"House will come to order. The chaplain for today is Reverend Gary McCants of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kewanee, Illinois. The guests in the balcony may wish to rise and join us for the invocation."
"May we pray. Oh, Lord, our God. Rebuke me not in your anger, neither chastise me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, for I am weak, oh Lord. Heal me, for my bones are vexed. My soul is also so vexed. But, oh Lord, how long? Even while we continue to find ourselves waiting and fatigue starts to set in, You are able to give us, through your divine vision, a fresh view at the issues which are before us. Make our paths straight. Allow us, through these potentially stressful time, to keep ever before us, our purposes of serving our fellow man. This is my prayer. Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Ronen."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Kubik."
"There are no excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Monroe Flinn is excused today because of illness."
"Take the record. One-hundred-seventeen Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Message from the Senate. Messages from the Secretary of State."
"To the Honorable Speaker of the House. 'Sir, in 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 compliance with the provision of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, I am forwarding herewith, the enclosed House Bill, as vetoed by the Governor, together with his objections, House Bill 768. Respectfully, George H. Ryan, Secretary of State."
"Introduction and First Reading."
"House Bill 2468, offered by Representative Lawfer, a Bill for an Act to amend the Riverboat Gambling Act. House Bill 2469, offered by Representative Deuchler, a Bill for an Act to amend the General Assembly Compensation Act. First Reading of these Bill." Speaker McPike: "...Dunn in the Chair."
"Committee Reports."
"The Committee on Rules has meet, and pursuant to Rule 14(a)6, Bills referred, pursuant to Rule 27, Rules recommends consideration, and the Bills will be placed on the Order of Second Reading: House Bill 1046, Senate Bill 469. Rules has meet, and pursuant to Rule 14(a)6, and Bills referred pursuant to Rule 46.1; Rules recommends consideration, and the Bill will be placed on the Order of Amendatory Compliance: Senate Bill 718. Committee on Rules meet, and pursuant to Rule 14(a)4, Conference Committee House Members appointed: Rules recommends consideration and Bills will be placed on the Order of Conference: House Bills 246, House Bill 1821, House Bill 1852, Senate Bill 498, and Senate Bill 990. And pursuant to Rule 14(a)5, House Bills amended in the Senate, Rules recommends consideration, and the Bill be placed on the Order of Concurrence: House Bill 1792. Offered on July 12, 1993 by Frank Giglio, Chairman, Committee on Rules."
"On the Order of Concurrences, appears House Bill 2282, Representative Gash. Representative Gash, House Bill 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 2282. July 12, 1993 Representative Gash for the purposes of a Nonconcurrence Motion. The Lady from Lake, Representative Gash."
"I move to nonconcur with Senate Amendment #1."
"The Lady moves that the House does nonconcur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2282. All those in favor of the Motion, signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion carries. The House does nonconcur in Senate Amendments... Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2282. Supplemental Calendar announcement."
"Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed."
"On the Order of Conference Committee Reports, appears Senate Bill 990, Representative McGuire. On Supplemental Calendar #1, appears...under Conference Committee Report, appears Senate Bill 990. The Gentleman from Will, Representative McGuire."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like... Go ahead, Sir."
"Representative McGuire, please proceed."
"Yes Sir, we'd like to concur in any Conference Committee Reports that...the latest one that I've seen, and ask for your adoption of that."
"The Gentleman moves for adoption of Conference Committee Report #1 on Senate Bill 990. Is there discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dart, on the Motion."
"...Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd ask that the Sponsor could take this out of the record for just a moment, please."
"He indicates he's willing to do so. Senate... The Conference Committee Report shall be taken out of the record temporarily. The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what purpose do you rise, Sir? Supplemental Calendar #1, Conference Committee Reports, 3 81st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE appears Senate Bill 990. The Gentleman July 12, 1993 from Will, Representative McGuire, on the Motion."
"Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. We just had a short discussion on the Bill, and everyone is satisfied what the content is, and I, again, ask for your favorable response. Thank you."
"The Gentleman moves for adoption of Conference Committee Report #1 to Senate Bill 990. On the question, is there discussion? The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, on the Motion."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, the...the material in the Bill dealing with the...it was part of the underlying Bill on fire protection districts, election thereof, and the use of fire insurance premiums, the foreign fire insurance premiums. Is that language permissive, or mandated?"
"That...that was not my Amendment, but we could check on that. But I think that was Representative Sheehy's. Hold on a second."
"Okay."
"Representative Black, did you hear that?"
"...Permissive?"
"Permissive."
"It is permissive. Okay."
"It is permissive."
"And the issue, I believe it was your Amendment that I am a 100% in favor of about using civic center money for repair. That's still in the Conference Committee."
"That's still there. Yes."
"Thank you very much." 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day
"Thank you, Sir." July 12, 1993
"The Gentleman moves for adoption of Conference Committee Report #1 to Senate Bill 990. On that question, all those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk...vote Morrow 'aye'. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'aye', 7 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And Conference Committee Report #1 to Senate Bill 990 is adopted; and this Motion, having received the required Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Let the record show that Representative McGuire would have voted...would have voted 'aye' on Senate Bill 990. Agreed Resolutions. We are not ready to adjourn."
"House Resolution 1214, offered by Representative Phelps. House Resolution 1216, offered by Representative Dart; House Resolution 1217, offered by Representative Prussing; House Resolution 1218, offered by Representative Dart; House Resolution 1219, offered by Representative Rotello; House Resolution 1220, offered by Representative Kotlarz; House Resolution 1221, offered by Representative Kotlarz; House Resolution 1222, offered by Representative Schakowsky; House Resolution 1223, offered by Representative Ryder; House Resolution 1224, offered by Representative Noland; House Resolution 1225, offered by Representative Moffitt; House Resolution 1226, offered by Representative Speaker Madigan; House Resolution 1227, offered by Representative Lindner; House Resolution 1228, offered by Representative Curran; House Resolution 1229, offered by Representative Olson; House Resolution 1230, offered by Representative Shirley Jones; House Resolution 1231, offered by Representative Novak; House Joint 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE July 12, 1993 81st Legislative Day Resolution 68, offered by Representative Hicks; House Resolution 1236, offered by Representative Dunn."
"Representative Granberg moves the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor for the Resolutions, signify by saying 'aye'; opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Death Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1215, offered by Representative Mautino, with respect to the memory of Joan Moran."
"Representative Granberg moves for adoption of the Death Resolution. All those in favor of the Resolution signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. General Resolutions."
"House Joint Resolution 67, offered by Representative Black."
"Committee on Assignment. Supplemental Calendar #1, Senate Bills, Second Reading, appears Senate Bill 469. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 469, a Bill for an Act amending the Counties Code. Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments."
"The Bill shall be held on the Order of Second Reading. Supplemental Calendar #1, Amendatory Veto Motions, appears Senate Bill 718, Representative Black. Representative Black, do you wish to proceed?"
"Yes. Proceed."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, on the Amendatory Veto Motion to Senate Bill 718."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I believed I've filed the proper Motion to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto on Senate Bill 218. I'll be glad to explain it...or 718, 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 I'm sorry, Senate Bill 718. And I'll be glad to explain what the Governor's Amendatory Veto did, at the appropriate time."
"Are you moving to accept the Amendatory Veto, Sir?"
"Yes."
"On the question, is there discussion? The Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg."
"Yeah, would the Representative briefly explain the Amendatory... Amendatory Veto, Representative? We don't have the file right here."
"Yeah, we'd be very happy to... I'm joined by sponsorship in this Bill by Representative Giorgi and Representative Curran. Very briefly, the underlying Bill amends the Bond Authorization Act, and it created the Human Services Provider Bond Reserve Payment Act. Very strongly supported by the Rehabilitation Facilities throughout the State of Illinois. It passed both Houses unanimously. What the Governor's Amendatory Veto did was to change the term 'paying agent' to 'trustee' and added an immediate effective date. The Governor stated, while he strongly supports this Bill, he feels the changes that were partly suggested by the Comptroller's Office are necessary to properly implement the Bill, and I don't know of any opposition to it, but basically, it added an immediate effective date, and changed the term 'paying agent' to 'trustee'. This legislation was introduced on behalf of the Illinois Rehabilitation Facilities Association, and they stand in strong support of the legislation and the Amendatory Veto."
"Thank you, Representative Black. Because of the fine co-sponsorship, we have no objections to the Bill." 7 81st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE July 12, 1993
"Is there further discussion? Do you wish to close, Representative Black?"
"I think Representative Granberg closed for me. It's a strong bipartisan Bill, and would urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the specific recommendations for change with respect to Senate Bill 718?' On that Motion, those in favor shall vote 'aye'; those opposed, 'no'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'; and this Motion, having received the required Constitutional Majority is adopted. And the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change. This Bill, hereby...having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Supplemental Calendar #1, Conference Committee Reports, appears House Bill 1852, Representative Ryder. The Gentleman from Jersey, Representative Ryder."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1852 contains the language of the original Bill. In addition, it contains some cleanup language to the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act, the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Act, and the Public Aid Code. We worked very diligently to ensure that the language that was contained within this Conference Committee met approval of those folks to whom it affected. I know of no opposition. I would be happy answer any questions that anyone may have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." to
"The Gentleman from Washington, Representative Deering on the Motion."
"Will the Representative yield?" 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day
"Indicates he'll yield." July 12, 1993
"Representative, on the second page of your...on page 3 of the Report, I see that...these members of this board are going to get $7,500 in compensation. Does that language that's crossed out mean that they can get that even if they don't attend the meeting and call in by telephone?"
"No, Representative, it's not to allow them to obtain the...the amount by telephone conference. What it does indicate that the cap, the $7,500, remains as is, but they...but they could earn the additional hundred...the daily per diem on...for meetings other than the board meetings. For example, if we called them over here for a committee meeting or for a conference a the State of Illinois, that they could be reimbursed for that."
"Thank you."
"The Gentleman moves for adoption of the first Conference Committee Report to House Bill 1852. On that Motion, those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Vote Representative Saltsman 'aye', please, Mr. Clerk. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'aye' and 35 voting 'no', 9 voting 'present'. And the House does adopt Conference Committee Report... First Conference Committee Report to House Bill 1852, and the Bill, having received the required Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Supplemental Calendar #1, on the Order of Concurrence, appears House Bill 1792, Representative Stephens. The Gentleman from Madison, Representative 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day Stephens on...on the Motion." Stephens: Amendments July 12, 1993 with Senate "Mr. Speaker, Ι...Ι move to concur to House Bill 1792. Senate Amendments #1 and 2, and move their concurrence."
"The Gentleman moves for concurrence on Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 1792. On that question, is there discussion? The Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg."
"Representative Stephens, this reflects the agreement between State Police and the Truckers Association, and all parties involved in the negotiations. Isn't that right?"
"Well, I believe so, and your Senator carried these Amendments in the Senate, so I know they're probably done correctly."
"Okay. I just wanted to let our side of the aisle know that there should be no objections to this Bill."
"I appreciate that."
"Everything was agreed-to, and we rise in support."
"Thank you very much."
"The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Skinner."
"I wondered if the Sponsor could give us a clue as to the contents."
"Well, Representative, you've...you're familiar with 1792, and the Bill that you voted for several months ago. The Amendments were merely technical in nature. The Senate Amendments were...nonsubstantive."
"We will all... We will all trust you, Representative."
"As we trust you, Representative."
"The Gentleman moves for concurrence on House... Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 1792. ...This is final action. On that question, those in favor 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'aye', 2 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'; and the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 1792, and this Bill, having received the required Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Introductions and First Readings."
"House Bill 2470, offered by Representative Santiago, a Bill for an Act in relation to fees and salaries. First Reading of this House Bill."
"Agreed Resolutions. We are not adjourning."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1232, offered by Representative Phelan; House Resolution 1234, offered by Representative Giglio; House Resolution 1235, offered by Representative Roskam; House Resolution 1237, offered by Representative DeJaegher; House Resolution 1238, offered by Representative DeJaegher; House Resolution 1239, offered by Representative DeJaegher; House Resolution 1240, offered by Representative DeJaegher; House Resolution 1241, offered by Representative DeJaegher; House Resolution 1242, offered by Representative DeJaegher; House Resolution 1243, offered by Representative Mautino; House Resolution 1244, offered by Representative Speaker Madigan. And House Resolution 1245, offered by Representative Tim Johnson."
"There was a moment of silence here. Make sure everyone understands that we are not adjourning. So, we would expect the level of chatter to increase back to its normal level. Representative Granberg moves for adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those...the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what purpose do you rise, Sir?" 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day
July 12, 1993 "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I have an inquiry of the Chair. I've been here since eight...8:00 this morning, ready to do the public's business. And then I hear this Agreed Resolution list that he read very quietly, and it seemed to me that 80% of those Resolutions were sponsored by Democrats. Now, that's not parity. Where... Where are the Republican Resolutions?"
"Well, they... Well, file some and we'll...we'll consider them for you."
"Well, we'll do that. Representative Johnson had one in there, didn't he? And DeJaegher had twenty. I mean, just...that's hardly fair."
"DeJaegher's district is swimming upstream, too. I don't know about Representative Johnson's district."
"I... I haven't had a chance to talk with my counterpart, but I'm sure that Representative Granberg has not agreed to such a lop-sided list of Agreed Resolutions. It just sounds to me like Democrat pork in those Resolutions."
"Would you...we need to adopt these Resolutions, and then perhaps we can do the Republican Death Resolution."
"Well, then... There are no Democrat Death Resolutions? Why does that not surprise me? Well, Representative DeJaegher just came in and assured me that these are, in fact, Agreed Resolutions, so I stand corrected. I...I would like to see Representative Granberg on the floor sometime today to give me the high sign."
"Thank you for your spirit of cooperation, Sir. Representative Granberg moves for adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor of the Resolutions signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Representative...we've been 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 joined on the podium by Representative...the Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg. Death Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1233, offered by Representative Cowlishaw, with respect to the memory of Louis E. Benton."
"The Lady moves for adoption of the Death Resolution. All those in favor of the Resolution signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Death Resolution is adopted. Representative Parke is recognized for the purpose of announcing a Republican caucus immediately."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Republicans will go immediately to a caucus in Room 118."
"And...for about a half an hour?"
"It's my understanding about a half an hour."
"The House...the Democrats will not caucus. The House will be in ease for approximately 30 minutes, and that would mean that we ask everyone to be back here by ten minutes after nine. So, Democrats will be at ease for a half an hour, the House Republicans will caucus immediately in Room 114 (sic-118) for one-half hour."
"The House will come to order. Representative McPike in the Chair. Supplemental Calendar Announcement."
"Supplemental Calendar #2 is being distributed."
"Senate Bill 358, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 358, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act. Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments."
"All right. Leave the Bill on Second Reading. House Bill 641, Representative Wyvetter Younge. It's on a...Governor's Amendatory Vetoes. Just a minute, Representative Younge. Committee Reports." 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993
"The Committee on Rules has met, and pursuant to Rule 14(a)6, Bills referred pursuant to Rule 27(a), 37, 46.1; recommends consideration, and the Bill be placed on the Order of Second Reading: Senate Bill 358. Committee on Rules has also met, and pursuant to Rule 14(a)6, Bills referred pursuant to Rule 27, 37, and 46.1; and recommends consideration, and the Bill will be placed on the Order of Amendatory Compliance: House Bill 641."
"Mr. Clerk, read the Senate Bill 358 again."
"Senate Bill 358, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act. Second Reading of the Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments."
"Hold the Bill on Second Reading. Representative Ryder, for what reason do you rise?"
"Not on this Bill. I'm sorry."
"Mr. Black, for what reason do your rise?"
"I thought you said Third Reading. I'm sorry. You said Second Reading?"
"Yeah, I said, 'Hold it on Second Reading.'"
"All right. Thank you."
"All right. Representative Younge, House Bill Younge: 641." "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to House Bill 641."
"You've heard the Lady's Motion. Is there any discussion? Representative Ryder on the question."
"I have an inquiry of the Chair. This is a Veto Motion, is it not?"
"It's Amendatory Veto."
"And I'm wondering if the Amendatory Veto meets the compliance requirements of the...the House."
"It met the requirement... It met the compliance 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE July 12, 1993 81st Legislative Day requirements of the Rules Committee, and has been reported out on that basis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The question is, 'Shall the House...' The question is, 'Shall the House accept the specific recommendations for change with respect to House Bill 641?' All in favor vote '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 112 'ayes' and 0 'nays'; and this Motion, having received the required... This Motion, having received the required three-fifths Constitutional Majority, the Motion is adopted and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change, and this Bill, House Bill 641, having received the required three-fifths Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 677, Representative Rutherford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Tonight, we can take the second step towards eliminating the granny tax in this state. The Senate has passed this Bill just a few moments ago. The Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 677 would eliminate the $6.30 a day bed tax here in the State of Illinois. It would impose a 14 cent a pack cigarette tax. It would close the loophole on tobacco products tax. It would increase from one dollar to a $1.50 the licensing fee on nursing homes. It would also maintain, for Fiscal Year 94, the rates for our nursing homes. And it would be...it would allow for intergovernmental transfer agreements for our county nursing homes. On the hospital side, it would provide for a tax program of 1.88% of gross charges minus the medical care contractuals. It would exempt 89 rural hospitals in 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 our state. All hospitals would be given a 4.7% rate increase beginning in April of '94'. And in hospital side, it would utilize cigarette tax monies generated in excess of $1.5 million to go towards that fund. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would encourage you to vote for 677 Conference Committee Report."
"On the Gentleman's Motion, Representative Tim Johnson." Johnson, Tim: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. The respective Leaders of these two chambers, Speaker Madigan and Leader Daniels, President Philip and Leader Jones, along with the Governor, really are to be commended for coming up with a outstanding package. This Bill, although it's isolated in its scope, really triggers the whole series of other Bills that we're have to vote on this evening and yet tomorrow. And among other things, it does virtually everything that the citizens of Illinois have asked us to do, this year and in previous years, to exercise fiscal responsibility, to set priorities within state spending, and to say that education, higher education and elementary and secondary education as well...are our first priority. To eliminate the hated granny tax, that has oppressed sick, elderly people for the last twelve months in Illinois, and have done it in this Bill. To provide business incentive for expansion of businesses in Illinois, to provide a reasonable share of funding on an on-going basis for local government to meet their needs. And to affect some real meaningful reforms in our welfare system. To provide benefits for the homeless. To provide an earned income disregard and a varity of other provisions. I would caution, not accuse, but caution that when you vote on this Bill, you got to remember there's some other Bills, too. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 Don't be afraid of casting a vote that's never popular. No one likes to have to vote for taxes for anything. But if you don't vote for this measure now, if you don't vote for this revenue stream now, all the other things that we're going to talk about later, an outstanding budget that prioritizes education, elimination of the granny tax, business expansion, Chicago school reform, and so forth, are never going to happen. So don't vote against this Bill now and then turn around and vote for the budget and say what you did for the State of Illinois. This is a responsible package, a hard vote, but a responsible package. And I think Speaker Madigan and Leader Daniels, the Governor of this state, and the Senate are to be commended for taking an impossible set of parameters and coming up with a budget and a series of Bills that are good for the people of the State of Illinois. This is a good Bill, and I urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Stephens."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. References have been made to the granny tax, which...which I'm not sure we ought to be talking about. It...It is dead. It...it died on July the 1st. And the issue before us tonight is whether we want to raise taxes or further cut spending. And it seems to me that the issue is that we're going to raise taxes. And I would rise in opposition to Senate Bill 677. I think that what we ought to do is sit down at the table and continue to trim away at the budget, and we have eliminated the granny tax. Now let's see what we can do with what's left to spend, to bring the services to education and the other various services that the state appropriately provides. But I...I don't think the issue of the granny tax is before us tonight. It died, and I'm glad that it did." 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day
"Representative Olson." July 12, 1993
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Assembly. Good government is the process of negotiation and compromise. We are twelve days into overtime, and that twelve days, I would like to announce to this group and to the citizens of this State, has been negotiation and compromise. There are things in this legislation that, perhaps, will make some people unhappy and will, perhaps, make some people very happy. But it's the way the processes work here in Springfield. We spent a lot of days and a lot of hours, and now it's time to make a commitment. I recommend and urge Members on both sides of the aisle to let the process work, and put a 'yes' vote on this Conference Committee Report of Senate Bill 677. Thank you very much."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. A previous speaker made reference to the fact that we should stay here longer. We should stay here, I guess, till August 1st, maybe August 15th, maybe August 30th. Maybe we should stay here till December. I don't know. But in my opinion, and it's my opinion only, we can't stand a 30% reduction in nursing homes. We can't stand a 40% reduction in hospitals. We can't stand and see elderly people, elderly people in nursing homes not being paid for. I'm not excited about voting for this, but I'm voting for responsible government. I'm voting because I think we need...we need to do something in Illinois about health care. And we need to make a change for the better. I don't want to vote for this, but I'm voting for responsible government, and I'm not going to see granny thrown out on the street." 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day
"Representative Lang." July 12, 1993
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to announce to the Body that, as I did last year, I'll be voting 'present' relative to the hospital assessment plan because I have a conflict relative to my law practice. So, I'll be casting a 'present' vote."
"Representative Morrow." "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. You know, some of you saying that we shouldn't tax granny. Some of you are saying that we shouldn't tax people who smoke. Some of you are saying we shouldn't tax anyone. Well, somebody's got to pay the bills of this state. And so what I'm saying is, is that we should be taxing everybody fairly, equally, based upon what they earn, what income that they receive. People said that this is a poor tax. It's a tax on poor people. It's a regressive tax. I agree with you, it is regressive. I talked to a person that worked for the Governor, who's name I will leave unmentioned. But I tell you what, he doesn't have any Super Bowl rings on his fingers, so you pretty much guess what his last name is. I asked him last week, I said. 'What's the reason why you have a cigarette tax?' He said, 'Because we want people to stop smoking.' And I asked him, I said, 'Well, what if people were to stop smoking, how are you going to fund Medicaid Assessment? Are you going to tax bald headed men? Are you going to tax overweight people then? Yeah, 'cause...we put a tax for overweight people, we could probably fund the system through the Legislators in the General Assembly. But the fairest tax...the fairest tax to fund the problems of this state is an income tax. I f people are going to say no, income tax is a bad tax. But I tell you what, it's the cigarette tax this year. Next year, 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 it's another tax for someone else. It might be a tax on farmers. Next year, it might be a tax on coal miners. Next year, it might be tax on bald people. Next year it might be a tax on people who are getting married. That's why I'm getting married this year to avoid that tax next year. But more seriously, more seriously, until we get serious about what our constituency sent us down here to do, which is to make tough decisions, not keep campaign promises and not worry about polls, whether or not I'm going to get put back in office; what we should be worrying about is paying for the services that our constituency wants us to provide them. We have to...we have to provide for low income to hospitals to stay open. It's that simple. That simple. not for this tax. I think it's a poor tax. But I tell you this...I tell you this, for those who think that Members of my caucus were holding out...because we wanted certain things in the budget, I tell you right. You are right we I'm held out for certain things in the budget. I would be less than a Representative if I didn't hold out and fight for my people. And if you don't like the fact that I'm fighting for my people, than damn you, 'cause you were sent down here to fight for your people. So, for anyone who says, 'Damn Charles Morrow, because he's not fighting for his constituency'; I say damn you. 'Cause it's those people in those little hospitals are going to get well one day and they're going to vote for me. They're not going to vote for you. It's those people who I was sent down here to represent and protect. Now this might not be the way to protect them, but until we get a new system, and not only a system on the second floor, we get a new system on the third floor. We need a new system where our Leaders listen to those who elected them as Leaders. Yeah, it's time. It's 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 time for new leadership. It's time for new leadership. If we had leadership, we wouldn't have to pit cigarette versus grannies. If we had leadership, we would have an income tax increase that would not only take care of the health care problems of this state, we wouldn't have to worry about school funding. Every school in this state would get the adequate funding. So, until many of you get the guts...and the backbone to take care of all the problems of this state at one time, and not nilly-milly, I'll vote 'yes' on Senate Bill 677."
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In the regretable absence of Representative Flinn, I move the previous question."
"The question is, 'Shall the previous question be put?' All in favor say 'aye'; opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The question is, 'Shall the House adopt the First Conference Committee Report to Senate Bill 677?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'no'. Representative Davis to explain her vote."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was just questioning the Sponsor of this legislation in reference to how sincere can Illinois be with any initiative to prohibit smoking and stop the growth of people smoking, when they're going to be dependent on the revenue. You know, I just...I question the sincerity of a state who wants to use the dollars they can earn from people smoking, and yet, because of...a person's health, they want to promote that people should not smoke. I see it as a vast contradiction. I do believe that if we can pass a cigarette tax, we should be courageous enough to think of passing an income tax. And if we can't pass an income tax, then I don't think we should single out people 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 who do certain things that we might approve of or not approve of, to tax them because of their behavior. I think it's extremely regressive. I realize that Medicaid needs funding, but I do believe that in the State of Illinois, with the intellect that we should possess, we could come up with a better initiative."
"Representative Leitch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Since virtually the moment that this unfortunate granny tax passed last year, many of us have been devoted to trying to get rid of it. So this is a very happy night, because not only are we able to get rid of this horrendous tax, but we're able to make some very important changes in the nursing home...or rather the hospital provider tax, which in my community, St. Francis saves about $2.5 million, Methodist about $1.4 million, Proctor $250,000. We are able to exempt Hopedale Hospital, which was...very survival was at stake. This is a very good program, and I would very much applaud those who had so much to do with it. It's an important step forward, and maybe next year, we can get rid of these taxes altogether."
"Representative Giglio, one minute to explain your vote."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. You know, as you get older, you're suppose to get wiser and you learn. And I've been down here almost twenty years, and when the budget was $6 billion. Now it's $29 (sic-billion). And I've also learned what that gasoline tax has done, not only my district, but a lot of the bordering districts throughout this state. I know we need money to take care of our elders and take care of a lot of other things in this state, but I don't believe this is the way 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 to go. This not only concerns taxes on cigarettes, it's going to concern taxes on the small businessman in my area, who sell the convenience store products, and who also run across the state line, in my case Indiana, not only buy those things but also buy food, drugs, and everything else. A replacement tax to supplement what we need, yes, there were a lot of things that we talked about. Talked about perhaps a tax on so-called deli tax in some of the super grocery stores that we could do. We could also do a tax on over the counter...the so-called products that say medi..."
"Representative Hicks, one minute to explain your vote."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. You know, Representative Stephens was exactly correct a while ago. Don't be fooled by all of this. This isn't the end of the granny tax. The granny tax ended on June 30. And I had a constituent call me the day before yesterday, and she said, 'You know, you've got to vote against that granny tax. Now, they told me you were going to put that granny tax back in. My mother pays that granny tax.' I said, 'Your mother pays that granny tax? How old is your mother?' She said, 'Eighty-two years old.' I said, 'Yeah, and she probably makes more than $50,000 a year, doesn't she?' She said, 'Well yes, she does, of course.' So, who's this granny tax on? It was on those people making $50,000 a year, and remember, they're in a nursing home. They're not working. So how much money do they really got in the bank to be able to make $50,000 a year. Now, let's don't be fooled by all this. Representative Giglio started off talking about the people who are going to be out of work. That's what were talking about, jobs here in Illinois. In my area, with Kentucky and...Indiana right 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 there next to me, it's a big tax, folks. That's what it is."
"Representative Wennlund."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, my congratulations to you, Mr. Speaker, Speaker Madigan, Leader Daniels, President Philip, and the Gentleman who was on the floor earlier, Minority Leader Emil Jones. You've done a yeoman's job at solving a problem that has plagued this state for the last year, and plagued each and every one of us. Don't be fooled by the rhetoric. Don't be fooled by the rhetoric that there wasn't a $1.5 billion problem that needed to be solved in this state's budget. There is, indeed, and this is the only other game in town, regardless of what you think, regardless of how long you want to stay down here. Believe me, I know the pec le in my colleague Representative Black's district don't want to see us staying down here any longer trying to resolve into August or September, a problem that has plagued this state. This solves a $1.5 billion Medicaid problem in Illinois, and provides Medicaid services to the poor in Illinois. And this is a fair way to do it. I'll bet most of you who like..."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, and Members of the House. There's been discussion of alternatives to revenue sources that are before us in the Conference Committee Report to Senate Bill 677. There's a notion that only the rich pay the granny tax. I'm here to remind the Members of this chamber that the federal government says, there can be no grant rebate program, a program that we did have during the last year of the assessment program. I think that means that a new granny tax would hit a lot more than wealthy grannies. It 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 would hit very middle income and working class people as well. There has been talk about an income tax increase, a progressive kind of tax that I, myself, would support; but that is not acceptable to the Governor and the Leadership of this General Assembly. There's talk about the negative effects of cigarette tax on economies and local communities. But first, let's remember that an increase in the tax on cigarettes may discourage some people from smoking, a decision that would be helpful to their individual health and helpful to the health care costs..."
"Representative Wojcik."
"Mr. Speaker, I would really like to explain my vote. I think I've heard the rhetoric about the wealthy people are paying for this, it's a spend down program. But let's talk about those who end up in nursing homes who have had strokes, are disabled, and the family cannot take care of them, and they are spending down their dollars. But they have a life of chosen propriety, if you will, a fact that they are independent, they're not dependent upon government. They're not making $50,000, they're not $60,000. They're the general public that we're speaking of. They're the aging public, and if you think this is for the wealthy, you are wrong. This is about people who have had problems in their own health, and they've had strokes, and they're disabled, and they're now in a nursing home. And if they have to pay this additional tax, it means that ultimately, they're going to come on Medicaid, and what does that mean? An additional burden to the taxpayers."
"Representative Deering."
"Yes, with deference to the previous speakers, we do have alternatives. The only problem is, the guy on the second floor is more worried about getting reelected than 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 taking the tough choice to get in the alternatives. We're wanting to borrow $900 million to solve the budget problem. More smoke and mirrors and more band aids. We don't need this tax. I want everybody to understand that if you vote for this now, when we come back in December or January or February for a supplemental, be prepared for a supplemental. We don't have the money now, we ain't going to have the money then. A 'no' vote is the only vote on this."
"Representative Skinner."
"This is a jobs Bill, all right. It's a jobs Bill with respect to keeping people on jobs in hospitals in Chicago. Hospitals that are on the average, are occupied at 54.5%. Only 54.5%. And how are you going to get this money to keep these hospitals, not all of which, should remain open, where are you going to get it? You're going to get it from my district, you're going to get it from all the other suburban districts. This is an income transfer, pure and simple. And I'm not sure we ought to be giving $17.8 million to Jackson Park Hospital, which has an occupancy of 35%. Or $34 million to Norwiegian American Hospital with an occupancy rate of 36%. Or $ll million to Columbus Hospital with an occupancy rate of 40%. Or $41 million to Michael Reese with a 44 percent occupancy rate. Or $33 million to Northwest Memorial with a 47% occupancy rate. Or how about $67 million to the University of Illinois with a 48%..."
"Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Phelps."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Very rarely do I speak on an occasion like this, when it's tough votes, because I'd rather have the time to do serious things that we need to get out of the way. But 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day July 12, 1993 when I look at the votes that are not lit up green, mine at the moment's not, I compare it to tought times when we cut the budget, times when we raised taxes the surcharge, and now at this point in time as well as the granny tax that we've lived under for the last year. These are tough votes. I border two states, did border three states until my district changed. It's not easy for me. However, I guess what we're saying to people that...that you just shouldn't get old or sick if you can't pay your bill. You just die. Then if you die, I guess we'll look for a tax somehow to raise money on that. Folks, this is serious business. Yes, there's a lack of leadership. I don't know of any alternatives. I've heard of some that's offered alternatives, but they haven't offered their vote with that alternative. So, I guess I'll replace those inland people that are not on the borders. Vote 'yes'."
"Have all voted? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk will take... Take the record. Representative Shirley Jones. Shirley Jones, votes 'aye'. On this Motion, there are 72 'ayes' and 42 'noes'. The House does adopt the First Conference Committee Report to Senate Bill 677, and this Bill, having received a three-fifths Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Could the Chair have your attention, please? We have a lot of Bills to pass tomorrow, so tomorrow will be a long day. Don't count on leaving early, but count on trying to get done tomorrow. Representative Granberg now moves that the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of 10:00 a.m. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed, 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 27 REPORT: TIFLDAY PAGE: 001 STATE OF ILLINOIS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX JULY 12, 1993 93/09/30 11:38:47 H3-0641 MOTION PAGE 14 H3-1792 CONCURRENCE PAGE 10 HB-1852 CONFERENCE PAGE 8 H-2282 NON-CONCURRENCE PAGE 3 HB-2468 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HL-2469 FIRST READING PAGE 2 HB-2470 FIRST READING PAGE 11 SB-0358 SECOND READING PAGE 13 S-0358 SECOND READING PAGE 14 SB-0358 HELD ON SECOND PAGE 13 SB-0358 HELD ON SECOND PAGE 14 S6-0469 SECOND READING PAGE 6 SB-0469 HELD ON SECOND PAGE 6 SB-0677 CONFERENCE PAGE 15 S3-0718 VETO ACTION PAGE 6 SB-0990 CONFERENCE PAGE 3 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER - SPEAKER MCPIKE PAGE 1 PRAYER - REVEREND GARY MCCANTS PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE PAGE 1 MESSAGE FROM SENATE PAGE 1 COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 2 REPRESENTATAIVE DUNN IN CHAIR PAGE 2 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 5 DEATH RESOLUTIONS PAGE 6 GENERAL RESOLUTIONS PAGE 6 AGREED RESOLUTIONS PAGE 11 DEATH RESOLUTIONS PAGE 13 REPRESENTATIVE MCPIKE IN CHAIR PAGE 13 COMMITTEE REPORTS PAGE 14 ADJOURNMENT PAGE 27