"The House will come to order. We will be led in the invocation today by Representative Chuck Hartke. The guests in the balcony may wish to rise and join us."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Let's bow our heads. Today as we ponder the issues of the day and problems of the State of Illinois, let us ask for God's blessings, and let us ask for God's wisdom and the wisdom of Solomon to make these decisions. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."
"And the Pledge of Allegiance, Sir."
"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. Excused absences Mr. Kubik."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Due to the weather, we have a number of excused absences. Representative Johnson, Representative Harris, Representative McAuliffe, Representative McCracken, Representative Ackerman, Representative Petka, Representative Cronin...strike that, Mr. Speaker. Representative Cronin is here, and Representative Sieben is not here. They may arrive a little bit later, but at this point, they are not on the Roll Call."
"Alright. Would you repeat that list, please for the Clerk."
"And we're happy to see you here, Mr. Speaker, incidentally. Representative Johnson, Representative Harris, Representative McAuliffe, Representative McCracken, Representative Ackerman, Representative Petka, and Representative Sieben." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day January 15, 1992
"Thank you. Representative Giglio."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The following Members on the Democratic side have excused absences. Representative Dunn, Representative Homer, and Representative LeFlore."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. 106 Members answering a Roll Call, a quorum is present. The House will stand at ease until 12:30."
"Can I have your attention. Members, could I have your attention, please. The Speaker has advised us to postpone convening til 2:00 o'clock this afternoon. That will give Members a little more time to arrive down in Springfield SO we can conduct our business. So, we'll reconvene the House of Representatives at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Thank you for your corporation."
"Laurino in the Chair. The Chair would like to ask the Members if they're within the sound of the Chair to please come to the floor. We'll be convening approximately ten minutes. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Representative Kubik for excused absences, Jack."
"Mr. Speaker, we thought we might have a few more excused absences, it turns out that the Members have arrived."
"Thank you, Representative. The Chair would like to say that, inadvertently, Representative Keane's switch was punched that he's present, and he is an excused absence. Representative Keane. Introduction and First Reading of Bills. Mr. Clerk."
"Introduction - First Reading of Bills. House Bill 2725, offered by Representative Capparelli, a Bill for An Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2726, offered by Representative Hensel, a Bill for An Act to amend the School Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2727, offered by 2 105th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 15, 1992 Representative Hensel, a Bill for An Act to amend the School Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2728, offered by Representative Hartke, a Bill for An Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2729, offered by Representative Black, et al, a Bill for An Act to amend the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. First Reading of the Bill. House Bill 2730, offered by Representative Sam Wolf, a Bill for An Act to amend the Illinois Pension Code. First Reading of the Bill.
"The Chair would like to make an announcement that the Democrats will caucus immediately in Room 114. All those within earshot, if they're in their offices in the Stratton Building, please come over to the Capitol and proceed to Room 114 if you're a Democrat, and if you're Republican you may want to stay in recess until approximately 4:00 o'clock. Representative Parke, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since we have no idea how long we're going to be here, I would just like to put my order in. I would like pizza, and if anybody wants chicken, perhaps, we could just let them know that we can have chicken or pizza...I see the Speaker is going to tell us. Okay."
"Representative Madigan for what purpose do you arise, Sir?"
"Just to announce to the Members that we've got a few items to do, and then we will adjourn until tomorrow and to explain more specifically to Representative Parke. Representative Daniels has specifically asked that Mr. Parke not be kept around the building and not be kept around Mr. Daniels office that he is permitted to move 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day away."
"He seemed to appreciate January 15, 1992 that, Mike. On the Calendar on page 2, appears Senate Bills, Third Reading, Senate Bill 424. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 424, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. Third Reading of the Bill."
"Any Amendments filed? The Gentleman requests to bring Senate Bill 424 back to Second Reading. Does he have leave? Leave is granted, Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, any Amendments?"
"Floor Amendment #10, offered... Floor Amendment #9, offered by Representative McGann and Shaw."
Amendments?"
"Representative McGann, withdraws. Any further "Floor Amendment 10, offered by Speaker Madigan."
"Representative Madigan, withdraws Amendment #10. Further Amendments?"
"Floor Amendment #11, by Speaker Madigan."
"Speaker Madigan, Amendment #11, Senate Bill 424."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. Amendment #11 to Senate Bill 424 would provide for the medicaid borrowing plan that the Governor has requested as part of the current crisis. This does not deal with the question of budget reductions. The Governor's Bill, as introduced, would have dealt with the question of budget reductions plus would have permitted this medicaid borrowing plan. This Amendment does not deal at all with the question of budget reductions. It would simply provide legal authority for the Governor to implement the medicaid borrowing plan which he has requested. I move for the adoption of the Amendment." 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day January 15, 1992
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Amendment #11 to Senate Bill 424. Is there any discussion? Seeing there is, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, we...excuse me, Representative we haven't had really time to review this but one thing that I'm not sure of, it continually makes reference to general obligation bond retirement and interest fund. Is that where the dollars from the federal program are placed?"
"Pursuant to the Governor's request."
"So, in other words, we...if I understand what you told me, then the federal dollars are transferred into that account, and we then have to make payments or transfers out of that account."
"Out of the assessment fund into the bond fund."
"Okay. Where is the assessment fund language, is what I'm looking for. Can you tell me what page and line that's on?"
"Could you state your question again."
"Yes, you had mentioned the word, the assessment plan and that's the language I'm looking for. Can you tell..."
"What page are you on?"
"Well, I'm...now I'm on page 11 but I'm a speed reader."
"Sure."
"I just haven't found the word, assessment, anywhere or assessment plan."
"Mr. Black."
"Yes, Sir."
"Do you understand the Amendment?" 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day
January 15, 1992 "Well, I've had several people talking in my ear. I guess the only question that I need to ask you is, two questions... Mr. Speaker, is this the exact language that the Governor requested?"
"Yes." I
"The second question would be, if I understand this, this creates the borrowing mechanism to catchup on our medicaid providers, which I think all of us are basically in agreement with, but can we realistically run this and expect timely repayment without the painful but I think, again, most of us agree, necessary budget cuts to make the whole plan work."
"Mr. Black, this a separate program which was prepared by the Governor's Office. It is not automatically connected it with the question of budget reductions. The Governor's Office would say that for this program to move ahead. they will be required to comment on the condition of the state budget. Which I'm sure, as we know from the hearings of the last two days, they are very well prepared to comment on that."
"Alright. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."
"Further discussion? Representative Ryder."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Speaker yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. As you know, there is some concern on this side of the aisle as to the sequence of events that we're seeing this evening, Mr. Speaker. So, I'd just like to ask a series of questions, if I may, about the document that we have before us and your plans. You are representing this to be the Governor's plan and the language contained herein, should we then believe that that is the Governor's language?" 6 105th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 15, 1992
"We took the language that came from the Governor's Office and put it in this Amendment."
"Fine. So that when we vote on this plan, we're voting on the Governor's plan to pay the providers, hopefully, in a quick and...faster. Thank you. The other question that I have concerns the sequence of events. It is my understanding that we're doing a couple things this evening, and I'm concerned, because we've been negotiating in good faith with Representatives from your office this afternoon in order to make $350 million worth of cuts. And I might suggest that the Representatives of your office have been very serious and conscientious about that, and I applaud them for their efforts. But, I would ask if...as the Governor has indicated, are we going to also make those cuts in order to make this borrowing work?"
"We are negotiating in good faith, yes."
"I'm not sure...that's a fine answer. I guess I'm asking for a little bit more on that, in the sense that, this borrowing program doesn't work unless we get our expenses and income in line. They are not at this time as everyone here recognizes. If it's your commitment that we are going to do that and that we're going to continue to do it in good faith, then the Governor has the ability to sign or reject the borrowing at any time in the event that the cuts don't come. Is that your understanding, Mr. Speaker?"
"It seem to me that even if this Bill were to be passed to the Governor, signed by the Governor, therefore, law. That the Governor would still have the option of simply not implementing the borrowing plan."
"And we...I guess I'm trying to figure out which is the horse and which is the cart and which we're trying to do first. When you came on the floor you suggested that you 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day January 15, 1992 were going to a couple of things."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"And therefore, I'm confused, Mr. Speaker. If you could help me out on that one, perhaps we could see our way clear to do some business."
"Our plan would be to adopt this Amendment."
"Pardon me."
"Our plan would be to adopt this Amendment, put the Bill on Third Reading, and be prepared to call the Bill tomorrow."
"Call the Bill tomorrow. Is that what you said?"
"Yes."
"I see. And there is no other business that you expect to transact this evening? Is that right?"
"I'm advised that we have a supplemental Appropriation Bill."
"Alright."
"Would you be interested in..."
"Well, I'm familiar with that one. I had to discuss that one, unbeknownst, last week, and I've since become familiar with it. My concern is...I have no further. Thank you."
"Further discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will indicate by saying 'aye', all those opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Amendment is adopted. Further Amendment, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Representative Novak for what reason do you arise?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to happily congratulate Larry Hick's 44th birthday today. So, we have some good cake over here, and everyone come on over and get a piece." 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day January 15, 1992
"Happy Birthday, Larry. Representative Matijevich, for what reason do you arise, Sir?"
"Mr. Speaker, I would like leave of the House and use of the Attendance Roll Call to suspend the rule whereby a committee cannot meet while the House is in Session and the posting notice so that the Rules Committee can meet down by the well, Senate Bill 922, it's a compliance on an Amendatory Veto. I've discussed this with the other side of the aisle and either Representative Churchill or Myron Olson or Bill Black will join me on this. Thank you."
"The Rules Committee had leave to meet while we were in Session, and they are significantly adjourned already. Representative Madigan is recognized for a Motion. Hold on a second, Mr. Speaker. Committee Report, Mr. Clerk."
"The Committee on Rules has met pursuant to Rule 29(c)3 and the following Bills have been ruled exempt on January 15, 1992. House Bills 2702 and Senate Bills 837 and 922."
"before we have any other Motions, there's a birthday cake in the back on Larry Hicks' desk or in that vicinity. Anyone that wishes to partake is asked to come by and get a piece. Thank you. Mr. Clerk."
"Further report from the Committee on Rules. Representative Matijevich, Chairman from the Rules Committee, reports on January 15, 1992, that the Committee on Rules met pursuant to Rule 46(1), made the following report of House Bills Amendatory Vetoed by the Governor, compliance Senate Bill 922."
"Speaker Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker are we prepared to adjourn?"
"Yes, we are, Sir." 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day January 15, 1992
"So, our plan is to adjourn now, come back at 10:30 in the morning. So that the plan would be to adjourn now and to come back at 10:30 in the morning. It's very difficult for us to predict what our schedule will be. Hopefully, hopefully, tomorrow there would be a Bill that could be voted on that would affect the budget reductions. But, those negotiations are not completed. There's a meeting scheduled later today with the Governor and the Legislative Leaders. Again, hopefully the result of that meeting would be that we could vote tomorrow and go home. The plan is that if the matter is not resolved tomorrow, then we will establish tentative Perfunctory Session days, and we will ask all of you to stay close to a telephone so that we can advise you when something is prepared for you to come to Springfield and to consider and hopefully to vote on the Bill. So, that we would not want to keep you here in Springfield while these negotiations are going on, but we would ask you to be available to be advised as to what a proposal might be and to be available to come to Springfield in a matter of 24 hours."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative
"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I understand what Speaker Madigan has said, and with the exception of the concern that we have on this side of the aisle to get this matter done as soon as possible in the interest of all the people of Illinois because of very difficult budget time, I would point out that in line with that discussion that was held in the Governor's Office, I was one of the persons that said that the Republican Members of the House would stay as long as necessary, right through until this was done. It is our feeling, it is our 10 105th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE January 15, 1992 strong feeling that delay of making the necessary cuts only makes our budget problems more difficult and more severe for Illinois. And that, in fact, our experience has been that when Members are in Springfield and working for a common goal, which I believe is being done here, and I believe that all the Members of the House on both sides of the aisle understand our difficult situation, we're working for a common goal that we accomplish those purposes faster than we do if we leave Springfield and come back. Now, it is, of course, within the Speaker's prerogative to set the schedule of the House, and I respect that and obviously will honor that. But, I will tell you this that we feel strongly that the request of $350 million in cuts from the state spending is necessary now. Nobody knows what's going to happen next month, the month after that or six months from now. We know that there are events occurring in this country now that we have absolutely no control over in terms of our state's budget. We know that Washington is continuing to mandate expenses on the state in the form of medicaid, and we understand that if Washington understood the problems of the states that they would start assisting us instead of continually seeming to require us to pick up more expenses and require to mandate more expenses. Having said that, let me make it clear that this Governor and the Republican side of the aisle stand willing and ready to work with the Majority Party in this chamber. We would like to get this done as soon as possible, because we know that we must then look at the FY-93 budget where severe changes must be made and the spending patterns of this state and restructuring must occur. We know the Governor is committed to that and committed to work with the Majority Party to accomplish that." 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 105th Legislative Day January 15, 1992
Speaker Laurino: "Thank you, Representative. There's an Adjournment Resolution by...Motion by Representative Madigan for 10:30 tomorrow morning. All those in favor indicate by saying 'aye', opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The House is adjourned." 12 REPORT: TIFLDAY PAGE: 001 STATE OF ILLINOIS 87TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX JANUARY 15, 1992 92/09/29 09:02:04 HB-2725 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-2726 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-2727 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-2728 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-2729 FIRST READING PAGE 3 HB-2730 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0424 RECALLED PAGE 4 SB-0424 THIRD READING PAGE 4 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER SPEAKER MCPIKE PRAYER REPRESENTATIVE HARTKE PAGE 1 PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 1 HOUSE AT EASE PAGE 2 REPRESENTATIVE LAURINE IN THE CHAIR PAGE 2 COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 9 A JOURNMENT PAGE 12