"The House will come to order. The House wi11 come to order. We'll try it one more time. The House will come to order. The Chaplain for today is Deacon Bill Kelly of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, Illinois. Deacon Kelly is the guest of Representative Weller. The guests in the balcony may wish to rise and join us for the invocation."
"We just simply ask the Lord this day to smile down upon this beautiful state and upon this gathering this afternoon. Dear Lord, we ask Your grace to give us the courage not only to make decisions, but the wisdom to find solutions. We ask You, Lord, to allow us not to make those decisions by our own pride, but more so, decisions that we can look back and be proud of. Dear Lord, this day and this week we remember the flag and all that gave their lives for what it means to us that it waves daily over this Capitol and upon our land. We ask You, Lord, also to allow us to find the perspective and the wisdom to look at the flag in many ways. Also, this day to look at the folded flags of those, our fallen comrades. The folded flags that lie in the homes in honor of their families. The flag not of red, white, and blue, but simply a blue flag with stars that indicate where their loved ones are. Dear Lord, this day I ask Your blessing upon this Land of Lincoln, this land of the free, and this Body that gathers here to help it go forward. Dear Lord, we ask Your blessing upon all of us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Tom Walsh."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, 1 59th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE May 30, 1991 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Matijevich."
"Mr. Speaker, on this side of the aisle the excused absence is Monroe Flinn."
"Representative Kubik."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, the excused absences on the Republican side is Representative Tom Ewing."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. One hundred-sixteen Members answered Roll Call; a quorum is present. Committee reports...me...Representative Churchill...Representative Churchill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House...Many of you know my secretary, Michelle, and you know that...she has had some problems in the past year, but last night at 10:55 she delivered a little girl...Emily Michelle Thornley...weighed in at five pounds, 12 ounces and 19 inches and...mother, daughter and the whole family are doing well, so for all of those of you who have been praying for her successful delivery this time, we appreciate your prayers and thoughts. Thanks."
"Committee Reports."
"Representative Brunsvold, Chairman of the Committee on Municipal and Conservation Law, to which the following Bills were referred, action taken May 29, 1991, reported same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate Status' Senate Bills 1208 and 1318; 'do pass Consent Calendar' Senate Bills 41, 139, 140, 637, 1286 and 1316. Representative Mautino, Chairman of the Committee on Insurance, to which the following Bills were referred, action taken May 29, 1991, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass' Senate Bill 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 703; 'do pass Consent Calendar,' Senate Bills 527, 169, 1098 and 115; 'do pass as amended Consent Calendar,' Senate Bill 1023. Representative Shaw, Chairman of the Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following Bill was referred, action taken May 29, 1991, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass Short Debate Status' Senate Bill 829. Representative Saltsman, Chairman of the Committee on Executive, to which the following Bills were referred, action taken May 30, 1991, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate Status,' Senate Bill 375; 'do pass Consent Calendar,' Senate Bill 462; 'do adopt as amended' House Joint Resolution 2. Representative Mulcahey, Chairman of the Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, in which the following Bills were referred, action taken May 30, 1991, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass,' Senate Bill 710; 'do pass as amended' Senate Bill 973 and 708; 'do pass Short Debate Status,' Senate Bill 841; 'do pass Consent Calendar,' Senate Bills 118, 192, 649, 191, 240, 262, 43, 724 and 220."
"Page three of the Calendar. Appropriations Bills. Appears Senate Bill 955. Mr. Clerk, has this Bill been read a second time?"
"This Bill has been read a second time previously."
"Are there any Amendments?"
"Amendment #1, offered by Representative (sic Representatives) Ryder and LeFlore."
"Mr. Ryder...Representative LeFlore."
"Mr. Speaker, withdraw Amendment #1, please."
"Alright. The Amendment #1 is withdrawn and ... Representative LeFlore, I believe that...Representative 3 59th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE May 30, 1991 Ryder wishes to do that, correct?"
"I think...yes. He gave that consent."
"Yes. Alright. Amendment #1, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You may have answered the question. I just wanted to make sure...we wanted to go with that Bill. I'm not sure whether his Amendment wants to be withdrawn. I think I hear him."
"Yes, Amendment withdrawn. Further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 955, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to various agencies. Third reading of the
Bill. Speaker O'Brien: "Representative LeFlore.
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 955 is a Supplemental. This Bill is...a Supplemental Bill. It's a companion Bill to House Bill 375, passed out here May 2 for the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disability (sic Disabilities). I...this Bill is needed, and I would like for a favorable vote."
"Representative Ryder."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've worked on this Bill. The Amendment was originally to take care of a technical defect, because of timing we've decided to withdraw that. The Bill is agreed. It is a Supplemental as requested by the Administration and I would ask for all to support it."
"Representative Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question of the sponsor."
"Yes."
"Thank you. How much is the Supplemental for?"
"Okay...Department of Mental Health and Developmental 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 Disability is $5,900,000, transfer.
"So, 5 million GRF?"
"Right."
"And total...amount of the Bill?"
"The total?"
"Right."
"The amount of the Bill?"
"The GRF and the non GRF."
"How much?"
"Is it about six..."
"...It's about 12.2 million."
"It's about six point seven million. Is that what you got? About six point seven million total?"
"...minus transfer, yah."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye', opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? The clerk will take the record. Giglio 'aye'. On this Bill there are 113 'ayes', no 'nays'. House...Senate Bill 955, having received Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on Appropriations Bills, appears House Bill 377, Representative McGann. The Bill has been read a second time. Mr. Clerk, are there any Amendments?"
"No Floor Amendments."
"Mr. Clerk, take this Bill out of the record. House Bill 888. This Bill has been read a second time. Are there any Amendments?"
"Amendments 1 and 4 were adopted in committee. I have a Motion to table Committee Amendment #4."
"And who filed the Motion?"
"By Representative Matijevich."
"Representative Matijevich." 5 59th Legislative Day
"I'll withdraw this one."
"Representative Matijevich withdraws the Motion. Are there further Motions?"
"No further Motions. Floor Amendment #5, offered by Representative McGann."
"Representative McGann."
"Yes,...Mr. Speaker could we take this out of the record for just a few moments."
"Alright, take the Bill out of the record. House Bill 888. Mr. Clerk, we're on Amendment #5. Representative McGann."
"Thank you...Mr. Speaker. I'd ask you to withdraw Amendment #5."
"Amendment #5 is withdrawn. Further Amendments."
"Floor Amendment #6, offered by Representative Weaver."
"Representative Weaver."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #6 adds back a million dollars in GRF for Adult Education Literacy Program, increases by three million, seven hundred, 50 thousand GRF for the Gifted Education Reimbursement Program, reduces by three million for the Scientific Literacy Program, increases by 231,300 GRF for Substance Abuse Program, increases 1,250,000 for Parental Training Program, 7,500,000 for School Improvement Program and reduces by 4,500,000 funding for the Truant Dropout Optional Educational Program. Basically takes...House Bill 888 back to the submitted level...at the Governor's level. We ask for your approval, and we will be happy to answer any questions about the Bill."
"Alright, Amendment #6. The question is, 'Shall the Amendment be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'nos' have it...Representative McGann." 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991
"...What was the voice vote on it, Mr. Speaker?"
"Noes."
"Thank you."
"Question is, 'Shall the Amendment be 'adopted?' All in favor say 'aye' oppose, 'no', the 'nos' have it and the Amendment is defeated. Further Amendments."
"Floor Amendment #7 offered by Representative Klemm."
"Representative Klemm."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #7 does what we've done several years ago. It...puts in the sum of $300,000,000 for the Appropriations for the School Construction Fund to the Capital Development Board for the State Board of Education for grants to school districts for the improvement in construction and renovation of their schools...it provides that no more than $100,000,000 should be used in Municipalities of over a million, which would be Chicago, and $200,000,000 for the downstate schools. This is a Bill that we have done before in the past to help the growing districts that needed construction and renovation of their deteriorating schools. It's a reasonable approach, and I do ask for your support."
"Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the Gentleman's Motion. This is basically a Bill that was embodied in House Bill 1658, passed out of committee, and unfortunately wasn't called...on the floor of the House. The school construction money is...something that has been needed for years. The financing mechanism is in place; we can do it, if the Body agrees."
"Representative McGann. Mr. McGann."
"Thank...you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition of this Amendment #7. We don't have the dollars. Period. We had 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 to turn down Plainfield District after the tornado for $2,500,000. I'd ask to...Representative Klemm to withdraw his Amendment otherwise it should be defeated."
"Question is, 'Shall the Amendment be adopted.' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'nos' have it. The Amendment is defeated. Further Amendments?"
"Floor Amendment #8, offered by Representatives McGann and Weaver."
"Representative McGann."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Assembly, Amendment #8 to House Bill 888, Education Appropriation Bill for the State Board of Education, and I would like to have your attention, if we could. The Education 'Approp' Committee worked in unison from both sides of the aisle in trying to come about with a budget that would beat the governor's level. At the same time we spent many hours in trying to save some dollars for the people in the State of Illinois. It was thought by both sides of the aisle that an increase that had come through a statute in 1989 to increase the regional superintendents to the salary increase of $15,000 was unwarranted. We also felt as though that we had an obligation under the statute. We met with the regional superintendents, both sides of aisle, and talked this over. We know that it's going to be an increase and it's going to be an increase of a lot of dollars. We further understand that we did not take care of the regional superintendents for eight years. For eight years, they did not have a raise. A lot of them ran for the office which this raise becomes effective on August 7, 1991. They ran with the intention that they would receive some consideration. So, we have a dilemma before us. We don't have dollars in the state. We got all kinds of cuts taking place, but we have an obligation, moral and 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day statutorally, May 30, 1991 and therefore, Amendment #8 will restore the $1,300,000 that will be needed to restore those pay raises for the regional assistant general...assistant superintendent here in the State of Illinois. So, I would ask for an adoption of Amendment #8. I further would like to mention...I would like to thank Representative Matijevich for his consideration in this matter."
"Representative Matijevich."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I think many of us have heard from the Regional Superintendent of Schools, and I want to commend Representative McGann for working this matter out. I think many who didn't understand the situation thought the pay raise was unreasonable until they learned that for eight years they... had not received one, and they are still the lowest probably of any...administrators in the Public Schools. For example, most...your superintendents...have salaries much higher than reginal commend Representative McGann, superintendents...and and I I appreciate his support."
"Representative Weaver."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I rise in reluctant support of the Amendment and rest assured this issue is not dead. We must continue to look for efficiency and ways to cut cost in government. I...applaud the Sponsor of the Amendment for taking these steps, but the issue here is not whether or not the regional superintendents deserve an increase or whether or not they've had an increase in the past eight years, but one of constitutionality and fairness. Many people ran for office with a full of these understanding and provisions that their salary would be increased, and we have the responsibility to keep our word. Although we are 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 in a period of severe budgetary shortfalls and could really use a $1,300,000 that this would generate. Its only right that we restore the increase to a full commitment made in statute last year. I rise in support in the Amendment."
"Representative Edley."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker...Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly. Let me just follow up on the previous speakers' thrust in relation of this Amendment. I think it's unfortunate that we are going to have teachers experiencing either no increase or maybe even teacher layoffs throughout the state while a...a 60 plus regional superintendents and their assistants will be enjoying upwards of a 25 to 30% pay increase. Unfortunately, we are constrained by statute and may be constrained constitutionally from...taking this...salary increase away from them. I rise in a reluctant support of the Amendment."
"Representative Santiago."
"Yes...thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise in support of this Amendment, and I want to commend the Sponsor of the Amendment. I think we're doing the right thing by giving the regional superintendents and the assistant regional superintendent an opportunity which we gave them...last year. It is the right thing to do because we need in the education field and the education profession. We need to motivate individuals to stay in that profession. We need good teachers. We need good administrators. We need good superintendents. So, I once again I applaud the...Sponsor of the Amendment for doing what's right. Thank you very much."
"Representative McGann to close."
"Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members of this Assembly, I think a great amount of thanks go to you, Mr. Speaker, for 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 the part you played in chairing the meetings that took place over this matter. I would like for the record...let it be known that if there are cuts across-the-board-in-education, the regional superintendents will have to stand for those cuts accordingly. They cannot be separated from them. They will have to endure those cuts as anyone else will in this terrible time and especially if there are across-the-board-education cuts. I ask for adoption of the Amendment #8. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Question is, 'Shall the Amendment be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendments adopted."
"Floor Amendment #9, offered by Representative Hicks."
"Representative Hicks."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Amendment #9 has $3,500,000 in...at the Rend Lake Prison Site for the rebuilding of a school at Ina Grade School. I'd ask for adoption for Amendment #9."
"On the Amendment, Representative Weaver."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an add-on of $3,500,000 construction of a building. I'm sure the Sponsor's intent is very well-founded, they need the building, but in a tight budget year we've got probably ten school districts that I know of that could use new buildings that are in serious trouble. If we do it for one, we absolutely have to do it for all, and I think it's a mistake to start the ball rolling with this. I reluctantly have to oppose this Amendment."
"Representative McGann."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Assembly. I, too, rise in support of Representative Weaver that this 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day Amendment cannot be adopted. May 30, 1991 Once again Representative Klemm had an Amendment, we used the same reasoning because we had to turn down $2,500,000 appropriation for the Plainfield District after their tornado. I reluctantly have to stand for one of my colleagues on this side of the aisle, and I know what he wants to do, but the dollars just aren't there. I ask to have Representative Hicks either to remove the Amendment or to defeat it."
"Question is, 'Shall the Amendment be adopted.' All in favor say 'aye', opposed say 'no.' The 'nos' have it and the Amendment is defeated. Further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk...Third Reading. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 888, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to the State Board of Education. Third Reading of the Bill."
"Representative McGann."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Assembly. We now have House Bill 888, the appropriation bill for the State Board of Education in place. We have worked very hard, both sides of the aisle, to meet this budget crisis, to keep it within the Governor's level at the same time working with the State Board of Education and their needs, and I would ask for passage of House Bill 888, and I thank Representative Weaver for the fine work he has done in working with this side of the aisle."
"Representative Weaver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This a good Bill. It's not a great Bill, but it's a good Bill. In a tight budget year, this is probably as good as it's going to get for education. We've tried to...minimize the pain, we've tried to minimize the cuts and redirect the...amount 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 internally...in accordance with the Governor's wishes...I think Chairman McGann has done a super job in trying to bring all the players together and get things worked out. I hope this is the end of it; I hope education doesn't suffer anymore cuts this budget year, and I think it's about as good as it's going to get for education. I support passage of House Bill 888."
"Question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All 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 111 'ayes' and 4 'nos.' House Bill 888, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed."
"...Representative Lang on a Motion..."
"...Mr. Speaker, at this time I move to suspend the provisions of Rule 37(g) to further extend the Third Reading deadline on the following House Bills: from May 31 until June 7, 1991, these are House Bills 278, 2104 and 1871. These are Bills where the deadline had previously been extended and we're further extending the deadline at this time."
"That's House Bill 278, 2104 and 1871, is that correct?"
"That's correct, Sir."
"On the Motion, Representative Daniels."
"We...of course, would like to have the courtesy of looking at that...prior to you putting the Motion because this is as I understand the first we heard of it. And...I'm not so sure that the Gentleman has to put the Motion today; maybe we can talk about it. Two seventy-eight, of course, is a highly controversial Bill that has had a lot of discussion relating to it and whether or not you really want to extend the deadline we would like 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 to talk to you and maybe you can put the Motion tomorrow after we get all the facts of the Bills that he wants to extend."
"Gentleman presists with his Motion. Representative Daniels."
"That's unfortunate, but obviously since you do have the majority votes and superior responsiblity in this Assembly to make sure the people of Illinois are properly represented, we would only let the record reflect that House Bill 278 deals with apprenticeship and preapprenticeship. It is a highly controversial piece of legislation, as is 1871, which amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act and the only purpose in doing that would be to attempt to keep the issue of horse racing and any self interest extension of that alive for the rest of session. 2104, the third Bill of this Motion, refers to the Prevailing Wage Act and it is another highly controversial Bill. I don't see, frankly, Mr. Speaker, why you should take these Bills out and they shouldn't be treated like every other Bill other than to say that maybe it fits into some ulterior plan or ulterior motive and a official recognition of the Democratic Party of Illinois on apprenticeship of horse racing and prevailing wage as to what you really may intend to do to towards the end of Session, and I would urge everyone to oppose the Gentleman's Motion."
"Representative Hultgren."
"Mr. Speaker, I didn't hear, to what date in June did Representative Lang propose to extend the deadline?"
"June 7th."
"7 or 2nd."
"Seven, seven a week from tomorrow. The question is, 'Shall the Motion be adopted?' All in favor vote 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 'aye', opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take the record. On this Motion, there are 66 'ayes' and 45 'nos'. And the Motion carries. First special Session will come to order. The Roll Call for the...House Session today will be used as the Roll Call for the First Special Session. The hour of 12 noon having arrived, the Chair will go to the Order of Permanent Income Tax Increase. Senate Bill 1, Representative Daniels."
"Out of the record."
"Gentleman takes the Bill out of the record. The Chair recognizes Speaker Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of personal privilege relative to Senate Bill 1, and I'm not at all surprised that the Sponsor of the Bill has declined to call the Bill because, if I were the Sponsor of the Bill I wouldn't call it either. I have some remarks relative to the Bill and I think they are very pertinent and I would appreciate the attention of the Membership. I think that this particular Bill has to be taken in conjunction with the governor's proposed budget...which Mr. Edgar spent four and one half months preparing from the date of his election, and which we have now considered for about two and one half months here in the Legislature. The essence of the Governor's budget is to propose reductions in state spending, but those reductions are focused on the needy in our state and those in our state who provide those services to the needy. In addition, the cities and counties of this state, which had received support from the two year surcharge, would be reduced by approximately 50%. The budget further requested that the City of Chicago raise an additional $17,000,000 to pay for the cost of general assistance provided within the City of Chicago and those who ride the Chicago Transit 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 Authority, and I would quickly add that not only Chicagoans ride the CTA since that service provides Transit Service to several suburbs, but those who ride the CTA...be asked to lose a $35,000,000 subsidy from the state and obviously there would be a fare increase for those people who ride on mass transit in the city. So that's the essence of the Governor's budget message which we have now been considering for about two and one half months. In conjunction with that budget message, we now have Senate Bill 1, and Senate Bill 1 provides many things: one thing it attempts to provide is something which is called a cap on rising real estate taxes, and the language of the Bill talks in terms of a 5% cap or the cost of living increase whichever would be less in a particular year. Having begun with that proposal, the Bill then proceeds to set out certain exceptions to the cap and I think it's worth giving some time to these exceptions, a very interesting list. So, first, there was an exception requested by a Senator Hawkinson and this would provide the taxing districts whose equalized assessed value for the current year is less than the 1982 EAV, would be excluded from the operation of the cap. So there is one exception for one Senator. Next, all new construction would be excluded from the cap, and my understanding of growth in this state is that new construction is occurring mainly in DuPage and Lake County, so there is an exception for those two counties. Next, there was an exception for Senator Topinka, relative to a school district in her legislative district. Next, there was an exception for Senator Rigney...this concerned a situation where one district had been absorbed by another district. Next, TIF districts were excluded from the operation of the cap and so, right there we had several exceptions to this alleged cap on rising real estate taxes. 16 59th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE May 30, 1991 There after home rule units were excepted from the Cap another rather sizeable exception for those of you who understand the number of home rule units we have in this State. Having granted all these exceptions, did the Bill talk about the Farm Land Assessment Law? No. In this state close to 40 to 50 counties have not experienced an increase in assessed value for ten years because of the operation of the Farm Land Assessment Law, but does the Bill treat that? No. Does the Bill treat the question of classification in the urban counties of northeastern Illinois? No. That's not to be considered even though the President of the Board in DuPage County thinks it's something that ought to happen. Going beyond all that, we get to the distribution of whether the taxes would be collected under this Senate Bill 1...the alleged surcharge Bill. One half of the proceeds would continue to be given to education, which is fine, but, of course, they all get slapped with the cap which was contained at the beginning of the Bill, one quarter of the proceeds would be used for something called a Health Care Debt Relief Fund and to the best of my knowledge this is just another arrangement where there is an infusion of money to state agencies, and they'll decide which health care providers get relief and which ones don't and we've seen enough of that over the last several years, to know it is not good for the health care facilities that serve the needy and the poor in this state. Next, and this is very surprising, one quarter of the proceeds are dedicated to continue to pay for the double deduction for real estate taxes paid in this state, and I wonder who benefits from the double deduction for real estate taxes paid, I know that it's not a big benefit for the people in my working class neighborhood in Chicago, but I know that it's a big benefit to wealthy home owners 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 who live in certain areas of the state. Local governments, they get nothing for 18 months...nothing. Local governments that are trying to provide police and fire protection, they're trying to protect water and sewer service, sanitation service and they get nothing. They are just cut off, forget about them, and after the expiration of the 18 months they get approximately one half of what they've gotten over the last two years. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm not surprised that the gentlemen has decided not to call his Bill. He ought not to call the Bill. It's not a good Bill. When and if it's called, my expectation is that it will be soundly defeated which it should, so that all of us including the Governor can go back to the drawing board and try and devise a tax and spending plan for this state which is fair to all people and fair to all sections of the state, not a plan that focuses on the needy and those who serve the needy to balance the budget, not a plan...that the deprives the struggling urban areas of this state of the money that they need to provide for needed essential municipal services. It's a bad plan, and I will recommend its defeat when and if it is called and thank you very much for your indulgence, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Thank you."
"Representative Daniels, what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege as the House Sponsor of the Senate Revenue Committee Bill, Chairman Luft, Senate Sponsor of the Bill. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, one of the reasons that I didn't use this forum originally to address this subject is I felt that things were so obvious on their face they didn't need to be restated on the Illinois House floor. Of course, you all know that it's an exceptional moment when the Speaker takes 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 the floor on a point of personal privilege on a Bill that not only does he have nothing to do with, he doesn't even, wanna make necessary corrections that he feels would be important before he could offer his Majority status in support of a piece of legislation. The Speaker stands on the floor and addresses us today and says this Bill, on Third Reading, ought to be defeated because it is absent in so many instances of very critical forms that would help the people of Illinois. He points to Farm Land Assessment. Is the Speaker telling us that it is now time to eliminate Farm Land Reassessment or to figure out a different way to soak the farmers of Illinois? I don't know, but it certainly raises a big question. He talks about property taxes and that they haven't gone up in this state and yet with some puzzlement I look at the March 17, 1991, headlines of the southtown Economist of south part of Cook County that says, 'Property taxes headed up', in the Speaker's own area. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm somewhat puzzled when the Speaker talks about a provision dealing with TIF Financing sponsored by Senator Luft, a very fine Democrat Senator, and the exception to the property tax referendum that would be called for under this Bill and doesn't recognize that Senator Luft has been working very hard in this area to try to create a Bill that will pass. And I look at it and I say, 'Yes, it contains a provision that eliminates home rule from the cap provisions' and I might say that if I was personally drawing the Bill, frankly I don't think we ought to eliminate home rule. Frankly, I think they ought to be covered by every other provision that the law should apply equally to every other municipality, but you know what, it was the Senate Democrats that said, 'Without the home rule provision exception I won't vote for this Bill,' so, it was put in 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 there at Senator Rocks request, and I need to remind each one of you, a supporter of Senate Bill 1. So when the Bill came out of the Senate, yes, a little bit surprised I was. I looked and I said, 'My gosh, the Senate has sent us a Bill, maybe a vehicle, maybe some action that we need to address dealing with several subjects.' What are those subjects? Education would maintain its funding level that we've seen over the years. Education would be protected in this state, a critical importance to so many of us, protected under Senate Bill 1. Property tax relief. Who among us could say 'That this state isn't overburdened and its property taxes on the citizens of all of Illinois?' Every study tells you Illinois is an overburdened property tax state, and we need to change that system. Now is anyone suggesting that we not address that subject? Well, maybe the Speaker is, because he took this Bill and ran it in a parliamentary maneuvering trick and fashion and ran it right through Second Reading, right on to Third, so not one single elected Representative in this House could amend the Bill. Could talk about necessary provisions that we, as elected Members of the Illinois House, have a right to talk about. Put it on Third Reading so all we could do under his maneuvering and tricks is to vote yes or no on a Bill sent to us by the Illinois Senate. Well, I suggest to you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, that is perhaps the biggest violation of any single democratic principle and right that we have as the elected Representative of 97,000 people in this state. I don't like all the provisions of Senate Bill 1. If I wrote it, I might have changed it myself and maybe on Second Reading I would have come over to you and said, 'Representative Madigan, what provisions can we put in this Bill, so that you can feel comfortable in putting your Majority votes on it?' And I would have 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 done that because I respect the Illinois Senate. I respect the President of the Senate. I respect the Minority Leader of the Senate, and I respect the Senate Revenue Committee and Senator Luft, the Sponsors of this Bill who have a right to expect us to act on this Bill sincerely, in an effort to solve this revenue crisis in this state. Now, let's not lose sight of one thing. This state has overspent by $1,000,000,000, and we're going to balance this budget. No matter who tries to delay the action, no matter who stands up on this House floor and says, 'I'm the king of this road. I've got the Majority vote and you're not calling anything until I tell you you're going to call it.' Well, you know what, before we leave and adjourn this General Assembly, we will balance the budget. That you can rest assured of and you know who's going to win today? The Governor of the State of Illinois because he's got the people on his side, and the people of Illinois are demanding that we balance our budget and not increase taxes beyond the current level. They aren't fooled. They know...and I'm going to work with Senator Rock, Senator Philip, the Speaker of the House, and every other elected Senator and Representative in this Body until the Governor's message is heard. This state has overspent. We can't continue to do it. No, I'm not calling Senate Bill 1 today, and I'm not calling it tomorrow, and I'm not calling it the day after, and I'm not going to call it until the Speaker of the House tells me that he's comfortable with whatever provisions we have to balance our budget in this state, and I'm standing ready, willing, and able to work with each and every one of you to accomplish the goals that this Governor has set on behalf of all of the people of Illinois."
"And now Representative Kubik would like to...and 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 now Representative Jack Kubik would like to introduce a group."
"As long as I've got the Chair, can I still call Senate Bill 1? Okay. Thank you Members and Guests. As the young people are assembling at the...head of the chamber, I would like to introduce you to them. If I could have your attention for a moment, please. Today we are joined by a group of students from throughout the state. Twenty-seven high school students from throughout the State of Illinois recently participated in a State Final to the Citizen B Competition which is a civic education program and academic competition which is sponsored by the Close-up Foundation in Washington. Ladies and Gentlemen, the competition is based on American political and cultural history, government, geography, economics and current events. American heritage and the issues facing our state and our nation are also included, and it also gives these young people an opportunity to recognize academic achievement. The...we have with us today, two winners who will go to the national competition of Citizen B. They are Christopher Perez, who is from St. Patrick High School. Can we give him a round of applause, please? And Margaret Mueller who is from Belleville East High School. These two young people will represent Illinois in the national competition which was held in Washington D.C. in June, between the 22nd and 26th of June, and what I would like to do is introduce Loren Corbun...who is the manager of community outreach for the Close-up Foundation in Washington to briefly tell you a little bit about the events of today and the national competition. Loren."
"Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. It's a pleasure for me to be here on behalf of the Close-up Foundation in...the Land of Lincoln and to recognize with 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 you, the student participants of the Citizen B. Some of you may be familiar with the Close-up Foundation. We are entering our 20th year of civic literacy for a non-profit non-partisan education Program. Some 53 high schools participated on our Washington-based program and you may have seen approximately 20...high school students...or high schools represented in Springfield on our local activities, but our newest program this year is the Citizen B and in this inaugural year it's an excellent representation of the coming together of the educational sector represented by the Indiana, or the Illinois, Council for the Social Studies, by the business sector of the Chicago Tribune...the Commonwealth Edison Company and Illinois Bell, as well as the political sector, and we're honored that Representative Kubik has led that effort on our behalf and on the students' behalf. What's next for the student winners? Both Chris and Maggie will be joining 111 participants from 44 other states. Department of Defense Dependents' Schools in Guam to participate, and you can see the top 15 finalists...on C Span on July 6. It's an honor for me to be here with all of you...to recognize the achievements, and if these students before us are representatives of the future leaders of Illinois, then we all have much to be proud. Good luck and congratulations."
"I would like also to introduce Lena Meralley who is also with the Close-up Foundation and joining the children today...the young people today. One more announcement. These young people would like to invite all of you, many of you...many of them have Representatives...you are their Representatives, and they would to have you join them at the Hall of Flags in the Centennial Building. They will be there this afternoon from the hours of 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., and there will be photographers available to take pictures 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991 with your...with one of the participants in the competition...in your home area. So, please join us...We'd be happy to tell you a little bit more about the program and welcome these fine group of young people. Thank you all very much for your attention."
"Representative Matijevich moves that the Special Session now stands Adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of 4:05 p.m., is that right? 4:05 p.m. All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Special Session stands Adjourned. Agreed Resolutions. Regular Session will come to order. Representative Hartke."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Counties and Townships Committee will meet in D 1 promptly at 2:00 p.m."
"Committee Reports."
Clerk O'Brien: "Representative Dunn. John Dunn, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciarly 1 to which the following Bills were referred, action taken May 30, 1991, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass as amended' Senate Bill 680; 'do pass Short Debate Status' Senate Bill 1248, 125, 104, 102, 728, 548 and 155; 'do pass Consent Calendar' Senate Bill 686."
"Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk O'Brien: "House Resolution 597, offered by Representative Novak. 598, Weaver. 599, Keane. 600, Matijevich. 603, Black. 604, DeJaegher. 605, Woolard. 606, Burke. 608, Laurino. 607, Novak. 609, Kubik. 611, Weller. 612, Frederick. 613, Frederick and 616, Mautino."
"Representative Matijevich."
"Speaker I move to adopt the Agreed Resolutions."
"Representative Matijevich moves the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. General Resolutions." 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 59th Legislative Day May 30, 1991
"House Joint Resolutions 53, 54 and 55, offered by Representative Daniels."
"Committee on Assignment. Death Resolutions,"
"House Resolution 601, offered by Representative Shaw with respect to the memory of Helen Bass. House Resolution 602, offered by Representative Shaw with respect to the memory of Casey Hawkins. House Resolution 610, offered by Representative LeFlore with respect to the memory of Milton Lusene Bell. House Resolution 614, offered by Representative Johnson with respect to the memory of Dr. Donald Robert Thrush. House Resolution 615, offered by Representative Ewing with respect to the memory William R. Zorne."
"Question is, 'Shall the Death Resolutions be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Death Resolutions have are adopted. Further Agreed Resolutions."
"Senate Joint Resolution 56, offered by Representative Parke. Senate Joint Resolution 57 by Kubik. Senate Joint Resolution 59 by Hensel, and Senate Joint Resolution 60 by Kubik."
"Representative Matijevich moves for the adoption of those Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Representative Matijevich now moves to the House stand Adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of 4:00 p.m. All in favor say 'aye', opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the House stands Adjourned." 25 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 30, 1991 HB-0278 MOTION PAGE 13 HB-0888 SECOND READING PAGE 5 HB-0888 THIRD READING PAGE 12 HB-1871 MOTION PAGE 13 HB-2104 MOTION PAGE 13 SB-0001 OUT OF RECORD PAGE 15 SB-0955 SECOND READING PAGE 3 SB-0955 THIRD READING PAGE 4 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER - SPEAKER MCPIKE PAGE 1 PRAYER - DEACON BILL KELLY PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 2 COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 2 FIRST SPECIAL SESSION PAGE 15 FIRST SPECIAL SESSION - ADJOURNMENT PAGE 24 BACK TO REGULAR SESSION PAGE 24 COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 24 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 24 GENERAL RESOLUTIONS PAGE 25 DEATH RESOLUTIONS PAGE 25 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 25 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 25