"The House will come to order. Members will please be in their seats. The Chaplain for today is Reverend Gary Fortkamp, from Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Strasburg, Illinois. Reverend Fortkamp is a guest of Representative Tate. The guests in the balcony may wish to rise and join us for the invocation."
"Almighty and gracious Lord. Creator of the universe and all therein, You have given to all people their knowledge and abilities to be used for the welfare of others. You have called us to serve and not to be served. I give praise and thanks to You for permitting me to lift up my voice in prayer on behalf of this Assembly of distinguish leaders, Governor Thompson and the House of Representatives. They have been given a great responsibility in planning and making decisions in regards to the budget for the State of Illinois. As your Son, Jesus Christ gave himself in service to all people and as a sacrifice for the sins of all people. Help each leader lay aside his self interest and the interest of special lobby groups. Help them not make decisions on the basis of votes that may be...given but on the basis of what is in the best interest of serving people and preserving the life of all people in this wonderful State of Illinois. And let those decisions bring honor and glory to your Name. As You alone can save us through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, You alone are the one who can give true wisdom and knowledge to Governor Thompson and each of these Representatives as they humbly come before You seeking your guidance in all the decisions they must make for the good of this great state in which we live. We praise and thank You almighty and gracious God for all You will accomplish through these dedicated leaders, who have sought their 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 various positions that they might serve. In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Black." Black, 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. Representative Matijevich do you have any excused absences?"
"Yes. Mr. Speaker, let the record reflect on this side of the aisle the excused absences of Representative Kulas, Mulcahey and Andrew Young."
"Mr. Piel."
"No excused absences today, Mr. Speaker."
"Take the record, Mr. Clerk. 115 Members answering...the Roll Call a quorum is present. Introduction and First Reading."
"House Bill 3069, offered by Representative Hensel, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act to provide for creation of management of Forest Preserve Districts. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3070, offered by Representative Cullerton, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act to revise the law in relation to oaths and affirmations. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3071, offered by Representative Sutker, a Bill for an Act to amend the Revenue Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3072, offered by Representative Cullerton, a Bill for an Act to amend the revised Uniform Limit to Partnership Act. t. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3073, offered by Representative Wolf and Saltsman, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Pension Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3074, offered by Representative Giorgi, a 2 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 Bill for an Act to amend the Sanitary District Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3075, offered by Representative Weaver, a Bill for an Act to amend the National Guard Scholarship Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3076, offered by Representative Myron Olson and Hasara, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3077, offered by Representative Kubik, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3078, offered by Representative Countryman and Kubik, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3079, offered by Representative Countryman and Kubik, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3080, offered by Representative Kubik and Currie, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act to revise concerning cities, villages and incorporated towns. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3081, offered by Representative Cowlishaw and Kubik, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3082, offered by Myron Olson and Kubik, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3083, offered by Representative Kubik and Johnson, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3084, offered by Representative Matijevich and Giorgi, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3085, offered by Representative Matijevich and Giorgi, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3086, offered by Representative Zickus, a Bill for an Act to amend the Environmental Protection Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3087, offered by Representative Stange, a Bill for an Act to amend the 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 Illinois Income Tax Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3088, offered by Representative Stange, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 8039 (sic 3089), offered by Representative W. Peterson, a Bill for an Act to authorize the Lake County Forest Preserve District to exchange certain tracts of lands. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3090, offered by Representative William Peterson and Steczo, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Highway Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3091, offered by Representative W. Peterson and Steczo, a Bill for an Act to amend the township law. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3092, offered by Representative W. Peterson and Granberg, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Income Tax Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3093, offered by W. Peterson and Granberg, a Bill for an Act to amend the Retailers Occupation Tax Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3094,, offered by Representative Didrickson, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3095, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act to amend the Limited Health Services Organization Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3096, offered by Representative Shaw, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3097, offered by Representative Shaw, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3098, offered by Representative Hultgren, a Bill for an Act to amend the Local Governmental...and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3099, offered by Representative Klemm, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Highway Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3100, offered by 4 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 Representative Capparelli Terzich Bugielski, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. First Reading of the Bill."
"General Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1401, offered by Representative Phelps."
"Committee on Assignment. Representative Ropp can we help you."
"Yes, Sir, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to announce that I..."
"Excuse me, Mr. Ropp. You weren't here at 11:30, I don't think it's necessary to tell us why you won't here on time."
"No, but ISU did beat Southern Illinois University last night to win the Missouri Valley Conference. 81 to 78."
"The Chair recognizes the Doorkeeper for an announcement. Mr. Doorkeeper."
"Mr. Speaker. The Honorable President Rock and Members of the Senate are at the door and seek admission to the chamber."
"Mr. Doorkeeper, please admit the Honorable Senators. As designated in House Joint Resolution #79, the hour of 12:00 having arrived the Joint Session of the 86th General Assembly STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 convened. At this time the Chair would like to recognize certain...distinguished people who have joined us today. If the Members could take their seats. Would the Members please take their seats. Would everyone please be seated. Mr. Washburn, would you take your seat. Mr. Washburn. Would you please sit down, Sir. At this time we would like to introduce certain distinguished people who have joined us today. First the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, former Speaker of the House, Lieutenant Governor George Ryan. Next the... Secretary of State of the State of Illinois, former Member of the House, the Honorable Jim Edgar. Jim Edgar. The Attorney General of the State of Illinois, the Honorable Neil Hartigan. Neil Hartigan. The Comptroller, Mr. Roland Burris. From the Supreme Court, the Honorable Justice Ben Miller. Ben Miller. We're pleased to have with us the First Lady of the State of Illinois, Jayne Thompson, and I believe that she is in the rear gallery. Maybe she's not. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Mr. McPike."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Clerk read Joint Session Resolution #3."
"Mr. Clerk."
"Joint Session Resolution #3, resolved that a committee of ten be appointed, five from the House by the Speaker and five from the Senate appointed by the Committee on Committees of the Senate, to wait upon the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois and invite him to address the Joint Assembly."
"The Gentleman..."
"I move for the...I move for the adoption of the Resolution."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it, the Resolution is adopted. Pursuant to the Resolution the following are appointed as a committee to escort the Chief Executive. From the House of Representatives, Representative Larry Woolard. Representative Mary Flowers. Representative Clem Balanoff. Representative Michael Tate. Representative John Hallock."
"Thank you, the Senate Members are, Senator Kenneth Hall. Senator Howard Carroll. Senator Dawn Clark Netsch. Senator John Davidson and Senator Beverly Fawell."
"Will the Committee of Escort please convene at the rear of the chamber and await his Excellency the Governor. Will the Committee of Escort, please retire to the rear of the chamber. The Chair recognizes the Doorkeeper for an announcement."
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois, James Thompson, and his party wish to be admitted to this chamber."
"Admit the Honorable Governor."
"Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Leaders and Members of this General Assembly, our State's Constitutional Officers. The Leaders of the State of Illinois and our citizens. I think I have to say the bottom line first. I'm really going to miss this. I'm going to miss you. I've done a lot in my life, and I hope I've done a lot with my life in every aspect of government, politics, teaching. But I've never worked with a finer group of men and women more closely, or better for better ends than with the Members, Republican and Democratic of this General Assembly. And it's going to be awfully hard to say good-bye. And now to the budget. To most Illinoisans, busy people with little time to wade through boring state budget documents, $26 billion is a lot of 7 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 money. And certainly ought to be enough to pay for all the operations of state government for one year, and Illinoisans are correct on both of those points. Yet, the representatives of special interests from advocates of causes to defenders of the status quo or less. Will argue about whether $26 billion is too much, or not enough. At the very least, they will argue with the way this budget proposes to parcel out the $26 billion. The debate officially begins today. It can begin in about 20 minutes. In fact, in every corner of the state it has already begun. I see from today's newspaper that the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois thinks that this year's budget is too high. They think you appropriated $400 million more than we could afford, and that I should have vetoed $250 million more than I did last fall. Of course, they don't have to make the cuts or even suggest where to cut. They don't have to choose between cutting aid to the poor or to education; to choose between retraining Illinois workers or staffing mental health institutions. And the two state education boards think next year's budget isn't high enough. They say this budget is short by $391 million just for them. Of course, they don't say which other state programs should be cut to find that $391 million, or which tax you should increase to pay for it. It doesn't require psychic powers to know that this budget document, which has been carefully pieced together over the past six months, will now be taken apart instantly, unanimously by Legislators, bureaucrats, lobbyists, journalists and maybe even an honest-to-god citizen or two. And it will be up to you Members of the Assembly to put it all back together again in some fashion by July 1, the beginning of Fiscal Year 1991. This balanaced budget covers the final six months of the Thompson Administration, but is also a blueprint for the 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day first six months of the next administration. March 7, 1990 Because it is balanced, it's a far better document than the one I inherited 13 years ago, and I am determined to leave the fiscal house in order, one way or the other, when I turn over the keys to the next Governor. This budget maintains the many significant gains that we, you and I, achieved last year. This budget gives the state the resources to help our citizens who cannot help themselves, from babies addicted at birth to cocaine, to seniors struggling to live out their lives in the familiarity of their own homes. And, it makes wise investments in our future, our children's education, our economy, our safety, our planet. In addition, this proposed budget improves on the current budget in two major areas, environmental protection and the war on drugs. And it suggests the dollars to pay for those two initiatives as I promised in my State of the State Address. If you are to understand next year's budget, you must first understand this year's budget. This year, we achieved extraordinary growth, a $767 million increase in education spending, up 18 percent. The added support of next year's budget, that education increase can go up over 21 percent over two years. That's good. And that wasn't all. Prevention of drug abuse, up 43 percent in this fiscal year. Up 54 percent over two years. That's good. Services to our senior citizens, up 20 percent this year. Up 21 percent over two years and that's good. Keeping families together and protecting kids from abuse. Up 14 percent this year. Up 36 percent over two years. That's good. Locking up criminals, up 13 percent this year. Up 30 percent over two years and that's good. Caring for the mentally ill, up 14 percent this year. Up 19 percent over two years and that's good and a sign. In a large number of states of this union, Governors and Legislators are 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 frantically trying to find ways to balance their state's budget. And the answer in many of those states has been sharp increases in taxes and sharp spending cuts for education and worthwhile human service programs combined. We will not, under any conceivable budget circumstance have that unhappy consequence in Illinois. Because we have been fiscally conservative on both the spending and the tax side. And I intend to see that we remain there. While many about us are loosing their fiscal heads and paying the piper we are going to keep ours. No matter what kind of budget or whose budget is finally enacted. In this year's budget we were able to make our gains by turning to four sources. First an income tax increase, one half of that money went to education, accounting largely for the 18 percent increase in appropriations this year. And the other half went, no strings attached, to local governments all across the state. But a tax increase only provides a large amount of money...new money in the first year. In fact, one of your Members was quoted in the paper the other day as saying, 'What happened? We passed a tax increase last year, and this year they say there's no money.' Well, there is money. That tax increase is in this budget. It's in the base, but it doesn't automatically double in the second year. It only grows from that base, which is in the budget. That tax increase of last year produced $700 million in net new dollars. Next year that figure will grow by five percent, producing an additional $35 million for Education and local governments. It doesn't double, it only grows. It's in here, and I propose that we spend it. Second, this year we drew down the end-of-year balance. There was no way that Members of this Assembly, or this Governor, or those out there who need our help were going to let that balance stay over half a billion dollars. No 10 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 , way. I've been around long enough to know that. Third, Fiscal '89 was a savings year when we saved almost $300 million of the revenues that we received. We're spending that savings this year. This year is a growth year. Fourth, and finally, the natural growth of existing tax sources allowed for some of the spending increases. That's Fiscal '90. Four revenue sources. A tax hike, drawing down the end of year balance, spending savings from earlier years and the natural growth of existing taxes. In fiscal 1991, the year you are about to consider, only natural revenue growth is a certainty. It would permit an increase of about $223 million not much, in comparison to the $1.2 billion increase this year. But alot of money, none the less. But importantly, almost all of that new revenue growth will be eaten up just by the annualization of the Medicaid reimbursements you voted for last year, and I signed. And by federal mandates imposed upon us without choice by Congress. Let me say that again. Almost all of our natural revenue growth next year will be taken by the annualization of Medicaid reimbursement and by federal mandates that we are powerless to resist. We had no choice. We didn't get to vote. That leaves nothing for anything that you have a choice about from natural revenue growth. So to have any choice next year about education, mental health and other human services we think are important here in Illinois. We're going to have to bring in some new revenues on top of natural revenue growth and to take some cash flow actions. This budget spells out my recommendations. You can either adopt them or substitute your own methods of increasing tax revenues. Any other action will force us to lower the spending plans in this budget by $300 million. In my view, there are no other choices. There's not alot of running room this year. In 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 fact, the Legislature's own revenue forecaster, for the first time in my memory, says natural revenue growth in Fiscal 1991 will be below the conservative estimates of the Bureau of the Budget. If you accept your Economic and Fiscal Commissions's predictions, of next years revenues as correct you're have to take $264 million in spending from this budget on day one. And then, if we don't raise a penny of new revenue, you'll have to take away another $300 million. When I was here in January for the State of the State Message, I spoke at length about the good programs we have put into place and about the challenges ahead. About the environment, about fighting drugs in our communities, about how to bring more jobs to Illinois. I also asked about the extent of your political will, your muscle, your moxie. This budget book shows you where my priorities are, staying with all that we've been doing right to improve education. To help small businesses grow, to get good treatment for the mentally ill, to build the roads that your communities must have if they are to grow. So let's look at what $26 billion buys us in 1991. It buys a caring budget. It will expand by a third DASA prevention programs and make chemical dependency treatment available for another 1,500 Illinoisans, will add staff on the child abuse hotline and more people in the field to investigate child abuse reports. It will provide a 12 percent overall funding increase for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, paying for a $63 million expansion in community service funding, $38 million more for state-operated facilities. And it will help former welfare recipients keep their hard won jobs by picking up the cost of their day-care and medical coverage for a full year. This budget builds. A new chemical and life sciences building at the University of Illinois at Urbana. A new 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 molecular biology lab at the U of I's Chicago campus. A new center for graduate study research in Kane/DuPage corridor. A new engineering building at NIU. A biological sciences building at SIU-Carbondale. And a nearly eight percent increase in IDOT'S budget, continuing construction in four major highway corridors. U.S. 51 from south of LaSalle-Peru to Bloomington-Normal. Illinois 121 from I-74 at Morton to I-55 at Lincoln. U.S. 67 from Monmouth to Macomb, and the western portion of the new Thorndale Avenue extension in DuPage County. This budget backs economic development. Nearly $30 million to promote tourism, which will be our single largest industry by the end of this century including $5 million for local tourism and convention bureaus. $19 million for the second year of Technology Challenge Grants, our partnership for research in Illinois which you enthusiastically created and endorced last year. First time funding for the Rural Diversification Program, important to the 25 percent of our population who still lives on the farm or in small towns. And more than $30 million to help Illinois businesses train Illinois workers, Illinois taxpayers and retrain them for tomorrow's jobs. This budget protects a 1,000 new corrections' workers to staff two new prisons and four new work camps. You authorized them, we're building them. They can't open empty. A boot camp, military style discipline and manual labor to shock young offenders, giving them an alternative. Get your act together or go to prison with a longer sentence. And we'll put 80 more State Troopers on our highways. Do you realize that in 72 counties in downstate Illinois, they're no State Troopers on regular patrol between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. So, if your car breaks down after 11 o'clock. No state help until the morning. There's an armed robbery at a service station. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 No state help until the morning. A drunk driver forces you off the road and weaves on down the highway. No state help until 7 a.m. And drug couriers. Our State Troopers are trained, and the high numbers of arrests and convictions will show it, trained to find drug runners on routine patrols. Those drug runners can run free in 72 counties between the hour of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., as far as the state is concerned. It's like hanging a gone fishin' sign at the borders of 72 counties, and I think it's shocking, and I think shameful, and I think that we need to correct it. It will take the troopers to do it. If you want to get serious about drugs and crime, this budget is serious. I don't want to retreat on any of our goals, but I'm not going to spend money we don't have. I'm willing to ask you to pass some reasonable tax and fee increases, even in an election year. And the headline writers will count them out and spill them across page one tomorrow. That's okay. Maybe we'll attract enough attention to get the taxpayers to read about what we can buy with those revenues. Maybe they'll get past the headlines and read about cleaning up hazardous waste spills and cleaning up the air we that breathe. Maybe they'll see the plans to get more PCBs out of Waukegan Harbor and keep the sediment out of Peoria Lake. Maybe they'll read about putting State Troopers on our highways after midnight, tracking down drug dealers with computers. It's one thing to talk about moxie. It's another thing to actually deliver. This budget if enacted, delivers. It recommends passage of the added 8 cent per pack cigarette tax that I requested last year. It also suggests a messages tax increase of 3 percent. A tax amnesty program similar to one that generated $100 million in 1985, would bring an additional $70 million in Fiscal '91. My recommendation is to speed up the recovery of that 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 $70 million in disputed tax payments and deposit the new revenue in the Mental Health Fund. Extending the cigarette tax to other tobacco products, which now go curiously untaxed, like chewing tobacco and cigars, will provide what we need to expand the fight against illegal drugs, to keep troopers on our highways 24 hours a day. It will take some political will to pass the tax needed to support our war on drugs. But I think it will take political timidity, maybe foolishness, not to pass the rest of the tax that you passed easily last year. This budget addresses Illinois' Environmental Challenge, increasing strongly our investment directly in the environment, protecting what has SO strongly contributed to this state's growth and upon which our future absolutely depends. Unless we take the lead in protecting our natural resources, the outlook for both the economy and the environment is grim. Unless we step up the pace of finding ways to reduce the waste we create in the first place, and ways to recycle our waste in the second place, and finally to handle safely whatever we can't reduce or recycle, unless we do something now that environmental crisis looms ever closer. The typical Illinois family produces more than 4,500 gallons of garbage each year. That's either going to have to stop, or at least be reversed, sometime soon. If it doesn't stop, we're not going to have a place left to put it, and those plastic bags of rotting, stinking garbage will begin mounting up in our kitchens and homes and yards. And by then it will be too late for any rational action. When it comes to environmental protection, in many ways we're already ahead of other states. We worked together on the Solid Waste Management Act, the Chemical Safety Act, the Groundwater Protection Act and the designation of the Middle Fork as a Scenic River. This budget continues 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 financial support for the reduction of solid waste at the source, and furthers the development of new markets for recycling. Later this spring, the Waste Reduction Task Force, representatives of industry, environmentalist and local government officials, will report its recommendations on what we can do to help prevent waste. 90 percent of our waste is now deposited in landfills. By the end of this century, we should be recycling one-half of our trash, the task force will tell us more about how to do that. Illinois' Environmental Challenge is a comprehensive plan to build on our efforts to renew our natural resources, our air, streams, trees and lakes; to help communities before landfills reach their existing limits and close; and to cleanup the backlog of hazardous waste sites not eligible for federal support. I think we can all agree that those are worthwhile causes. But we'll have to raise additional revenues to pay for them. They're not free. They're not easy. They're not cheap. This budget proposes a new half billion dollars Illinois Environmental Challenge Fund. Money we need for more landfills and incinerators and transfer stations. Money we need to protect and enhance our groundwater. Money we need to help local governments manage solid waste and reduce waste. Money we need to cleanup chemical spills. Money we need to plant more trees in rural and urban areas. Money we need to get dangerous and unusable chemicals out of farmers' barns and into the hands of those who can dispose of them safely. Money we need, but money we now don't have. It's money we can get, if we have the political will. I have proposed an increase in the fees charged on waste dumped in landfills, and a new fee on chemicals that are commonly the ones that we clean up at hazardous waste sites. If you have an alternative funding source, I'd like to hear about it. But please, 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day don't sit there this Session and do nothing. March 7, 1990 It makes no sense now for us or for our children to sit here and choke on our own garbage and dirty air, when there are solutions at hand. But they'll only be there if we have the political will to act. I believe that if you take the time to examine this budget you will find it to be in the best interests of Illinois, our state and to all its people. It does an enormous amount of good for those who have little. It cares for people who are depending on us. It invests in our kids, and our teachers and our businesses. It keeps criminals behind bars and tries to slow the trade in drugs that has sent SO many of our law-abiding citizens to hospitals, and lawbreakers to treatment programs and prisons. In some respects there is something in there for all of us. There's also much in there that will draw opposition from some of those special interests that I mentioned at the beginning of these remarks. There's something for the waste haulers to oppose. Something for the tobacco industry to oppose. Something for chemical manufacturers to oppose. Something for the liquor lobby and phone companies, and Lord knows what else to oppose. So let's get ready, the debate of the special interest is about to begin. But I'm reminded of something Teddy Roosevelt once said: 'The business of government, our business, your's and mine, is to organize the common interest against the special interests.' This budget, my friends, is in the common interests for the people of Illinois. Thank you very much."
"The President of the Senate is recognized for a Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move that the Joint Session do now arise."
"The President of the Senate has moved that the 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 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. McPike, in the Chair."
"The Chair would like to remind all the Legislators, all the House Members that the...group picture will taken again this afternoon in approximately a half hour. So we would like to ask you to stick around. Introduction and First Readings. At 1:15 we intend to clear the floor of everyone except House Members and take the...group picture. So if you're in hearing distance of this...number one, don't leave and number two, if you have, come back because we're going to take a group picture at exactly 1:15. Mr. Clerk, Introduction and First Readings."
"House Bill 3101, offered by Representative Preston, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3102, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3103, offered by Representative Steczo and Matijevich, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the State Board of Education. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3104, offered by Representative Matijevich and Steczo, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the State Board of Education. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3105, offered by Representative Didrickson, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the Common School Fund...for the Common School Fund to the State Board of Education. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3106, offered by Representative McGann and Granberg, a Bill for an Act to amend the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Recording Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3107, offered by Representative Ewing, a Bill for an 18 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 Act to amend the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3108, offered by Representative Dunn, a Bill for an Act relating to liens. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3109, offered by Representative Preston - Cullerton - Trotter - Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3110, offered by Representative Jessie White and Trotter, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3111, offered by Representative Giglio Capparelli - Terzich, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3112, offered by Representative Lange, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Civil Procedure. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3113, offered by Representative Lange, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Civil Procedure. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3114, offered by Representative Lange, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Civil Procedure. First Reading of the Bill. Further Introductions. House Bill 3115, offered by Representative Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3116, offered by Representative Davis, a Bill for an Act in relation to tobacco and alcohol advertising. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3117, offered by Representative Richmond - Phelps - Ryder - Ropp - Goforth, a Bill for an Act designating the square dance as the American Folk Dance of the State of Illinois. First Reading of the Bill."
"Representative Preston in the Chair. If the Members will please come to order, we have two young distinguished guests that would like an opportunity to...say hello, to the House of Representatives. So if, 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 Mr. Speaker, if you could please stop your caucus in the...middle of the aisle and come to order. I'm very please to introduce to the Members of the House two young people who I met in Israel this past January, during the Governor's Israel Trade Mission. We met in Jerusalem with Alina Trachtenblit and... Ohad Flinker... Alina was born in Russia and her family then moved to Israel. And Ohad's father was born in the United States and moved to Israel where Ohad was born, and I'm very pleased...these young people are here in America on...a mission from the State of Israel to meet with American high school students right now in Illinois to promote relations between the State of Israel and the State of Illinois and other countries throughout the world among young people in both areas. I'm very pleased to...to introduce to you first, Alina Trachtenblit." Tranchtenvlit, Alina: "Shalom. And my name is Alina...my name is Alina and sixteen and a half years old and I live in Tel Aviv, Israel. Now, I'm really happy to be here, I guess this is a real pretty busy day. And it was real interesting to see how things work here. Ohad and I, he is my partner, are part of a big delegation sent from Israel all over the world...to all over the world, in couples and we go to schools and tell them about ourselves, about Israel, about our country. We answer the questions, and we study about them. It's really lots of fun being here and just...thanks." Flinker, Ohad: "Hi, I'm Ohad. I'm Alina's partner, and we tour around...mostly around schools. But of course, we're teenagers and we also get to have some fun. And on Friday, we went to the Museum of Industry and Science in Chicago. And we enjoyed that alot. We also enjoyed today in the speech seeing a democracy in work, it's very similar to 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 what we see in Israel in the Kenneset and I enjoyed that alot. And it's great being here. Thank you.'
"The hour of 1:10 having arrived. We will be ready with the picture in 5 minutes. If the Members could move to their desks. Will the Members please take any papers that are on the top of your desk, and temporarily, set them on the floor so there isn't a white reflection on you during the picture. If you would please clear off the top of your desk. Will all Staff please remove themselves from the House chamber. Will the Doorkeeper please clear the gallery for the picture. Doorkeeper in the gallery. Will the Doorkeeper that's in the gallery...will the Doorkeeper in the gallery please clear the gallery. Will the people in the gallery please clear the gallery. Will the Press that's in the gallery please move your tripods back from the rail, please, for our picture. Will the Members please clear the paper from the top of their desks, so it won't reflect in the picture. Please, temporarily, set it on the floor by your area. Will all the Staff and the Pages, please, remove themselves from the chamber. All Staff please remove yourself from the chamber. The hour of 1:15 having arrived, all Members please be in their seats. Remove the paper from the top of your desks, and if you will please move your microphones down, any that are up, if you will please try to put them down. Will the Doorkeeper... Doorkeeper, Pete, will you please take the sign off the men's door and turn off the light inside. Will you please remove yourself from the gallery. Will you please remove yourself. Thank you. Will the Press in the gallery please remove yourself temporarily. Will the Doorkeeper... Doorkeeper will you please remove the people from the side aisleways. The people in the side aisles on both sides will you please remove yourself from the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day windows. The March 7, 1990 cameraman will explain how the camera works if you don't remember from previously."
"Hello, I'm Doug Chadwick, I'm a photographer that does these panoramic pictures. It looks like all your microphones are down and as far as I can see all the desks are fairly clear. It's going to take about a minute for the camera to pan around. It's going to start over on the left, and you have to hold particularly still, your right, my left. You have to hold particularly still as the camera sweeps around to you, in other words, when you're being blinded by the light. It's just like T.V. in that I guess. So hold real still, it's a fairly long exposure about a half second exposure. So you need to hold fairly still and try to keep from blinking. Let's see do we have everyone here now? Okay. Okay, we have everyone here that's going to be here? Okay. Everyone look this way. Give us a big smile, that looks good and hold real still. We're rolling, I have to hold still too or else I'll jiggle it. Just getting to the first people over on the...my left. Hold real still here where the light is starting to roast you. Three quarters the way around. Looks good. Okay, thank you very much, you will be able to see a sample print when you get back in April."
"The House is not adjourned. We have about an hour and a half of work yet to do. The House is not adjourned. Unknown: Supplemental Calendar Supplemental Calendar announcement." announcement.
"Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed." "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to announce I have some birthday cake over here on this table, I would like to share with all of you. You're welcome to come over."
"Supplemental #1, under Motions. Representative Phelps." 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day
March 7, 1990 "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move pursuant to rule 77(a) to discharge the Select Committee on Coal and Oil from further consideration gon House Resolution 1401 and advance to the Order of Speaker's Table."
Speaker McPike: "Any discussion? Any...Representative McCracken."
"Parliamentary Inquiry. Does this require 71 votes to have it heard."
"No, 60. Discharge from committee. It's been assigned."
"Pursuant to 71(b), I ask that the Chair rule that this requires 71 votes, because it was not carried on the daily Calendar for the next Legislative Day under the Order of Motions. 79(b), explicitly requires that it can be suspended only by Motion adopted by 71 votes."
"What's that rule number?"
"77(b), I'm sorry."
"Mr. McCracken, thank you, you're correct. Mr. Phelps, it takes 71 votes to discharge from committee. Do you wish...but it's not on the Regular Calendar. Do you wish to proceed or withdraw the Motion?"
"Wish to proceed, please."
"Alright. Representative McCracken is recognized on the Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to the Motion. This is a very volatile issue, and it affects different members of the state in various ways. It is very complex, it's about the acid rain legislation. I ask my friends to vote against the Motion to discharge. We have enough votes to stop it, against the Motion to discharge committee. Thank you."
"Representative Levin."
"Mr. Speaker, I would...oppose the Motion to discharge at 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 this time. There...it's my understanding is that there is another Resolution that was introduced by Representative Hoffman, that deals with the same subject from the opposite standpoint and that is in opposing cost sharing. That Resolution is in the House Committee on Public Utilities. It seems to me that both Resolutions ought to go to committee and ought to be heard, and there ought to be opportunity to attempt to reconcile them. This is a very significant issue. It calls upon the passage by Congress of cost sharing legislation, which would mean the residents in the northern part of Illinois...would have to subsidize the public utility service of the residents of central and southern Illinois. We do have problems with Commonwealth Edison in the Chicago area, we were forced to pay for the construction of the nuclear power plants without any subsidy. I think there are many in the northern part of the state..."
"Representative Levin, would you like to...address the discharge Motion."
"Yes, so I would oppose the discharge Motion."
"Thank you. Representative Goforth on the Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand in favor of this Motion. If anybody in this House...if I've ever done any favors to them, I'd sure like to call in a due bill on this one here. This is very important to my area of the country. We're going to lose 5,000 jobs if this Acid Rain Bill goes through. We need all the help we can get. Thank you."
"Representative Hasara, on the Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise in support of the Motion. This is indeed a very important issue. It is also very timely. I would remind the Members of the Body 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 that...we didn't have a lot of time to vote on the tax increase that we passed last year, and there have been a number of issues that we've all known were coming up and were timely. And we have supported the same kind of Motion in those cases. So...I would ask certainly that the Body do the same for this Motion because it is timely. Time is short. This is a big issue in Congress, and it is also a big issue in Illinois. And I feel most people are somewhat aware of what it was, and in a short time we can educate the matters and vote on the issue."
"Representative Stephens."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Gentleman's Motion. If there was ever a...an issue that we should bring before us this year, at this time, this is it. The movers and shakers in Washington need to hear from the State of Illinois. We are going to be tremendously effected by the actions of the...Congress and it's very appropriate that they hear from us, they should hear from us today, and I think that the only way they are going to hear from us today is to have this... Resolution discharged from committee. So I rise and urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Olson. Robert." Olson, R.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too, rise in support of this Resolution. Someone mentioned that this was a northern Illinois issue, southern Illinois...downstate issue. It's bigger than that, it's a national issue, it means jobs for our downstate areas. It means increased utility rates for our downstate areas. I urge all of you in downstate districts to support this Resolution...this Motion."
"Representative Hannig, to the Motion."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I, too, rise in support of this Motion. If you look on your 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 House Calendar, you'll see we probably won't have any committee meetings to speak of until the end of the month or into April. The Congress has already starting to take up this issue of acid rain and cost sharing, and I think its important that we discharge this from committee today So that we can take debate... have a debate on it and vote 'yes' or 'no' on the issue today, and we can let our Congressman in Washington, D.C., know how we stand today. If we're going to wait until April or May or June, they may very well have taken a stand without us having a chance to say our position. So I say, let's let the Motion out on the floor today, and then debate it on its merits. Thank you."
"Representative Woolard."
"I, too, rise in support. I think that this is an issue that we can possibly lose by not saying anything. We have to speak. This is not just a southern Illinois issue. This positively is something that will effect negatively the entire State of Illinois if it is allowed to happen. We have to support this issue, and we have to support it now."
"Representative Ackerman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to this proposal. I think its a very complex subject, and I think it deserves a full hearing in the committee. So I would oppose it."
"Representative Phelps to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I want to explain the reason I feel like the urgency to address this issue now, is the fact that Congress reconvened the first of the year with this...being high on the agenda. It's on a fast track in Washington, and I think it's really important that all of Illinois, my 26 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 colleagues up and down state and central Illinois, east and west, look at the loss of coal minning jobs that could devastate...of course southern Illinois and most of Illinois that have coal producing counties and the economic impact statewide. We have letters from Mayor Daley. We have letters from several constitutants throughout the state that are leaders, your colleagues and mine are friends, that are on record supporting cost sharing. We're not just talking about sulphur dioxide emissions from coal fired utility plants. We're talking about the ozone contributions, everything else that contributes to the...these emissions. In President Bush's Bill, the administration Bill that they're pushing, the biggest majority of the contributions of sulphur dioxide emissions are from the oil refineries. They are not hardly even addressed in that Bill to be required to...do anything to restructure their technologies to address those type emissions because they're in the State of Texas, the Presidents home state. It's not fair that the coal producing areas take it on the chin. Because all Americans will share in the benefits of cleaner air, spraying those costs is equitable and fair. If you remember the systems of the dams and rivers in the northwest that provides the region with inexpensive power, those dams and water driven turbins were subsidized by all Americans..."
"Representative Phelp's would you bring your remarks to a close? The Motion is to discharge."
"Okay. I'd appreciate your support to help me get this discharged for consideration. Thank you."
"Alright, the Motion is...discharge the Select Committee on Coal and Oil on House Resolution 1401. All those in favor of the Motion vote 'aye', opposed vote 'no'. It requires 71 votes. You're correct, the Motion is to 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 suspend the Calendar requirements under Rule 77(b) and discharge the committee. It requires 71 votes. Mr. Hoffman to explain his vote."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is a very significant Resolution that should be considered by a committee. Because what it does for those of us who represent the area served by Commonwealth Edison, we pay to clean-up our programs. We are...we pay more for...utilities, electrical power in our area than any other area in the state. To ask my taxpayers to...support a program where they're gonna' share the cost with everyone when we have already paid for it. We just have one plant that Commonwealth Edison is going to have to deal with. This is unfair to anyone who lives in a Commonwealth Edison area. We have paid for ours, we're in the process of paying it, and this is a serious issue and should be, at the very least, considered in a committee."
"Representative Cullerton."
"Yes. Mr. Speaker, just an inquiry. Is this a Motion to discharge a committee?"
"Well, it's a Motion to suspend Rule 77(b) and discharge the committee."
"And what committee is that?"
"The Select Committee on Coal and Oil."
"Am I the Chairman of that committee?"
"I have no idea."
"Well, I think I was just appointed by the Speaker and I haven't had a meeting yet and I think I'm the Chairman of Coal...what's the name of that again?"
"Coal and Oil."
"Oil?"
"Oil."
"Coal and Oil?" 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 88th Legislative Day
"Coal and Oil."
"Well, you mean, before I even get a chance to have my first meeting this guy, Phelps, wants to take a Bill out of my committee?"
"That's the short of it."
"Well, I guess...I guess I've got to support him, but I'm kinda hurt."
"Representative Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen just to further clarify what's been said. This issue does not deal with jobs in southern Illinois. What the Federal Congress does, which we have no control over, is what's going to cost the jobs in southern Illinois. This issue deals with who's going to pay the cost of cleaning-up. And for those of us from northern Illinois as the previous speaker just mentioned, we've paid our share SO who pays the cost? That's what the issue is, it has nothing to do with the loss of jobs. The loss of jobs is going to come about by what Congress does, not by this Resolution. The correct vote here for anyone from northern Illinois certainly is a 'no' vote."
"Representative Hicks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, I think the correct vote here is really green. I disagree with the previous speaker. You know, it seems like to me that just last year we talked about a little company called, Sears in northern Illinois and 5,000 jobs with Sears, and what happened to southern Illinois there? We voted to keep those jobs. We voted to help you guys to keep those jobs in northern Illinois. We're talking about the future of the economy, not just in southern Illinois, but all over the entire State of Illinois. Thousands and thousands of jobs and that's what you told us when we talked about Sears, just 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 last year and I voted 'yes', and so did most of us from downstate. So, I ask you now to vote green and discharge this committee."
"Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I just simply rise to echo what the previous speaker said. It's most unfortunate that regional differences seems to have reared its ugly head over this issue. I can understand those in northern Illinois with Commonwealth Edison heavily into a nuclear power. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, many of the downstate power generating companies cannot afford to do this, even if they could pass all the cost onto the customer base. What will happen is, you will simply...and you will lose jobs, they will simply go to to Wyoming or a western state for low sulphur coal, run it in here on the railroad and burn low sulphur coal which could save them millions of dollars in scrubber cost. You will destroy the Illinois coal industry, you will close many marginal power generating stations downstate. I hope it doesn't become a regional difference, but it is important to many many people who live in Illinois, and I ask for your green vote."
"Representative Cowlishaw, on the Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As you can tell from the remarks that have already been made. This is a very controversial Resolution. At the core of this Resolution there is a call for a fee on energy users, that is, the consumers. It's like imposing still another tax on consumers, that is not only controversial it is a subject that deserves to be treated deliberatively. Therefore, I oppose this Motion because it seems to me that it ought to go through committee and permit Representative Cullerton and the Members of his 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 Thank you." committee to regard it deliberatively.
"Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. On this Motion there are 53 'ayes', 43 'nos', 12 voting 'present', and the Motion fails. Regular Calendar. House Bills, Third Reading, page 2 of the Calendar. House Bill 2402, Representative Bowman. Mr. Clerk, has the Bill been read a Third time?"
"The Bill... House Bill 2402, a Bill for an Act relating to comprehensive budget control and amending certain Acts herein named. Third Reading of the Bill."
"Representative Bowman. Mr. Bowman, please."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is a Bill that...we amended yesterday, and I explained the contents of the Amendment which now becomes the Bill. I explained it at that time, I will only say that this is the Comprehensive Budget Control Act. I prepared this legislation in response to...concerns and complaints and...general consternation that has been expressed to me by you, my fellow colleagues, over the years with the appropriation and budget process. I think this makes the...this Bill will make the process a more orderly one, and it will guarantee that we do not have unbalanced budgets, which give rise to the kind of...budgetary tricks that somehow always seems to get us deeper into trouble, rather than solving the problem. So, I would be happy to explain the mechanics of it, if anyone has any questions, but we did discuss this yesterday. I simply ask for you affirmative vote. It's not my last Bill, but it is close."
"The Gentleman moves for the passage of House Bill 2402 and on that Representative Pullen."
"I would like to ask a question, please?" 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day
"Proceed." March 7, 1990
"Do you believe that this Bill would enhance the Legislature's ability to have meaningful input into and control of the budget?" or
"Absolutely."
"Thank you, very much."
"Do you wish to close?"
"No, thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2402 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye', opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. On this Bill there are 107 'ayes', 5 'nos', and none voting 'present'. House Bill 2402 having received the Constitution Majority is hereby declared passed. On page 2 of the Calendar, Conference Committee Reports appears House Bill 1287. Representative Steczo, do you want to handle that or...? Okay. Representative Saltsman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I want to thank Representative Steczo for letting us use his Conference Committee Report for kind of an emergency piece of legislation for the Peoria Park District. This legislation only effects the park district in the City of Peoria, and it let's them levy a .09 tax levy on assessed valuation which other recreation departments that are operated by the cities...have that privilege of doing. They are currently levying .09 and this language just makes it legal for them since the park district and city recreation board in Peoria in 1964 consolidated. This is not an increase in taxes, it will just let them maintain and legally do what they are presently doing. I would appreciate your support on this legislation."
"The Gentleman from Peoria, Leitch." Representative 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day
March 7, 1990 "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise to support this measure...it's a bi-partisan effort between Representative Saltsman and myself to help the park district out of a difficult situation. It does only effect Peoria, and I would ask the Members on our side to please support it. Thank you."
"Representative Hultgren."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to concur with the remarks of Representative Saltsman, Representative Leitch. This is a bi-partisan effort in which all the members of the Peoria delagation are entering in, it effects no other park district in the state and would urge Members to cast an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House adopt the Second Conference Committee Report on House Bill 1287?' All those in...I stand corrected. This is the Second Corrected Conference Committee Report on House Bill 1287. All those in favor vote 'aye', opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. On this Motion there are 100 'ayes', 5 'nos', and 3 voting 'present'. And the House does adopt the Second Corrected Conference Committee on House Bill 1287, and this Bill having received the Constitution Majority is hereby declared passed. Representative Leverenz. Mr. Leverenz. Is Representative Leverenz here? On a Motion. I'm sorry we kept you waiting, Sir."
"Did you want me to take this out of the record?"
"No, go ahead. Motion."
"What's the Motion?"
"Pursuant to Rule 74(a), you move to take from the Table and suspend Rule 79(b) and place on the Order of Conference Committee Reports. The Gentleman so moves. Is there any objections to the Gentleman's Motion?" 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day
"That's my Motion." March 7, 1990
"Hearing none the Attendance Roll Call will be used and the Motion carries. House Bill 595. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 595, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. First Conference Committee Report."
"Representative Leverenz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a $100,000 appropriation to the Joint Committee for the purpose of phase two of redistricting. I would move to accept the Conference Committee Report. And appreciate your assistance on the first half."
"Discussion on that? Representative Ryder."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would join in that Motion and ask that the Conference Committee Report be adopted."
"Further discussion? There being none the question is, 'Shall the House adopt the First Conference Committee Report to House Bill 595?' All those in favor vote 'aye', opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. Lou Jones, 'aye'. Bob LeFlore, 'aye'. Shirley Jones, 'aye'. Take the record, Mr. Clerk. Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On this Motion there are 110 'ayes', no 'nays', none voting 'present'. The House does adopt the First Conference Committee Report to House Bill 595, and this Bill having received the Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. House Resolution 1404, read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 1404, offered by Speaker Madigan and Representative McPike. Whereas, It has come to the attention of this Body that one of the state's top fiscal and legislative experts has announced that after serving 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 for an era that has touched three decades, a career change lies ahead; and Whereas, This decision should precipitate a cancellation of this legislative Session which is under the 1970 Illinois Constitution designated as a year to consider the fiscal matters and this person is the preeminent expert in that field; and Whereas, This person after a vibrant childhood in Rockford, Illinois, the second largest city in Illinois, arrived on the scene in the seat of government on or about October 1976; and Whereas, To the eternal benefit of lesser lights like Maria Shriver and Deborah Norville this person has forsaken a promising career in broadcast journalism after graduating from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; and Whereas, This person found the allure of a state paycheck more tempting than a graduate degree from Sangamon State University and like SO many others dropped out; and Whereas, This person's skill and power grew to the point that once when a fiscal officer from the Illinois Department of Public Health foolishly had the audacity to question whether this person could balance a checkbook found himself summoned before a special tribunal of the House Appropriation II Committee, subsequently discharged and now reportedly pursuing a career involving the retail sale of paint; and Whereas, This person was part of a select cadre of operatives who worked clandestinely on a project code named 'Operation Cobra' that became the 1989 income tax surcharge legislation and proved that a secret can keep within the state government; and Whereas, This person grew and matured under the tutelage of a number of government professionals who have gone on to greater glory; and Whereas, This person's expertise and management style have had a profound effect on all she came in contact with be they Democrats or Republicans in the legislative process; and Whereas, This 35 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 person's unique sense of humor and presence of mind have often been viewed as the calm in the middle of the storm known as the Illinois General Assembly; and Whereas, Not to be outdone by Governor James R. Thompson, this person has traveled to such exotic ports of call as New Zealand, Portugal, Kenya, Canada, Tortuga, Mexico and points in between; and Whereas, While this person's career touched three decades there were frequent interruptions for personal leaves of absences which allowed this person to spend extended periods of time in such other exotic ports as Sparta, Mattoon, Taylorville, Macomb, Harrisburg and Mount Vernon; and Whereas, While a person's personal life is that person's own business (especially when they are leaving the state dole) it can be noted that this person befriended both cats and dogs, relaxed by reading espionage thrillers and can eat an entire box of Chicago Cherry Rondos in one sitting; and Whereas, The occasion of this person's 'retirement party' from the Illinois House of Representatives Democratic Staff was. such a significant event that it actually caused Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan to appear at a public event at a location in Springfield other than the State Capitol Building, Baur's Restaurant or Lincoln towers; and Whereas, An added level of confidence was gained when one asked how an answer to a tough fiscal question was achieved and the response was 'because Veronica said so'; therefore, be it Resolved, by the House of Representative of The Eighty-sixth General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that M. Veronica Lynch will forever be remembered as a truly outstanding Director of the House Democrat Research/Appropriation Staff; and be it further Resolved, That the people of the State of Illinois have been well served during her tenure here; and be it further Resolved, 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 That this House of Representatives wishes her all the best in her new career, because not only does she possess all the previously mentioned skills, ability, charm, courage, endurance and other magical powers; but she is truly a good person; and be it further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this preamble and Resolution be presented to her as a memento of her service to this House."
"But we might bend the rules and ask you to speak, Veronica. But first, Representative Bowman on the Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to...miss Veronica a great deal. They don't come any better than Veronica Lynch. And we still have a very rough budget to go through this year. Veronica, unfortunately, is leaving the first of April and so...leaving Ted Leverenz and me to figure it all out for ourselves. And...so...I hope the rest of you will bear with us because...that will be a problem. I...I first met Veronica when she was a budget analyst doing the various Human Service Agencies and she blew the cover on a scam in state government that...wound up sending, if I'm not mistaken, three people to the federal penitentiary. That was several years ago and in the mean time she has been promoted to head of the...head of the Research and Appropriation Staff, where her job is to keep an eye on everything in the state budget. And to keep track of all the...not only what is being done, but how it is being done and to keep track of the 120 or so Appropriation Bills each year and their respective Conference Committee Report and to make sure that it all adds up at the end. That is the toughest job in state government, she has done it miraculously, marvelously well for many years. I know that...she will serve her next employer with great distinction and I just hope that...we don't lose touch and 37 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 that we will continue to be friends, and we'll stay in touch. Good luck."
"Doesn't anyone else wish to talk? Representative Ryder."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would briefly like to add my congratulations and best wishes to Veronica, watching the appropriation process and the ability that she has to juggle all the Bills and the personalities and the dollars and still come up with a bottom line having gone through the entire process including the last week of Conference Committees with the appropriations. It's...it was truly a pleasure to watch what she did and I compliment her and wish her God's speed on that. Also, I particularly like the advantage that we now have because Respresentatives Leverenz, Bowman and McPike will find it necessary to fend for themselves, and they will not be carried by your wit and intelligence which give us Republicans a very distinct advantage. Best wishes and congratulations."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Veronica, I've always admired enormously your sensational style, even more I have admired your endurance and your patience, your willingness to explain in words of one syllable to all of us what really is involved in making a state government budget. For that we've been very grateful to you and very thankful indeed. But there is a flaw in your character, a flaw of failing that, I think, now we can, finally, admit. And that is, Veronica, that though you tried to hide it from us, you cared about the budget of the State of Illinois. You cared that we live within our means. You cared that we meet our responsibilities to the citizens of this state, our fiscal responsibilities to be prudent with their tax dollars and our...our compassionate responsibilities to those who rely 38 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 upon us for help. So, for that failing, Veronica, I congratulate you, especially, and I thank you, especially, for all the help you've been to all of us."
"Representative Barnes."
"Veronica, the four years that I was spokesman on Appropriation, you were a pleasure to work with. You answered the Republican questions just as well as you did the Democratic questions. When we would have to work until 3:30 in the morning up in Hollie Carroll's office, you never lost your temper. You're the most even tempered redhead I've ever met. I hope you heard that. I said you're the most even tempered redhead woman I have ever met. And you did us proud, I think that your were as well informed if not better informed that the Senate Staff. And I think each one of us will miss your expertise. Good luck."
"Representative Leverenz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to also add my best wishes to Veronica. I met her as an intern in the Appropriations Committee. I think I was asked to write a letter of recommendation that she would stay on as permanent staff. She finally got to the point where she could trust me with secrets...not that we ever leaked any information out of...any committee that I know about. We trained her interns, I might want to really point out that she assembled an excellent staff. And being able to delegate and get the job done and put it all together in a package easily enough for me to understand, is an excellent and great skill. She even has the ability to take over a Conference Committee and explain it to all ten of us and make some sense out of the entire budget. She'll be sorrily missed because they are big shoes to fill and I'm sure we will see her in her next life and stand ready to 39 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 help her in anyway I can. Thank you."
"Representative Zeke Giorgi. Use Matijevich's Giorgi: mic, your's isn't working." he's "The Speaker believes in the English method, kibutzim over here. It wasn't patronage but I recommended Veronica for the job. But before her she had a brighter sister, Mary Ellen Lynch that worked for us and...I don't know who would have been the greatest, but she left us early too. But in this case, there's a case, in my opinion, the epitome of a staff person. Started as an intern, became Chief of Staff, and if you really want to enjoy some of her work get your hands on today's analysis of the budget and she wrote a little novel about...ghosts of budgets passed. She wrote a little novel about Governor Thompson since 1976, and you'll know why she's the outstanding person she is. Now we know we sent alot of good talent down here from Rockford namely, John Hallock, who's going to be a Congressman and a couple other people but she is one of the most talented persons to eminate from the Rockford area to the Springfield scene and we're only nothing but proud of her. Good speed and good luck, Veronica."
"Speaker Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Veronica. Quite obviously, why we're very sorry to see you go...if you don't believe me, why you can come back and discuss your successor with me. Because right now there is no successor. Although it may be the gentleman standing to your right. We are sorry to see you go, however, we do wish you very well in your future endeaver. As I told you on many occasions, none of us should look upon the Legislature as a permanent source of entertainment, and I...repeat that to the Members also. And so we knew that 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 your time would come. We know that our time will come. We hope that we leave with such nice ceremony as you are leaving, maybe we won't. But good luck to you, I'm sure that you will do very, very well and your new employer will think of you as we have thought about you very fondly. Thank you, very much."
"Representative Breslin in the Chair."
"Majority Leader, McPike."
"Well, thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't know if I...if I have spent more time with Veronica than anyone on the House floor, but I probably have spent more critical time in the last weeks of June and I probably know her, I think as well, if not better than most Members. I think one of the greatest assests that an employee can have is...is loyalty. Last year Veronica and I, and the Speaker spent two months planning the income tax increase, and it was very important in our mind that we keep it to ourselves. So although the Speaker made the decisions it was up to Veronica and I to work out all the details. And we spent alot of time on it and I was very pleased that at the end of two months when we finally informed our Chief of Staff and our Press Secretary and some other people about what we're doing. I was glad that the three of us were able to...I'm sorry, I said the three of us, it was the four of us, I was glad that the four of us, the Speaker and I, Veronica and Jim Reily could keep the secret. So although that's an asset for an employee to have, I've never bragged that Veronica has had it. Another great attribute, I think that an employee can have is try not to ever embarrass an employer in this case, it would be a Legislator. I hate to admit this, but fourteen years ago when I ran for the General Assembly I didn't have alot to put on my brochures. So being young and naive I took a picture of myself when I 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 was in the Navy as a pilot when I was twenty-two years old and I had nothing else to put on my brochure so I thought well, I'll just say I was in the Navy and I was a pilot. Well, yesterday I was in Veronica's office for the first time and on her door in her office is this picture from fourteen years ago that she's had up there for the last ten years to my embarrassment. So Veronica, I would like to thank you for that also. I don't know of anyone here that's really going to miss you Veronica, but...I suppose if it chokes me, I'm going to have to say something nice about you. As I said to you the other day in the card that I left for you, I am very happy to see you have a chance to change your career and to go on to a job that you will enjoy and to be successful. But I am very sad, as all of us, to see you leave. You have never been to me and the Speaker and to Woody Bowman, and Ted Leverenz and many, many other people on the House floor an employee, you have simply been our friend. You have brought to my office experience, knowledge, wisdom, charm, a wonderful personality and a beautiful sense of humor. Those I will never forget. Someone will take your job here, but no one will replace you. You are unique, you are the greatest asset that we've had for many many years. We wish the sun shines on your face. That you have all the love and joy life can bring. Good luck."
"Amen. Minority Leader Daniels."
"You know, Jim, you thought you kept a secret but we knew that you were drafting this plan and we realize that the major architect behind it was Veronica. So we called a company up in DuPage County by the name of Waste Management, and we asked for some help, and thank God, they were there to help us. Because we know that they've got a tremendous and capable person that we have admired and 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 respected on this side of the aisle for many years. And we know that your loss is our gain up in our great area. And of course Veronica, you realize that you'll be working in the heart of DuPage County, that your office will be in the heart of the Republican strength. I think it's Representative Stange's area, and he'll be over there to see you all the time. We know that you'll have to make contributions now to Republicans, which we're happy about. And we recognize that you'll be hob nobbing with us on a regular occasion. Since we have...you don't have to yawn, this is something very important to us. And I know that this is something that you will handle very well. Now, as a matter of a test we also asked them if they would put you in the southern United States, which we're happy for as well SO that you could work your way up. But in all sincerity, those of us who have watched you for years in legislative arena know the quality that you have brought to this business. But we may not have always agreed on the approach taken, we recognize that you are an example of top quality in governmental service. From that stand point, we commend you and thank you for what you have done for all of us, and of course at the same time, we offer our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to your new employer. Thank you, very much."
"Is there leave to add all Members as Sponsors? Hearing no objection, leave is granted. All those in favor of the Resolution say 'aye', those opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair the 'ayes' have it and the Resolution is adopted. Best wishes. Is there leave? I think there's leave." Lynch, Veronica: "I think that Gary and Jim McPike have this thing going to try and make me cry, which is probably the one thing, you know, have never done in front of them is 43 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 just really cry, but I'm going to show you guys. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to work with you. It really has been worthwhile, worth every moment worth staying up all last night for. Each one of you have a very particular impact on the government of Illinois, and I never thought that I wanted to stay in government, I always thought I wanted to be a reporter, and then tell how slimy and strange you people were. But I have the utmost respect for you. I truly do. And I do appreciate the opportunity that you've given me to work for you. To learn from you and to be your friend and to be on the House Democratic Staff is really special too. Staff in general on both sides of the aisle have sometimes a job that's pretty thankless, but it's an honor to work with those people who respect you and enjoy you, and look up to you as much as I do. I also want to thank you for giving this Resolution to me before I died, which is what usually happens here. And if anyone else would like to take credit for my career, go right ahead. I haven't brought any fund raising tickets from Zeke or Ted lately so... And the other thing, Representative Daniels, I may be working in DuPage, but I'm always going to drive home to Chicago. Thank you, very much."
"Those of you who have not yet read your memos on the budget that Veronica prepared, will find slipped into it a special p.s., that says. It quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson. 'To laugh often and much. To win the respect of intelligent people. To appreciate beauty. To find the best in others. To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.' Sounds like Veronica to me. We are on a holding pattern, 44 88th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 Ladies and Gentlemen for one more Conference Committee. We believe it will be here...report rather, we believe it will be here shortly SO hold ол. We will do Agreed Resolutions."
"House Joint Resolution 96, offered by Representative Weaver; House Resolution 1399, Terzich; 1402, Stevens; 1403, Stevens; 1405, Tate; 1406, Tate; 1408, Tate; 1407, Tate; 1410, Currie; 1411, Ronan; 1412, McNamara; 1414, Regan; 1415, Curran; 1419, Edley; 1420, Bugielski; 1421, Woolard."
"Representative Giorgi"
"Mr. Speaker, I move for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions."
"Zeke Giorgi, Representative Giorgi in Matijevich desk."
"I move for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions."
"The Gentleman moves the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions, all in favor say 'aye' opposed 'no', the 'ayes' have it, and the Agreed Resolutions are adopted.
Death Resolutions. Clerk O'Brien: "House Resolution 1394, offered by Representative Levin and Cullerton. Strike that. House Resolution 1400, offered by Representative Countryman, with respect to the memory of Don G. Pollard. House Resolution 1409, offered by Representative Curran with respect to the memory of Harold Carter. House Resolution 1413, offered by Representative Cowlishaw, with respect to the memory of Doctor William Lawrence. House Resolution 1416, offered by Representative Jones, with respect to the memory of Theodore R. St. Leger, Jr. House Resolution 1417, offered by Representative Jones, with respect to the memory of Fannie Brewer. House Resolution 1418, offered by Representative Edley, with respect to the memory of Bruce 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day Shaddock."
March 7, 1990 "Representative Giorgi moves for the adoption of the Death Resolutions, all in favor say 'aye' opposed 'no', the 'ayes' have it, Death Resolutions are adopted. General Resolutions."
"House Representative Van Joint Resolution 97, offered by Duyne. House Joint Resolution 99, offered by Representative Jones and Trotter. House Joint Resolution 100, offered by Representative Weller. House Joint Resolution 101, offered by Representative Woolard. House Resolution 1422, offered by Representative Black."
"Committee on Assignment. Reading."
Introduction and First Clerk O'Brien: "House Bill 3118, offered by Representative Phelps, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Highway Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3119, offered by Representative Parcells, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Purchasing Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3120, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3121, offered by Representative Curran, a Bill for an Act to amend the Children and Family Services Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3122, offered by Representative Keane, a Bill for an Act to amend the State Employees Group Insurance Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3123, offered by Representative Countryman and Petka, a Bill for an Act to amend the Unified Code of Corrections. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3124, offered by Representative Balanoff - Giglio - Shaw, a Bill for an Act to create the Lake Calumet Region Home and Business Insurance Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3125, offered by Representative Balanoff - Woolard - Novak 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 Flowers Hasara, a Bill for an Act to amend the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3126, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act to amend an Act concerning education. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3127, offered by Representative Stevens Pullen McNamara Capparelli McCracken, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Abortion Law. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3128, offered by Representative Stevens Pullen McNamara Capparelli McCracken, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Abortion Law. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 3129, offered by Representative Leverenz, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Code. First Reading of the Bill."
"Adjournment Resolution."
"House Joint Resolution 98, resolved by the House of Representatives the 86th General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate Concurring herein that when the House of Representatives adjourn on Wednesday, March 7, 1990, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 14, 1990, at 2:00 p.m., and when it adjourns on that date it stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 21, 1990 at 2:00 p.m., and STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 88th Legislative Day opposed 'no' the 'ayes' have it, and the Adjournment Resolutions adopted."
"Supplemental Calendar #2, on Motions, Senate Bill 819, Representative Hicks. Representative Giorgi, Senate Bill 819, Motion. Representative Giorgi moves to take...to suspend Rule 79(d) and place it on the Calendar on the Order of Conference Committee Reports. Does the Gentleman have leave? Leave to use the Attendance Roll Call. Hearing none, leave is granted. Motion prevails. Representative Giorgi."
"Mr. Speaker, the Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 819, has the $500 betting limit that we promised June 30th, it has the language for the Department of State Police to receive monies from the gaming fund for the policing of the Riverboat Gambling Act, and it removes any inconstistency in the law regarding reimbursment for the Department of State Police for fingerprint checking. It also reimburses the Gaming Board for the issuance and regulation of special event licenses, so I think that most of the Members are aware of what is in the Bill, or the Conference Committee Report, and I urge it's adoption."
"Any discussion? The Gentleman from St. Clair, Representative Flinn."
"Well, Mr. Speaker, I know that this Conference Committee Report refers to maximums, but I think if we we're doing the people who can't afford to gamble a favor, we would be making minimum $500 minimums for gambling and bump the maximum up on some other figure. Because number one the people who can least afford to gamble most likely is not gonna come up with $500. Now I know that this does not address the minimum, and I may be called out of order, and I think sometime in the future, our Gambling Boat Bill should be addressed again and we ought to be putting a $500 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day minimum on it. anyway." March 7, 1990
I'm gonna vote...I'm gonna vote for it Speaker Giglio: "The Lady from Cook, Representative Didrickson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, would the Gentleman yield for a question, please."
"He indicates he will."
"Is there any expansion at all in this in terms of number of days out of the year, the seasons."
"No, no."
"Nothing off, on shore."
"There has been a lot of talk, but nothing is in this Bill."
"Yea, that is not true. Thank you."
"This is a promise we made in June."
"The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Dunn."
"Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"He indicates he will."
"There is provision inserted in this Conference Committee Report, which addresses the issue of the cap on gambling which generated a lot of discussion in the media at the time the original Bill was passed. This provision reads that a person eligible...now reads that a person eligible to place wagers may purchase up to a total of $500 in chips, tokens or electronic cards per round trip excursion, if...if I can walk up to the third floor of the capitol, can I not also keep going and walk up to the fourth floor? If a provision says I may only walk up to the third floor, than that's as far as I can go, but if the language says I may purchase up to $500 in chips, can I not keep going and purchase $600, $700, $800, $1000 in chips."
"No, John, I think the Gaming Board will devise a ticket where you surrender, the ticket will be in five parts, you want to buy a hundred at a time, and when you've reached 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 the limit of your ticket, your done. Now, if they find people abrogating that the Gaming Board and the Captain of the ship can penalize them to prevent them from doing anything like that, but this is a Gaming Board Super... Regulatory Supervision. We expect them to be able to handle it, there are five intelligent people appointed by the Governor, confirmed by the Senate and are high caliber people."
"We've waited all day for this, why doesn't this language say that you may purchase no more than 500?"
"Total of five hundred, same thing John. Five hundred."
"Up to a total of."
"500."
"Perhaps your right, I don't know, I just asked the question."
"Thank you, John."
"The Gentleman from Coles, Representative Weaver."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I may not be reading this correctly maybe you can straighten me out, as a result of this Conference Committee Report if it is passed, will there be less or more money going to education?"
"It all depends on...the bigger the gross...the bigger the gross the more the funds are...the Gaming Fund."
"So there is less money going to education because it is now split between the Education Assistance Fund and the State Gambling Fund is that correct."
"This is the Governor's request."
"I don't care who requested it, I'm just trying to figure out where the money goes." 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 7, 1990 88th Legislative Day
"Two funds, 75 percent goes to the...that's not changed we're not addressing that at all. You're asking whether the gross is gonna be larger or less because of this? You know the adjusted tax is 20 percent of the adjusted gross, so whatever the totals are the 20 percent becomes 100 percent of the two funds we're talking about. We have no control over that, if it's a bad day and people don't want to drive that hundred miles to the river to get on board the boat, we got problems. And it's gonna take care of the compulsive gamblers, they gotta get in there cars, go to the bank get the money and drive to the river. You know its a very nebulous thing your talking about."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, to the Conference Committee Report."
"Proceed."
"It apparently inserts a new State Gambling Fund into which part of the money is going, which indicates to me that where before all the money was going to the Educational Assistance Fund, it is not now all going to the Educational Assistance Fund, and because this Body has chosen to use education to justify passing this Bill in the first place, I think it would be a disservice to siphon the money off into the Gambling Fund, taking it away from education, I think we need to take a real hard look at this."
"The Lady from St. Clair, Representative Wyvetter Younge."
"Will the Speaker yield... Will the Sponsor yield rather."
"He indicates he will."
"Is the major change here, the cap on the wagers, is that?"
"That's the only change, major change."
"The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day Brunsvold."
"Thank you, Mr. clarification, I think. Speaker. March 7, 1990 Just a point of The...the distribution of the gambling money has not changed, the money in all is going to education except for the money that's needed for administrative costs which part of it is the State Police, that's involved here in this Conference Report. The $500 limit was committed by the Senator when he passed the Bill in January that the 500 cap would be on there. That is the purpose of the clean up Conference Committee Report we have before us. And that's all it does, and I'd ask for your support on the passage of the Bill."
"Representative Giorgi to close."
"I think it's been explained enough, the major change is the 500 cap that we all promised the people would be in it."
"The question is 'Shall the House adopt the First Conference Committee Report to Senate Bill 819?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye' opposed 'no', the voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question there are 91 voting 'yes', 9 voting 'no', and 10 voting 'present'. And the House does adopt the First Conference Committee Report to Senate Bill 819, and this Bill having received the required Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. Introduction, First Reading."
"House Bill 3130, offered by Representative Weller, a Bill for an Act to amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934. First Reading of the Bill."
"The House is ready to adjourn on the Motion, on a Death Resolution of a former Member. All rise please."
"House Resolution 1394, offered by Representatives 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day Levin and Cullerton. March 7, 1990 Whereas, The House learned with sorrow of the death of Edward P. Saltiel, a Chicago lawyer who served in the State Legislature for many years and was active in Republican politics for half a century; and, Whereas, A graduate of John Marshall Law School in 1918, Mr. Saltiel opened his law office at 77 West Washington in Chicago and practiced law for 70 years, until he retired in 1988; and, Whereas, In 1927, Mr. Saltiel started his political career as a precinct captain in the 46th Ward in Chicago; and, Whereas, In 1937, Mr. Saltiel went to Springfield, where he was to serve for 10 years in the House of Representatives and for 8 years more in the Senate; and Whereas, As a Legislator, Mr. Saltiel's major interests were health, education, and the judiciary, and he was the first person to chair the Judiciary Committee in both the House and the Senate; and Whereas, In between his terms in the House and Senate, he served as Assistant Attorney General from 1944 to 1946; and Whereas, Mr. Saltiel was a founder of the Legislative Research Unit, and he drafted legislation requiring pre-marital venereal disease tests and similar ones for pregnant women; and Whereas, A longtime advocate of judicial reform, Mr. Saltiel was one of the prime movers of the Judicial Article of the 1960's; and Whereas, He was appointed by President Nixon to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, and he was attorney for the Cook County Treasurer and for the Department of Financial Institutions; and Whereas, Mr. Saltiel leaves to cherish his memory: nieces and nephews, Natalie Saltiel, Miriam Posner, and Robert D. Saltiel; five great-nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great nieces and nephews; and Whereas, Edward P. Saltiel enjoyed a long and successful career and served his constituents faithfully in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate; 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our sorrow at the death of our former honorable colleague, Edward P. Saltiel; that we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family; and that we honor the memory of this grand old man who remained a vital force in his party and State for many years; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this preamble and resolution be presented to Natalie Saltiel, Miriam Posner, and Robert D. Saltiel with our sincere condolences, and as a further token of our respect, the House will stand adjourned."
"Representative Levin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I did not know Edward Saltiel, he did represent our area, he last served in this Body, when he was defeated in 1954, when I was nine years old, but he lived till 93, and he could practice law for over 70 years he just closed his law office in 1988, I do know his niece, and I understand that he was a very active individual who did play a major role in the Republican politics for years and that he even to the week before he died was still drafting codicils to will and practicing law, that he was...occupied a number of elected and appointed positions and left a very, very found legacy. And SO we in the spirit of bipartisanship, we carry on a tradition in this Body of recognizing former Members and we were very proud to have had Representative and Senator Carp... Saltiel representing us in the past."
"Representative Levin, now moves that the all Members of the House be Cosponsors of the Resolution. Does the Gentleman have leave? Hearing none, leave is granted and all Members are Cosponsors. Now, he moves that the Resolution be adopted, all those in favor say 'aye' opposed 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 88th Legislative Day March 7, 1990 'nay', the Resolution is adopted. The House now stands adjourned until April the 3rd until 12:00." 55 REPORT: TIFLDAY 11:10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX MARCH 07, 1990 PAGE 1 05/08/90 HB-0595 MOTION PAGE 34 HB-1287 MOTION PAGE 32 HB-2402 THIRD READING PAGE 31 HB-3069 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-3070 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-3071 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-3072 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-3073 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-3074 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-3075 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3076 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3077 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3078 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3079 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3080 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3081 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3082 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3083 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3084 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3085 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3066 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3087 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-3088 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3089 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3090 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3091 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3092 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3093 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3094 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3095 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3096 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3097 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3098 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3099 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3100 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HB-3101 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3102 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3103 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3104 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3105 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3106 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3107 FIRST READING PAGE 18 HB-3108 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3109 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3110 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3111 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3112 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3113 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3114 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3115 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3116 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3117 FIRST READING PAGE 19 HB-3118 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3119 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3120 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3121 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3122 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3123 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3124 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3125 FIRST READING PAGE 46 HB-3126 FIRST READING PAGE 47 HB-3127 FIRST READING PAGE 47 HB-3128 FIRST READING PAGE 47 HB-3129 FIRST READING PAGE 47 REPORT: TIFLDAY 11:10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 86TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX MARCH 07, 1990 PAGE 2 05/08/90 HB-3130 FIRST READING PAGE 52 SB-0819 MOTION PAGE 48 HR-1401 MOTION PAGE 23 JSR-0003 ADOPTED PAGE 6 JSR-0003 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 6 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER SPEAKER MCPIKE PAGE 1 PRAYER REVEREND FORKAMP OF STRASBURG PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPRESENTATIVE BLACK PAGE 2 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 2 GENERAL RESOLUTIONS PAGE 5 SPEAKER MADIGAN IN THE CHAIR PAGE 5 JOINT SESSION COME TO ORDER PAGE 5 GOVERNOR JAMES THOMPSON BUDGET MESSAGE PAGE 7 INTRODUCTION ALINA TRANCHTENVLIT OHAD FLINKER PAGE 20 HOUSE RESOLUTION 1404 VERONICA LYNCH PAGE 34 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 45 DEATH RESOLUTIONS PAGE 45 GENERAL RESOLUTIONS PAGE 46 ADJOURNMENT RESOLUTION 98 PAGE 47 HOUSE RESOLUTION 1394 EDWARD P. SALTIEL PAGE 52 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 55