"The hour of twelve having arrived, the House will now be in Session. Members will be in their seats, and the Reverend William...Bill Peckham of Contact Ministries will lead us in the invocation. Reverend."
"Let us bow for prayer. Father God, we ask you to bless this House of Representatives. Give them patience when they are tempted to make rash decisions. Give them wisdom when they are tempted to be expedient. Give them inner quietness when they are surrounded by demanding voices. Give them courage to stand alone when it would be easier to simply go along with the crowd. And above all, give them sensitivity and compassion for the human hurts and needs of our people. God bless us all. Amen."
"Thank you, Reverend. Representative Reilly will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag."
"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."
"Alright, House Joint Resolutions."
"House Joint Resolution #2. Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 83rd General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that the two Houses shall convene in Joint Session on Tuesday, February 8, 1983 at the hour of six o'clock p.m. for the purpose of hearing His Excellency, Governor James R. Thompson, present to the General Assembly his report on the condition of the state as required by Article V Section 13 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois."
"Representative Matijevich. You want...Representative Matijevich, you want to turn him on?"
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, as 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 you heard, House Joint Resolution #2 is the Resolution whereby we meet tonight at six o'clock to hear the good news from the Governor. I move the adoption of House Joint Resolution #2."
"The Motion is, 'Shall House Joint Resolution #2 be adopted?'. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', those opposed. The 'ayes'...In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it, and House Joint Resolution #2 is hereby adopted. No, we're going to take Roll Call when we return at six o'clock. We...well, Representative, everyone should want to hear the Governor. We will be returning at six o'clock after Committee meetings. They will be held until that time, and...Members should be in their seats promptly before six, actually, since we'll be moving rather rapidly. Are there any announcements? Representative Pierce."
Representative Pierce. Pierce: "I...Mr. Speaker, for one of our freshman Members, Representative Doyle, whether the Governor will finish in time for 'Winds of War', but I assume that he won't want to be cut out by the TV stations at the height of his speech. So, I'm sure he has the time to finish by 7 p.m., does he?"
"You'll have to talk to his public relation persons and his writers, Representative Pierce, but I would assume that that be the case. Representative Friedrich."
"Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask all Republicans to be present at a Republican Conference in room 118 at 5:15, and it's important to be prompt so we can get back on the floor. 5:15 in 118 for a Republican Conference."
"Alright, so...Fine. For what purpose does the Gentleman from Livingston, Representative Ewing, rise?"
"Mr...Mr. Speaker, I think we just adopted a Resolution, is that correct?"
"That is correct. House Joint Resolution #2." 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983
"Yes, is that...is there any problem with adopting that Resolution if you have no Roll Call? I don't see how we can take action here unless we're willing..."
"Well, we can...well, we adopt many Resolutions, and under our rules, Sir, we can adopt Resolutions...ve need only have Roll Call on certain specific items."
"We have never established there's a quorum present, Mr. Speaker. I don't think we can do business until ve are officially here to do business."
Speaker Greiman: "We'll be with you in a minute. Well, Representative, all...all the Representatives in the House are entitled to make a guorum call. If that is your request, the Chair will certainly accommodate you in that respect. The Chair has determined that the Motion...that the House Joint Resolution 2 carried, that it had an appropriate majority. You are entitled, Sir, to ask for a quorum call, and if you ask for one, you'll get one."
"Mr. Speaker, are you ruling then that we don't need to have a Roll Call before you adopt that Resolution?"
Resolution. a "The Resolution...there was a call for the A Motion was made. It vas adopted. You are... your request comes a little untimely for the House Joint Resolution to be considered. But if you care to ask for quorum call now, the Chair will certainly entertain such a quorum call. If you ask for it, you'll get it."
"Well, what I asked for, Mr. Speaker, was very simply just a ruling from the Chair, which I think any of us are entitled to. If you don't choose to give me that ruling, then I would ask for the quorum call."
"Alright, well, the ruling was, Representative Eving, that it passed, and that it passed appropriately. Now, that is my ruling. You may now do one of two things, Sir. You may. I suppose, appeal that ruling, or you may 3 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 ask for a quorum call. You'll get a vote on either one."
"Mr. Speaker, that wasn't the question on which I asked for the ruling. I know what you declare. I'm not foolish enough to ask for or to make a Motion to overrule the Chair, so I would move for a quorum call."
"Alright. The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels."
"Well, Mr. Speaker, are we in Session now or are we not?"
"We are in Session, Sir."
"Are you going to take a Roll Call for Attendance now?"
"There has been a quorum call requested, and we will take that quorum call now."
"I don't recall...did you ask for that, Representative Ewing?"
"Representative Ewing requested a quorum call."
"And in the future, might I ask your practice on what you intend to do with the Roll Call for Attendance? Do you expect us to always ask for a quorum call before you decide whether or not we're in Session, or are you just going to take an Attendance Roll Call like it is your duty to do as Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Sir?"
"There will be clearly an Attendance Roll Call taken. It has been the practice, Representative Daniels, to take it as we move along and not necessarily take it at the first moment. That was the practice under the...under the sixth...under the five terms that we've had."
"You mean you want to conduct business first, and you'd like us to ask whether or not there is a quorum? Alright."
"And no one has challenged the quorum."
"You aren't having any problems with the Members on your side of the aisle not being here, are you, or anything like that?" 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day
"None whatsoever.
"Alright, well, can we February 8, 1983 I suspect there's a quorum." proceed to an Attendance Roll Call then so we can determine whether or not we're in business today?"
"Yes, Represent... Mr. Minority Leader, this was originally announced as a Perfunctory Session. Certainly, as we said, every Member is entitled to ask for a quorum call. Representative Ewing has asked for a quorum call, and we will give him a quorum call. Representative Daniels."
"Mr. Speaker, I believe that you are conducting business during this Perfunctory Session, and first of all, I might call your attention to the Order of Business, Rule #1, call to order, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. Now, do you intend to abolish your own rules that you wanted to adopt so quickly, or haven't you had a chance to read them? Because if you haven't, I'll send this up to you so you can see that the Roll Call is the first Order of Business. Now, would you like to comply with that, Sir?"
"The Chair takes that as a rhetorical question, and on the quorum call for...Mr. Clerk, would you open the switches for a quorum call? Representative Vinson."
"I want to presage my remarks, Mr. Speaker, by saying that I'm not asking a rhetorical question. Do you intend, in future Sessions, to follow Rule 7 (A)?"
"Excuse me. Would you...would you...Mr. McPike, would you press my button, please? Sorry. Go ahead, Mr. Vinson."
"Do you intend, in future Sessions, to follow the provisions of Rule 7 (A)?"
"Representative Vinson, it is the intention of the Chair, and I am sure the Speaker of the House, to follow the rules that we adopted. They were adopted with 5 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 some seriousness, and they were adopted in a timely fashion to set the course of this House. We will indeed abide by those rules in accordance with our customs and traditions. Representative Vinson."
"Then, I wonder..."
"First, Mr. Vinson, excuse me. I don't want to not be in business. 97 Members have responded to a quorum call, and the House...the Chair declares that there is a quorum. Now, Mr. Vinson, would you like to do business, Sir? Go ahead."
"Under what provision of the rules can you have a quorum call before abiding by the provisions of Rule 7 (A)?"
"Mr. Vinson, I called the House to order. We adopted a Resolution on a voice vote. That Resolution has been declared passed. The Chair declares it...declared it passed, and there was then a quorum call. I have given a quorum call. If you want to overrule my ruling, you may do so. If you want to make a Motion to vary that or amend Joint House Resolution 2, you may do so. Otherwise, Sir, we are going on about nothing. If you have a Motion, make it. Put it. Representative Vinson."
"Did we just have a quorum call or a Roll Call?"
"We had a quorum call. That was what was requested."
"Okay, then we have not had a Roll Call yet today. Is that correct, Mr. Speaker?"
"A Roll Call is a quorum call, Sir. That is what we do it for, to determine whether we have a quorum."
"So you are not going to permit to have a Roll Call at the opening of Sessions of the House each day? You're just going to wait until the Member calls the question of a quorum?"
"I think we have pursued this long enough. The 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 Chair...we will...tomorrow we'll have a...we'll have a quorum call later tonight. We'll have one tomorrow, and we'll see what develops. Representative Davis, the Gentleman from Will, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Well, Mr. Speaker, along that same line, are you...last week or two weeks ago you adopted a rule, at your insistence, that prohibits any change of record of Roll Call after the vote is taken. Are you going to allow people then to get on this particular quorum call at this point, or are you going to continue..."
"That's right. This is not a Roll...this is not a Roll Call for Attendance for the day. It is a quorum call to see whether we can continue to do our business, and we are doing so."
"Oh, it's not a Roll Call. And then you're going to continue to take quorum calls as we go along until all your Members arrive. Is that correct?"
"There is a quorum. If you have a Motion, we are ready to do business, Sir. There being no further business, the House will be in recess till the hour of six o'clock. I would remind Members that there are Committee meetings. There is a Republican Caucus at 5:15, and it would be wise for all the Members to be in their chairs very promptly so that we may have the Governor address us. Thank you very much."
"The House shall come to order. The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. The Clerk shall take the Roll Call for Attendance. Have all recorded themselves who wish to be recorded? Have all recorded themselves who wish to be recorded? The Clerk shall take the record. There being 110 Members present, the Chair declares that there is a quorum present. The Order shall be House Joint Resolutions. Mr. Clerk." 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983
"House Joint Resolution #7 (sic - #6), McPike, resolved by the House of Representatives of the 83rd General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that when the House of Representatives adjourns on Wednesday, February 9, 1983, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 16, 1983 at twelve o'clock noon, and when it adjourns on Thursday, February 17, 1983, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 23, 1983 at twelve o'clock noon, and when the Senate adjourns on Wednesday, February 9, 1983, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 23, 1983 at twelve o'clock noon."
"The Chair recognizes Representative McPike."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move the adoption of House Joint Resolution #7 (sic - #6)."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye, all those opposed by saying 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. The Order shall be Introduction and First Reading."
"House Bill 196, Keane, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act in relation to uncollected claims and accounts received by state agencies. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 197, Oblinger, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Pension Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 198, Oblinger, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act on the Aging. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 199, Oblinger, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Act on the Aging. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 200, Cullerton, a Bill for an Act relating to exemptions from jury service and amending certain Acts herein named. First Reading of the 8 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 Bill. House Bill 201, Sam Wolf et al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the School Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 202, Sam Wolf et al, a Bill for an Act to amend the Open Meetings Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 203, Olson, a Bill for an Act to amend the Environmental Protection Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 204, Bullock et al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Municipal Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 205, Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act to revise the law in relation to recorders. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 206, John Dunn Yourell Mautino, a Bill for an Act relating to revenue. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 207, Currie Rhem White Bullock Levin, a Bill for an Act to revise the law in relation to public assistance and to repeal an Act herein named. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 208, Saltsman, a Bill for an Act relating to the responsibility for certain incurred expenses relating to arrestees. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 209, DeJaegher et al, a Bill for an Act relating to the refueling service for handicapped drivers. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 210, Preston, a Bill for an Act to provide for election of Members of the Illinois Commerce Commission. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 211, Preston, a Bill for an Act to add Sections to an Act concerning public utilities. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 212, Johnson, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Unified Code of Corrections. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 213, Wojcik et al, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Township Law of 1874. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 214, Ralph Dunn, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Regulatory Agency's Sunset Act and to repeal Sections of that Act. First 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 Reading of the Bill. House Bill 215, Henry, a Bill for an Act in relation to rent increases for dwelling...violating building codes regulations. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 216, Henry, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 217, Henry, a Bill for an Act to establish a tax on the production of petroleum, oil and gas and other hydrocarbons and to provide uses for revenues generated by that tax. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 218, Henry, a Bill for an Act concerning rent for housing with Building Code violations. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 219, Henry, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Criminal Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 220, Topinka, a Bill for an Act relating to municipally-owned public utilities. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 221, Henry, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 222, Giorgi, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Optometric Practice Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 223, Nash, a Bill for an Act to legalize and validate appropriation Bills and tax levy ordinances of certain counties. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 224, Yourell, a Bill for an Act to amend the Township Purchasing Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 225, McAuliffe, a Bill for an Act to amend the Highway Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 226, Stuffle Saltsman, a Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act to create the State Universities Civil Service System. First Reading of the Bill. Further Introductions. House Bill 227, Mulcahey... Take House Bill 227 out of the record."
"Are there any excused absences? Mr. Greiman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative... We ask that 10 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 Representative Laurino and Representative Vitek be excused due to illness."
"There being no objection, the record shall show that those Members are excused. Are there any excused absences on the Republican side? The Chair recognizes Mr. Vinson."
"Mr. Speaker, I'm not aware of any excused absences, but I might ask the Chair an inquiry, and that would be, is there any particular reason why at this time the camera light would not be on?"
"What is your question?"
"Is there any particular reason why at this time the camera light is not on?"
"Did you want it on?"
"I think we should always have it on, Sir."
"I had asked if there were any excused absences on the Republican side. Mr. Vinson indicates that he knows of none. And the Chair recognizes Representative Bowman for an announcement. Mr. Bowman. Would the Membership give their attention to Mr. Bowman who wishes to change the Committee schedule for tomorrow? Mr. Bowman."
"Thank you very much. I'd like to announce, for the benefit of the Members of the Appropriations II Committee, that we will be meeting at 9:30 instead of 9:00. We will be meeting in the same room, however. The adjusted schedule is 9:30 tomorrow morning for Appropriations II. Thank you."
"The Gentleman has announced that the Appropriations II Committee shall meet at 9:30 rather than at 9:00. Are there any further announcements? Representative Pierce."
"Mr. Speaker, the Gentleman gave me a good idea. The House Revenue Committee will meet at 8:30 instead of 8:00 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day as it is only legislation. February 8, 1983 an organization meeting, and we have no I thank the Gentleman from Cook for that very fine idea."
"The Gentleman has announced that the Revenue Committee will meet at 8:30 rather than at 8:00. At this time, the Regular Session will stand in recess. Mr. Doorkeeper."
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable President Rock and Members of the Senate are at the door and seek admission to the chamber."
"There having been a ground swell of support for the admission of the Honorable Senators, Mr. Doorkeeper, please admit the Honorable Senators. The hour of six p.m., designated in House Joint Resolution 2, having arrived, the Joint Session of the 83rd General Assembly will now come to order. Will the Members of the House and our esteemed guests from the Senate please take their seats? Mr. Clerk, is a quorum of the House present?"
"A quorum of the House is present."
"Mr. President Rock, is a quorum of the Senate present in this chamber?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A quorum of the Senate is present."
"There being a quorum of the House and a quorum of the Senate in attendance, this Joint Session is convened. The Chair would like to acknowledge the presence this evening of the Honorable Senator James 'Pate' Philip, the Minority Leader of the Senate. Mr. Philip. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Mr. McPike."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Clerk read the Joint Session Resolution #1?"
"Joint Session Resolution #1, resolved that a Committee of ten be appointed, five from the House by the 12 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 Speaker of the House and five from the Senate by the Committee on Committees of the Senate to await upon His Excellency, Governor James R. Thompson and invite him to address the Joint Assembly."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying "aye", all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Pursuant to the Resolution, the following are appointed as a Committee to escort the Chief Executive, the House Members by seniority: Representative Lawrence DiPrima, Representative Dwight Friedrich, Representative Clarence Neff, Representative E. J. 'Zeke' Giorgi, Representative Daniel Pierce. The Senate: Senator Emil Jones, Senator Thaddeus Lechowicz, Senator Joyce Holmberg, Senator John Davidson, Senator Beverly Fawell. Will the Committee of Escorts please convene at the rostrum and then retire to the rear of the chamber and await His Excellency, the Governor? Would the Committee of Escort please convene at the rostrum? Representative DiPrima. The Chair would like to announce and acknowledge the presence of the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, the Honorable George R. Ryan. We would like to acknowledge the presence of the Attorney General of Illinois, the Honorable Neil Hartigan. We are anticipating the presence of the Secretary of State, Jim Edgar; the Comptroller, Roland Burris; and the Treasurer, James Donnewald. I would also like to introduce the First Lady of Illinois, Jayne Thompson. We are also anticipating the presence of Lura Lynn Ryan, the wife of Lieutenant Governor Ryan, and I am told that Lura Lynn is in the gallery. And we would also like to acknowledge the presence of the wife of the Secretary of State, Brenda Edgar. Brenda. Mr. Doorkeeper. Mr. Doorkeeper." 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day
"Mr. Speaker, His Excellency, Governor James R. Thompson, is at the door and seeks admission to the chamber."
"Admit the Honorable Governor. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it is my honor to present to you His Excellency, James R. Thompson. I stand corrected. Oh, here's his... I am told that the Governor has arrived. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me present the Honorable Governor James R. Thompson. Mr. Thompson. The Chair recognizes Representative Terzich for the purpose of an announcement."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the Executive Committee which is scheduled to meet at eight a.m. tomorrow morning in room 114 will be changed to meet at nine a.m. in the same room, room 114. That is the Executive Committee will be meeting at nine a.m. in room 114. Thank you."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of this Joint Session, the Governor of Illinois, James R. Thompson."
"Thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, distinguished Leaders and Members of the General Assembly of Illinois, my fellow officers in State Government and my fellow citizens, for six years, the people of Illinois have relied upon you and me to carefully and wisely manage the government of this state, so that their tax dollars were spent only for essential services of government, for a decent level of care for those who cannot help themselves, for the education of their children and grandchildren and no more. We have done this. And unlike any other administration in the history of this state, in the last six years we have done something else. After putting enough money in the bank to protect us against the pain of any ordinary recession, we have given the rest back to our people in tax relief. In 1979, the state sales tax 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 on food and medicine was cut by 25%. The next year we cut it again by the same amount. 50% of that tax is now gone, and the people of Illinois have saved, not spent, $425,000,000. In 1979, we began to phase out the sales tax on business machinery and equipment So that those who employ our people would not be at a competitive disadvantage with employers in neighboring states. In 1980, ve expanded the Circuit Breaker Program which helps our senior citizens living on a small income pay the property taxes on the homes that they have worked for all their lives. In 1982, we removed the sales tax on farm machinery and equipment. And in that same year, we removed the tax on death by abolishing the Illinois Inheritance Tax. Since 1818, the year we became a state, you can look at any comparable period in our history and you will not find one administration which has simply abolished or reduced state taxes while raising none of them. Every other administration in this state's history has raised taxes, traded one tax for another or simply been content to collect the taxes in fourths. Moreover, this unprecedented record in giving tax relief to our people has been matched at the same time by improvement and expansion in the services delivered by State Government. Since I took office in 1977, state aid to local school districts has increased from $775 to $1,130 per pupil, and state revenue sharing with local governments has increased from $150 to $240 million a year. These actions, together with an additional $375,000,000 increase in state aid to local schools have helped prevent local property taxes from rising past their already painful level. Since 1977, ve have increased spending for State Law Enforcement to prevent crime and catch and punish criminals by 80%. We have increased the capacity of the state's penitentiaries 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 to take violent criminals off the streets of Illinois, by increasing spending for corrections 155%. To protect helpless children from abuse and neglect, we have increased spending for protective and adoptive services by 40%. To help senior citizens who cannot stay in their own homes without assistance, we began the In Home Care Program in 1980. Since that time, almost $70,000,000 worth of help has gone there. Apart from the increases in these and other human services, State Government has pushed steadily forward to meet the challenges of this decade and beyond. Because we rely upon electrical power generated by nuclear energy to a greater degree than any other state, we created the Department of Nuclear Safety in 1980. To promote comprehensive state and local economic development, we created the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in 1979. To protect the rights and opportunities of all of us from prejudice, bigotry or disadvantage because of race, color, sex or national origin, we created the Department of Human Rights in 1981. To protect energy independence, we have steadily pushed ourselves very near to the time when we will be able to mine and sell our coal in abundance, free from the stigma of pollution. All this time ve have been increasing the ability of our state's great system of higher education to prepare our citizens for the challenge of the world beyond. And as we, like other states, find it imperative to expand and diversify our economic base, we look to higher education - our universities and community colleges - to do even more. To advance our opportunities in computer sciences, the development of new hardware and software, information systems, microelectronics and bio-technology. And we expect our community colleges to take the lead in offering retraining to people who have permanently lost their jobs - as traditional industries, 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 like steel, and auto making, farm implements and heavy machinery have changed and lessened their reliance upon man's labor. We must be careful to understand exactly what is going on here. As we enter the 80's, jobs are not lost so much to the Sun Belt as they once were. For example, while a steel mill was shutting in Alabama last year, the same company was staying open and planning to expand in Illinois. While automobile plants are closing in California, our plants are open. But while not many jobs are leaving Illinois for other states because of the business climate, many are being lost from our nation's economy as industry changes. Shall an auto maker or a steel worker be doomed to permanent unemployment because the number of these jobs has decreased? That is unacceptable to me. We must substantially expand our efforts at retraining these kinds of workers to give them and others like them a new chance in life. To paraphrase Lyndon Johnson, many Illinoisans live on the outskirts of hope. Our task is to help replace their despair with opportunity. And our system of higher education is ready, in fact, eager, to respond to this challenge. What, then, is the state of our state as we begin 1983? For some in Illinois, life has never been more easy. But for many, life has never been more difficult. Hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens have lost their jobs to a stubborn, unyielding and almost perverse recession. Hundreds of thousands more fear such a fate. Hunger and homelessness increase. And while the people of Germany mail CARE packages to Detroit, not Chicago, our churches and charitable agencies strain to feed not just traditional drifters, but young families with children who now come to food shelters with embarrassment and unease, masking, but not concealing, hunger and despair. No one could 17 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 convincingly argue, of course, that society in 1983 does not provide resources unknown to those who shared the privation of the Great Depression. Social security, unemployment compensation, public aid, food stamps and Medicaid are means by which we transfer income from those who have to those who have not. The presence of these laws on the books does not always mean that all who must be kept safe are, in fact, kept safe. The funding and administration of these measures, not words on paper, must be measured if we are to ensure, as we must, that human services in Illinois do not fall below a level of decency. Though we have labored hard for six years to carefully manage the affairs of this state, though we have pounded waste and excess out of State Government, though we have maximized the return of federal dollars to Illinois, though we have made great strides in the improvement of our business climate, though recession may well be ending after four years of no real economic growth, it is my duty to tell you, my fellow citizens, that I believe that we can no longer save and cut, stretch and borrow, nor put off until tomorrow, the pressing human needs of today. For 14 years, this state has gotten by, sometimes well, and sometimes not so well, without any increase in statewide taxes. Instead, as I've said at the beginning of this address, we have had substantial new programs and substantial tax relief. But the same cruel recession which has been punishing so many of our citizens, has taken its toll on the ability of your State Government to maintain a standard of decency in the delivery of human services, a standard of excellence in education and a new standard of achievement in economic development. Throughout seven years and three campaigns for the Office of Governor, I have always promised you that if the day ever came when I believed tht we could not 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 maintain services without an increase in taxes, I would come to you and openly and plainly tell you so. That day has come. For a number of urgent and compelling reasons, I believe we ought to raise the income tax and liquor tax in Illinois. I do not make this recommendation to avoid hard decisions. A Governor of a state like Illinois makes such decisions every day. I do not ask for an increase in revenues because I believe that all problems are solved by simply spending taxpayers' money. To the contrary, I believe that the principle reason why the people have elected me to this office three times is that I have been careful with their money. When it was not there, I cut spending. When we had a little extra, I put it in the bank to guard against the perils of recession. That is why we have gone so long without a tax increase when few of our neighbor states have been able to do so. And when revenues exceeded needs by a substantial amount, we returned the excess to our people by unprecedented amounts of tax relief. I am proud of this record, and you should be too. That same sense of duty now compels me to tell you that we cannot continue without additional resources. Let me explain. When I first became Governor in 1977, I assembled a task force of volunteers from the private sector to look at government to see if costs could be cut. Eventually, the recommendations of that task force saved the people of Illinois more than $400,000,000. In my first year as Governor, I stumped the state to insist on a tight budget as we still felt the effects of the recession of 1974-75. You responded, and the budget was balanced. In each year that I have served as Governor, I have vetoed spending beyond our means - in 1978, for example, by more than one billion dollars. In 1981, as the nation and Illinois began to slide deeper into recession, I brought the budget down 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 five times during the course of the year. And in Fiscal 1982, for the first time in our history, we actually spent less money than we did the year before. This past year, I took another $500,000,000 from the budget before I sent it to the General Assembly. And as revenues continued to fall, I vetoed overspending after the adjournment of the Legislature in July. In the Fall Session of the Legislature, I warned that cash balances were low and urged the Members not to override any spending vetoes. The Legislature agreed. In December of last year, I asked for the speed-up of payment by utilities of taxes collected from their customers. The Legislature agreed. I asked for the passage of the Emergency Budget Act to allow me to reserve spending across the board, as revenues continued to fall because of increasing unemployment and lost retail sales. The Legislature agreed. Acting pursuant to that law, I reserved more than $160,000,000 in spending and was promptly taken to court by some who want us to spend money that is not there. The matter is now before the Supreme Court, which I trust will quickly resolve it. But the bad news has continued. The headlines of last weekend spoke of at least 20 states, including Illinois, in cash crisis, and we are not alone. Of the 50 states, only a handfull do not face deficits this year. The good news is that, compared to many of our neighbors, we are relatively better off. But that is not really good news. We can take no pleasure at the misfortune of sister states and the knowledge that we have been able to hold off deeper cuts and higher taxes longer than most, does not add a dime to our treasury. And one need not sit in the Governor's, or Comptroller's or Treasurer's chair to see it. Our people know. Many have lost their jobs. Many more saw their friends and neighbors lose theirs. Businesses closed, and For Rent and For 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 Sale signs abound. Large employers have put thousands of blue collar and white collar workers on layoff. Factory orders have been cut back while companies allow inventory to decline. Home building and auto sales came to a virtual standstill under the triple hit of lost consumer capacity, high interest rates and inflation. It is plain that people who are out of work do not pay income taxes to the State of Illinois. It is plain that people out of work or who fear the loss of their jobs cut back sharply on their spending with the result that millions of dollars in sales taxes are lost forever. I believe the recession is ending, but no economic forecast - cautious or optimistic, of which I am aware, sees a return to recovery in time to allow us to pay the bills we've put aside, hoping the recession would end sooner. People will not return to work overnight. And income and sales tax revenues will continue to lag substantially for the foreseeable future. The difficulty is that, even assuming a good recovery of the economy, we begin Fiscal Year 1984 just five months away with the obligation to pay some $650,000,000 in bills and that is before any restoration of 1983 cuts, prevention of 1984 cuts or new programs can be considered. First, all the forecasts now assume an additional revenue shortfall of $300,000,000 before the end of this fiscal year. Much of this is due to the recent steep slides in revenue beginning all across the nation in October of last year. If it is too late in the year to cut most of that from this year's budget, then part of it will have to be borrowed to be repaid in Fiscal 1984. Second, we estimate that income tax refunds will increase by more than $200,000,000 next year over this. Third, two years ago Congress changed the Unemployment Compensation Laws of the nation to require, for the first time, that states borrowing from the Federal 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 Government to help unemployed citizens pay interest on that debt. If the national economic forecasts of 1981 had been right, we might have avoided this interest payment. But the recession did not end, and now we and other states must pay. The cost next year of unemployment compensation borrowing is $50,000,000. And this is not a one-time obligation. Unless both Illinois and federal laws change, our interest payment in the following year will be $150,000,000. Fourth, as we continue to improve state services by the construction of university and college buildings, roads and bridges, we sell more long-term bonds to pay for capital expansion. These bonds carry interest. The increase in interest payments next year over this year will amount to $40,000,000. Fifth, several years ago, you and I decided that we would halt the long-time diversion of dollars from the Road Fund to pay for other things. The last payment of that policy decision comes due next year as we switch the payment of State Police salaries from the Road Fund to the General Fund. The cost is $40,000,000. Finally, the repayment of last year's skipped school aid payment comes due in 1984. The cost of this one-time obligation is $118,000,000. The point is that we begin Fiscal 1984, next year's budget, with an obligation to pay more than $650,000,000 right off the top. Under no circumstances will natural growth in our economy at present tax rates bring in anywhere near that amount. And offsetting an any growth as ve climb out of the pit of recession are the following factors: One, the abolition of the Inheritance Tax last year will cost some $80 to $100,000,000 in lost revenues next year: two, a lower inflation rate of five percent, which is good Dews for consumers, will cut the growth of income and sales tax revenues. And this year's revenues were enhanced, in part, 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 by measures which will not be repeated next year - interfund borrowing and utility tax speedups. In short, we cannot meet our obligations next year, let alone consider restoring some prior budget cuts or preventing new and massive ones without some kind of tax increase. It is for reasons like these that states all around us, large and small, urban or rural, northern or Sun Belt, Democratic or Republican, have had to turn to tax increases, and much earlier than we. The greatest part of our difficulties do not arise from the unavoidable press of old obligations stemming from recession or changes in state or federal policy of the kind I have just described. The most painful dilemma is that caused by the necessity next year to choose between a tax increase or massive new budget cuts that would risk the health and safety of the people of Illinois and which would seriously threaten our ability not only to recover from recession, but to move the economy of this state forward. Though my budget for next year will not be presented until March 2, it is my duty to warn you tonight that unless we raise substantial new revenues, we must adopt all and more of the following measures in June. State aid to grade schools and high schools will have to drop by $200,000,000 below this year's level. That means larger classes, closed schools, loss of special education for the handicapped and no substantial ability to move forward with plans to increase and improve teaching in math and the sciences to prepare our children as we do not now do for the jobs of tomorrow. And this kind of loss of state aid will put enormous new pressures on local property taxes. Funding for higher education would have to decrease by $100,000,000 from present levels. This would force salary reductions, faculty and staff layoffs, elimination of programs, tuition increases, and most importantly, would 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 8th Legislative Day February 8, 1983 cripple efforts to advance our already solid base in high technology and job retraining programs. We would run the very real risk of watching other states pass us by in the acquisition of new hi-tech jobs which are undeniably coming to the midwest. Grants for more than 125,000 general assistance recipients already reduced once last year would have to be cut off entirely. We would lose any chance for a subsidy for the RTA. Local revenue sharing would be eliminated, thus pushing property taxes to the brink. No state employees would receive pay increases of any kind. State parks and other recreational areas would close part-time. I do not pretend that paying taxes, especially paying more taxes, is popular, but I do not believe we have a choice. It is my duty, therefore, to recommend to this General Assembly and to the people of Illinois the minimun amount of new taxes I believe to be necessary to be imposed in the most equitable way. Of all the general taxes imposed by the state, I believe the fairest is the income tax. It is a low rate, broad based tax and falls only upon those with an ability to pay it. At its current level of 2 1/2% for individuals, it is one of the lowest state income taxes in the nation. I recommend that this General Assembly increase the rate to 4% which will put us at or below the rate paid in most neighboring states for fewer services. I recommend that the state corporate income tax rate be increased from 4 to 5.6% which, when the additional 2.5% for local government and schools is considered, would raise the corporate rate to 8.1 and still not put us out of line with neighboring competitive states. The only other tax increase that I would recommend is an across the board increase in the liquor tax, unchanged in 14 years, a modest increase, which I believe our people favor, would do much to help education, mental health and other services. On 24 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 the transportation side, I have asked for the last seven years for an increase in revenues. An increase this year of 3 1/2 per gallon in the gasoline tax, a phased in increase in the license plate fees, and a tax on heavy trucks, would produce the minimum amount necessary to match newly available federal aid. If we do any less, the dollars due Illinois will go to other states. What will this program cost the average person in Illinois? On the general tax side, a family of four earning $22,500 a year would pay just over $5 a week more, less if, as a homeowner, deductions on the federal income tax return were itemized, for then that increase in the Illinois income tax, which coincided with the federal income taxpayers' tax bracket would be exported to Washington and not paid in Illinois. Some have told me that they can support an increase in some taxes if others are reformed. I will support tax reform, especially much of that proposed by the Commission which I appointed last year. I will support an increase in the personal exemption of $100 this year and $100 next year. I will propose an increase in funding for the Circuit Breaker Program. And in fact, as I have said, our continuing ability to fund general assistance and revenue sharing at the state rather than at the local level reduces pressures on local property taxes by almost half a billion dollars. If this Assembly thinks it wise, I would increase the sales tax by 1/2 in order to eliminate the remaining state sales tax on food and drugs, or I would tax a group of services to be determined by this Assembly in the same amount to get rid of the sales tax on food and drugs. But that is not a program which can be supported from the revenues which I have suggested. I can hear some voices being raised in Illinois even as I speak by those who believe themselves to be the forgotten man. *Never 25 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSENBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 mind the tax increases, they will say. Make the cuts next year." I am employed, some voices will say. I don't need the help of general assistance or unemployment compensation. I have no children in schools', others will say. No members of my family are mentally ill ΟΓ disabled', others will say. These cuts don't hurt me. But they will. No one who has ever stood at the bedside of an infant, as I have, crippled for life by blindness or brain damage who can only whimper and reach out a hand in hope and trust could say that these cuts would not hurt us all. No one who has ever faced the fear and despair of victims of violent crime, as I have, could say these cuts would not hurt us all. No one who has ever talked with a parent out of work clinging to the hand of a fearful child, as I have, could say that these cuts would not hurt us all. No one who has seen the plight of hard-working taxpaying citizens confronted with staggering medical costs for a chronically ill or disabled family member, as I have, could say that these cuts would not hurt us all. In short, taxes are the price we pay for living in a decent, compassionate and educated society, the goal of which is the spiritual and economic progress of all. I am only asking that we pay enough to accomplish this and no more. I mean this to be a four year plan for Illinois under which we will pay off our recession debts, gain the ability to restore any and all 1983 cuts in critical areas, avoid massive disruption to vital services, and give us the strongest foundation of any state in the midwest to revitalize our economy and re-employ our people. A line from William Thackeray defines our duty. To tire out hostile fortune; to be daunted by no difficulty; to keep heart when all have lost it.' I believe this program to be right, to be sound and to be necessary. I will fight for it throughout Illinois. 26 8th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE February 8, 1983 I hope I will have your help and, in the end, your consent. Upon this, the future of our great state and its people depend. Thank you very much."
"The President of the Senate moves to adjourn this Joint Session. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye", all those opposed 'no". In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes have it. The Gentleman's Motion carries. This Joint Session is hereby adjourned, and the House stands in its Regular Session. It is our plan to adjourn at this time until twelve o'clock tomorrow morning. For what purpose does Mr. Friedrich seek recognition?"
"There will be a Republican Conference in room 118 at 10:30 in the morning."
"The Gentleman has announced a Republican Conference tomorrow morning at 10:15... 10:30. Mr. Vinson."
"Mr. Speaker, I know a number of Committees are meeting in the morning. I heard the announcement on that earlier, and I wonder if you would ask your Chairmen on the Committees to respect our need to have a Conference at that time and not consider Bills during that period of time while we're in Conference."
"Well, we'll do that, Mr. Vinson. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Are there any further announcements? The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Mr. McPike."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of twelve noon."
"The Gentleman moves that the House stand adjourned until tomorrow at twelve noon. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye", all those opposed 'nay". The 'ayes have it. The Motion carries. The House stands adjourned to twelve noon tomorrow." 27 02/22/83 14:30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 83RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX FEBRUARY 08, 1983 PAGE 1 HB-0196 FIRST READING PAGE 8 HB-0197 FIRST READING PAGE 8 HB-0198 FIRST READING PAGE 8 HB-0199 FIRST READING PAGE 8 HB-0200 FIRST READING PAGE 8 HB-0201 FIRST READING PAGE 8 HB-0202 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0203 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0204 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0205 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0206 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0207 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0208 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0209 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0210 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0211 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0212 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0213 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0214 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0215 FIRST READING PAGE 9 HB-0216 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0217 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0218 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0219 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0220 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0221 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0222 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0223 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0224 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0225 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HB-0226 FIRST READING PAGE 10 HJR-0002 ADOPTED PAGE 1 HJR-0006 ADOPTED PAGE 8 JSR-0001 ADOPTED PAGE 12 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER - SPEAKER GREIMAN PAGE 1 PRAYER - REVEREND WILLIAM PECKHAM PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 RECESS PAGE 7 HOUSE RECONVENES - SPEAKER MADIGAN IN CHAIR PAGE 7 HOLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 7 BECESS PAGE 12 JOINT SESSION CONVENED PAGE 12 STATE OF THE STATE MESSAGE - GOVERNOR THOMPSON PAGE 14 JOINT SESSION ADJOURNED PAGE 27 HOUSE RECONVENES - SPEAKER MADIGAN. IN CHAIR PAGE 27 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 27