"Come to order. We will be led in the prayer today by Representative Nelson Rice."
"Shall we bow our heads. Dear Father, we are gathered here once again to deal with the business of this great state. We ask You to give us guidance and let us be obedient the way we think with our hearts. Guide us, deliver us. We ask this simple prayer in Your name. Amen."
"Representative Rice, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, too?"
"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. It looks like we have a visitor on the House floor. We have a visitor on the House floor, Representative Jane Barnes."
"Thank you very much. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for the flowers and the fruit baskets and the books and the prayers and all the cards, and some of the toughest guys wrote the nicest notes to me. You know, when I...became elected there was a Legislator, who's no longer here, that said when you become a Legislator you become part of a club, and you are never alone, and I didn't feel alone while I was at home because of all of you, and I want you to know the real reason that I came back. I think you know that my district is the one that looks like the turkey. Well, Lee Daniels has been very good sending me all of the stuff that I can't read in a map, and I looked at the map and I looked at the map and I thought, my God, my turkey has turned into a goose, and my goose is cooked. I better get down there! Thank you very much." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991
"Representative Barnes, maybe you should see the Speaker in regards to your district. Representative Kubik."
"Thank you Mr. Speaker. We have...no recorded...excused absences today, and we are very, very happy to have Representative Barnes back with us."
"Representative Matijevich."
"Yes, on this side of the aisle excused is Monroe Flinn, and if it would make Jane feel any happier, Monroe Flinn came down here in a wheelchair to look at his district."
"Do the record, Mr. Clerk. 117 Members answering to Roll Call.' Quorum is present. On the Speaker's table under House Resolutions. House Resolution 13, Representative Cowlishaw. House Resolution 142, Representative Phelan. Jim Phelan. House Resolution 142...I'll get back to you if you'd like to get the...House Resolution 143, Representative McAfee. Mr. McAfee, would you like to call the Resolution? Mr. McAfee."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is the House Resolution 143. ...It's very similar to some of the legislation which has recently passed out of this House. It merely provides that the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs would diligently and expeditiously perform the duties imposed upon it by the State Mandates Act: basically, to provide the information necessary to the local governments to assure that they have information about the funding of their programs."
"Does anyone...does anyone stand in...opposition to the Resolution? If not, all in favor say 'aye', opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Representative Cowlishaw on House Resolution 13." 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Representative Grace Mary Stern and I...are very interested in the possibility of having the Department of Public Health review the studies that have already been done of the health risks of mercury in dental fillings and to report back to us by March 1 of next year as to whether there are...there are any findings as to any risks that may be involved and any recommendations the Department might want to make to us about the subject. There is, apparently, a good deal of uncertainty about whether there are any risks involved in the in the...mercury contained in dental fillings...,but the Department of Public Health is perfectly willing to undertake this study and make this report, and I think it would be informative for us, and I move for the adoption of House Resolution 13."
"Does anyone stand in opposition? Representative Parke."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor of this Resolution answer a question for me?"
"Yes."
"...Representative,...is there,...some money associated with this?"
"No."
"It's your understanding that there will be no cost to have a study done on this?"
"No."
"...I've read a number of studies coming out in the last six months to a year that said that, quite frankly, that there is no real need for this kind of a committee because they cannot find a real direct correlation between the mercury and...and the claims of some people. Have you read any of those?"
"As a matter of fact, Representative, one of the 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 reasons why the department is so willing to agree to do this is because...I have personally ordered, paid for and provided to the Department...all of the major studies...the reports from all of the major studies on this subject. The results of those studies vary greatly. Some of the studies claim that there is, in fact, a risk; some claim there is not. We have real experts in our Department of Public Health, and I think that all we're asking them to do is look at those studies that have already been done and make recommendations back to us from their professional point of view."
"So there were, in fact, some studies that showed that this...that this kind of study on the purpose of it may not be needed, but you feel that we should at least look at it."
"I certainly think that if there is any possibility of a risk to the public health that we ought to at least look into that to the extent that we would have somebody review the studies that have already been made. I'm not asking anybody to make a new study, but simply to review the material, which, by the way, has already been provided to the department."
"Alright, with that in mind then I do not oppose the legislation, but I'd like to find out what the results would be."
"The question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The I's have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Representative Hicks in the Chair."
"Thank you very much, Representative McPike. If I could have your attention for a minute, please. ...It's a...it's a honor for me today to be able to introduce to you two young people from my district who...were very active in the 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 Youth in Government Program here. I have with me today... Theresa Ancona. Theresa, come up please. Theresa was elected Secretary of State in the Youth in Government Program, and I take a great honor in...in introducing her to you today. Theresa, do you want to say anything to...?"
"No."
"No. Okay. Would you welcome Theresa Ancona, Secretary of State. Also, from Mt. Vernon, as you can see, I have a very active program of Youth in Government in Mt. Vernon, and I, also, we were very fortunate to be elected the Speaker of the House, from Mt. Vernon, also, R. J. Wood. R. J., come up, please" Wood, R. J.: "Thank you. ...First of all, I'd like to thank all of you for...allowing us to use your chambers. ...We learn a lot from Youth in Government, and what I have here is a copy of our Bill book, which is the legislation which was written by the kids. ...It is open...and I'm gonna present it to Mr. Hicks, and it is for your use. ...There are some really good ideas and some legislation which possibly you guys could use. I appreciate your help. Thank you."
"Thank you very much, R.J. As you can see...you see where all my ideas come from at home...that I have. Also, let me introduce to you Allan Moore. Allan heads up the state-wide program of Youth in Government. He's from Galesburg. Allan, welcome to the General Assembly. We certainly appreciate your program very much. Thank you all very much for your attention."
"Representative McPike in the Chair. Mr. Phelan, Mr...Representative Phelan on House Reolution 142."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolation...House Resolution 142 urges President Bush and Congress to support the people of Croatia and their elected government in their fight for freedom and democracy. I would urge adoption of 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 this House Resolution."
"And on the Resolution, Representative Munizzi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As many of you have been able to read in the newspapers lately, the political turmoil that's going on over there is devastating to the people of Croatia. We need to ask the President to support what the people have chosen, and it's their right to live in a in...a democratic society. I urge all of you to support this Resolution. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Resolution be adopted?' Representative Novak on the Resolution."
"Yes...yes, Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"Yes."
"I've got a couple questions."
"Yes."
"Representative Phelan...I notice...the Resolution indicates people of Croatia, that's one province of Yugoslavia. What about the other provinces? Are they included in this Resolution?"
"Yes, the other providences (sic provinces) are included. As you know, that...the...the providences (sic provinces) have been under the Communist thumb too long, and this is a Resolution basically urging Congress and President Bush to support their efforts in...democracy."
"Does the Resolution...I haven't even had a chance to read it, but does the Resolution...urge...the United States to approve the secession of serbia from the Republic of...Yugoslavia at all?"
"No, it doesn't include that...,Representative Novak,"
"Okay, thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 225, Representative Woolard. House Resolution 271, Representative Stern, Grace Mary Stern. House Joint Resolution 1...okay, Representative Weller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Joint Resolution #1 urges the President and the Congress to repeal the current Social Security earnings limits by which Social Security benefits for persons over the age of 62, who continue to work and draw benefits, are calculated. Currently, benefit recipients...currently lose a dollar on every benefits for every $3 they make over the current earnings limit of $9,360. I think everyone of us is aware of senior citizens who are healthy and active and like to continue working; however, Social Security earnings limit...hinder them and penalize them for wanting to remain active and earn some extra income. This leg...this will certainly be a boost to some bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Congress, which is working towards this effort, and I would ask for its adoption."
"Any discussion? The question is, 'Shall House Joint Resolution 1...Representative Ewing."
"Yes...,Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House...,I gladly join with Representative Weller in this Resolution. This is really a fairness issue for our senior citizens. It's a fairness issue so that those who are less fortunate can have the opportunity to earn enough money for a good standard of living without being...paying a penalty in federal tax, and I would hope that we would send this Resolution out with a resounding 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"Thank you, Congressman. The question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Representative Ronan, Mr. Ronan. Representative 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day Wojcik on House Joint Resolution 18."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker..." May 29, 1991
"...which is identical to the House Resolution 143."
"Thank you. House Joint Resolution 18 urges the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to perform its duties under the State Mandates Act, and...this is due to the fact that the...municipal governments are...not receiving enough of their dollars that should be coming back to them so, therefore, I ask its favorable passage."
"The question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 19, Representative Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution...House Joint Resolution 19...urges the...National Governors' Association, which is meeting in August of this year, to adopt a proposal... for some sort of system of coordination and cooperation between the states relating to incentives for foreign firms. We find...we find ourselves in competition with other states, maybe we can come up with some sort of a... uniform approach to this matter, and I urge adoption of the Resolution."
"Is there any discussion? The question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Amendment is adopted. House Joint Resolution 20, Representative Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Joint Resolution 20 does exactly the same thing as...House Joint Resolution 19 except instead of asking the...National Governors' Association, we're asking 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 Congress to look into the matter, also."
"The question is, 'Shall House Joint Resolution 20 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Amendment (sic - Resolution) is adopted. Representative Ronan on House Joint Resolution 14."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Joint Resolution 14 came out of the Transportation Committee unanimously. It urges the Commerce Commission to adopt proposed rules to clarify standards in granting or denying an application for motor carrier proper...property licenses. This Resolution was prepared by the Teamsters Joint Council. Be glad to answer any questions."
"Being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Joint Resolution 14 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Representative Woolard on House Resolution 225."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This urges Congress to amend the Federal Student Financial Aid Program laws to eliminate as...I recommend 'do adopt'."
"Is there any discussion? The question is, 'Shall House Resolution 225 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Grace Mary Stern on House Resolution 271."
"Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, this is a bill that... encourages the...program called Parents as Teachers, which is now law in the State of Iowa, and is...in a more informal basis of the State of Illinois, where experienced parents, experienced...professional people reach out to new young parents and...and give them a 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991. little low-down on what the next 20 years are gonna mean to them and how it's gonna change their life. It is not a...an elaborate program. It doesn't cost a dime, and it is extremely important in giving youngsters and new parents a good start in life. I urge your support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Resolution 271 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 11, Representative McAfee."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. ... House Joint Resolution 11 creates the Joint Committee on Taxing Districts to evaluate the effectiveness of such districts in providing services. This is a joint committee made up of...eight Members of the General Assembly and four members of the...public. Appointments are two each and one each by the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House and President Minority Leader of the Senate respectively. There shall be one co-chairperson, each designated by the Speaker and President."
"And on the Resolution, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Yes."
"Representative, could you...enlighten us as to what...what... what is your intent with this Resolution?"
"The basic intent of the Joint Resolution is to create a committee to ascertain the number of taxing districts that we have in Illinois and to ascertain the necessity of those and a possibility of some consolidation of those that are unnecessary."
"But the Resolution has no binding language in it of any kind...if if the...study shows that we should...abolish township government then that becomes a matter that the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 General Assembly would have to take up you...you have no binding language in the Resolution I assume."
"That is absolutely correct. The joint committee is merely a recommendatory body to...provide suggestions and look into the the number of the...local governments, and special...taxing bodies that we have in Illinois."
"And you have no reporting deadline in the Resolution?"
"No."
"Alright, thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall House Joint Resolution 11 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. There are three Senate Joint Resolutions on the Calendar, but there are no House Sponsors. We have Motions on the Calendar on Page 5, and the Motions are to take from the Table and to place in Interim Study. The first one is House Bill 150, Representative Hicks, Larry Hicks. A Motion."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move to take from the Table House Bill 150...for the purposes of putting it in Interim Study."
"Is there any opposition to the Gentleman's Motion? Being none, the Attendance Roll Call will be used. The Motion carries. House Bill 150 is in Interim Study. House Bill 923, Representative Schakowsky on the same Motion. Representative Schakowsky, the same Motion to place it in Interim Study. The Lady has the same Motion to place 923. Representative Lou Jones has a Motion on House Bill 1543. Both of those are to place in Interim Study. Is there any opposition to either of these Motions? There being none, the Attendance Roll Call will be used, and both Motions carry on House Bill 923 and on House Bill 1543. Both of those Bills are now in Interim Study. Representative LeFlore on a Motion." 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to discharge Human Services appropriation from further consideration and advance to the Order of Second Reading, First Legislative Day, Senate Bill 955. This Bill is essential to House Supplemental... House Bill 375 passed out May 2 for the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Due to the physical condition of these departments, it is necessary for these appropriations to be a part of Senate Bill 955 in order to expedite the funding. I move for the adoption."
"Representative Ryder."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've...discussed this and have agreed to ...the Motion to discharge committee."
"The question on the Motion. There's no one standing in opposition to the Motion. Attendance Roll Call will be used, and the Motion carries. Representative LeFlore would also like leave at this time to have the Bill read a second time. The Motion is to have the Bill read a second time today, and, there being no opposition to the Motion, Attendance Roll Call will be used, and the Motion carries. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill a second time and leave it on Second Reading."
"Senate Bill 955. A Bill for an Act making appropriations to various agencies. Second Reading of the Bill."
"The Bill's been read a second time. It will be left on Second Reading. Representative Ellis Levin on an announcement...Turn on Representative McGuire's microphone, please."
"Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to announce that the meeting of the House Committee on Public Utilities previously set for this afternoon has been canceled. So, we will meet next week...." 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991
"Alright, Public Utilities has been canceled for today. Does anyone else wish to cancel a committee meeting? First Special Session will come to order. The Attendance Roll Call for the Regular Session will be used as the Attendance Roll Call for the First Special Session. Representative Matijevich now moves that the First Special Session stand Adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of 12:05 p.m. All in favor say 'aye', opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. First Special Session stands Adjourned. The Democrats will have a Caucus at 1:00 p.m. in Room 114. We will adjourn today, and Representative Olson...excuse me, Representative Olson."
"Mr. Speaker, the Republicans will Caucus in Room 118 at the same hour."
"Alright. Caucus is at 1:00 p.m. We will adjourn today on the Death Resolution of a former Member. Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 594, offered by Representatives McAuliffe, Kulas, Capparelli and DeLeo: WHEREAS, The members of this body have learned with great sorrow of the recent death of Lawrence DiPrima, our former colleague from Chicago; and WHEREAS, Born on June 24, 1910, in Chicago, Lawrence DiPrima was educated in the Chicago public school system and graduated from the Carnegie Institute; and WHEREAS, Having served with the 83rd Infantry Division, 331st Infantry Regiment, Lawrence DiPrima participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Central Germany, and the Battle of the Bulge Campaigns and was awarded a Combat Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, and four Bronze Battle Stars; and WHEREAS, Lawrence DiPrima was extremely proud of his military service and was actively affiliated with Pat Petrone Post No. 885 of the American Legion, Chapter 47 of the Disabled American 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 Veterans, All American Post No. 300 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Filippo Mazzei Post No. 1 of the Italian American War Veterans, the Battle of the Bulge Veterans Organization, Nicholas Grimaldi Post No. 42 of the Amvets, Admiral Benson Post Catholic War Veterans, Voiture 220/40 et 8, and the 83rd Infantry Division Association; he was an honorary member of the Paralyzed Veterans; and WHEREAS, A member of the Regular Democratic Party for over fifty-five years, Laurence DiPrima served in the Illinois House of Representatives, was chosen one of the top ten legislators by the Chicago Tribune, and retired as "Dean of the House of Representatives" on January 9, 1985, after twenty-two years of continuous service; and WHEREAS, Lawrence DiPrima retired from the Department of Veterans' Affairs on March 31, 1989; and WHEREAS, Lawrence DiPrima was selected Man of the Year by the Combined Veterans Organizations in 1973 and 1974, the only person to receive this honor twice; he was chosen Man of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1979, and Man of the Year by Vaughan Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans in 1985; and WHEREAS, It is certain that the love and warmth Lawrence DiPrima shared with all he knew will long be remembered and treasured by family and friends alike, especially by his wife Betty and his son Robert; therefore be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our profound sorrow upon the death of Lawrence DiPrima; that we join with those individuals who mourn the loss of a close friend and colleague; and that we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family; and be it further 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 RESOLVEO, That a suitable copy of this preamble and resolution be presented to his widow, Betty DiPrima, as a formal indication of our mutually shared sense of loss. And as a further token of our esteem, the House does now stand adjourned."
"Representative McAuliffe."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. For about ten years I had the pleasure of driving Larry DiPrima to Springfield, and, believe me, it was an adventure. He...you couldn't go fast enough to keep him happy. If you were going 70 miles an hour, he wanted to go 90. So, you could you could not keep him happy. I remember one time I made the mistake of letting him drive. That was the only time. And we were coming down the highway, and I fell asleep and the next thing I know a trooper stopped us. The trooper said this guy was driving 90 miles an hour. So, that was the only time he got to drive the car with me. I think anybody else that ever rode with him would realize that. He had his own theories on driving, and they consisted of going as fast as you can, pass people on the right shoulder, on the left shoulder, no matter what. But, then, if somebody got in front of him and went slow he'd turn around and...give them a dirty look when you'd go by him. So, he was a joy to know, and we had a lot of good times. I could repeat the Army stories from when he landed in Normandy 'til he got evacuated to France, word-for-word, and Myron could, too. We heard the same story a hundred times on the way down, and we used to ask him to tell it just to see...it never changed. Every word was the same, every adventure and...he was really a wonderful man to know, and he was a man of strong opinion and, if he liked you, he'd let you know, and if he didn't like you, he'd let you know. But we attended the wake and 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991. the funeral yesterday, and he's someone that will certainly be missed by myself, and I'm sure many of his other colleagues and friends here that knew him...He was one of a kind, and I'm certainly gonna miss him. Thank you."
"Representative Kulas."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. When I first came down to the General Assembly in 1979 I sat next to Larry, and I was his seatmate for the next six years while he was still a Member of the General Assembly. Larry loved the General Assembly. Larry was a true politician. He was a gentleman and, when he gave you his word, his word was gold. And Larry lived life. Just a year ago I remember Larry said, 'You know I'm ready to go any time because I've done everything that I've wanted to do. I've had a great life, and I've enjoyed every minute of it,' and looking at him you could never tell he was 80 years old, because Larry always had a twinkle in his eye, he had a wry sense of humor. I remember when I first came down he used to introduce me as...to the new Members, he'd call them over and say, 'Hey, do you know Myron Kulas?' and they'd say 'no'. 'Why that's Mrs. Kulas' youngest son,' and they'd go, 'Oh, yeah!' So for two years people were thinking 'Who's Mrs. Kulas?' But Larry did a lot for the veterans in the State of Illinois, and, Larry, the veterans of the State of Illinois are going to miss you, and we're all going to miss you here in the General Assembly."
"Representative Pullen."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will indeed miss Larry DiPrima. He hasn't been a Member of the House for the last six years, I guess, but he's certainly come back and visited many times to remind people of his love for the veterans and...that they'd better watch out if they don't 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 follow through. Those of us who served with Larry, I'm sure without exception, could tell stories about him for hours. I certainly could, having been on his list for a while, and it wasn't his good list. As Roger said, he either liked you or he didn't and there was a time when Larry and I had problems. But, when I was having difficulty getting a Bill passed here to restore the Pledge of Allegiance to our schools, Larry's heart softened. He couldn't stand to see that Bill not pass this House. So, even though I was the Sponsor, he rose and told the Members of the House how deeply he felt about the thought that they might even think about turning down such a Bill. I'm not saying it nearly as colorfully as he did, but you don't want me to repeat that. And the Bill, as soon as Larry spoke for it, went just sailing, and from that time on, we were friends again, which I was very grateful for. He was a man who truly, without doubt, loved his country, and he loved this House. And all those of us who tried to understand this delightful character certainly loved Larry, and we will miss him. Thank you."
"Representative Mautino."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Larry DiPrima was not only the Dean of the House, he was the Mayor of the back row. Colonel Klink, the Gentleman who presided over this Stalag 17, had a unique sense of humor, but very serious in his total endeavors. A man who sat next to me here during all those years and fought for 17 years to maintain Memorial Day on the national holiday, Thursday the 31st. I think, probably, that Gentleman, when he had to make that change and support the change for Memorial Day to...from the last Thursday to the Monday for a weekend holiday, was the most...that was the toughest vote I think that that man ever had to make in this General Assembly. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 To show you the type of individual he was, I had the distinction of opposing him on the only Bill he lost on the House floor. Larry DiPrima did not talk to me, as my seatmate, for seven weeks and two days. That shows the intensity of quite an individual. I'd just like to say one thing on behalf of Larry, who contacted me just before he had his heart attack, I wish I could have gotten your driving privileges re-established through your insurance which was canceled. It's the greatest mistake that that insurance company ever made. Larry, here's to you...Colonel Klink."
"Representative Weaver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I...I kinda feel sorry for the new Members that never really had a chance to know Larry all that well because he was, as you can tell, a man of great passions, and...and would really enjoy what he's hearing today. He loved laughing at him..at himself as much as he did at any joke, and the man had a social life that few of us a third of his age could keep up with. I don't know how he did it. Obviously, many of you know about Larry's social life, but my main connection with Larry came as we were both members of 40 and 8, which is a kind of a spin-off of the Legion group, and Larry found his duties here, even though he wasn't a Member of the House, found his regular duties here increasing to the point that he kinda wanted to back off of that a little bit and, he found out I was a 40 and 8er and asked me if I'd kinda take over as his assistant on state legislation matters for the 40 and 8. But I want to tell you, his passions did not diminish at all in the past few years; particularly, his support for the veterans and veterans' groups. And, even though I eventually took over state-wide director, he kept in touch and made sure that things were done correctly 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 because he had a total personal commitment to the veterans of Illinois, and I really think that this is a...this is a period of mourning for all veterans of Illinois simply because they lost one of their greatest friends, and I lost a great friend too."
Representative McAuliffe would ask that all Members... Representative DeLeo."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, so many of you...I took Larry's seat in the House when he retired in 1984; and, as you know, Larry DiPrima is quite a colorful character. He...I came to the Ward Office one day back in 1984 and this man was running for President...President Reagan, and I saw Larry's furniture and desk being moved out of the Ward Office. As I pulled up, I was wondering, 'What's going on here?' and our Committeemen, our Democratic Committeemen, had Sun Times and Tribune, and it says 'DiPrima to head Democrats for Reagan for Illinois'. Well, the Democratic Committeemen frowned upon that. Larry moved his office a couple blocks away. He was invited to the White House to meet President Reagan because he was chairing Democrats for Reagan for Illinois and, prior to going into the Oval Office to meet the President, he asked the security agents and the Secret Service agents and...and at the time I think Greg Baise and Sue Lionas were Thompson's chief aides here in Illinois, he'd have to...he wanted to visit the men's room before going in and meeting the President. He went into the men's washroom. They were waiting outside: the President was waiting to see Representative DiPrima...15, 20, 30 minutes lapsed, and they got worried about him. They sent a Secret Service agent into the men's washroom in the White House and Larry washed his hands and he cleaned up, and he was waiting for somebody to come in cause he didn't want to open the door. 19 58th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE May 29, 1991 So, as usual, Larry DiPrima kept the President of the United States waiting. But anybody that know Larry, he was a quite a guy, and he cared about the veterans, and it was more important to him, as Penny Pullen mentioned, he was very sincere, an honest man, and he is going to be missed by everybody here, and Mr. Speaker I'd ask that all Members be joined in this Death Resolution."
"Representative Parcells."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was one of those that was sworn in mid-term and every time I'd come over to the House Floor, Larry DiPrima was sitting on his throne here, and I said 'Larry, why are you always here so early and you stay so late?' He said, 'Well, I'm a throw-back to the old days. Let me tell you about it,' And for those new Members of you that don't know, this was your office. This is where you sat, you were here half as often as we are, you had $50 postage allowance. If you were lucky, you got a secretary from the secretarial pool. He must have taken two hours to tell me the way it used to be and how wonderful it was and how lucky we were to have offices and secretaries. He took me under his wing, and he was always coming over and saying 'Hey, Parcells. You're all by yourself here. You're the only one that came in at this time. Now, let me tell you how it is,' and he'd tell me something wonderful. And, after he retired, he did a Memorial Day celebration every year which he planned for for weeks. And he would have Carol Mosely Braun singing 'My Buddy' which always brought a tear to my eye and Representative Pullen, too, and he insisted every year that I be one of the Oreo cookies, and we had to sing 'Trees', I said, 'I can't sing, Larry.' He says, 'That's okay, you'll do a wonderful job. You'll just sing beautifully.' And every year he'd come back to me and every year I'd tell 20 58th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE May 29, 1991 him I really couldn't sing that song, but he spent weeks getting ready for this celebration, and I think it's very appropriate that the day before he would be planning this celebration we are remembering him so fondly."
"Representative Ropp."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it's very fitting to very briefly mention that the event that happened some 13 years ago when we started to have House Rules one evening to discuss whether or not we were going to do the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. It just so happened that that was a Special Session that evening, and many people were out getting lunch or dinner that evening, and so the first vote was like 51 'yes', 53 'no', and, obviously, we had to verify that Roll. And it just so happened then that Larry DiPrima was out eating and was verified off in order for us to give about a 51 'yes', 49 'no'; and, ultimately, we did finally be able to say the Pledge here on the House floor. A few days later Larry came to me with tremendous passion in his eye and thanked me very much for verifying him off, for having had Larry to vote against saying the Pledge in the House would have been a dire disaster to Larry DiPrima. I can always remember all the Bills that he handled dealing with veterans, and if you ever ask him a question...well, you'd really feel kind of insulted. He'd just say 'It's a veterans' Bill - vote for it!' And so we all took our cue; and, obviously, voted for it. We're certainly gonna miss him. We remember him long. He truly was a friend of agriculture. He was a man who lived in the City of Chicago, but knew the concerns and interest of downstate Legislators, and we'll always remember Larry DiPrima."
"Representative Ronan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The words before me have been so 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 58th Legislative Day May 29, 1991 eloquent, but the greatest quote I ever heard Larry give was when someone asked him how much a Bill cost, he said, 'It doesn't cost anything - the Federal Government's gonna pay for it.' And that was Larry DiPrima's view of the world and he was a great Legislator with a great heart. We'll all miss him very much."
"With all Members being added as Co-Sponsors, Representative McAuliffe moves for the adoption of the Resolution and for the House to stand adjourned. All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the House stands Adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of 12:00 noon. There's a Democratic Caucus immediately in Room 114 and a Republican Caucus immediately in Room 118." 22 REPORT: TIFLDAY 92/09/14 PAGE: 001 14:38:23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX MAY 29, 1991 HB-0150 MOTION PAGE 11 HB-0150 OTHER PAGE 11 HB-0923 OTHER PAGE 11 HB-1543 OTHER PAGE 11 SB-0955 SECOND READING PAGE 12 SB-0955 MOTION PAGE 12 HR-0013 ADOPTED PAGE 4 HR-0013 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 2 HR-0142 ADOPTED PAGE 7 HR-0142 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 5 HR-0143 ADOPTED PAGE 2 HR-0143 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 2 HR-0225 ADOPTED PAGE 9 HR-0225 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 9 HR-0271 ADOPTED PAGE 10 HR-0271 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 9 HR-0594 ADOPTED PAGE 22 HR-0594 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 13 HJR-0001 ADOPTED PAGE 7 HJR-0001 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 7 HJR-0011 ADOPTED PAGE 11 HJR-0011 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 10 HJR-0014 ADOPTED PAGE 9 HJR-0014 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 9 HJR-0018 ADOPTED PAGE 8 HJR-0018 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 8 HJR-0019 ADOPTED PAGE 8 HJR-0019 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 8 HJR-0020 ADOPTED PAGE 9 HJR-0020 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 8 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER - SPEAKER MCPIKE PAGE 1 PRAYER - REPRESENTATIVE RICE PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 1 FIRST SPECIAL SESSION PAGE 13 FIRST SPECIAL SESSION - ADJOURNMENT PAGE 13 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 22