"Okay, the House will come to order. Will the Members please be in their seats? The Chaplain for today is Reverend Anthony Tzortzis from the Anthony's Hellenic Orthodox Church located in Springfield, Illinois."
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Oh Lord, our God, we pray to Thee to look upon all the elected and newly elected State Representatives, all the officers of our government, of our country and send to their souls, and to their hearts and to their mind the spirit of wisdom, of understanding and of piety. Illumine them with the light of Thy knowledge. Teach them in Thy Commandments and preserve them in the Christian faith. In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, withhold our blessings together with Thy most holy, and good and ... spirit always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."
"The pledge today will be led by Representative Vitek."
"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. Representative Getty, do you have any excused absences on your side?"
"None have been requested, Mr. Speaker."
"Okay. On the Republican side, are there any excused absences? I think... Will the Journal please show that Representative Fawell is absent because of illness? And Representative Huskey is absent because of illness. And Representative Bianco went home ill, also. Okay, take the record, Mr. Clerk. 156 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Messages from the Senate." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983
"A Message from the Senate by Mr. Wright, Secretary. 'Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has adopted the following Senate Joint Resolutions, adoption of which I am instructed to ask concurrence of the House of Representatives, to wit; Senate Joint Resolution 118, adopted by the Senate January 11, 1983. Kenneth Wright, Secretary'. Another Message from the Senate by Mr. Wright, Secretary. 'Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has concurred in the House in the passage of Bills of the following titles, to wit; House Bill 884, passed by the Senate January 11, 1983. Kenneth Wright, Secretary.'"
"Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1349, Daniels - Republican Leadership; House Resolution 1350, Chapman - et al; House Resolution 1351, Ralph Dunn - Richmond; House Resolution 1352, Richmond - Ralph Dunn; House Resolution 1354, Karpiel; House Resolution 1355, Daniels - Republican Leadership; House Resolution 1357, Donovan - John Dunn."
"Gentleman from Cook, Representative Conti."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Resolution 1349, by Republican Leadership. We're congratulating Mr. Brickhouse for his recent induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame. House Resolution 1350, Chapman - Macdonald - Meyers - et al. Whereas, Doctor Edward Gilbert has served as an Administrator in Illinois schools for more than 21 years. We heartily congratulate Dr. Gilbert on his long and successful career and wish him happiness and health in his retirement. House Resolution 1351, Ralph Dunn and Richmond. It has come to the attention of this chamber that Mr. Calvin Ibendahl of rural Tamaroa has received the prestigious Leaven Award presented by the American Agri-Women of their annual convention. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 House Resolution 1352, Richmond - Dunn, Ralph Dunn. It has come to the attention of the House that Mr. Kenneth 'Kie' Taylor is retiring as Murphysboro City Clerk after 25 years of dedicated and exemplary service as an elected public official of his community. House Resolution 1354, a retirement Resolution. Whereas, James McKenna on his success in Illinois and contributions to the Illinois economy. Mr. McKenna did oversee and manage the creation of Pfizer, Inc.'s Hoffman Estates Midwest Distribution Center in 1975, a facility which serves 16 states and employs 150 citizens. House Resolution 1355. Whereas, Tom Ryan's lifetime contributions to the people of Kankakee was continued recently when Mayor Ryan became Representative Ryan, replacing his brother in this chamber to make sure the people of his Legislative District would not go unrepresented during the final days of this General Assembly. His dedication and effectiveness as a public official was repeatedly verified by those in his community who have kept him there for Mayor for 18 years. So, be it resolved by this House that we do honor and commend Thomas J. Ryan for his many services to all, and that we thank him for his service to the people of his district in the Legislature of this state. House Resolution 1357, Donovan and John Dunn. The Pirates of Illiopolis High School, under the leadership of head coach Jerry Smalling, recently capped off an outstanding 1982 high school football season by finishing third in the Illinois High School Association Class 1A Football Championship playoffs. Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I move for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions."
"Gentleman offers and moves Agreed Resolutions. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no'. The Resolutions are adopted. Reading of the Journal." 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983
"Reading of the Journal of the 82nd General Assembly of the 125th Legislative Day..."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Peters, moves to dispense with the reading of the Journals and approve the House Journals from the 125th Legislative Day to the 144th Legislative Day. Does the Gentleman have leave? Hearing no objections, leave is granted, and the reading of the Journals shall be dispensed with. General Resolution. Will the Clerk please read the Resolution?"
"House Resolution 1358. Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois that a special service Committee to consist of five Members of the House, to be known as the Journal Review Committee, is hereby created, and be it further resolved that the Journal Review Committee shall examine and review the Journals of the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly and may give final approval to such Journals. The Speaker appoints to such Committee Representatives Oblinger, Smith, Reilly, Getty and Greiman."
"Representative Collins offers and moves the adoption of the Resolution. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no'. The Resolution is adopted. Messages from the Senate."
"A Message from the Senate by Mr. Wright, Secretary. 'Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has adopted the attached First Conference Committee Reports to Senate Bills 889, 1324 and 1524, all adopted by the Senate January 11, 1983. Kenneth Wright, Secretary.' A further Message from the Senate by Mr. Wright, Secretary. 'Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has concurred in the House in the adoption of the 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 following Joint Resolution, House Joint Resolution 85, concurred in by the Senate January 11, 1983. Kenneth Wright, Secretary.'"
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Cullerton. For what purpose do you rise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on page four of the Calendar under Speaker's Table, there's a Senate Joint Resolution 118."
"Could you hold that for a second, Representative, and come up here? Further Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1342, Representative... sponsored by Representative Tom Ryan - Telcser - Republican Leadership."
"Gentleman from Cook, Representative Conti, offers and moves the adoption of the Agreed Resolution. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no', and the Resolution is adopted. It's a congratulatory Resolution. Gentleman from Cook, Representative Cullerton."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. First of all, Mr. Speaker, I would like to... I didn't have the opportunity the other day to congratulate you on your election as Speaker. It's very nice to know that someone from our district has made it, and someone from our district has become the Speaker of the House. And, maybe some day, in a few years, maybe Representative Levin could be the Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Senate Joint Resolution #118 merely affects the Joint Condominium Study Committee which was created, and this Resolution would recreate it and continue it till June 30, 1983. It is not an appropriation. The money has already been appropriated. It merely extends the life of the Condominium Study Commission until June of '83, and I would ask... I'd be 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 happy to answer any questions. I can see everybody's interested in it. It's not very controversial, and I would appreciate a favorable Roll Call."
"Does the Gentleman have leave to suspend the appropriate posting rule and to adopt the Resolution? Hearing no objections, the Gentleman's Motion is adopted. The Resolution is adopted. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Levin. For what purpose do you rise, Sir?"
"Mr. Speaker, John Cullerton just indicated the... how proud we from the 12th District are that you are Speaker at the present time. We think it's a rather fitting tribute to you, in terms of your long career. And we know how well respected you are here in Springfield, but the point we'd like to make is that you are tremendously respected and admired back in the District as well. And you have fought hard for the concerns of the people in the 12th District, and one of those concerns was the 'no lights in Wrigley Field' Bill which you worked very hard on. And you went to a lot of the Members in the House; and, with your guidance and support, we were able to get that Bill passed. You've received a lot of tributes, but we'd like to give you one more on behalf of myself and Representative Cullerton. A tribute from the residents of the 12th District - an autographed 'no lights' T-shirt. I'd like to bring it up right now."
"Representative Pierce, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen, just a point of personal privilege to say good-bye and to honor the two colleagues on the other side of the aisle from the 32nd District who I've served with for the last decade and that is Betty Lou Reed and Donald Deuster. And let me say to those assembled here, there haven't been two more 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 conscientious Members of this House of Representatives than my colleagues, Betty Lou Reed from Deerfield and Donald Deuster from Mundelein. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with them just as it was with you, Mr. Speaker, over this last decade, and I will remember their services here and so will their grateful constituents. So, good-bye Betty Lou and Don. Come visit us. You are a symbol of integrity to all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Okay, would Governor Ryan please come to the podium? Governor Ryan? Governor Ryan, could you come to the podium? Mrs... Lura Lynn... Oh. I didn't see her. Come on up. Okay, Resolutions. Will the Clerk please read the Resolution?"
"House... House Resolution 1191. Whereas, the Members of this Body are deeply gratified for the leadership, integrity, fairness and thoughtfulness of the 57th Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, George H. Ryan. Whereas, Speaker Ryan's decade of service as State Representative was characterized by his exhibition of leadership skills and legislative expertise matched rarely in the history of this chamber. Whereas, his leading role in the House continued throughout his career where included two terms as House Minority Leader, two terms on the Appropriations Committee, a key role in legislative initiatives towards improving the state's business climate throughout the legislation designed to create jobs and preserve economic stability and growth. Whereas, his innumerable legislative achievements include his sponsorship of the innovative Illinois Bail Subsidy Program, the Illinois Nursing Home Care Reform Act of 1979 and other significant Acts. Whereas, some of his greatest achievements were as negotiator and compromiser, someone capable of bringing all sides of the controversy together; 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 that all realize their common goals is the improvement and quality of life for all the people of Illinois. Whereas, his dedication to public service began long before his election to the House and included service in the United States Army, service as a member and Chairman of the Kankakee County Board, volunteer efforts aimed at curbing alcohol and drug abuse and dedicated as a member of the National, State and Local Pharmaceutical Associations, the Kankakee Shrine Club, the Elks and Moose Lodges, the American Legion and the 100 Club of Kankakee County of which he was founder and member. And whereas, his exemplary service earned him not only the admiration of his colleagues of the House, but also numerous honors from such organizations as the American Pharmaceutical Association, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Political Recorder of the Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders, the Illinois Officer of Education, the American Legion, the National Federation of the Blind, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, two area agencies on aging, Easter Seal Society and others. Whereas, Members of this Body will always retain the respect and friendship for him. Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois that we do hereby congratulate George H. Ryan for a decade of service to this Body, his leadership as Republican Leader and Speaker and his innumerable achievements, all of which benefit the people of Illinois; and, be it further resolved that suitable copies of this Resolution and Preamble be presented to Speaker Ryan, his wife, Lura Lynn, their six children, Nancy, Linda, Julie, JoAnne, Jeanette and George."
"Representative Daniels offers and moves the adoption of the Resolution. Are there any objections? 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 Hearing objections... Hearing objections. We'll have to have a Roll Call. All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'... all those will signify by saying 'aye', opposed by saying 'no'. The Resolution is adopted. We're running out of time."
"Thank you very much. I'll be back on occasion to remind all of you the words that are in this Resolution. It's with some sadness that I leave one of the greatest chambers in the world, at least the 82nd General Assembly and those preceding it. I think with the Minority make-up of the Illinois House over the last several hundred years or couple hundred years or whatever it's been has made this one of the most deliberative and interesting bodies, legislative bodies, I think, to serve in in the world. And I would ask that the new General Assembly that comes in settle down immediately, put aside any political bickering and differences that have to be... that might take place here. You've certainly got your work cut out for you. It's going to be a tough tenure and, Mr. Madigan, I want to wish you all the luck in the world. And I know that you'll handle this gavel very ably and certainly with all of my good wishes and my best luck. And I say thanks to each and every one of you. Come down and see me. I'm on the second floor in the corner in old what's-his-name's office. Thank you."
"At this time, Members, and Lura Lynn and George, I'd like to take the opportunity to present to the House of Representatives the portrait of Speaker Ryan. As everyone knows, it's been a tradition in Illinois to present to the House, at each biennial Session, a portrait which we commission to be done of the Speaker. I think you'll agree with me that George's portrait very well expresses the type of service George has rendered to this 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 great institution and to the people of Illinois. It's with a great deal of personal honor and satisfaction that I present to the 82nd General Assembly the portrait of my very close, personal friend, the honorable George H. Ryan. I'd like to also take a moment to introduce the artist who did this magnificent painting. Mr. John M. Powell, Jr., and he's here with his wife, Arlene."
"Mr. Powell is the artist of my picture. He was the artist in the Bill Red... for the Bill Redmond portrait. He comes from LaSalle County - he and his wife, Arlene, and I think maybe, if we talk to him right and you fellows put the money together, you can get one of Telcser that's a little better than the one that hangs up there now. Mr. Powell, would you like to say a comment?"
"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, honored guests, I greatly appreciate the honor given to me by being allowed to paint George Ryan's portrait. Thank you very much. Thank you."
"Well, I thought my official duties were over, and they are; but, I'm going to take over the Chair just for one last minute. Dorothy Telcser, Speaker Telcser's wife is here, and I understand we have a Resolution, Mr. Clerk. Would you read the Clerk... Would you read the Resolution?"
"House Resolution 1194. Whereas, the Members of this Body are deeply indebted to their colleague and friend, Arthur A. Telcser whose eight-term career in the House of Representatives was an outstanding demonstration of selfless dedication to public service. Whereas, Representative Telcser played an active role as a forceful, and articulate and fair leader of his Party in the House. And whereas, he counts among his most significant 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 legislative accomplishments some of the General Assembly's most important achievements including reform of campaign disclosure laws, statutes protecting the rights of handicapped, Uniform Narcotic Drug Act, day care center laws, election reforms and consumer protection legislation. Whereas, his leadership roles included service as Majority Leader for the 82nd General Assembly, Assistant Minority Leader during the 81st and 79th General Assemblies, Assistant Majority Leader during the 78th General Assembly, Minority Whip during the 80th General Assembly, Majority Whip during the 76th and 77th General Assemblies, Chairman of the Condominium Study Commission and Chairman of the Spanish Speaking People's Study Commission. Whereas, his numerous organizations have bestowed him such titles as Most Effective Legislator, Best Legislator, Outstanding Businessman of the Month and Lakeview Man of the Month. And whereas, he is known personally by everyone associated with the General Assembly as a kind, hard-working, intelligent and conscientious leader whose contributions to the welfare of all the people of Illinois are unquestioned. And whereas, the Members of this Body hope Representative Telcser continues his career of dedication to good government and public service. Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois that we hereby offer our most enthusiastic commendation to Arthur A. Telcser for an exemplary service as a Representative of his constituents and as a friend and colleague of all of us. And, be it further resolved that suitable copies of this Resolution and Preamble be presented to Representative Arthur Telcser, his wife, Dorothy and their two daughters."
"Lady from Cook, Representative Pullen, offers and moves the Resolution. All in favor signify by saying 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 'aye', opposed 'no'. The Resolution is adopted."
"This is presented to Speaker and Dorothy Telcser on behalf of the Members of the Illinois House. There you are."
"Okay, George, Members of the House, I deeply appreciate that magnificent Resolution. George made it up, as did the Clerk, just the way I asked them to, and it will look nice hanging somewhere in our home. But, again, I sincerely thank each and every one of you for the magnificent things you've done for me over the last sixteen years and particularly the honor which I enjoy today. Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Just to congratulate the Lieutenant Governor Ryan and Mrs. Ryan, and only to say that we're a little concerned over the location of your picture. And we don't know if we can make room next to Speaker Telcser's picture up there, but we'll move his, maybe, over to the far right and we'll find a space for you. But, Speaker Ryan, it's on behalf of the Republican Members of the 82nd General Assembly and the new Members of the 83rd General Assembly. It's been a pleasure working with you. We admire your dedication to public service, and we're looking forward to great things out of the Lieutenant Governor's Office and for the future for you, your family, Lura Lynn. Speaker Telcser, it's been a pleasure serving under you, Sir, as Speaker of the House, and we know that Dorothy has been a mainstay in your life and has helped you through these trying past few days as you've run the General Assembly in the State of Illinois. To the two of you, we'll miss you. You always have a place in the General Assembly on the Republican side of the aisle. Thank you very much."
"Representative Vitek, for what purpose do you 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 rise, Sir?"
"On a point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point, Sir."
"I would like to echo the remarks of Lee Daniels, who I thought sure was going to be a runner-up for the Speaker, but we got the real guy up there now. And I want to echo the remarks he just made and second what he says. You're two great guys. We're going to miss you. We're going to miss all the old timers that are leaving us, and God love you and welcome all the new Members, too. God love you."
"Thank you very much, John. Gentleman from Cook, Representative Jones, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point, Sir."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this is as well my last day in this particular chamber. I will be going across to the rotunda to serve as a Senator from the 17th District, but I want to thank all the Members who I've served... whom I've served with for the last ten years; because, in this Body, this is the only place where men and women can come together to work on and solve the most difficult kind of complex problems that we're faced with. Former Speaker Ryan and now Lieutenant Governor Ryan, our next Speaker, Michael J. Madigan, and all my colleagues, it has been a learning experience. I enjoy working with you, and I look forward to working on those bad Bills that you will send to the Senate. And I promise I will remember your name when you come over there."
"Gentleman from Cook, Representative Henry."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point, Sir."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it gives me great pleasure and honor to introduce to you some and 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 acquaint you with others, the great Congresswoman from the 7th Congressional District, my Congresswoman, the Congresswoman of the State of Illinois, Cardiss Collins."
"Gentleman from McLean, Representative Ropp, for what purpose do you rise? Ropp."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to rise on a point of personal privilege."
"State your point, Sir."
"Just one moment, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. As you know, a lot of people are going to be leaving, and I'd like to mention just three briefly. One is, when people leave they, I think, leave something to us. And I think the one person - the personal and physical courage that Dolly Hallstrom will leave us is something that we will all cherish and the down-home philosophy that Clyde Robbins will leave with us. I hope we will also cherish that. And certainly the close-working relationship and good friend of my seat mate, Jay Ackerman. We're going to miss them all. Thank you."
"Representative Kelly, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"State your point, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This is the last day that I will serve in the House of Representatives after ten years in this distinguished Body. I've enjoyed my tenure. It's been a great training ground for my going into the Senate. I'm... have had great moments in this House, and the Ladies and Gentlemen that have served in here have been certainly... have helped me to become a better person. And I thank you so much for your courtesy, and I will try to carry on the great traditions that you've made in this House in the Illinois 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 Senate. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Greiman, for what purpose do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege, Sir."
"State your point, Sir."
"I could not let the morning pass without recognizing the loss of my seat mate, Harold Katz. For the first three years that I served here, Harold Katz thought that I was a Page, and I was often carrying his lunch to him and other things. But, after a while, he learned that I was a Member and gave me... accorded me the respect that I thought I should be entitled to. Many of the things that we take for granted in this General Assembly are... come from Harold Katz's Commission on the Organization of the General Assembly. The research, the staff, the offices, all of that that we think must always have been here are the product of Harold Katz, his genious, his integrity, and he is an institution in this institution. And I will sorely miss him, personally, and the State of Illinois will also miss him. He is a wonderful friend."
"If I may, I wonder if I might take this opportunity to introduce our former colleague, great United States Senator, Senator Alan Dixon is with us in the center aisle. Death Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1353, Catania, in respect to the memory of Coula Butler. House Resolution 1356, Katz, in respect to the memory of Leonard Eisenberg."
"Gentleman from Cook, Representative Conti, offers and moves the adoption of the Death Resolutions. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no'. The Resolutions are adopted. Representative Oblinger, did you seek recognition?"
"Point of..." 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983
"State your point."
"I'd like to say, publicly, good-bye to my two seat mates, Irv Smith, whose been a real help and to Clyde Robbins, and I think you all are going to miss him. What are we going to do when we're here at 2:00 in the morning and we have no food? This is the man that saved us all."
"Messages from the Senate."
"A Message from the Senate by Mr. Wright, Secretary. 'Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has adopted the following Senate Joint Resolution and adoption of which I am instructed to ask concurrence of the House of Representatives, to wit; Senate Joint Resolution 119, adopted by the Senate January 12, 1983. Reads as follows: Resolved by the Senate of the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois the House of Representatives concurring herein that when the two Houses adjourn on Wednesday January 12, 1983 they stand adjourned sine die.'"
"Gentleman from Cook, Representative Sandquist, offers and moves the Resolution. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no'. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Satterthwaite, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I want to take just a moment to pay tribute to the woman with the greatest seniority in the House who is retiring from office today. Eugenia Chapman has long been a model for the women throughout the state, both in terms of her public service and her private life. I think both Democrats and Republicans alike can be proud of the service that she has given us, not only in a leadership position in the House, but as Committee Chairman and as a diligent worker through all the years of her service. We will certainly miss her 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 and wish her well."
"Lady from Cook, Representative Macdonald, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Point of peronal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"I would like to echo the words of Representative Satterthwaite. I wasn't sure that I could trust myself at this emotional moment to say anything, but I would like to stand to pay great tribute to a fine Lady, a remarkable person who has served not only her district, which has been the 3rd District for many years, but all of the people of the State of Illinois. She not only is a remarkable politician, but she is a true friend. We have had a remarkable bipartisan relationship that has, we hope, served the people of our district well, and I know that our friendship and our common interest in good government will not end with Eugenia's leaving this Body and my moving to the Senate. I wish her well, and I hope that all of the Members of this House will pay tribute to the great Lady that will be leaving this morning."
"Lady from Cook, Representative Chapman."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of this House, I had promised myself that I would not speak today, but thank you, Virginia. Thank you, Helen, and thanks to each one of you for the privilege of serving with you. I love this Legislature, and I wish you well."
"Representative Ebbesen, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House... and, Mr. Speaker, when you get off the phone, I think this is very important there. I think it's about time that we adopt the rules before we adjourn. Mr. Speaker? I think we ought to adopt the rules, if it's in 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 order."
"We'll take that under advisement, Representative. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Peters, with the Motion."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the hour and time has arrived for the changing of the guard. If you would indulge me, Mr. Speaker, for a moment and, in a sense, allow me to reflect, though briefly, on the ten years that I have spent in this Assembly and reflect for those who are leaving and who have served honorably with me. We can recollect over the years the impassioned pleas for justice made by Bob Mann, the well-reasoned arguments presented on this House floor by a Representative and now Judge Toby Barry, by the great pleas for conscience of a Corneal Davis, the great oratory, and wit and charm of a Henry Hyde, the tough, although compassionate, operation of a Bob Blair, the witticism and the fun of a Roscoe Cunningham, and even the happy birthday songs of an Adeline Geo-Karis which we can remember with thanks and probably also thank Joe Ebbesen for passing the rule to provide that no one ever again will sing happy birthday in this chamber. Who can forget the majesty and the awe which we all felt when this chamber was visited and addressed by the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter? It's a privilege not many have had. Who can forget the day when this chamber was so quiet that you could literally hear a pin drop, and you could hear the breathing of the Members when this chamber was addressed in a very impassioned plea by Mayor Daley of the City of Chicago in a plea for funding of the schools and for the school children of that City? Those were great moments. To the husbands, and wives and children of the Legislators just elected, let me suggest to you that you read from scripture in the book of Job and 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 know of the travail and the problems that God had set on Job to test his faith. He was true to the Lord. Know that you, as husbands, and wives and children of the men and women elected here, will also be tested. Your loved ones will be gone from home. They will have to make sacrifices for their constituents, as opposed to sacrifices for their family. Children, at times, may not receive the attention they should have, and you, as a husband and wife, may not receive the attention that you should have. Know that you will be tested, and that is the price, in a sense, that you, as family members, pay for your loved ones serving here. And that is a price that few people, few people, few in the public understand and can comprehend the tremendous toll that serving in public life takes on the family, but be strong. Be strong and give your husband and your wife who serve in this chamber the kind of understanding and the support that they deserve. When they come home frustrated, and cynical, and worn out and tired, understand. And, when they come home with a feeling of exultation and triumph at having succeeded, share in that glory with them. And you young people here, the children of the Legislators, when you are asked what your father and mother does, say with pride that they are politicians. In my view, there is no greater service that anyone can perform than to be of service to his fellow man. This great crucible that is this General Assembly. Say with pride that they are politicians. They serve the people. They serve the city. They serve the state. For except for the fact that there are people and families who are willing to give of themselves to serve in assemblies like this, in town halls in the villages throughout this entire country, there would be no democracy. It is the politicians, and their families and the political people who make this system work. To 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 those of you, my friends in the press, let me just remind you of a prayer we recite in our church in which we ask God to look not upon our sins, but the faith of our church, and I ask you, in your reports and as spokesmen for the people, to look upon this institution for what this institution represents - democracy in the purest form yet devised, full of frailty and error, but a great institution and one of the greatest institutions that man has ever devised and has ever created. Mr. Speaker, you and I have come down many paths together in this system. I have to say, and I say candidly and openly, that I love this institution. I have a great affection for the Members here, and I know you share that with me, Speak... Mr. Speaker. And, I know that the Members leaving and here share that feeling. I am reminded of a line from Shakespeare in which a speaker says, 'Life is but a poor player - who struts and frets his hour on the stage and is heard of no more'. Mr. Speaker, you and I have strutted and fretted our hour on the stage, and I hope we may be heard from again; but, if not, maybe that's the way it should be. A new generation and new people come to lead and to make decisions. This afternoon, Representative Madigan will be elected the Speaker. The great mantle of the Office of Speaker will be placed on his shoulders and the responsibility for leading this chamber. The torch, very effectively, will be passed to Representative... the torch of loyal opposition will be very effectively passed to Representative Daniels, and that is the way it should be, Mr. Speaker. We have strutted and fretted our hour on the stage. We've had our time. We've done, I hope, some good. I hope we can come back and be received; but, if not, it's in the nature of things that it goes that way. And with that, Mr. Speaker, again saying I love this institution and the people here, I now move that 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 82ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 147th Legislative Day January 12, 1983 the 82nd General Assembly adjourn sine die."
"The Gentleman has moved that the 82nd General Assembly adjourn sine die. All in favor signify by saying 'aye', the opposed 'no'. The 82nd General Assembly stands adjourned sine die." 21