77 years ago on a farm in Winnebago County, educated in its local schools, and later a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, his community involvement began long before his responsibilities as a Legislator started, and the benefit of his abilities, integrity and devotion to duty was felt by all with whom he worked including: the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors of which he was a member for over 20 years and Chairman in 1954 through 1955; the National Association of Counties where he served as a member of its executive board, as its 3rd Vice President, and as Chairman of its Welfare Committee; the Illinois Association of Supervisors and County Commissioners on which he served as Chairman of its executive board and Legislative Committees; the Winnebago County Housing Authority and the Winnebago County Fire Protection District #1 where he served as President for many years; Whereas, his death leaves a great void in the hearts of his family and many friends and associates who knew and respected him as a competent and hard working, but congenial man. Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois that we mourn the loss of Merle K. Anderson and express our deep gratitude for the services which he so freely rendered to his community, constituents, and the people of the State of 31. STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Illinois; that to his bereaved family we extend our heartfelt sympathy, and that a suitable copy of this Preamble and Resolution be presented to his devoted widow, Lucille, with our sincere condolences."
"The Gentleman from Stephenson, Representative Rigney."
"Well, Mr. Speaker and friends, I had the privilege of serving one term with Merle K. Anderson. He was in his final term when I was down here for the first time. I also, then, of course, had the privilege of running one campaign with Merle Anderson. I remember well he was getting on in years. His step had slowed a little bit, but we would make those small towns and the young eager candidates could always get in the front door of the hardware store of the feed mill ahead of Merle. But when Merle walked in, everything stopped and they greeted a friend. This was the man who had taken care of their problems for a decade down here, and they were always glad to see him. And it was to no one's surprise to see that, in the final term, he ran far ahead of the field. I think a tribute to this fine Gentleman. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to ask leave now to have all of our Members added as Cosponors to this Resolution."
"The Gentleman asks leave to have all Members added. Are there objections? Hearing none, leave is granted. The Gentleman now moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Further Resolutions?"
"House Resolution 697, Representative Lechowicz - Ryan - Democrat and Republican Leaders, Whereas, a past Member of this august Body, and the former State's Attorney of Cook County, the distinguished Mr. Benjamin S. Adamowski 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 of Spring...Chicago, Illinois died March 1, 1982, at the age of 75; and Whereas, a self-described political maverick, Mr. Adamowski was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1930 as a Democrat and was returned by his constituents for four consecutive terms, during which he served as Majority and Minority Leader; and Whereas, in 1956, after serving as Chicago corporation counsel and waging an unsuccessful primary race against Mayor Richard J. Daley, the spirited Mr. Adamowski switched his allegiance to the Republican Party and was elected Cook County State's Attorney, a post he competently filled until 1960; and Whereas, in 1963, Benjamin Adamowski again entered the Chicago mayoral race against Richard Daley and although unsuccessful, the late Mr. Adamowski garnered an impressive 44% of the vote and proved to be Mayor Daley's stiffest competition; and Whereas, a Chicago native and the son of an alderman, the indefatigable Mr. Adamowski received his law degree from DePaul University in 1928 and maintained a successful private law practice despite a political career which enabled him to employ fledgling James R. Thompson in his State's Attorney's office and later to support Richard M. Daley in his successful Cook County State's Attorney campaign; and Whereas, having also served as attorney for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners and having launched campaigns for seats in the Illinois...in the United States Senate and House of Representatives, Mr. Adamowski once remarked, 'I love a political fight. I always did. And, you know, I have a lot of fun'. Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we note with sadness the passing of a remarkable former colleague, dedicated to the interests of the citizens of this state 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 and so filled with the zest of the political spirit at its finest, and convey our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of Benjamin S. Adamowski; and be it further resolved that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to his widow, Mrs. Kathryn Adamowski."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Sandquist."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I first met Ben Adamowski when I was in grammar school back in the 30's when he and my father served from the same District, the old 25th, the northwest side of the City of Chicago. Then later on in the 50's when you heard he became a Republican and elected State's Attorney of Cook County, I had the honor of his selecting me to be his first assistant in the Civil Division, and for four years I worked with Ben Adamowski in that office. There isn't a finer Gentleman I have ever known or worked with. He called the shots as they were whether you were Republican or a Democrat, liberal or conservative. You just had to uphold the law. And I know it is a great deal of loss to all of the people of Chicago in the passing of Ben Adamowski, and I would like to be added to that as one of the Chief Sponsors. Thank you."
"Representative Conti."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I, too, suffer a personal loss with Ben Adamowski's passing on. He was my personal attorney and, as was mentioned by the previous speaker, integrity that could never be questioned. As my personal attorney he even took me to court all the way to the Supreme Court on a matter, and a man that stood behind the law and the Constitution regardless of who you were. This man is the highly...most highly respected man in the Polish community in the City of 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois. His son is now my corporation counsel in the Village of Elmwood Park, and he's almost a neighbor of mine living just several blocks away. We are all going to miss Ben Adamowski, and the political arena in the County of Cook will not be the same with Ben Adamowski not on the scene."
"Representative Peters."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I first met Mr. Adamowski in 1963 when he campaigned for Mayor of the City of Chicago, worked with him in the Polish community and other communities throughout the City, then had the privilege of being a member of the county ticket in 1970 when Ben was a candidate for county assessor, and I was a candidate in Cook County for the Board of Tax Appeals. He was a tough campaigner, a tough campaigner as a Democrat and a tough campaigner as a Republican. But the thread that ran through his life was one of strength, and courage and conviction. He was a gifted order, a dedicated public servant, and a man who set a certain style for politics, a style that sadly is leaving our political scene. A man who knew loyalty, a man who knew his friends, a man who had an appreciation for our political system, he will be missed, a leader in our state, and a great leader in our community, Ben Adamowski."
"Representative Lechowicz."
"Well, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, many great people served in this Body. When Ben Adamowski was here, he was noted as probably one of the most gifted orators in this General Assembly. He was a Democrat then, but as was pointed out, he always tried to help every person that sought his counsel. I met Ben Adamowski personally also in the mayoral campaign. It was the first time and the last time I ever lost a precinct, and I lost 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 84th Legislative Day March 3, 1982 it to a good man, a man who spoke directly with the people and had a very close feeling with the people on the northwest side. I always considered Ben Adamowski as a source of courage and counsel, a man, who no matter what your political party may be, would give you his interpretation as he seen it, and his interpretation as he saw best. Some people may call that an area where people of political convictions should not cooperate in. But Ben Adamowski was also an individual who really thought that the political process was an area that more people should become involved in. He encouraged strong participation, not only from the Polish community, but from every segment in the City of Chicago. Probably when he ran, that was the strongest base ever that has been a...of the Republican Party. That is to his credit. Also to his credit, though, he never forgot, he never said no to a person that he could help. Ben Adamowski, I, personally will miss you very, very much. I know that the people that you represented, that you have met and helped will miss you, and I know to his wife Kathryn and to his family we want to extend our deepest condolences on a Gentleman who has served this state, this country in a very excellent capacity. And, Mr. Speaker, I would like to have leave of the House to include the entire Membership on this Death Resolution, and, as a final note of respect, that the House stand adjourned with the adoption of this Resolution."
"You've heard the Gentleman's Motion. All in favor will signify by saying 'aye', all opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the House now stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 23 at the hour of 12 noon. I might add that the 23rd of March is a Perfunctory Session." 36 03/31/82 11:49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX MARCH 03, 1982 PAGE 1 HB-2055 TABLED PAGE 17 SB-0315 CONFERENCE PAGE 29 SB-0315 OTHER PAGE 29 HR-0660 ADOPTED PAGE 30 HR-0673 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 18 HR-0697 ADOPTED PAGE 32 HJR-0067 ADOPTED PAGE 1 HJR-0068 ADOPTED PAGE 2 HJR-0070 ADOPTED PAGE 28 HJR-0071 ADOPTED PAGE 29 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER - SPEAKER RYAN PAGE 1 PRAYER - FATHER COSTA PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 1 INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER - REPRESENTATIVE LOFTUS PAGE 2 JOINT SESSION CONVENES PAGE 6 GOVERNOR THOMPSON ADDRESSES GA PAGE 8 JOINT SESSION ADJOURNS PAGE 17 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 22 DEATH RESOLUTIONS PAGE 27 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 36