"... Come to order. Members will be in their seats. The Chaplain for today will be the Reverend Richard Maye, who is Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Springfield. Reverend Maye is a guest of Representative Mike Curran. The guests in the balcony may wish to rise and join us in the invocation."
"Let us pray. Most Holy Father, who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. The Joint Session of these Bodies and everyone here are to express a hearty thank you for all Your love, which endures forever and Your faithfulness, which continues through all generations. As the House and the Senate assemble themselves, they do so to seek Your face in the affairs of men, women, children, animal and the environment. Give to each legislative official his and her direction that pleases You. Holy Father, allows this Body to be ready and willing to begin the process of the transformation of this evil and corrupt world. Throughout the history of this world, You have had men and women prepared for the evil times. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Harold Washington and countless others who are lesser known. We pray Your blessings on the works of the honoree, Harold Washington, that his Godly inspired agenda items will be implemented and continue to be implemented until they become the agenda of the world. May none of his thoughts and agenda items be abandoned for wrong, but be adopted for the right. We ask that this Body will show love and mercy, resist evil, implement change, hate complacency, seek good and live. And all the people they represent and serve will be blessed. In the name of our Son, Jesus. Amen." 1 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988
"Be led in the Pledge of Allegiance this morning Rice by Representative Rice." et al: "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. Members answering a Roll Call, a Klemm." One hundred eighteen quorum...
Representative Klemm: "Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. While we're standing at ease for a moment, I wonder if I could introduce the new Illinois State Republican Chairman, Mr. Al Jourdan, who's on the floor. He is from my district and like to give him a nice warm welcome."
HOUSE OF "The House Joint Resolution 140, Mr. Clerk." "House Joint Resolution 140, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 85TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN; that the two Houses shall convene in Joint Session on Wednesday, January 13, 1988, at the hour of 12:15 o'clock p.m., for the purpose of eulogizing the late Mayor Harold Washington, former House and Senate Member."
"Representative Giorgi moves the adoption of the House Joint Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye', opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Messages from the Governor."
"To the Honorable Members of the House of Representatives, 85th General Assembly. Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9b of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto and return House Bill 2713, an Act in relation to retirement. Sincerely, James R. Thompson, Governor. To the Honorable Members of the House of Representatives, 85th General Assembly. Pursuant to 2 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 Article IV, Section 9e of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bills 2713 and 2748 with my specific recommendations for change. Sincerely, James R. Thompson, Governor."
"Representative Matijevich for a motion."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I would ask leave of the House in the use of the Attendance Roll Call for the Rules Committee to meet immediately while the House is in Session in the Speaker's Conference Room and also leave to suspend the posting notice on Senate Bill 43, and this has been cleared through the other side of the aisle."
"The Gentleman asks leave to suspend the posting notice and to have the Rules Committee meet while we're in Session. Hearing no objections, leave is granted. Attendance Roll Call will be used. The motion carries. ... Representative O'Connell in the Chair. If you could give him your attention, please."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Many of you are familiar with and worked with the former head of the Illinois Police Association, Bud Erber. Bud has received a Resolution from this House and he was scheduled to receive this award. However he has been quite ill and was unable to be here so, I would like to, with leave of the House, present this Resolution commemorating Roland 'Bud' Erber for his re... on his retirement after 12 years as Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Illinois Police Association and 39 years of dedicated service. I'd like to also introduce Mr. Dale Gulbrantson, who is the... who has succeeded Bud in that role at the Illinois Police Association."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Matijevich." 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I just want to make a few short remarks because many of us know Bud Erber, and in fact, in the back of the House is Curly Rogers, who many of you know, not only from running the place with Sam Panayotovich, but also as the head of the Police Benevolent and Protective Association. He's back here in the back of the House floor because he knew this presentation was going to be made. Bud Erber has not only done an outstanding job for law enforcement officers throughout his long career in law enforcement, but he's also been a personal friend of mine and a personal friend of many of you who serve in the Legislature. And I also want to take this time to say, we all know that Bud has been very ill and we give our God's blessings to Bud, Bud Erber, that he have health restored to him and that he live in happiness and in good health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Committee Report."
"The Committee on Rules has met and pursuant to Rule 29(c)3 the following Bills have been ruled exempt on January 13, 1983 (sic 1988); House Bills 2033, 2323 and Senate Bill 43. Signed, John Matijevich, Chairman."
"Mr. Doorkeeper."
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable President Rock and Members of the Senate are at the door and seek admission to the chamber."
"Well, the Senate is certainly welcome to come in. President Rock, welcome. ...Madigan in the Chair."
"The House will come to order. Ladies and Gentlemen, would everyone please take their seats. Would everyone please take their seats. Would staff please retire to the rear of the chamber. Senator Netsch, would you take a chair. Mr. Granberg. Speaker Redmond. Speaker Redmond, would you take a chair, Sir. Take a chair 4 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 somewhere, Sir. Mr. Ewing, would you please take your chair. Mr. Huff, would you please be seated. Mr. Bowman, would you take your chair. As designated in House Joint Resolution 140, the hour of 12:15 p.m. having arrived, the Joint Session of the 85th 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, 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 beginning, I wish to acknowledge the presence of certain dignitaries who have joined us today. First, we are very honored to have with us the Governor of Illinois, the Honorable James Thompson, Governor Thompson. The Attorney General of Illinois, Mr. Neil Hartigan, Attorney General Hartigan. The Secretary of State, Mr. Jim Edgar. From the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of the Court, Mr. Thomas Moran. Justice William Clark. Justice Joseph Cunningham. Justice Benjamin Miller. Justice Howard Ryan. Justice Seymour Simon. Justice Daniel Ward. We're very honored to have with us several members of the Washington family and several close friends and associates of the Mayor. First, a brother of the Mayor, Mr. Roy Washington. A brother, Mr. Ramon Price. A sister, Gwendolyn Price. A niece, Susan Price. A sister, Elaine Price Lake. A niece, Dawn Lake. The Mayor's fiancee, Mary Ella Smith. Mayor's secretary, Dolores Woods. The Mayor's Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Jackie Grimshaw. An 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 old, close associate of the Mayor, Mr. Sam Patch. We're very honored to have a very bright young man, Mr. Christopher Grimshaw. Christopher. I would like to recognize Doctor Richard B. Maye, Pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Springfield for the opening prayer."
"Let us stand for the prayer. Let us pray. Most Holy and wise Father, on occasion throughout history You have summoned great men and women of state and You have done so again. And these men and women, who are assembled from the Governor on down, ask the same thing of You that Solomon asks, and that is the wisdom, the counsel, the knowledge to lead Your people. And if You would be SO gracious as You did with Solomon, grant the wish. We wouldn't have hunger in our state. We wouldn't have homeless. We wouldn't have unemployment, because the pervading love that starts at the top would reach everyone in our state. We pray that You would grant those who You have put in charge of the affairs of mankind, that they would take the responsibility seriously. And they have been assigned to teaching, do a good job of teaching. And they've been assigned the task of legislating the rules that guides one's conduct, enable them to set such rules and regulations that are fair and honest and just and that are merciful. If You have given them the ability to administrate, give them the wisdom to plan, to implement and to be caretakers for each other, that this entire state will continue to be the great state it is. We ask Your blessings upon the purpose of which we have been assembled to honor Mayor Harold Washington. We ask that his ideals pervade the conscience and thought and mind of each one here. Boys and girls throughout this Nation, who've heard about him, will learn about him and want to become like 6 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 him. Bless us and be merciful, Your Son, Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. You may be seated."
"The choir of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is seated in the Speaker's gallery and will sing the opening hymns." (Choir sings)
"Will the Clerk read Joint Session Res... Joint Session Resolution #3."
"Joint Session Resolution #3, offered by President Rock and Speaker Madigan - et al." WHEREAS, The members of this body were deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Washington, the distinguished Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, and our esteemed former colleague, on November 25, 1987, at the age of 65; and WHEREAS, Mayor Washington's tenure as the first black elected to the city's highest office was only the most recent accomplishment in an impressive career of public service during which the gifted leader and adroit politician felled racial barriers and became an influential voice in the city and State issues and national Democrat Party affairs; and WHEREAS, A native of Chicago, he was born April 15, 1922, to Roy and Bertha Washington, attended Forrestville Elementary School and DuSable High School and cultivated athletic powers (sic prowess) as an amateur boxer and a 1939 city-wide track champion in the 120-meter high hurdle event; and WHEREAS, After working in the Civilian Conservation Corps, he valiantly served during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater where he earned the Mariannas Campaign Ribbon; and WHEREAS, Nurtured in an environment of political activism by his father, a prominent Democrat precinct captain as well as lawyer and Methodist minister, Harold Washington displayed his own appetite (sic aptitude) for leadership 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 and (sic - as) president of the Roosevelt University student council and in his successful pursuit of a law degree from Northwestern University; and WHEREAS, Although he joined the law firm founded by his father, Mr. Washington's interest was increasingly turned towards (sic - toward) the operation of government, and for several years he served as assistant corporation counsel for Chicago and arbitrator with the Illinois Industrial Commission; and WHEREAS, The political savvy he gained as a Democrat precinct captain and under the tutelage of United States Representative Ralph Metcalfe contributed to the victorious outcome of his first bid for elected office in 1964, as he was sent to the Illinois House of Representatives during the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly on behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Sixth District; and WHEREAS, The realm of State government became a second home for Harold Washington, for he was returned as Representative in the Seventy-Fifth through Seventy-Ninth General Assemblies and then served in the Illinois Senate in the Eightieth and Eighty-First General Assembly (sic - Assemblies); and WHEREAS, Respected by (sic - on) both sides of the aisle, Mr. Washington developed an eloquent champion of progressive, social legislation whose accomplishments included co-founding the General Assembly's Black Caucus and sponsoring bills that designated Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a State holiday, strengthened the Fair Employment Practices Commission, established the Department of Human Rights, protected crime witnesses and advocated the cause of poor and elderly consumers; and WHEREAS, Answering the challenge of national politics, Mr. Washington left these chambers in 1980 when he entered the 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 United States House of Representatives from the First Congressional District of Illinois and helped preserve the 1965 Voting Rights Act; and WHEREAS, A new era for Chicago and new challenges for Harold Washington began with his 1983 election as mayor, as he tackled the problems of a mammoth municipal government with personal humor and professional toughness; and WHEREAS, Mayor Washington's stewardship permanently altered the nature of partisan politics in Chicago as dramatized by his 1987 reelection, and his untimely death has deprived the citizens of this State of one of their most inspiring and enlightening (sic enlightened) sons; therefore be it RESOLVED, BY THE JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE IN (sic OF) THE EIGHTY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn with profound sorrow the death of a respected and revered statesman, Mayor Harold Washington of Chicago, a public servant whose political acumen was equaled by his humanitarianism and whose dedication to the principles and ideals of the American system of government shall long enable (sic ennoble) his memory, and that we convey our heartfelt sympathy to his grieving family and friends; and be it further RESOLVED, That as January 18, 1988, will be observed as a public holiday in commemoration of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is fitting that Mayor Harold Washington, whose life and endeavors were so dedicated to the principles and philosophies expressed by Dr. King, also be remembered on that date; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Mayor Harold Washington and the city council of Chicago.
"On the Resolution, the Chair recognizes Senator 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Rock."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House and Senate, Governor and Elected Officials, the Chief Justice and Members of the Court, and the family and friends of Harold Washington. There is a strange charm, it has been said, in the thoughts of a good legacy, which charm wonderously helps to alleviate the sorrow that men would otherwise feel for the death of a friend. To all who were touched by the life of Harold Washington, his legacy is both powerful and good. To those in this chamber today who had the privilege to serve with Representative Harold Washington, or Senator Harold Washington, we will, I am certain, always remember his love and enthusiasm for the legislative and the political process and always his disarming wit and charm. Whether in committee or in his often spirited floor debate, Harold Washington put his heart and soul on the line, time after time. And to those not in this chamber today, to the people of the neighborhoods of Chicago who elected Harold Washington to this House and later to the Senate and later to the Congress and finally as Mayor, Harold turned on the bright light of access and impowerment to hundreds of thousands of men and women, who will, in fact, carry on his commitment to community and government involvement. There can be no greater legacy, Mr. Speaker, it seems to me, for those of us elected to public office, than enabling men and women to activate themselves and their communities to improve their own lives and that of their children. There isn't a building or a bridge or any man-made monument that will ever mean as much as the legacy of access, hope and involvement left by Mayor Harold Washington. I am a better person for having known him and the General Assembly, I suggest, Mr. Speaker, is a better place for each of us today because of Harold Washington's sixteen years of 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 service here. Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of Joint Senate (sic - Session) Resolution #3."
"On the Resolution, the Gentleman from Cook,
Speaker Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have lost a friend and a political supporter and confidante. The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have lost a dedicated public official who probably devoted more hours to his work as a public official than most of us do. The people of Chicago and the people of Illinois have lost a crusader for fairness in government and in the society. My temptation is to say that we are at a loss because of Harold's passing, but in reality we have gained because of Harold's presence. For those of us who were privileged to know him personally, for those of us who were privileged to have worked with him intimately in the affairs of government and for all of us in this state and in the City of Chicago, we are far better off today, far better off today because of the time that Harold spent with us, because of the work and efforts that he freely gave of himself to all of us and to all of the governments of our state."
"The Minority Leader, Representative Daniels."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Honored guests, Ladies and Gentlemen of the chambers. It is my pleasure to be able to talk about a colleague of mine and many of yours that we had the many, many occasions to work with. Today, we gather to honor what we consider to be a political legend. Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Harold Washington. The history books will remember Harold Washington as Chicago's first black Mayor, Chicago's first black Mayor. Somehow that's a narrow description of a multifaceted man who possessed a passion for life and a passion for politics. History books cannot look a man in 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 the eye and gaze upon his soul, but people can. And as his colleague in the General Assembly, I can testify that Harold Washington was first and foremost a man with heart, a man with soul and a man with vision. Like all men, Harold Washington had his shortcomings. His aversion to detail work was legendary. And I would suggest, however, that his aversion to detail was a personification of Harold Washington's uncanny ability to focus on the big picture. Harold Washington saw life through wide-angle lens. As Chicago's Mayor, Harold Washington frequently proclaimed and we heard it many times, he called himself the reformer who toppled Chicago's machine, a fact that he frequently proclaimed just for the fun of it. For Harold Washington's propensity for proclamation proved particularly perturbing for pompous politicians. The man was an effective speaker and anyone who ever felt the ire of Harold Washington's words, knew he had been insulted. He just didn't know to what extent and how long it would last. A voluminous vocabulary was only one of Harold Washington's charms. He had an infectious smile and a warm and wonderful personality. But personality and warmth are not enough for conferring legend status. Harold Washington is, yes, a legend because Harold Washington had character and vision, compassion and care. He could have parlayed his clout into personal fortune beyond comprehension, yet he died a man of modest means. Harold Washington believed in his vision of reform government. And he pursued that dream tirelessly. For a public official there is no greater calling than the selfless pursuit of the common good. Harold Washington answered that calling. And we in this state, indeed this country, are better off for it. Mr. President and Mr. Speaker, I join with you in calling for the adoption of this Resolution." 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 83rd Legislative Day
"The Chair will recognize on the question of the adoption of Joint Senate (sic Session) Resolution #3, Governor Jim Thompson. Governor."
"Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, my fellow elected officials, Members of the General Assembly and family and friends of Harold Washington. As I recall, this is the first time that I have ever been asked to speak in support of a Joint Legislative Resolution in all my years as the Governor of this state. I'm not sure of the constitutional propriety of the invitation, but as a constituent and friend of Harold Washington, I am absolutely certain of the ultimate propriety of my standing at this rostrum today. And I thank the Leaders and Members of this chamber for that invitation. Harold Washington's legacy can be found here, in the Congress and in City Hall, which occupies the building next to the State of Illinois Center in Chicago. Harold Washington and I were political neighbors at the other end of the state, just as we were political neighbors once at this end of the state. We, his constituents, his political friends and sometimes combatants remember his skills as a Legislator, remember his toughness as a negotiator, remember his perseverance for a cause and remember especially, his refusal to let an occasional defeat slow his efforts on behalf of what he thought to be the correct course. But, Harold Washington was much more than a good politician, though that is plenty to say about most of us. He was a man who never forgot his roots, a man who wanted to use his office for a sole purpose, to make life better for the next generation of Chicagoans. In his 1983 Inaugural Address, Harold Washington said, 'I hope someday to be remembered by history as the Mayor who cared about people and who was fair, the one who helped to heal our wounds and who stood 13 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 the watch, while the city and its people answered the greatest challenge in more than a century, who saw this city renewed.' Forty-four days, a very short forty-four days, have passed since Harold Washington was buried in Oakwood Cemetary on the south side of our great city. After his family and political associates said their farewell, thousands of others came into the cemetary to repay their respects to a man they may not have known personally, but who had touched their lives in a personal way. And they still come today. That's how it should be for Harold Washington. We, in this chambers today, lost a friend, but SO did the neighborhoods of Chicago. So did all the people of Illinois. Oakwood Cemetary, a place that two decades ago would not have accepted a black man, is the final resting place for others with a place in our history books. Clarence Darrow; nuclear physicist, Enrico Fermi; the late Mayor William Hale Thompson, 'big Bill', Olympic track star, Jesse Owens and baseball commissioner, Kenasaw 'Mountain' Landis. But there are 174,000 others from all walks of life, common men and women, we would say. Harold Washington would be proud to rank in both categories. For Harold Washington liked to return to his roots, especially to DeSable High School, where he was not just a famous alum. but was an inspiration. And those students felt a deep loss with his death. They lost a role model as well as a Mayor. At a similar memorial service held a few weeks ago in that school's auditorium, DeSable's Senior Class President, Tiffany Bonner, read her own poem, 'Our Great Mayor'. Let me read it to you. 'Our great Mayor has left us, he has gone away. The many great things he has done for us, brighten our lives each day. The many great things he promised, he did them and more. For our great city, our great town, we are whom he did them for. He'll never be 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 with us again in body, but always in our minds, because our great Mayor will be thought of all the time.'"
"On the Resolution, the Chair recognizes Attorney General, Neil Hartigan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, President Rock, Members of the General Assembly, Governor Thompson, Secretary Edgar, Chief Justice and Members of the Supreme Court, Mary Ella, Mr. Washington, Mr. Price, friends and colleagues of Mayor Harold Washington. Many of us have had the privilege of being in government and political activity in both parties over a long period of time. Many of us have worked in similar areas as far as subject matter is concerned. And yet, what was SO extraordinarily different about Harold Washington? We've heard today eloquent remarks about him as a man, as a politician and as a government official. We heard them at his funeral and on other occasions since his very, very untimely passing. But, what was SO different about him? What made Harold Washington the kind of person that could inspire so much hope in SO many hundreds of thousands of people, as President Rock pointed out? What did he do differently than the rest of us? I think of his memory as to really be what it should be in terms of the tribute to the contribution that he's made, that I and all of us should ask that question. And with the best answer we can come up with, measured by the contribution that he made in government, in politics and as a human being, focus our efforts to emulate what it was in him that could inspire so much good in so many others. To hear hundreds of thousands of people call him by his first name and have everyone know exactly what that meant and who it was. To see hope in eyes of people whose skins were not the same, but who all yearn for hope. To see a person who could contribute so much in such a short period of time, I think, 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 is truly one of the remarkable experiences that all of us have had the opportunity to be part of. Perhaps more so us than anyone else, because many of us came at about the same time he came to Springfield. He did the same things, went through the same experiences, and yet when the moment came for the opportunity to take the same things that many of us have experienced, he was able to do so very, very much with the remarkable gifts and the training that he had. Hubert Humphrey once said that the moral test of a government is what it does for the elderly in the last of their days, what it does for the special people in the society during the special times of their lives, the disabled, and what it does in the dawn of their lives for the children. In terms of Harold Washington, in all of his jobs that he ever had, there was a constant theme. The constant theme was to reflect basic values and to take the political skills that he had, a toughness and a shrewdness and a willingness to get in any fight, and yet to disagree without being disagreeable and to respect another's opinion, if he felt it was a honest opinion, even though there might be a political price to pay for it. Those remarkable political gifts and those basic values that prepared him to do SO much in SO short a period of time, that he would become literally a legend worldwide and a symbol of hope of the highest achievement possible for millions of people who never thought it within their grasp to have that kind of hope within their lives. I guess the test for myself and for all of us is to do more than to eulogize Harold Washington. Rather to take what we do, whether it's in government or politics or any other calling, and try and learn from his life the values of being in touch in a very realistic basis with the most basic of human concerns and taking whatever gifts God gives us and doing the most we 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day can with them. too. That's January 13, 1988 I miss him. I think every one of you do a strange thing in as tough of a business as this. More than anything else, he was a very nice man and a fine human being. Thank you."
"On the question of the adoption of Joint Session Resolution #3, the Chair will recognize Justice William G. Clark. Mr. Justice."
"Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of Mayor Harold Washington's family and staff, Governor Thompson, Attorney General Hartigan, Secretary of State Edgar, my fellow Justices, Legislators, other elected officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, not so very long ago, Mayor Harold Washington was standing in his office with Princess Maria Teresa and Prince Henry, hereditary Grand Duchess and hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. When the Director of Protocal for the City of Chicago told them that it was time to go to the Press Room for the presentation by the Mayor of a ceremonial commemorative silver bowl, they nodded approvingly and she said, 'Follow me, your Majesty.' And led the way to the Press Room. Followed by the Mayor, the Princess and the Prince as they walked, the Mayor said to her with a very serious look on his face and a twinkle in his eye, 'Mrs. Clark, you don't have to call me your Majesty.' He followed it with that marvelous, unrestrained roar of laughter which we will all miss so much. I thank our Chief Justice, Justice Moran, and the other members of the Supreme Court for asking me to represent the Court today in this memorial service dedicated to Mayor Harold Washington. We meet today to honor a great Mayor. We meet today to honor a great Chicagoan. We meet today to honor a great American. We meet today to honor a great man, a man who died too soon, the late Mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington. It is already clear beyond doubt that Harold 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Washington will take a place in the ranks of the great political leaders of our state. I think that his greatness can be summarized in one phrase; he was a man of the people, by the people and truly for the people. No artist, no biographer, will ever capture the sum total of his complexities. He was scholarly, but he was street smart. He was combative, he was conciliatory. He was casual, he was concerned. He was a regular, but he was a reformer. He made waves and then spread the bomb of reconciliation on the waters which had become unsettled. His heart overflowed with all the human virtues, passions and frailties. He was vital, energetic, earthly, incomparable. In a word, he was superb. His canny pragmatism was exceeded only by his unbending dedication to principle. Future generations may argue and struggle over Harold Washington's legacy. Today we can only honor the man. When I say honor, I know that ultimately he will be honored more by history and his achievements than by anything said or done here today. Harold Washington belongs, not to those present, but to all the people of Illinois. In their minds and in their hearts, truly he will live forever. Thank you."
"The Chair will recognize Senator Earlean Collins at Representative Curran's desk, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Curran, yeah."
"Thank you. I feel my heart is very warm to participate today in this tribute to what I consider to have been a great man and a friend. And I've listened to all that have been said here and I, too, can just simply conclude what I have to say by saying ditto to what has already been said. But, I think the greatest tribute that any of us can pay to Harold Washington is to keep alive his vision, his ideas and his principles to social economic justice and to 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 rekindle and to nurture the hopes and the dreams of thousands of people, particularly in the City of Chicago and across this country, who had been traditionally locked out from equal participation in governments throughout this country. I think that the traits... some of the personal traits and characters of Harold Washington's should also be kept alive and our commitment to ensure that the young people in this country can understand those principles, can know about those principles. The kind of character, the kind of man that he was, the freedom of spirit, the boldness of character and an unquenchable thirst to be the very best at whatever challenge or task that he embraced. These are traits that can, in fact, be passed down from generation to generations. And that if we, those of us who knew him and who love him, can carry on his legacy by making sure that every girl and every boy in the State of Illinois know about the kind of man that Harold Washington was and his contribution and his work and commitment to equality and to justice for all people in this state. Thank you very much."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Braun."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Harold Washington's life changed mine and the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people in Chicago and around the world. The eulogies and memorials to him will detail the things he did. His rise to Mayor from the bottom of the political ladder. His urban agenda for cities throughout the United States. His championship of a progressive political agenda. His eloquent and inimitable way of articulating the concerns of poor and working people. The most beautiful eulogy I've heard, and no offense to anyone, was given him by his Pastor at the funeral, Reverend Martin, who clearly framed the unique 19 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 impact that this one man had in lifting the hopes and spirits of people who, before him, had felt ignored, left out or misunderstood. Everyone who knew Harold Washington and particularly those who did not felt the loss of this great man. Harold Washington was a giant of a man whom everyone felt was a personal friend. And to share just a little anecdote, I was in Istanbul, Turkey this summer and I met a Turk named 'Barbarosa', who said to me when we first met, 'How's Harold?' And we found in my travels... I found in my travels that instead of people saying Chicago, rut-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta, people would ask, 'How's Harold?' When I came back and I told the Mayor that his name was known throughout the world as a champion for the unrepresented, for the downtrodden, and he smiled. But, that smile, I think, was in recognition of the unique role that he had. He always wore his greatness like a loose cloak. He never lost track of his roots. However high Harold Washington became, however great he was, he was still a man of the people. And we have only to follow his legacy and carry forward the ideals that he stood for in his life. Thank you."
"The Chair will recognize Senator Dawn Clark Netsch at Representative Currie's desk, Mr. Clerk."
"Mr. President and family of Harold Washington, so much of what has been said and will be said today, really relates to Harold Washington the public person, the legend, the legacy, all that he will leave behind for all of us and for all of the people to whom he was, indeed, a legend and for whom he was a legacy. I would like to add just one intensely personal note. Harold Washington and I were classmates at Northwestern Law School. I've known him for more than 38 years. Indeed, at public meetings he was often kind enough to point out the fact that we were 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 classmates and then add, with that marvelous smile, 'But, of course, I'm much older than she is' which obviously was not true. I think I will always remember all of the things that all of you are referring to, but I think most of all I will always think of Harold in a very personal sense as a person, as a human being, because he was that, also. And if some of you, if all of you in this room would just look for a moment at the photo that is in front of us, I think that more than perhaps any other photograph I've ever seen of Harold Washington, it captures all of those personal qualities that we knew about. The charm, the wit, the compassion, he was loving, he was supportive and always quietly passionate about all of those for whom he was doing his life's work. I think all of those qualities of personality show in that photograph and it means a great deal to many of us. Harold, from your classmates, may you rest in peace."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, family of Harold Washington. Promises made; promises kept. It was a campaign slogan, Harold Washington's re-election theme. Few know better than we how loose the usual fit between the campaign slogan and the reality of service. But Harold Washington's promise of open reform government was a promise he did keep. His promise of a fair shake from government was a promise he did keep. And his promise of full participation in government, even for women and for minorities, was a promise he also kept. How like Harold Washington, raising the standard on us, even when it comes to the crafting of a campaign slogan. But that is the real legacy of Harold Washington, the raising of the stakes, the raising of the ante, the raising of the standard in politics and in government. Let us, in tribute to him, 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 renew our own commitments to a politics and to a government that is fair, is open, is honest and is responsive to the needs of all the people."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House and the Senate, the Chief Justice and his members of the Supreme Court have asked leave to be excused. They have oral arguments set for hearing across the street. Without objection, Gentlemen, leave is granted."
"The Chair recognizes Representative LeFlore."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Senate, members of the family of the late Mayor Harold Washington and honored guests. Today, I stand here before you to express my feelings, emotion and admiration for the late Mayor Harold Washington. He has meant so much to so many people throughout the state and the City of Chicago. Mayor Washington tried to bring both Chicago and the state under the net of unity. As well as fighting for the issues that addressed the hearts and minds of the people of the state, Mayor Washington was a man of fairness. As one of his... one of the late Mayor's legislative leaders of the House, Black Caucus, I can sincerely express the belief that this strong expended views of the leadership will continue to influence me for the rest of my life. He was truly a special man at a special time in our state history, and I rest assured that his legacy of open and fair-minded leadership will inspire all of us who wish to serve the public good. So as I stand here, I salute... saluted the life of this great leader. Let us recommit ourselves to ensure that the spirit of his legacy continue within the hearts of all of us as we serve the people of this great state, because this would be a stronger statement of our designs to have the legacy of the late Mayor Harold Washington live on inside the hearts and 22 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 minds of all of us. Thank you."
"Representative John Dunn. John Dunn."
"I'm not from Chicago. I'm a downstater. I'm from Decatur. It may seem a little out of the ordinary for a person like me to rise on an occasion like this, because there will be many others who will, and who already have, chronicled the legacy of the late Mayor Harold Washington. I, however, have a little different perspective. I came here in 1975, having been elected in 1974, and those of you who have served here know what a confusing moment that first hour is as a Member of the General Assembly. You raise your hand, you're sworn in, there're relatives and friends everyplace, there's confusion, old Members leaving quietly exit and all at once it dawns upon you that you need a place to sit. And of course, the veterans have already chosen the seats they wish to have and you look around, and I'm sure all of us have experienced the same thing, there's only one seat left. That was my feeling. I saw it and I took it. Normally, we take about three or four hours to elect a Speaker, then we choose permanent seats, then we go home. And we come back later and the freshmen sit again in the seats that are left, but they have some discretion about what happens. In 1975, however, we didn't take four hours to elect a Speaker. Those of you who were around then remember that we took three weeks and over 90 ballots to elect William Redmond, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and by the way, he's here today, I saw him earlier. During those three weeks, there was nothing to do except about every 40 minutes, stand up and cast a vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives and sit down and wait another 40 minutes to cast another vote. There were caucuses, there were time outs. So, you had to get acquainted with the people with whom you were sitting. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Harold Washington sat right back there now, where Jim Rea sits, and the seat I chose is right back there with him. We had nothing to do but to talk, we became acquainted. All those things you hear about him are true. He's as bright a man as I've ever met, as eloquent a man. He's gregarious or was, I should say now. Friendly, full of humor, the one liners off the microphone were some of the best I ever heard and all of them could be repeated in print. He was a genuine man and after three weeks I asked him, I said, 'Do you mind if I stay here? I find you very interesting.' Now, it took me three weeks to make that discovery, of course, and now that the world, the entire world knows about him, I guess that doesn't reflect very well upon me, that it took me that long to discover what a great man he was. We spent two years together and that was in the 177 Member House and we had lots of late evenings, even in May. Some all night Sessions in May. And during those long hours... I got well acquainted with Harold. And I'm not sure of a lot of things about what goes on in the City of Chicago, but I know some things about him. And I know that... that in those days, at least, he never expected to be Mayor of the City of Chicago. He had, by that time, already spent too many years on the, what I would call, the back porch of life. Let's don't forget that Harold Washington was about the same age as Jackie Robinson. I think they were about a year apart in age. It's been 41 years since Jackie Robinson broke into the major leagues. Harold didn't expect to be Mayor of the City of Chicago, but he was a great guy, a good friend to me. He offered to come to my town and campaign door-to-door for me in two separate elections. I treasure that friendship, and in summary, I would just say that to my friend, who went from the back of the bus to the head of 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 the parade, who came in off the back porch, went inside, did a pretty darn good remodeling job and went out the front door, may your God and mine judge him in the reflection of the young people which he has influenced and will continue to influence for generations to come. And in the words of my church, may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen."
"The Chair will recognize Senator Howard Brookins at Representative Bob LeFlore's desk, please."
"Thank you, Mr. President and to my colleagues here and to the family of Mayor Washington. I had the opportunity as a freshman Legislator to be able to endorse Mayor Washington, Harold, early when he announced that he would run for Mayor. And I can remember the day that I went to his office to give him that endorsement, which was in writing in a form of a small check, and I said to him, 'Harold, I'd like to endorse you for Mayor and work for you,' and he smiled. I said, 'I don't have much.' I said, 'I just finished an election which I was successful at, but my little organization and I have this check for you.' He took the check, said, 'What do you want? What's in it for you?' I said to him, 'Mr. Mayor, I want you to be the best Mayor Chicago has ever had. And I just want you to be a good Mayor.' And I left. Last year at the annual Christmas party, which we... the year before last now, that he hosted for the Legislators and we have an opportunity to speak at those affairs, I got a chance to tell him personally, 'Mr. Mayor, I thank you, you have been a good Mayor. You have been the best Mayor for the City of Chicago that I know.' And I just wanted to share that with his family and the colleagues and our friends that are here. Mr. Mayor, you have been a good Mayor. Thank you."
"Representative Doug Huff." 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 83rd Legislative Day
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Senate, Mr. President, honored members of the Clergy and the Executive and friends and family of Harold Washington. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentleman, to say that the late Harold Washington, the late Mayor Harold Washington, was an extraordinary man somehow seems to pale as an inadequate description of him. True, he was urbane, eloquent, witty, charming and as Mayor he exuded a (sic an) universal appeal that endeared him, not only to the residents of Chicago but to the world. I was impressed, yes, even awed by his willingness to fight for the cause of the little man. He was the perennial man of 'La Mancha', fighting the impossible dream. I conferred upon him my secret desires and love for an older brother. And he lived up to all my ideals. Needless to say, Ladies and Gentlemen, I will miss him. So, let my tears be sealed in the vials of posterity, not so that the world would know how I grieve for him. No, let my tears be sealed in the vessels of history so that the world will know how I loved him."
"The Chair will recognize Senator Vince Demuzio at Representative Giorgi's desk, Mr. Clerk."
"Thank you very much, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, elected officials and my colleagues in the House and the Senate. I will be brief. I had the opportunity and the privilege to serve with Harold in the Legislature and to work with him in his capacity as the Mayor of the City of Chicago and also in his capacity as being a member of the Democratic Party in Illinois. I've always known him to be a fighter in the things that he believed. He fought for changes in this legislative process and right here in these very halls. And he fought for changes from within his Party. Harold was a great Democrat. He was loyal to his 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Party. He was dedicated to fairness, to equality, to justice. He believed always in compassion. He will be sadly missed by his friends, his colleagues and by his Party. Thank you."
"Representative Woods Bowman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, fellow elected officials, family and friends of Harold Washington. History will record that Harold Washington was a Mayor of all the people. I represent a district that is part Chicago and part suburban, and Harold Washington appeared on several occasions in Evanston, in the suburbs, and the crowds that he drew were simply amazing. I campaigned with him in the forty-ninth ward of Chicago and for those of you who may not be familiar with that part of Chicago, it is truly a melting pot. There are more languages spoken at the high schools in the neighborhood than any other high schools in the City of Chicago. And the crowds he drew in the forty-ninth ward were truly amazing, not only for their volume, but for the breadth of his appeal. He reached out and touched Asians, Hispanics, as well as Whites and Blacks. He was a great Mayor. A great city deserves a great Mayor, and they had it in Harold Washington. While the press was focusing on council wars, Harold Washington was putting his shoulder to the wheel in the City Council and passed landmark legislation. The first ethics ordinance in Chicago's history. The first tenant-landlord ordinance in Chicago's history, and that one caused a political earthquake here in Springfield. But these were landmark pieces of legislation for which he will be remembered. And just on a personal note, I owe Harold Washington a debt. He campaigned for me and lent me important political support, and for that I want to say a final 'Thank you, Mr. Mayor.' And as Representative of the 27 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 people of the Fourth Representative District, I want to say a final 'Farewell, dear friend.'"
"Representative Paul Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Senate, Senate President Rock, family of the late Mayor Harold Washington. I stand here as one, probably I'm a Freshman member, but I had the opportunity to know the late Mayor quite well. I was his intern back in '77 here and when he was over in the Senate. A lot that I have managed to achieve today, I personally owe to Harold Washington. He believed in fairness, he believed in equality. For the black community he was a... what I say the stalwart or the key figure in what we would call self-determination. Harold Washington was a Mayor, not one picked for us, but by us. Not just a black face, but a black man. He not only was the Governor of the city, he governed. And that was different for us. And I have a little personal story I'd like to tell. It goes back to my days as a lobbyist. Not only had Harold told me, when I was asked to work for the realtors, he told me, 'Take that job, young man. We don't have any Blacks in that area, and we want them there. We want them to grow.' It was so interesting, throughout all the years the realtors and everyone tried to contact Harold, they always used me. They called on me. I went and I got them in and we'd talk with Harold and we'd work with Harold. When he won the Primary to become Mayor... I guess out of proper protocol, Chicago Board and others began to look to Arthur Rudbloss. They began to look to a lot of people to try to go see the Mayor. It was really strange. They couldn't get in. So finally they came to me, after about three or four weeks of trying, they said, 'Paul, can you get us in to see the Mayor?' In less than a week, Miss Woods here and Mr. Patch 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 and others, about three days later, we were in seeing the Mayor. And so as all the big honchos in real estate sat around, and they said, 'How do we get to see you, Mr. Mayor?' He turned and he pointed and he said, 'You see that young man? I raised him. I'm his political father. If you want to see me, contact him.' And it just goes to show you, he was not just a great man, 'cause a lot of great men, when they become great positions, they change their attitude. He kept his. I personally miss him. I personally know him. God knows that my life is better for his being here and I'll never forget the man who I feel is my political father, my friend. He hired to work for my wife. He worked with my entire family. I miss Harold Washington. I'll always be true to his legacy."
"Representative Al Ronan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, Members from the other chamber and family and friends of the... our late, great Mayor. There've been a lot of discussion about Harold Washington as truly a fantastic, honorable and decent government official, and he was. At every level. In the Legislature, in Congress and as Mayor. But where he really stunned me and the respect that I have for him was because of his ability as a great political leader. I'm probably the most political animal in this General Assembly, and I learn from a lot of people, and I learned a lot from Harold Washington. He served less than two terms as Mayor, but he had to run for that office four times. Normally in Chicago, when you win the Primary, you walk in the General. Well, he had to work just as hard in the General as he did in the Primary. In those four campaigns, twice I was dumb and twice I was smart. In the Primary, I'd fight against him and he'd win. And then I got smart and I supported him in the General both times. As far as 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 I'm concerned, Harold Washington has left a legacy far beyond the great government accomplishments that he gave to the city and to this state. He handpicked, and that's what I liked about him at the end, is 'cause he really became the boss of Cook County. He handpicked a county ticket that's phenomenal. And as those people continue on to great careers, they're going to owe a tremendous debt to Harold Washington. That's something to me that's... that's a living legacy, and as far as I'm concerned... at least I was smart twice and I wish I would have learned a little more. He's a real loss for all of us."
"Representative Monique Davis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and to Harold Washington's family, Jackie Grimshaw and little Mr. Grimshaw. When I think of the late Mayor Harold Washington, I think of the song, 'A Soldier Fought Until He Fell, Another Soldier Gone'. I have that song in mind because he fought the fight, he kept the faith, that we might have a better place. Many of us become politicians. Some of us even become great ones. Harold Washington became a statesman, one who served. I'm very proud to have been under his wing. Harold Washington took me, an old school teacher, twenty years service in the community, took me under his wing. He was my mentor, he was my teacher, he was my leader. I coordinated the twenty-first ward for Mayor Washington in 1983 under the direction of Jackie Grimshaw, and in coordinating the twenty-first ward, there was a fever growing in the City of Chicago and it said, 'Do you dare?' And Harold Washington said, 'You can and we will.' I'll always be very grateful for knowing him. I'll always feel very privileged for having been a part of his team, and he did handpick his team. I'm grateful for knowing you, Harold. And I'd like to take that blue and 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 white button that 650,000 Chicagoans wore and just place it right there on his picture. Thank you."
"Representative Ellis Levin."
"Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, fellow colleagues, members of Harold Washington's family, the tragedy of the death of Harold Washington is not only that we have lost a great man and somebody that we all knew, but that the media and others really did not appreciate his strength and qualities while he was alive. You know, we've heard accolades, we've heard all kinds of things about this Mayor since he has passed away, but many of his strengths did not... would pass people, were ignored while he was alive. And his personality's been talked about as something that made almost everybody that met him feel that he was a friend. And of course, he represented to those who had felt previously unrepresented that they had somebody in the center of power who was doing their business. But he... His personality had another factor as well. You know, I have a very diverse district with a lot of different groups and interests and his personality, in my area anyway, brought together, under his banner, people who would otherwise not be in the same room, would not agree with each other, wouldn't even talk to each other. But they all liked Harold Washington for a mix of different reasons. The bottom line was his personality. He was able to bring them together. Obviously, he marched to a banner, to an agenda, which was different of previous Mayors. You know, many of us talk about reform and openness in government. He brought it to pass. He was in a position to do so and he did it. Terms of freedom of information, ethics, other landmark pieces of legislation. The cruel irony of Mayor Washington's death is that he died at a time that he was really beginning to bring the City of Chicago back 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 together. A lot of the acrimony was going away. A lot of the different groups in the city, different parts of the city, were beginning to come back together and I hope that that in particular is something that we can learn from and that we will not go back to the kind of divisions that we have seen in the past. We will miss Harold Washington."
"The Chair will recognize Senator Margaret Smith at Representative Jones' desk in the front here, please."
"Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, our beloved Governor to General Hartigan and Secretary Edgar and to the family of the bereaved and to all of my colleagues assembled here. I'd be remiss if I didn't stand and say something here that the record should show that two very venerable Legislators who served in this chamber, the former Corneal A. Davis, who retired as Dean of the House and Senator Fred J. Smith, who retired as Dean of the Senate, were also colleagues and mentors of our late Mayor Harold Washington. And I wanted the records to show that they are thought of at this time. I'd like to conclude by summing up the epitome of Harold Washington. In the words of the poet, philosopher and tentmaker, Omar Khayyam when he said, and I quote, 'The moving finger writes, and having writ, moves on. Nor all thy piety nor wit shall lure to cancel half a line of it, nor all thy tears blot out a word of it.'. The sum total of what contribution Harold Washington made cannot be cancelled out, neither can it be blotted out. The legacy is ours. Thank you and God bless you."
"Representative Cal Sutker."
"Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Governor Thompson, Secretary of State Edgar and Attorney General Hartigan, as you have heard here today, many of us in this 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 room have known him much longer than I knew him and many of you knew him here. But I knew him for 27 months as State Chairman of the Democratic Party and during that time, I worked very closely with him and he worked very closely with me. A relationship developed between us, I believe, of trust and in confidence in each other. I met with him, had a lengthy conference with him shortly before his death when we were talking about party slatemaking and party government and party politics and I knew then, as I knew before, that he was dedicated and loyal to his party and concerned and committed and caring about his community and that he managed to mesh both of those concerns in the days of his life that were then being played out. I'm particularly saddened from time to time now when I hear people abusing his name for partisan party purposes, people misusing his name for personal party gain, and it troubles me. But I know that that's inevitable. My hope would be that we would use his name for lofty goals and important efforts that he had had. They talk about monuments. They talk about statues. They talk about memorials for Harold. He, in a true sense, doesn't need the statutes (sic), the memorials, the monuments, for there are the monuments and memorials and statutes (sic) in the hearts and memories of the people of Chicago. And he will always remain close to me as a political friend, and I only regret that I did not have a closer personal relationship with him, as many of you here today have had."
President Rock: "To conclude on behalf of the Members of the Senate, the Chair will recognize Senator Richard Newhouse at Representative Morrow's desk, please."
"Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, colleagues in the General Assembly and especially to the family. It is difficult to even think of trying to summarize in the few 33 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 minutes that courtesy would give us to do justice to such a multifaceted person. I would like to talk about three areas in which my friend obviously reconciled contradictions. He was a fighter. At the same time, he was a healer. In addition to which, he was a visionary. As one of those migrants who chose Chicago as a home some thirty years ago, Harold Washington was one of the first persons that I met, and I sort of think that the decision to enter into the political arena was based upon a series of conversations that we held over a period of years. On the morning of his death, we were together at the groundbreaking for the project adjacent to my district. I would say, parenthetically, that we had a running private joke. We were constituents of each other. He was my Mayor and I was his Senator and we were both determined to let neither the other forget it. On that morning, he was his usual ebullient self and most of us can remember this commanding, physical presence. As we left that groundbreaking he said to me, 'Dick, we've got to keep on building.' And that's what I will personally remember from that. Life that we today celebrate. Harold was... had the peculiar quality to, despite that commanding physical presence, to break through any barriers and leave one with a sort of a feeling of personal connection. So, 'How's Harold?' was not an unusual salutation. It was not 'The Mayor'. It was not 'Your Honor'. It was 'Harold'. That contradiction in that man's personality was not really a contradiction, it was simply another one of those facets of which we will all remember him. Harold was a builder and he remains, in his legacy, a builder. On the morning of his death, as we left that groundbreaking, I had another appointment which took about twenty minutes and on the car radio there came the news that he had been stricken. And I 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 thought back about the physical individual that I had just left and how healthy and how hale he appeared to be at the time. We were all saddened several hours later to learn that this was the last illness, that Harold had passed on from us. We felt a sense of deep depression. But then it occurred to me that Harold was a jokester, also. And if you have to go, what a way to go. He was doing precisely what he wanted to do. He had done in life what few people will ever be able to replicate, and I hear that marvelous chuckling rumbling down through the clouds. He's left it for us. And that's the legacy we have. To continue the kind of growth, to continue the kind of leadership that Harold left us with. Well, so long, old buddy. You left us with a challenge. We accept."
"To conclude for House Members, the Chair will recognize former Speaker William Redmond. Speaker Redmond."
"Mr. Speaker, President Rock... When I was up here they used to do that to me all the time. Attorney General Hartigan, Secretary of State Edgar and friends in the General Assembly. You know, I served twenty-four years in this chamber and six of them were as Speaker and it brings back very many memories. I see people here now who have risen to positions of leadership that came in here when... as Freshmen. I see people that...that I think should live in the history of the State of Illinois. They mention that, I think it was Representative Giorgi mentioned that it took some time to elect me Speaker, which was quite a surprise to me because I thought the choice really should've been obvious. But...But, it didn't turn out that way. But as I look at the Membership now, I have an idea that it probably has improved, although I thought the Membership when I was here was superb. I think it probably 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 has improved and one reason that I come to that conclusion is that it only took you one Roll Call to elect Speaker Madigan, whereas it took ninety-three to elect me. And another indication of improvement is that the Minority Leader saw the light of day somewhere down the line, he broke ranks on the Republican side and came over and voted for me for Speaker. And I remember that some of the Republicans told him that he had made a fatal blow, fatal error, that because of that he would never amount to anything in the Republican Party. I don't know whether that's true or not, but he's now the Minority Leader. But he saw the light of day. Harold Washington was my friend. That's, quite frankly, why I'm here today. When I used to walk down the middle aisle there, he sat, I think about in the second or third row from the back and the second seat in and I always stopped and had conversation with him. He always impressed me as a friend, and I don't know whether it's to my credit or to my discredit, but there was a headline in the Chicago Defender when I made the appointments, that I had appointed five blacks as Chairmen of Committees in the House and I guess that was really the first time that anything like that had ever happened. Harold was a man of great vision. He was a man of... It was not only... not only in the Civil Rights areas, but also in legislation that affected everybody in the state that he was Chairman of one of the Judiciary Committees and he carried the burden on many, many Bills that passed. I will never forget the day he died. It happened to have been my birthday... and... As I say, he was my friend. I grieve that he's left us and that I hope that what he has done here will live on in the memory of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. He was truly a fine man and I am deeply indebted to the Speaker and to the Members 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 83rd Legislative Day of this chamber for giving me this opportunity to have a few words. Thank you very much."
"Representative Braun moves to add all House Members as Sponsors of Joint Session Resolution #3 and Senator Newhouse moves to add all Senate Members as Sponsors of the Resolution. Senator Newhouse and Representative Braun move for the adoption of Joint Session Resolution #3. Those in favor of the adoption of the Resolution will signify by saying 'aye', those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House and the Senate. The Speaker and I would like at this time to recognize Mr. Ramon Price, Mayor Washington's brother, to accept this just adopted Resolution on behalf of the Washington family. Mr. Price."
"President Rock, Speaker Madigan, Members of the Senate, Members of the House, distinguished guests and most importantly, friends. On behalf of the family, both immediate and extended, we thank you for this historic document, the Resolution to my brother, the late Mayor Harold Washington. We also want to thank you for caring enough to inviting us to share in this momentous occasion, this tribute to our brother. We're personally touched by what is obviously a great caring concern in developing this document. On a personal note, I'd like to tell you that the words that stand out in sharp relief in this Resolution is that reference to him in regards to his relationship to both sides of the aisle. And so if I had anything to say to you, I'd say that I think that's what Harold Washington was about. Bringing people together. Thank you. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Doctor Richard Maye for the benediction." 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 83rd Legislative Day
"Let us stand for the benediction. Let us pray. Lord, hearts have been filled full. Ears have been satisfied. Much ground has been cultivated. Seeds are planted. And even though within the hour the seeds were planted, harvest is already here. We pray that You will send more men and women like Harold Washington. Men and women dedicated to surmounting the monolithic task of change. Men and women determined to bring about a new Godly society. Allow Harold Washington's memory to have been so imprinted upon the minds of each of us listening today that we will leave here a Harold Washington. A group of Harold Washington's. And as we have been given seed to plant, allow us to cast forth our bread and seed upon the waters, and that we will stand and work and wait until each seed has been germinated. And we know if that happens, all of Your children will be satisfied. Amen."
"The Washington family will be in the Speaker's Office immediately after we finish, for those who wish to join with them. The President of the Senate is recognized for a motion."
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Joint Session do now arise."
"The President of the Senate has moved that the Joint Session do now arise. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', all those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the Joint Session will now arise. Mr. Doorkeeper. Please recognize the Doorkeeper."
"Those who are not entitled to the House floor, please retire to the gallery. Thank you."
"Would the Members of the House please be in order and would all those not authorized to the floor please remove themselves from the floor. If the Members of the House would give their attention to the Chair, the 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Chair would like to begin our business SO that we can depart at an early hour. But we need the attention of the Members. On House Calendar, Supplemental #1, there appears a motion relative to House Bill 2033. The Chair recognizes Mr. Cullerton."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move to take from the table and suspend Rule 79(e) and place on the Calendar on the Speaker's Table on the Order of Conference Committee Reports, House Bill 2033."
"You've all heard the Gentleman's motion. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 'aye', those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The motion is adopted. On Supplemental Calendar #1 there appears a motion relative to House Bill 2323. The Chair recognizes... Is Mr. Black in the chamber? Mr. Black. Chair recognizes Mr. Cullerton."
"Yes. I'm aware of what Bill that is, Mr. Speaker, and I would move to take from the table and suspend Rule 79(e) and place on the Calendar on the Speaker's Table on the Order of Conference Committee Reports, House Bill 2323."
"Those in favor of the motion say 'aye', those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The motion is adopted. On the order of House Calendar, Supplemental #1 there appears a motion relative to Senate Bill 43. Chair recognizes Mr. Giorgi. Please speak clearly, Mr. Giorgi."
"Mr. Speaker. I'll put my glasses on. I move to suspend Rule 39(e) and place on the Calendar on the Order of Non-Concurrences, Senate Bill 43. It has to do with the asbestos problem."
"Those in favor of the motion say 'aye', those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The motion is 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 adopted. Let the record show that the previous three motions were adopted through the use of the Attendance Roll Call. On page 2 of the Calendar... On page 3 of the Calendar on the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions there appears a motion relative to House Bill 2748. The Chair recognizes Mr. Flinn. Mr. Flinn."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think maybe we should have a little order. We've got quite a crowd here in the aisle."
"I agree. Would the Members please be in their chairs. Mr. Sutker. Mr. Sutker. Mr. Sutker, would you please take your chair, Sir? Mr. Marovitz, could you please return to the Senate?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House..."
"Mr. Flinn, let's get some order in the chamber. So, Mr. Houlihan, could you please remove yourself from the floor? And Senator Demuzio, could you take your photo studio elsewhere? Would you remove yourself from the floor, Sir? And, Mr. Shaw, would you please sit down and, Mr. Homer, would you take your seat and, Mr. Rea, would you take your seat? Mr Flinn, please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Governor amendatorily vetoed House Bill 2748 and in effect killed the Bill itself and added on another Bill. I don't think he can constitutionally do that, but I do not raise the question about his constitutional authority in this situation, but I would like to get into a little bit of details. First, the Bill, without rehashing the entire Bill, it permitted counties to raise the fees on recorders. Fees to compensate for the additional cost. The... Some of the objection was raised by the Secretary of State's Office and I understand maybe the Department of Revenue. This may be some additional cost to those departments. While in the 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 discussion of this matter, it was generally agreed that if that be so, then first, the Governor should've been advised to amendatorily veto those people out of any cost and because of the event he did not, that we now have the choice to try to get a promise out of both Houses that we would support legislation in the spring that would exempt those departments from any cost. And that was my understanding of what took place, and at first the Secretary of State's Office agreed, but late this morning I got word that they have backed up on that agreement. Now first, I wasn't treated fairly as a Sponsor of the Bill. And I found out this past Monday that the Governor had amendatorily vetoed the Bill. I didn't know what the Amendatory Veto was about or anything else. No one from the Secretary of State's Office, no one from the Department of Revenue, no one from any other department told me what the problem was. I simply ask that you treat me fairly on this Bill and that we override the Governor's veto and I guarantee you that I will sponsor legislation, if necessary, which will exempt any state agency from having any additional expense because of this Bill or the change in the law. I appreciate your vote for voting to override the Governor on this issue."
"Chair recognizes Representative Frederick. Representative Frederick."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Yes. Representative, would you please tell me how much the increase in cost to the Department of Revenue your Bill would cause if we override the Governor's veto?"
"Well, if we carry out, and I promise, zero. If we carry out the promise, as I understand it, both the Leadership on 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 the Democrat side in the House and the Leadership on the Democrat side in the Senate, it would be zero."
"Actually, what I've just heard from the Department of Revenue, because they pay a lot of these fees, it truly will be an increase for their department cost. You say it is not the case?"
"Well, in the first place, let me point out to you that you've heard a lot more than I have, because nobody's ever contacted me one way or the other. Let me point out one other thing, since you happen to be a Member of the Republican Party, this was a non-partisan Bill. It came out of the Urban Counties Council and the reason I wound up as Sponsor of the Bill, 'cause Jerry Costello is the chairman of St. Clair County happened to be the chairman of Urban Counties when it first came up 3 or 4 years ago and he finally got around to introducing legislation. It has nothing to do with partisan politics. It has nothing to do with additional cost to state government, any agency whatsoever, and if there is any cost incurred, we most certainly will correct that problem."
"Thank you. I simply think that at this time, perhaps Members on our side of the aisle should vote 'no', since it's unclear exactly whether or not it is going to be an increased cost to the Department of Revenue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Countryman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in opposition to the Gentleman's motion to override the Amendatory Veto. I would support him on his second motion, which is to accept the Amendatory Veto and I do so for a variety of reasons. One is that I... The cost factor, which, I think, prior speakers have mentioned and I think that's an important factor, but for a more 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 important reason. And that is that under the terms of this Bill, the various counties would be able to set a different fee for recording the same document. Now, we do have a discrepancy between Cook County and downstate, but we would know in one county... For instance, in DeKalb County, they could charge, they might be able to charge ten dollars for recording something, in Madison County they might be able to charge twelve dollars for recording something. It doesn't seem to me that we want to end up with a variety of costs. We have given the recorder's office increases in the last two years in their recording fees. I don't think that this is the type of legislation that, really, we need to support for the recorders. They're not in a dire strait. I recorded something earlier this week and I'm still confused over the new cost. They've got an ability under this new system to get a dollar or two dollars, I think it's two dollars now, for their microfilming or their computerization systems, and I think that having uniform fees across the state, at least downstate compared to Cook County, is important, because... I mean, many times we have a real estate closing and we want to know... we want to record a release, we know that that's eight dollars in downstate. We can send it to Ogle County, we can send it to Sangamon County and we can send the eight dollars along and not get it back with a rejection saying it's nine dollars in this county. I think we ought to address the problem. We ought to address it with uniform fees and we ought to do it so that we know what the cost would be in every county, and we ought to try to keep it uniform for the benefit of the taxpayers and the citizens in the State of Illinois. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Shall House Bill 2748... Excuse me, Mr. Flinn, did you wish to close? Mr. Flinn." 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988
"Well, in answer to some of the questions that was raised, I'll just be brief because I don't want to delay the Session. I know we're short here of time. But I have a lot of respect for Virginia Frederick, and I have tried to explain to her that this was a mistake made by corporation council of the Secretary of State to begin with that there were no legislative liaison purple... persons who was familiar with the problems at present when they decided to send on to the Governor the request to do the Amendatory Veto. And it's a... really a comedy of errors that's caused the situation. In regard to the last Gentleman who spoke in opposition, I checked the voting record and I found very little or no opposition at the beginning of this Bill when it first passed. In fact, it lost by tabling back in the Regular Session because we didn't get to it and it flew through in the Veto Session. And I would like to again point out to those people on the other side of the aisle who, before they get their Republican ire all raised up, that this is more of a Republican Bill than it is a Democrat Bill. I really don't know why I ought to be sponsoring such a Bill, since some of the major counties are Republican tha that will be the beneficiaries. But however, the only reason I put in the second motion to accept the Amendatory Veto is because there was something came up that the Supreme Court would like to have and if I'm going to lose the Bill anyhow, I'm not going to be so naive as to punish the Supreme Court for something they could use my Bill for. I would appreciate your vote very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2748 pass, the specific recommendations for change of the Governor notwithstanding?' Those in favor of the motion will signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? who wish? The Clerk shall take the question there are 63 'ayes', 50 'nos'. Chair recognizes Mr. Flinn." January 13, 1988 Have all voted record. On this The motion fails. to accept the to
"Well, Mr. Speaker, in that event, I move Amendatory Veto of the Governor."
"The Gentleman now moves accept the Governor's Amendment and the question is, 'Shall the House accept the specific recommendations for change with respect to House Bill 2748?' Those in favor of the motion will signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 114 'ayes', no one voting 'no'. This motion, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the motion is adopted and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendation for change. On page 2 of the Calendar on the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions there appears House Bill 2712. Chair recognizes Mr. Wolf." of The the
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I move to accept the Amendatory Veto of the Governor to House Bill 2712. House Bill 2712, as most of you know, is the omnibus pension Bill that addresses the five state funded pension systems, together with the State Board of Investments. Governor in his veto message eliminated two provisions in that Bill. Number one, he deleted the provision that it would made it... that would have made it possible for the Administrator of the Supreme Court to be a participant in the Judicial Pension System, whether or not that individual had ever served time as a Judge. Originally, it was thought that this provision had been initiated and approved by the Supreme Court. However, we learned later that this was not true. Number two, the 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Governor eliminated the provision that would have made the Comptroller an ex-officio member of the State Board of Investments on the basis that the Comptroller, as such, did not have a direct relationship to the investment of funds. The Comptroller does, however, have the right to attend State Board of Investment meetings and have an input into the size of actions of that board. I would move again for the acceptance of the Amendatory Veto of the Governor."
"The Gentleman moves to accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change. Those in favor of the motion signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. The motion is to accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 115 'ayes', no one voting 'no'. This motion, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the motion is adopted and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendation for change. On the Order of Joint Resolutions, the Chair recognizes the Clerk. Mr. Clerk."
"Agreed House Joint Resolutions. House Joint Resolution 139, offered by Representative Countryman. House Joint Resolution 142, offered by Representative Dunn. House Joint Resolution 143, offered by Representative Slater."
"Mr. Matijevich."
"Mr. Speaker, both sides of the aisle have examined the Resolutions and I move the adoption of the Agreed House Joint Resolutions."
"Those in favor of the motion say 'aye', those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The motion is adopted and the Resolutions are adopted. On the Order of Total Vetoes on page 2 of the Calendar there appears House 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Bill 2713. Mr. Terzich. 2713. Mr. Terzich."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move that we override the Governor's veto on House Bill 2713. What it does, it amends the Judges Retirement System which will allow the Judges to continue in their office beyond the... age 75, which is currently the mandatory retirement age. I would like to point out that there's no public or elected official in the State of Illinois that is restricted in serving in office because of age, and as a matter of fact, at the present time that the Federal Judges also do not have any mandatory retirement age. What the Bill simply does, it simply... lets the Judge remain in office as long as he's physically fit to perform as a Judge in that office, then certainly there shouldn't be any mandatory age restriction and I move that we override the Governor's veto."
"The Gentleman has moved... The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2713 pass, the veto of the Governor notwithstanding?' On that question, the Chair recognizes Mr. Preston."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I firstly would like to announce a conflict that I have, because the provisions of this Bill, once passed into law, would affect a member of my family who I love dearly. But secondly, on the merits of this Bill, I'm very much in support of the Gentleman's motion. As he pointed out and because many of you are otherwise occupied, perhaps you didn't hear Representative Terzich's comments. The Federal Government, the Congress of the United States, recently enacted legislation that virtually wipes out mandatory retirement ages for all federal employees. In the Federal Judiciary there is no mandatory retirement age. In the State of Illinois there is no mandatory retirement age for 47 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 any elected official in this state, other than for members of the Judiciary. A person ought to be judged on an individual basis and not judged categorically because a page is ripped off of a calendar. To be put into a category, that category being senior citizen, and if you are a senior citizen, you must, unlike others, step down from an office you hold and perform well in. I'm not going to take your time by reading you a lengthy list of the astonishing accomplishments of people who are in the later years of their lives. But as you are well aware, there are many people who can serve in many different capacities, and ably serve in those capacities, notwithstanding the age that he or she may have. This Bill is a Bill that virtually every senior citizen organization in the State of Illinois supports. They support the concept of it. There ought not be some discrimination against senior adults. Not in Illinois. The Federal Government has recognized that it ought not to exist at the federal level. We in Illinois ought to recognize that it ought not to exist in this state and I urge your 'aye' vote for Representative Terzich's motion."
"Mr. Terzich to close."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned before that all this is, is simply allowing a person to continue in the office that he was elected to as long as he's physically and capably competent to do so. Certainly he should be able to. Any... all elected officials as well as Federal Judges are not... this does not apply to them and I would move that we override the Governor's veto."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2713 pass, the veto of the Governor notwithstanding?' Those in favor of the motion signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day wish? Mr. Matijevich." January 13, 1988
"Mr. Speaker, I want to explain my vote briefly because I see some red votes up there who ordinarily vote in behalf of issues on cost basis, and I think it would behoove those to consider that if we're going to keep a Judge past the age of 75 years that, really, you're doing the taxpayers a favor, because for that Judge to draw retirement and then to have another Judge take his place, it's going to cost a heck of a lot more money. So on a economic basis, I think you ought to consider changing your vote."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 67 'ayes', 46 'nos'. The motion fails. Mr. Terzich, what is your pleasure, Sir? The Gentleman shrugs his shoulders. Mr. Preston."
"Mr. Speaker, I'd request a poll of the absentees."
"The Clerk shall read the names of those who are not recorded as voting."
"Those not voting. Braun. Flowers. Homer. Mautino and Wyvetter Younge."
"Again, let the record show that the motion fails. Mr. Homer seeks recognition. Mr. Homer."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, would you please record me as 'aye'?"
"Yes. Record the Gentleman as 'aye', Mr. Clerk and record Representative Younge as 'aye'. Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would you please change my vote from 'yes' to 'no'. Thank you."
"Record Representative Cowlishaw as 'no'. Representative Frederick."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you. Would you please change 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day my vote to 'no'?" January 13, 1988
"Record Representative Frederick as 'no'. Record Mr. Mautino as 'aye'. Record Representative Flowers as 'aye'. Ladies and Gentlemen, again, have all Members recorded themselves? Are there any further changes? And again, the motion fails and this matter shall be taken out of the record. On Supplemental Calendar #2, under the Order of Conference Committee Reports there appears House Bill 2033. Chair recognizes Mr. Cullerton."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Conference Committee Report deals with the issue of unemployment insurance. The Report was drafted by the Department of Employment Security. The purpose is to correct technical errors as well as some minor substantive errors contained in Senate Bill 484, which has become a Public Act, a Bill which comprehensively amended the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act. The... I'd be happy to answer any questions, but I would assure you that the changes are minor and technical in nature. Move for the adoption of the Conference Committee Report."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Conference Report. There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Report be adopted?' Those in favor signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 115 voting 'aye', no one voting 'no'. The first Conference Report on House Bill 2033 is adopted. On the same order there appears House Bill 2323. Chair recognizes Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As it is before us at this time, let me just review it for some of you, because this has been changed considerably since we passed it out of here. We are adding now to House Bill 2323. We're 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 clarifying what the original Bill did and that was to allow that the high back... the high back seats that will be installed in school buses will only be installed by the manufacturer. No longer... the dealers... the authorized dealers said that we didn't want... they didn't want to do that because of some questions of liability. Both Houses have concurred in that cleanup. We also are authorizing the Department of Conservation to sell 25,000 cubic yards of surplus sand to the Lake County Forest Preserve District. We are deleting a requirement enacted last Session requiring all trucks to install mud flaps behind the tires of the tractor portion of a tractor-trailer. This change has been worked out between the State Police, IDOT and the trucking industry. We have several technical cleanup changes in the Illinois Vehicle Code suggested by IDOT, the Secretary of State and the Department of State Police. I'd be glad to answer any questions that you have. Would move passage of the Conference Committee Report on House Bill 2323, Mr. Speaker."
"Is there any further discussion? There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Report be adopted?' Those in favor signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 118 voting 'aye', no one voting 'no'. The first Conference Report, excuse me... the second Conference Report on House Bill 2323 is adopted. On page 2 of the Calendar on the Order of Conference Committee Reports there appears House Bill 2797. Chair recognizes Mr. Goforth."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is a Bill that we worked on for a couple of years. Looks like we finally got the thing go. I would 51 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 just like to thank Representative Rea and Ted Leverenz and Jeff Mays for all the help on this Bill and I move to accept the second Conference Committee Report."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the second Report on House Bill 2797. Those in favor signify by voting 'aye', those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Hartke, would you please record yourself? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Mautino, would you record Mr. Mulcahey? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 117 'aye', no one voting 'no'. The House does adopt the second Conference Report on House Bill 2797. Introduction of Bills."
"House Bill 2932, Bowman. A Bill for an Act to amend an Act to provide for casual defects (sic, deficits) or failure in revenue, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2933, Bowman. A Bill for an Act to provide special support services for handicapped youth, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2934, Bowman. A Bill for an Act to amend the Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2935, Preston. A Bill for an Act to amend The School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2936, Stevens. A Bill for an Act to amend The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2937, Black. A Bill for an Act to amend The School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2938, Mulcahey. A Bill for an Act to amend The School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2939, Preston. A Bill for an Act in relation to overtime compensation for the Department of State Police Officers, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2940, Piel. A Bill for an Act to amend the Mobile Home Landlords and Tenant Rights Act, First Reading of the Bill." 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day
"Mr. Giorgi in the Chair."
January 13, 1988 "House Bill 2941, Stern. A Bill for an Act to amend The Illinois Horse Racing Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2942, Flowers. A Bill for an Act to designate Harold Washington's birthday a holiday, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2943, Preston. A Bill for an Act to add Sections to the Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2944, Preston. A Bill for an Act to amend The Code of Civil Procedure, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2945, Barger. A Bill for an Act to amend The Minimum Wage Law, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2946, Preston. A Bill for an Act to amend The School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2947, William Peterson. A Bill for an Act to amend an act authorizing townships to acquire and maintain lands for park purposes and golf courses, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2948, Countryman. A Bill for an Act to amend The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2949, Countryman. A Bill for an Act to amend The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 to amend The Criminal Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2958, Granberg. A Bill for an Act to amend The Criminal Victims Compensation Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2959, Granberg. A Bill for an Act to amend The Violent Crime Victims Assistance Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2960, Granberg. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Code of Criminal Procedure, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2961, Cowlishaw. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2962, Countryman. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2963, Davis. A Bill for an Act in relation to the Mayor and Vice Mayor of the City of Chicago, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2964, Myron Olson. A Bill for an Act to amend The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2965, Myron Olson. A Bill for an Act to amend The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2966, Myron Olson. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2967, Tate. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2968, Homer. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Illinois Income Tax Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2969, Capparelli and Leverenz. A Bill for an Act making appropriations for the Metropolitan Fair and Exposition Authority Reconstruction Fund to the Metropolitan Fair and Exposition Authority, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2970, Gordon Ropp. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2971, William Peterson. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Liquor Control Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2972, Mautino. A Bill for 54 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 an Act to amend Sections of The Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2973, Keane. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Revenue Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2974, Mautino. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Liquor Control Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2975, Granberg. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Business Corporation Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2976, McGann. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Liquor Control Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2977, Countryman. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2978, Countryman. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2979, Countryman. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Election Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2980, Cullerton. A Bill for an Act concerning compulsory retirement and repealing an Act herein named, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2981, Cullerton. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of an Act relating to the compulsory retirement of judges, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2982, Levin. A Bill for an Act to add Sections to The Public Utilities Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2983, Levin. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The Illinois Human Rights Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2984, Levin. A Bill for an Act to establish an elected board of education for school districts operating under Article 34 of The School Code, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2985, Levin. A Bill for an Act relating to the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Chicago, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2986, Satterthwaite. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Baccalaureate Savings Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2987, Countryman. A 55 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 Bill for an Act to amend Sections and to add Sections to an Act to regulate solicitation and collection of funds for charitable purposes, providing for violations thereof and making an appropriation therefor, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2988, Black. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Revenue Act, First Reading of the Bill."
"Members of the Assembly, we're waiting for Messages from the Senate. We will now go to Agreed Resolutions. Representative Matijevich, Agreed Resolutions. Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions."
"Senate Joint Resolution 87, Weaver. House Resolutions. 941, Krska. 942, Krska. 943, Krska. 944, Wojcik. 945, Black. 946, Black. 947, Wojcik. 948, Didrickson. 949, Bugielski. 950, Kubik. 951, Flowers. 952, Regan. 953, Curran. 954, Novak. 955, Anthony Young. 956, Anthony Young. 957, O'Connell. 958, O'Connell. 959, Matijevich. 960, Regan. 961, Regan. 962, Flowers. 963, Slater. 964, Shaw. 965, Shaw. 966, Shaw. 967, Shaw. 968, Shaw. 969, Davis. 970, LeFlore. 971, Terzich. 972, Bugielski. 973, Johnson. 974, Johnson. 975, Johnson. 976, Johnson. 977, Johnson. 978, Johnson. 979, Johnson. 980, Johnson. 981, Anthony Young. 983, Matijevich. 984, Speaker Madigan. 985, Wolf. 986, LeFlore. 987, Stern. 988, Hultgren. 989, Matijevich. 990, Petka. 991, Morrow. 992, Morrow. 993, Anthony Young. 994, Anthony Young. 995, Hultgren. 996, Hultgren. 997, Giglio. 998, Shaw. 999, Kubik. 1000, Kubik. 1002, Barnes. 1003, Barnes. 1004, Wyvetter Younge. 1005, Wyvetter Younge. I'm sorry, that's 1006, Wyvetter Younge. 1008, Hasara. 1009, Hasara. 1013, Dunn. 1014, Dunn. 1015, Hultgren. 1017, Speaker Madigan and Leverenz. 1020, Currie. 1021, Panayotovich. 1022, Stern. 1023, Stern. 1025, Tuerk. 1026, Mautino. 1027, Harris. 1030, Stang. 1031, Wojcik. 1033, Tuerk. 56 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 1034, Granberg. 1036, Barnes. 1037, Tate. 1038, Ewing. 1039, Brunsvold. 1041, Capparelli and 1042 Hicks."
"Representative Matijevich on the Agreed Resolutions."
"Mr. Speaker and Dean of the House and father of the Lottery, Representative Giorgi, first of all, I think this is a momentous occasion that you are at the podium, having been the father of the Lottery and I understand that the State of Illinois has just made its five-hundredth millionaire through the Lottery and that's all because of you. And now to other important matters. I have examined and both sides of the aisle have examined the Resolutions. They are Congratulatory and agreed to and I move the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions."
"Thank you, John, but I should clear the record. We're anticipating the five-hundredth millionaire from the Lottery in the next two or three drawings, but I prepared the statistics for the Lottery Department. Thank you for those kind words. The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Is there any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'nays'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. We're standing by for Messages from the Senate which will be momentarily. We will now read some Death Resolutions. Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Joint Resolution 86, Woodyard. House Resolutions 1005, Wyvetter Younge. 1007, Morrow. 1010, Johnson. 1011, Johnson. 1012, Johnson. 1016, Rea. 1024, Tuerk. 1028, Keane. 1032, Countryman. 1035, Wyvetter Younge and 1040, Levin."
"Representative Matijevich on the Death Resolutions."
"I move the adoption." 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day
"The Gentleman moves the Agreed... of the Death Resolutions. by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nays'. The Resolutions are adopted. Clerk." January 13, 1988 adoption of the All in favor signify The 'ayes' have it. Further introductions, Mr.
"House Bill 2990, Kubik. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Income Tax Act, First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2989, Kubik. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Income Tax Act, First Reading of the Bill. And House Bill 2991, Ronan. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, First Reading of the Bill."
"Rules Committee. Members of the House, we're waiting for two Messages from the Senate and after that we will adjourn. Two Bills. Mr. Clerk, General Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1001, Stange. House Resolution 1029, Keane. House Resolution 1041, Shaw. House Resol... It's House Joint Resolution 141, Shaw. House Joint Resolution 142, Slater."
"Committee on Assignments... Mautino, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"For an announcement as it pertains to a two minute Appropriations Committee upon adjournment in Room 114. Appropriations I Committee, so that everyone's aware of it. Two minutes."
"Proceed. Proceed."
"That's the announcement I'd like to make for the mention of the Appropriation Committee Members. Immediately after adjournment. Two minutes. Two quick Bills. Appropriations I Committee."
"One-fourteen?"
"Introduction of Constitutional Amendments. First Reading." 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988
"House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #22 offered by Representative McNamara and McGann. RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the state for adoption or rejection at the General Election next occurring at least six months after the adoption of this Resolution, a proposition to amend Section one of Article Nine of the Constitution to read as follows: Article Nine, Section One, State and Local Revenue Power. A. The General Assembly has the exclusive power to raise revenue by law except as limited or otherwise provided in this Constitution, or as limited by statewide referendum, which shall be provided for by law. The power of taxation shall not be surrendered, suspended or contracted away. B. The power of units of local government to raise revenue by imposition of taxes shall be limited as provided in this Constitution by state law or by referendum as shall be provided for by state law. Schedule: If approved by the voters of this state, this Amendment shall take effect one day following the proclamation of the results of the voters of this referendum. First Reading of the Constitutional Amendment."
"Introduction of House Bills."
"House Bill 2992, LeFlore. A Bill for an Act to amend Sections of The School Code, First Reading of the Bill."
"Representative Leverenz, for what purpose do you rise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would ask leave of the Body, and I have confirmed it on the Republican side, that... so the Appropriations Committee that was to meet 59 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 immediately after Session be allowed to meet while we are standing here waiting for things to come over from the Senate. It only takes two minutes and a Roll Call and we'll be back on the floor. So, with leave we can get that done and we'll have the meeting in the Speaker's Conference Room."
"Does the Gentleman have leave? Hearing none, leave is granted. Leave is granted by the Attendance Roll
Clerk Call. Messages from the Senate."
"A Message from the Senate by Ms. Hawker, Secretary. 'Mr. Speaker I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has refused to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment to a Bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 485, House Amendment #10. Action taken by the Senate, January 13, 1988. Linda Hawker, Secretary.'"
"Supplemental #2. Senate Bill 485, on the Order of Non-Concurrence. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Representative... "
"Senate Bill 485. A Bill for an Act making appropriations for asbestos abatement. The Senate has refused to concur in House Amendment #10."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Leverenz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House would move to refuse to recede and that a Conference Committee would be appointed."
"You've heard the Gentleman's motion. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the House refuses to recede and a Conference... second Conference Committee Report be adopted (sic appointed). On Supplemental #2 appears Senate Bill 43 on non-concurrence. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Giorgi."
"Mr. Speaker, I move that we recede..."
"Gentleman moves that we recede..."
"Refuse to recede... Refuse to recede... from Amendments 2, 10 and 11 on Senate Bill 43 and that's a non-concur and ask for a Conference Committee."
"Gentleman moves that the House non-concur... refuses to recede and requests Conference Committee be appointed. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. Supplemental #3. Conference Committee Reports appears Senate Bill 485. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 485. A Bill for an Act making appropriations for asbestos abatement, First Conference Committee Report."
"Supplemental #3, Senate Bill 485. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Gentleman from Cook, Representative Leverenz with a motion to suspend Rule 79(d) to allow the consideration of the Conference Committee Report...Immediately."
"I so move."
"All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. Attendance Roll Call. Leave for the Attendance Roll Call? Leave is granted. The Motion is adopted on the Conference Committee Report #1. Senate Bill 485, Conference Committee Report, Representative Leverenz."
"I move that we concur with the First Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill.485, which changes from 'purposes account' to the words 'purposes fund'. I now move for the adoption of the Report."
"The Gentleman moves that the House adopt the Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 485, and on that 61 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 question, the Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Hallock."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I rise in support of the motion. The Bill basically moves around certain funds that Members request on a number of projects. It's a good idea. It's a good Bill. I urge it be adopted."
"Gentleman moves that the House adopt the Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 485 and all those in favor signify by voting 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question 103 voting 'yes', none voting 'nay', none voting 'present' and the House does adopt the First Conference Committee Report to Senate Bill 485 and this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. If I can have your attention. The House is going to adopt the Adjournment Resolution and then right after the adoption we have two Death Resolutions on two former Members, Representative Epton and Representative Conti. Mr. Clerk, read the adoption (sic - adjournment) Resolution."
"House Joint Resolution 143 (sic - 144). RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when both Houses adjourn on Wednesday, January 13, 1988, they stand adjourned until Thursday, February 25, 1988, at eleven-thirty o'clock a.m."
"All in favor... McPike moves that the House adopt the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. Opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The adoption... Resolution is adopted. Agreed Resolutions." 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day
McGann." January 13, 1988 "House Resolution 1043 offered by Representative
"Matijevich move the adoption of the Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'nay'. Opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. Resolution is adopted. Death Resolutions."
"Death Resolutions. House Resolution 1019 and 1018, offered by Daniels and Madigan. Resolution 1019. First Resolution is House WHEREAS, the members of this Assembly were saddened to learn of the death of a former Member, Elmer W. Conti, who served for 12 years with this august chamber; and WHEREAS, those colleagues who served beside Elmer Conti during the terms of 1956-62 and 1977-82 will long remember his sincere efforts to promote better quality of life for Illinois citizens, along with his famous dry wit and jovial nature which were appreciated by all, especially during the late hours of session; and WHEREAS, Elmer's hard work and dedication helped him rise to the leadership ranks of his party in 1978 when he was named Assistant Minority Leader of the House, and in 1981 when he was chosen to serve as Assistant Majority Leader; and WHEREAS, the 118 laws drafted by Elmer Conti stand as an (sic) enduring reminders of his many contributions to the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, where Elmer Conti undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the Illinois General Assembly, he will perhaps be remembered best for his long involvement in his home community where he was an (sic) active in local politics, serving as Elmwood Park village president for 32 years, Leyden Township Republican Committeeman for 27 years, and suburban chairman of the Cook County Republican Party for four years; and 63 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 WHEREAS, many organizations have honored Elmer Conti for his numerous contributions to this society, including a citation in 1968 by Israel Governor, an award given to only three other Americans—the Eleanor Roosevelt, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Supreme Court Justice William Douglas; and WHEREAS, Elmer Conti had a long history of service beginning with his service in the United States Navy during World War II, RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that on behalf of the citizens of this state that we hereby express our deep appreciation for the strong public service legacy left by Elmer Conti and further express our sincere deepest sympathy to his family. Further House Resolution 1018. WHEREAS, the Members of this Body are saddened to hear of the death of former colleague and dedicated public servant, Bernard Epton; WHEREAS, Mr. Epton was highly admired as a legislator, lawyer, father, husband and friend, who, during his active public career, fought tirelessly for social justice and equal opportunities; Whereas, Epton was a graduate of Hyde Park High School and University of Chicago and DePaul University Law School; WHEREAS, during his brilliant military career, Mr. Epton led 25 missions over Germany in World War II; WHEREAS, his extraordinary dedication to public service continued into his civilian life, especially through his distinguished career as a representative in the Illinois General Assembly, where he served his Hyde Park neighborhood for 14 years; and WHEREAS, his legacy of service in the Illinois House including 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 13, 1988 his advocacy for progressive civil rights legislation, as well as his work in the area of consumer protection which led to the passage of many insurance-related consumer protection laws now on the statute books; WHEREAS, during his tenure in the legislature, Mr. Epton served for 12 years as Chairman of the State Insurance Laws Study Commission, where he was highly active in guiding through proposal (sic - proposed) laws assessing insurance companies a fee to offset losses to premium holders' if another company failed; and WHEREAS, former Speaker of the House George Ryan recognized Epton's diligence and influence by naming him the Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives in 1982; and WHEREAS, he strived to broaden his public service career as a Republican candidate for Mayor of Chicago, an election he narrowly lost in 1983; and WHEREAS, Mr. Epton also had a successful practice as an insurance lawyer, he also served as past president of the Society of Lawyers and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and as Vice President of the Jane Dent Home for the Aged; now therefore be it RESOLVED THAT (sic - BY) THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, we here do by express our deep appreciation to Bernard Epton's efforts on behalf of citizens of this State; and be it further RESOLVED, that we express our deepest sympathy to his wife, Audrey, and their children, and RESOLVED, that suitable copies of both of these Resolutions be presented and that... and as a further expression of our sorrow that the House will stand adjourned."
"The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels." 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day
January 13, 1988 "Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, earlier today we had a ceremony honoring a great American, terrific Mayor and a good friend to all of us here. Now I feel as if the duty that falls upon me to talk about two former colleagues, Elmer Conti, Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois House and Bernie Epton, Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois House, rests heavily on my memories because of my fondness for both of them. I remember when I sat on the aisle, just right over there, and I was an Assistant Leader in the House with Elmer and Bernie, and occasionally we would throw a few jokes back and forth and we'd talk about what was going on and the humor of Elmer Conti. And his memory will always live with me throughout my lifetime, because to me he was an example of what's good in people and what has been good in the Illinois House and the traditions of this House. Elmer Conti, you see, served with my grandfather in the House. And then he left the House for a short time and came back and served with me in the House, so we had kind of a kinship that develops between Legislators, and you'll remember this your whole lifetime, the experiences that you have here. And when I visited Elmer at 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 Hubert Humphrey and Supreme Court Justice William Douglas. Shows you the depth of the man that we've lost. And truly, we lost a great friend. But he will live on and he'll live on through the efforts of this House. Bernie Epton. Bernie Epton, during World Was II, was in the Air Force. He was a radar navigator. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross twice and a personal citation from General Doolittle in recognition of his service and heroism. He truly knew what it meant to fight for and defend the values that he defended here. You know, whenever you think of Bernie, and you think of his service in the Legislature, the one thing that those of us that served with him in Springfield know, is that he was a defender of social rights and justice and equality for all. And that he participated in the advancement of minority interests and minority rights. And that's why those of us that were Bernie's friends know that an unfortunate campaign of 1983, when his true feelings and spirits were misrepresented by some, I think, self serving people that used his position and came up with some slogans that were not truly what Bernie Epton was all about, for I knew Bernie. I served with him here and I knew what positions he took in the Illinois House. And I need to say that to you, because you need to know that about a man that too many people who didn't know, misunderstood his true feelings. And I hope that just a few words that I have to say, you'll understand a little bit more about the legacy of a man that cared about his country, that cared about his state and cared about his city. He was an expert in insurance law. He was an Assistant Majority Leader in the House. He served with us for years and he was a successful attorney in his own law firm of Epton, Mullin and Druth. We've lost another good friend and in these few short periods of time where 67 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 we've lost a tremendous American in Harold Washington and two other people that were leaders of this state, this Assembly has lost the background of some awful good people. But, Mr. Speaker, we have gained from their experiences and their knowledge, and all of us that served with them and touched them, by these three terrific Americans, we've benefited. So, for the record, I would like to ask that all Members of the House be joined as Cosponsors of these Resolutions and they be adopted and we remember them with fondness and love and the true feeling of care that they deserve."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Williamson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I was not fortunate enough to know Bernie Epton. However, I did know Elmer Conti. Elmer Conti was my committeeman and Elmer Conti was one of the main reasons that I am privileged to serve in this Body with all of you today. I ran several years ago as an aldermanic candidate in my hometown of Northlake, and at that point I was a Democrat and supported the Democratic Party. And I lost that race by nine votes. Several days after the election, I got a telephone call from a man by the name of Elmer Conti, who told me that he had watched my race. He had watched what I had done, what I had said and he was very interested in meeting with me and talking with me. Even then, he was a legend to me. He was a name that I can remember my parents talking about. And to receive a personal phone call from this man, even that was an honor. And we sat down and we met and we talked and he at that point asked me if I would be willing to serve as a Township Trustee in Leyden Township to fill a vacancy with the approval of the Board. Even though he had a strong Leyden Township Republican organization, he had people there that had carried the 68 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 water for the elephant and had served their time. This man had the foresight and the courage and to this day, the guts, to take me, someone that was young, ambitious and starting and had so much to learn and take the time to work with me and train me and show me what can be done in a political career and to help me achieve my goals. I sat in that seat. I served in the Township Trustee for no more than three months, when Elmer Conti said to me, 'Linda, I like what you're doing. You've got a lot of potential. I want you to run for State Representative.' He spent more time than my own family working with me, teaching me, helping me. So many times as I sit in this chamber, especially in June, I sit and I shake my head and say, 'You know, what happened? How did we get here?' It happened so fast and it's an honor and yet it's a headache and you want to go home. And I can't help but bring his name into my mind everytime I think about it. Elmer Conti. That man has changed my entire life. My family's lives, my children's lives, and hopefully, my grandchildren will be affected by the moves that I make here in this General Assembly. And it's because of Elmer Conti. People that know us back home know that Elmer and I always fought and always argued and we always laughed. And after we'd fight and argue, we'd go out to dinner and we'd go out and we'd have a good time. But one of the things he would say to me over dinner is, he said, 'I respect you because you can argue back with me and you're not a 'yes' person and you fight back'. And he respects that. That's amazing that that was one of the things that I respected about Elmer. Elmer didn't just sit there and bob his head up and down. He fought and he argued and he fought for what he believed in. And to this day, even though Elmer has left us, I know that Elmer will continue to be a fighter in the souls of so 69 83rd Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 85th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 13, 1988 many of us back in Leyden Township. And Elmer, I only regret one thing. I regret not having the chance to say goodbye. Thank you."
"Representative Daniels now moves that all Members of the House be added to these Resolutions. Does he have leave? Leave is granted. The question is, 'Shall these Resolutions be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. Opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolutions are adopted and the House now stands adjourned until February 25th, 1988, at twelve... at 11:30 a.m." 70 02/17/88 12:07 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX JANUARY 13, 1988 PAGE 1 HB-2033 CONFERENCE PAGE 50 HB-2033 MOTION PAGE 39 HB-2323 CONFERENCE PAGE 50 HB-2323 MOTION PAGE 39 H3-2712 VETO ACTION PAGE 45 HB-2713 VETO ACTION PAGE 46 HB-2748 VETO ACTION PAGE 40 H3-2797 CONFERENCE PAGE 51 HB-2932 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2933 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2934 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2935 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2936 FIRST READING PAGE 52 H3-2937 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2933 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2939 FIRST READING PAGE 52 H3-2940 FIRST READING PAGE 52 HB-2941 FIRST READING PAGE 53 H3-2942 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2943 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2944 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HS-2945 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2946 FIRST READING PAGE 53 H3-2947 FIRST READING PAGE 53 H3-2948 FIRST READING PAGE 53 H3-2949 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2950 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2951 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2952 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HG-2953 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2954 FIRST READING PAGE 53 H3-2955 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HS-2956 FIRST READING PAGE 53 H3-2957 FIRST READING PAGE 53 HB-2958 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2959 FIRST READING PAGE 54 H3-2960 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2961 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2962 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2963 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2964 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2965 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2966 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2967 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2968 FIRST READING PAGE 54 H3-2969 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2970 FIRST READING PAGE 54 H3-2971 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2972 FIRST READING PAGE 54 HB-2973 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2974 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2975 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2976 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2977 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2978 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2979 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2980 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2981 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2982 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2983 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2984 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2985 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2936 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2937 FIRST READING PAGE 55 HB-2988 FIRST READING PAGE 56 02/17/88 12:07 STATE OF ILLINOIS 85TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX JANUARY 13, 1988 PAGE 2 HB-2989 FIRST READING PAGE 58 HB-2990 FIRST READING PAGE 58 HB-2991 FIRST READING PAGE 58 HB-2992 FIRST READING PAGE 59 SB-0043 NON-CONCURRENCE PAGE 60 SB-0043 MOTION PAGE 3 SB-0043 MOTION PAGE 39 SB-0485 NON-CONCURRENCE PAGE 60 SB-0485 CONFERENCE PAGE 61 HR-1013 ADOPTED PAGE 70 HR-1018 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 64 HR-1019 ADOPTED PAGE 70 HR-1019 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 63 HJR-0139 ADOPTED PAGE 46 HJR-0139 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 46 HJR-0140 ADOPTED PAGE 2 HJR-0140 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 2 HJR-0142 ADOPTED PAGE 46 HJR-0142 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 46 HJR-0143 ADOPTED PAGE 46 HJR-0143 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 46 HJR-0144 ADOPTED PAGE 62 HJR-0144 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 62 #HJR-0022 FIRST READING PAGE 59 JSR-0003 ADOPTED PAGE 37 JSR-0003 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 7 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER REPRESENTATIVE MCPIKE PAGE 1 PRAYER - REVEREND HAYE PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 2 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 2 INTRODUCTION AL JOURDAN PAGE 2 MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR PAGE 2 REPRESENTATIVE O'CONNELL IN CHAIR PAGE 3 PRESENTATION ROLAND BUD ERBER PAGE 3 INTRODUCTION DALE GULBRANTSON PAGE 3 REPRESENTATIVE MCPIKE IN CHAIR PAGE 4 COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 4 REPRESENTATIVE MADIGAN IN CHAIR PAGE 4 JOINT SESSION PAGE 5 INTRODUCTION HONORED GUESTS PAGE 5 PRAYER REVEREND MAYE PAGE 6 PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR PRESENTATION PAGE 7 BENEDICTION REVEREND MAYE PAGE 38 JOINT SESSION ARISE PAGE 38 HOUSE RECONVENES SPEAKER MADIGAN IN CHAIR PAGE 38 REPRESENTATIVE GIORGI IN CHAIR PAGE 53 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 56 DEATH RESOLUTIONS PAGE 57 GENERAL RESOLUTIONS PAGE 58 MESSAGE FROM SENATE PAGE 60 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 62 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 70