March 24, 1995 "The Reverend for today is Dr. Edward Schneider of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Champaign. Dr. Schneider is the guest of Representative Rick Winkel. Will the guests in the gallery, please rise for the invocation?"
"Our gracious God, You have ordained that government should serve as an instrument of Your purpose to establish justice, to protect and advance human rights, to promote the welfare of all people, and to safeguard those among us who are least able to care for themselves. We thank You for the dedication and the service of those who hold office in this legislature and in other positions of government throughout our land. Uphold and direct them in their positions of responsibility and give them a sense of vision and caring commitment. Help all who serve in this place, to make wise choices and decisions in accountability to You and to one another, so that we might serve as faithful servants and instruments of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."
"We'll be led in the pledge this morning by Representative Harold Murphy." Murphy, Harold et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please, let the record show that Representative Curt Granberg is excused. He's on official business off with the Governor, somewhere in his district, welcoming a major new economic development activity. And 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Representatives Shirley Jones and Ben Martinez are also excused because of illness."
"Thank you. Representative Cross, are there any excused absences on the Republican side?"
"Yes."
"And what are they?"
"Okay, all right, I knew you were going to ask that and I'm prepared to answer. Representative Zabrocki and Representative Balthis are both excused, Mr. Speaker."
"A fine job, Representative Cross."
"Thank you, and fine question you're asking, too, this morning."
"Representative Cross got too much sleep last night. Let the Journal reflect the absences. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 112 Members answering the roll and a quorum is present. The House will come to order. For what purpose does the Gentleman from St. Clair, Representative Hoffman, rise? Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, good morning. I would certainly like to commend Representative Cross for finally answering a question."
"Representative Hoffman, you will note that the Chair had some trouble getting the answer from him. For what reason does the Gentleman from Kendall, Representative Cross arise?"
"Well, Mr. Speaker, I might add that, that's the first question that made any sense that I've heard, that you asked for the last three weeks so, that's why I answered it."
"Thank you, Representative Cross. For what reason does the Gentleman from Will, Representative Wennlund, rise?" 2 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair."
"State your Inquiry."
"Does the Chair, at this point in time, know whether or not the Governor signed Representative Cross's Bill, that outlawed hazing?"
"I asked him to put it on hold."
"Ah, on hold until after last nights...this morning's 1:00 a.m. adjournment and then telling us to be in here at 8:00 and by my watch, it's 8:50. Well, that would be clearly covered under Representative Cross's anti-hazing Bill."
"As I said, we asked to have that Bill held for a while so perhaps, we'll have to get that signed by the Governor and have it make...make sure that it's applicable to the General Assembly, too.'
"Absolutely.:
"House Bills First Reading."
"Introduction of First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 34, offered by Representative Persico, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. Senate Bill 83, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act that amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Senate Bill 175, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act that amends the Unified Code. Senate Bill 207, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act that amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Senate Bill 227, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act that amends the School Code. Senate Bill 229, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act that amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Senate Bill 277, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act that amends a State Commemorative Dates Act. Senate Bill 303, offered by 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Representative John Turner, a Bill for an Act that amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Senate Bill 315, offered by Representative Andrea Moore, a Bill for an Act that amends the Election Code. First Reading and Introduction of these Senate Bills."
"House Bills Third Reading. House Bill 2076, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2076, a Bill for an Act that amends School Code. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I bring before you, House Bill 2076. This is a Bill containing several parts, basically, a Bill for the State Board of Education. The four major components is that, the first one is that energy savings that are going to pay off bonds have to be put towards paying off those bonds. In other words, the estimated energy savings have got to be paid back on those bonds, rather than just the minimal payments. Another provision sets up the Occupational Skills Advisory Council and allows them to be reimbursed for actual expenses, not, excuse me, for necessary expenses, not for actual expenses. Another provision is setting up scientific literacy grants for staff developments. And, the last deals with certain charter districts in the state. There are approximately 14 of those from the mid 1880's. It changes the method in which they change their boundaries and makes them similar...exactly the same as the other state school districts. I'd appreciate an affirmative vote."
"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Macoupin, Representative Hannig."
"Yes, will the Sponsor yield?" 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
March 24, 1995 "He indicates he will, please proceed."
"Representative, could you explain to me the part about the bonds? I don't think I quite followed that."
"Representative Winters."
"Yes, Representative, this provides that if there is a guaranteed energy savings contract, that is funded...funded with funds from bonded indebtedness, the school districts shall annually transfer an amount equal to the guaranteed energy savings from the educational fund or the operations and maintenance fund to the bond and interest fund from which the retirement of the bonded indebtedness is to be paid. And then, there's some other technical language, but basically, it requires that if, for instance, a school district estimates that they are going to save $100,000 per year from this investment in energy savings, that they then have to transfer that money and make sure that they put all of that towards the bonded indebtedness."
"Representative Hannig."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I'd ask to be joined by the appropriate number of my colleagues to take this off Short Debate, please."
"Would you wake them up first?"
"We're here."
"Proceed."
"Yes, is this bond program, is this a new program that this Bill lays out or is it clarifying an existing program, Representative?"
"Representative Winters."
"This simply clarifies an existing program."
"Representative Hannig."
"And, what is the problem that exists there today that we need to address by this? I'm not sure I've heard of any 5 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 complaints from my district on this. In fact, I wasn't even aware that this existed to tell you the truth, Representative."
"Representative Winters."
"The problem that this is trying to solve is, there are certain districts that have been floating bonds for energy savings, but then using the...the money for operations and not putting it back into the bonds."
"Representative Hannig."
"Where are these...where are these schools at that are doing that? I'm not aware of any. Could you give me some examples?"
"Representative Winters."
"I'm sorry, we don't have the name of those school districts with us at this point."
"Representative Hannig."
"Does this have anything to do with the property tax cap that they're trying to avoid, in your opinion?"
"Representative Winters."
"No."
"Representative Hannig."
"So, this is to ensure that monies that are used for capital improvements to increase energy...decrease energy consumption and save money, that when those bonds are sold, that the savings actually goes into a revenue stream to pay off the bonds, so we, in effect, create kind of a dedicated fund. And, who was...who was the Sponsor of that Bill in committee? Was that your Bill or was that rolled in from another Sponsor, Representative?"
"Representative Winters."
"The original Sponsor of this portion was Representative Cowlishaw." 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day
"Representative Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Representative. You also mentioned that there was some language in this Bill that had to do with councils. Could you explain to me what that is about, Sir?"
"Representative Winters."
"Yes. This is a council concerning the scientific, I'm sorry, the Occupational Skills and Standards Council. There were some problems with the language, which said that they would be reimbursed for actual expenses and the State Board of Education felt that there might be some abuse of this with extremely high restaurant bills were changing to actual...this makes them eligible, excuse me, for expenses. Before that, they were not eligible for expenses."
"Representative Hannig."
"So, this does not create a new council? It deals with language for an existing council and it tries to clarify and say that these individuals, now would be allowed to be reimbursed and in the past, did you say in the past there were abuses?"
"Representative Winters."
"I'm sorry, I misspoke when I said there were past abuses. They were not eligible for any reimbursement. This is simply tightening up an existing council. It's already in effect. They're having trouble retaining members because of the cost of being on that council, so it allows them to...to be reimbursed at this point."
"Representative Hannig."
"Do you have any thought on what this will cost and then could you tell us who would pay these expenses?"
"Representative Winters."
"The total cost estimated is $13,500. It's already in 7 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 the budget, so it won't have any impact on the budget."
"Representative Hannig."
"So...so, it is in the Governor's budget and it will allow these individuals to be reimbursed for their expenses only and is that..."
"Representative Winters."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't understand the question."
"Representative Hannig, with about 40 seconds left."
"Yeah, I was just trying to summarize to make sure that I understood exactly what you said. You're saying that this is, #1) that the money is in the Governor's budget and #2) that this only allows them to collect the reasonable expenses that other boards would capture. Isn't that correct?"
"Representative Winters."
"Yes, that is correct."
"Representative Hannig."
"And, one last question, whose Bill was this before it was rolled into this package?"
"Representative Winters."
"This was also Representative Cowlishaw's."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang. Representative Lang, I thought you and I had an agreement. I was not gonna wake you up if you didn't put your light on."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I guess I'm too tired and all agreements must be inoperative. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will. Please proceed."
"Where are you? Oh, good morning, Representative. I'm a little groggy this morning, so I probably won't be real 8 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 tough on you, but here we go. As you know, Representative, in committee, the Fund Education First Amendment was filed and you rejected that Amendment on your Bill, can you tell us why?"
"Representative Winters."
"Representative Lang, this is a technical Bill just cleaning up language. It really is not designed to be a Bill that would handle the much broader aspects of educational funding, simply technical Bill."
"Representative Lang."
"Do you support better education funding for public education, Sir?"
"Representative Winters."
"I support better education, period."
"Representative Lang."
"Did you not think that the fund education first proposal would be one that would take us toward the goal of better funding for public education?"
"Representative Winters."
"I'm sorry, I didn't understand the point of that question."
"Representative Lang, will you please contain your remarks within the parameters of this Bill?"
"Sure. Representative, tell us if you would, perhaps I wasn't listening. I thought I was. I really don't understand what technical changes your Bill makes. Could you tell us, please?".
"Representative Winters."
"We've already covered a couple of them. The only other provisions is one that changes how the boundaries of charter school districts are going to be made the same as all other school districts in the state. It does not have 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 anything to do with the new charter schools we're talking about, but some of the earlier school districts in the state. That is one of the provisions. There is also one that adds school districts to the list of entities eligible to receive scientific literacy grants and contracts. Presently, these contracts can only be offered to consultants. We felt that in particular colleges, universities, and the math and science academy should be eligible to receive pilot program funding. Those are the two provisions that we haven't covered."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, is Amendment four now the Bill?"
"Representative Winters."
"Yes, that is the amendment on the Bill."
"Representative Lang."
"And so, Amendment four creates a standards and credential counciling...credential in council?"
"Representative Winters."
"That council is already existing."
"Representative Lang."
"What changes have you made to that council?"
"Representative Winters."
"As I mentioned to Representative Hannig, that allows for reimbursement. They are not allowed reimbursement at this point and we're having trouble keeping people on that."
"Representative Lang." Lang: : "I have nothing further, thank you."
"Further discussion. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Pugh. Good morning, Representative Pugh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day couple of questions?" March 24, 1995
"He indicates that he will. Please, proceed, Sir."
"Representative Winters, the synopsis of the legislation states that the Bill would eliminate provisions for boundary changes. Why were the provisions first enacted?"
"Representative Winters."
"In the mid 1800's, the original charter school districts were set up. Today to change their boundary, they have to set up a charter hearing board. Four people are appointed locally. They then appoint the other three members of that special charter hearing board. For all other school districts in this state, the other 900 plus districts, the Regional Board of School Trustees handles the boundary changes. This provision would simply make the charter districts operate the same as the other 900 plus districts."
"Representative Pugh."
"In another portion of the Bill, you speak to awarding grants to provide inservice, staff development training for elementary and secondary education. Would these...would this inservice training be specifically just for the areas that are gonna be changed in accordance with the boundary changes?"
"Representative Winters."
"No, those are separate provisions of the Bill. The...the scientific literacy grants would be a statewide program. It opens up who can be eligible for those grants."
"Representative Pugh."
"So the...what's the process for an individual or an organization or an agency to apply and who and where do 11 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 they apply to, to provide the inservice training?"
"Representative Winters."
"Those are competitive applications to the State Board of Education."
"Representative Pugh."
"So, what role...so, what role does the Math and Science...this is...this is not the Teacher's Math and Science Academy that provides inservice training, is it?"
"Representative Winters."
"No."
"Representative Pugh."
"So, what does it do? What kind of inservice training do they offer and who offers it? Can you give me an example of an agency that would offer this type of training and what type of training they would be offering?"
"Representative Winters."
"One of the provisions is, that the local school districts could offer this training, instead of having to hire outside consultants. Or, they could have one of the colleges or universities in the State of Illinois offer this kind of training. It's a way to save money by the school districts. In many cases, they are capable or have staff available to do the training. They can do it themselves instead of hiring an outside consultant at a higher cost."
"Representative Pugh."
"That makes a lot of financial sense. Can you...can you tell me how the energy savings fund or the educational fund relates to this overall scheme of things?"
"Representative Winters."
"That is...that is simply a separate provision. It doesn't interlock with the other parts of this Bill." 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
"Representative Pugh." March 24, 1995
"So, at some point, those provisions were not germane to the Bill. Were they..."
"Representative Winters."
"This is simply a collapsed Bill. There are four separate parts. They are not necessarily interlinked, but they are technical changes to help the State Board of Education. So, in that sense, they certainly are germane. They just simply do not interlock. It's four collapsed Bills."
"Representative Pugh."
"And we've spoken to three parts of the Bill, am I correct?"
"Representative Winters."
"No, we have spoken to all four parts."
"Representative Pugh."
"Well, Sir, then what portion of the Bill pertains to the Occupational Skills Standards Act?"
"Representative Winters."
"This is originally House Bill 768 by Representative...796 by Representative Cowlishaw. That is one portion. Another one deals with the school district boundary changing. The third is dealing with the scientific literacy grants and who can do those and the fourth section is the energy savings contract."
"Representative Pugh, you have 40 seconds left."
"So, the last question, would it be safe to assume that if there wasn't adequate staff inside of the institution, the school, or any...the staffing couldn't provide the inservice training that we could very well use the Teacher's Math and Science Academy to provide the inservice 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day training?"
"Representative Winters." March 24, 1995
"Certainly, that would certainly be possible along with the universities or other consultants."
"Representative Pugh, you have four seconds."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have no further questions."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Brunsvold. Good morning, Representative Brunsvold."
"Good morning, Mr. Speaker. How are you feeling this morning?"
"Feeling wonderful. Representative Ryder says he feel wonderful, too."
"Well, will the Gentleman yield for a question?"
"He states that he will. Please proceed, Sir."
"Representative, I have a charter school in my district and I'm just a little bit concerned about the...the boundary changes. Would you kind of explain how this is going to work and will it put any of the district in jeopardy?"
"Representative Winters."
"Just clarifying, this is not a charter school. It's a charter school district. Again, what this does is presently, the 13 or 14 charter school districts to change their boundaries, need to set up a separate charter hearing board. That school district appoints four locally...four people locally on to that board. Those four then choose an additional three to make up a seven member boundary hearing board. All other school districts in the state, 940 or so, when they seek to change their boundary, it goes to the regional board of...the regional board of school trustees. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 That is one of their functions. This simply folds in those original charter school districts in with the rest of the school districts around the state."
"Representative Brunsvold."
"I have a charter school district. Rock Island is a charter school district. Now, why would they want to change their boundaries? Annexing other areas? I would hope it would not be some sort of a minority move, to maybe eliminate a certain portion of the district. I hope that wouldn't be part of the ..."
"Representative Winters."
"This has no...there's no mandate here that they have to change boundaries or anything like that. It's still up to the districts. I checked with the Rockford school district, which is the charter school district in my area, they had no problems with it, didn't see that it really would affect them that much. It just changes the manner in which they change boundaries. It doesn't force or require anything."
"Representative Brunsvold."
"One other question. Down on the grants for the Illinois Math and Science Academy, is that section...that's part of the Bill?"
"Representative Winters."
"Yes."
"Representative Brunsvold."
"I went through a long process with the Illinois Math and Science Academy and frankly, I opposed the passage of that when it was first initiated, only because of the money that was gonna be...would have to be used in the Math and Science Academy and if I'm incorrect, tell me, but we're talking about $20,000 a student at a 15 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 residential situation?"
"Representative Winters."
"That doesn't really have anything to do with this portion of the Bill. The cost of that school, really doesn't have anything to do with it. It just would of make their faculty, I assume, eligible if a school district, excuse me, if they chose to compete for a grant with the State Board of Education, to go in and do training of additional school districts, they are now eligible, but it doesn't really have anything to do with the cost of running that district."
"Representative Brunsvold."
"You make...you maked my point, because we're looking at a very...what really turns out to be a very excellent school and that's fine. The dollars spent there are enormous compared to the dollars spent on kids in the rest of the state and my point is, why are we going to give them more grants SO they have more money to go beyond say $20,000 a student and I think it's in that area. And, I'm only questioning this because I don't know if we ought to give them the grants. Maybe we ought to do it to some of the other schools that need the money, maybe a little bit more than the Illinois Math and Science Academy."
"Representative Winters."
"The point is that we have a unique faculty set up here, similar to...that we might have at the University of Illinois and we're trying to take advantage of the uniqueness of that faculty. Let them go into some of local school districts and give the tips or the techniques that they were able to do as a pilot, and more effectively educate the students of the state."
"Representative Brunsvold. No more questions? 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Thank you. Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Davis. Good morning, Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I have one question that I think is kind of crucial and that is, the Illinois Math and Science Academy already has a budget of 12 million dollars for about 500 students...is this Bill saying that they can now also, participate in any competitive grants that are offered to other schools?"
"The Gentleman says that he will yield for a question. Representative Winters."
"Yes, the idea is that this Math and Science Academy could help develop pilot programs that would go into another school district for curricular development and train that school district in what they have already piloted. It makes them eligible for grants. It does not guarantee them. If the University of Illinois or Illinois State has a better program, they will win the competitive grant."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Representative Winters, you're saying that the Math and Science Academy, if they don't have the best proposal, then some other school district may get that grant."
"Representative Winters."
"Certainly, this is a merit based program where the best grant application is the one selected. It's simply on competition, who provides the best use of our tax dollars."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Wouldn't it be more fair, let's say to, I mean, the Math and Science Academy is now part of the higher ed. department. Wouldn't it be more fair to allow those school districts that don't get the kind of funding that they get, 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 be in competition with each other rather than having this giant compete for those grant dollars?"
"Representative Winters."
"The other districts can compete. In many cases, because of their own advantage of having in house staff, they will probably win those competitive grants. It is only in specific special cases where the Math and Science Academy may have specialized knowledge or have done a particular pilot project that they might have an advantage over a local school district. But, the local school districts obviously, will win many of these competitive grants themselves because of their own inherent advantages."
"Representative Davis." Davis, Μ.: "Representative, which cases do you think they would be the winners? In which cases?"
"Representative Winters."
"I have not judged these competitive grant applications. I can't give you a fair answer to that."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "The other issue that I wanted to ask questions on and I think some have touched upon it is that, am I understanding this correctly, that if a school district has great savings based on its conservation of energy, that the amount being saved would not go towards educational programs or an extra resource for education, but would go to pay off the debt service. Is that correct?"
"Representative Winters."
"The point is, that the bonds that were passed were specifically to save the school district money on their energy costs. The feeling is, that the savings ought to go back to pay those bonds off earlier. That frees up the 18 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 bonding power of the school district much sooner than if they spend that money on other portions of their budget."
"Representative Davis." Davis, Μ.: "Do you not believe that, that might be better off left as a local decision because you could have a system that is in dire need of, let's say windows. They made some savings in one area, but they're really in dire need of windows. Shouldn't they be allowed to use that money to get those windows if they see that as the priority, rather than paying off the bond interest?"
"Representative Winters."
"The faster these bonds are paid off, the more interest savings you generate for the district. Those can be used to go into other projects and if there are other energy saving projects, such as windows, they should float a bond for that."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Representative Winters, who were the proponents and opponents of this legislation?"
"Representative Winters."
"There were no...there were no opponents on the record. The proponents was the State Board of Education, I think the statewide School Management Association."
"Representative Davis." Davis, Μ.: "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Who were the proponents and opponents of this legislation?"
"Representative Winters."
"The proponents were the State Board of Education. There were no opponents."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "This is one of the Bills, I think that was not really given a fair hearing and people didn't get to testify for 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 or against it. You know, we were just presented information and then the Bill was just shuttled off to some place. My final question, Mr. Speaker, is, could you tell me something about this Occupational Skills Standard Committee, this council?"
"Representative Winters."
"This council was appointed...was set up with an amendatory act in 1992 and has been operating for the last two and a half years. The change that we have here, simply allows them to be reimbursed for the reasonable expenses. Up to this point, they were not allowed to be reimbursed and we were having trouble retaining the members of this council."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Alright now, this council originated in 1992. It originated without a budget. Is that correct, to pay the members?"
"Representative Winters."
"Could you repeat the part about the budget? Which budget was that? I didn't catch that."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Originally, when this council was established, just as we are considering the establishing of a learning zones commission, now when this council was established, it was established without any expenses to or for the members. They weren't paid a salary?"
"Representative Winters."
"Correct, they were not paid a salary and they were not also reimbursed for mileage or expenses, while serving on the council."
"Representative Davis, with 14 seconds." Davis, M.: "This Bill purports to do what, in reference to those 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day two?"
"Representative Winters." March 24, 1995 "This simply allows us to reimburse them for mileage and the necessary expenses. There's no salary involved in it at all."
"The Chair would like recognize and welcome the President of the State Senate, James Pate Philip. Good morning, Pate. Good morning, Pate. How are you? Further discussion? The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Boland."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Gentleman yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"A couple of questions here. Now, as I understand this and please inform me on this, this deals with the original charter school districts, rather than what we...the newest thing...the newest hot button, charter schools?"
"Representative Winters."
"Correct, it has nothing to do with the charter schools that we've been talking about."
"Representative Boland."
"I have some problem with the point here in one of the Amendments, with taking money from the educational fund to the bond interest fund, to retire the indebtedness. Could you kind of explain or elaborate on that? Let me give you the reason. In my time as a teacher and on a school board, I found that there was often a tendency to try to dip into the educational fund for other types of things, rather than for...the, what we would think it would be for, which is classroom activities."
"Representative Winters."
"We are not dipping into the educational portion of the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 school budget, whatsoever. This is all additional savings. If the bonds had not been passed and the energy savings investments made, there would have not been any money there to use for the educational portion anyway. So, all we're requiring is that any savings go towards the bonds. It doesn't affect, it's not dipping into that pool of general education money, whatsoever."
"Representative Boland."
"If that's the case, then that's fine. The only problem is, is as I read the ISBE fiscal note here, it says that the school district shall annually transfer an amount equal to the guaranteed energy savings from the educational fund or the operations and maintenance fund or both, to the bond and interest fund to pay off the indebtedness. Now, I can see it coming from the operations and maintenance fund. I guess, I just have that problem with the educational fund."
"Is that a question, Representative Boland?"
"It's a question and comment, kind of rolled into one. If you'd like to elaborate on it, Representative Winters."
"Representative Winters."
"The life safety bonds and the energy savings bonds that we're dealing with, are not to be used for general education and they shouldn't be sold to the public as a way to somehow skim off some extra dollars in energy savings, that we can then turn around and buy textbooks. They should be restricted. The savings should be restricted to paying off those bonds."
"Representative Boland."
"Well, I see that. I just...I'm still having a problem with understanding then why the educational fund, you know, money comes out of that."
"Representative Winters." 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"It could be any fund. If the school districts are siphoning off these savings and then using them for purposes that don't deal with the energy savings, then that's what we're trying to close up. That it's really a way to generate some additional dollars that were not intended to be used in that purpose."
"Representative Boland."
"The savings that come from the energy improvements goes into the educational fund and the operations fund and then in turn, is taken out to pay the indebtedness, pay off the indebtedness?"
"Was that a question, Representative Boland?"
"Yes."
"Representative Winters."
"Yes, some school districts are doing exactly that. The savings from energy are going right back into their operations and maintenance. They're not being used to pay off the buns...the bonds."
"Representative Boland, with 49 seconds left."
"And so, this would stop that. Okay, let me just finish up here. The other problem I have is, the reimbursement of the standards in credentialing council. This would amount to about $13,500 a year and this, therefore is money that has not been spend in the past. It's new money coming out of ISBE and therefore, we could conclude that this is, even though this seems like a trivial amount compared to our big budget, it's money that would have went into classroom education?"
"Representative Winters, with 7 seconds."
"This is additional spending, however, if we don't..."
"Proceed, Representative Winters."
"If we don't put this money or this money is already in 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 the budget, if we don't spend it, then we will not be able to continue to attract the people that will serve on this council, therefore, we've defeated the purpose of that original legislation."
"Further discussion? Gentleman from Fulton, Representative Smith. Good morning, Representative Smith."
"Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Will the Gentleman yield?"
"He indicates that he will. Please, proceed."
"Representative Winters, can you tell me how many special charter districts there are in the state?"
"Representative Winters."
"There are 13 special charter districts."
"Representative Smith."
"As I understand in your legislation, annexation questions then, would go before a regional board, rather than the special board currently?"
"Representative Winters."
"Correct, that board is already in existence and it is elected, you know, it's a general election selection."
"Representative Smith."
"Yes, but are special charter districts represented on the Regional Board of Trustees?"
"Representative Winters."
"The Regional Board of School Trustees are elected district wide, not by specific school districts, so there's not any trustee that specifically comes from each school district, but in many cases, these are the largest school districts in that region anyway and would almost certainly have more than adequate representation."
"Representative Smith."
"Representative, it's my understanding that special charter districts are not represented on the Regional Board 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day of Trustees."
"Is that a question, Sir?"
"Yes."
"Representative Winters."
"They are a regional board. March 24, 1995 None of the school districts are represented, per se. It simply is citizens who choose to serve on that board, run for that board. They can be from any school district in the region. They're not...there's no specific representation from any particular school district."
"Representative Smith."
"What is the difference then, between a special charter district and a regular school district?"
"Representative Winters."
"The special charter districts were created under an Act of the legislature back in the mid 1800's, when many of the school districts were little one room school districts out in the country. They were probably the first unit districts, if you want to call them that, from the earlier cities of the state."
"Representative Smith."
"I understand that, Representative. I represent one of those 13 districts. Canton Union School District is a special charter. We had a situation last year with an annexation of a smaller grade school district and I'm being told by the administrators back home that this would have severely changed that decision because the special charter district does not have representation on the Regional Board of Trustees, so there really was no one there to make that decision for that district."
"Representative Winters."
"If they have no representation, is because none of 25 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 their citizens have chosen to run. They have the right to be represented, not as a school district in itself, because none of the other school districts have their own representative, it is simply on where they have found citizens willing to run. If they don't have representation, they should run somebody for that school board and I assume that they will. They have the right today to do it, even though they're in a special charter district. Any of the citizens in that district could run for the Regional Board of School Trustees."
"Representative Smith."
"Representative, I thank you for the answers. It's contrary to what I'm being told from the school districts that are directly affected by that. I wonder if you could...could you tell us since there's only 13, how many districts or the names of those districts?"
"Representative Winters."
"Okay, the charter districts in the state: Bloomington School District 87, Canton Union School District 66, which you represent, the City of Chicago School District 299, Decatur School District 61, Joliet School District 86, Kankakee School District 111, Lake Forest School District 67, Paris Union School District 95, Peoria School District 150, Princeton Township High School District 500, Rock Island School District 41, Rockford School District 205, and Springfield School District 186."
"Representative Smith."
"Thank you, Representative, and I would just caution the Members, if you heard one of your school districts read on that list, to make sure you fully understand what this legislation does, if you have not talked to your local administrators, I would suggest doing that. I'm not saying 26 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 the information that you provided, Representative Winters, is incorrect, but I think this is something that we need to take a little more serious look at and I ..."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Peoria, Representative Leitch."
"Will the Gentleman yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative, where does the...where do the proposal to change these boundary...this boundary rule process come from?"
"Representative Winters."
"That proposal came from the State Board of Education."
"Representative Leitch."
"So, it came from the State Board and you...do you know what the other charter schools feel about this? Why didn't it come from the charter schools?"
"Representative Winters."
"The State Board of Education originated it. My understanding from talking to my own school district in Rockford, is that they don't have any problem with it. I don't know that it's been a specific problem. The whole point of it is to try to make the state school systems uniform, so that all boundary changes will be dealt with in the same manner."
"Representative Leitch."
"I understand that may be a State Board intent, but I certainly don't know whether the people who are affected by that would share the view of that. I would appreciate it very much if the Gentleman would take this Bill out of the record for a while, so we could learn from our own communities what the impact of this Bill is."
"Further discussion? Representative Leitch, 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 do you have anything further to add to that?"
"Well, I think it's very important to know, especially when this thing comes out of the State Board as opposed to out of our local communities, to know what the impact of this issue is and I will have to oppose this in the event that the Gentleman doesn't take this out of the record for a while, SO we can find out more specifically what the impact is, why the State Board is doing this, and what our local charter districts think about it. I don't... I don't see anything in here that suggests that any of the local districts, certainly they didn't propose it. I don't see anything where it says that they favor it. We're turning over power to the regional superintendents by going under that process and I think we need more time to find out what this actually does from the local...local district level."
"Further discussion? The Lady from DuPage, Representative Cowlishaw."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, perhaps I can...perhaps I can help with Representative Leitch's inquiry. There are a limited number of charter school districts in this state. This is not a charter school. It is a district. Years ago, that status was attainable. You can't become a charter district any longer. The ones that already are charter school districts, there is no currently...no provision in the law for how something is handled if there is any issue involving a change in boundaries. It was simply discovered that the school code is silent on that issue, so in the event that somebody wished to bring an issue related to either annexing property or having it annexed by an adjacent school district, what procedure would be followed? There isn't anybody who wants to do this right now. It's almost a moot 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 question, Representative Leitch. It's almost a moot question. As far as we know, there's nobody seeking to do anything like this right now, but the fact is that in the event that they did, there ought to be some provision in the law for how that is handled and all this Bill says, is in the event that an issue like that should arise, it would be the Regional Board of School Trustees, which is elected by the people of that district and which has always handled, as far back as I can remember, which has got to be 20 years, has always handled issues in relation to changes in school district boundaries. It simply puts charter districts into the same position as all the other school districts in Illinois, in the event that there is an issue related to a change in boundaries. That's all it does. There is absolutely, no opposition to this Bill. You shouldn't listen to the people on the other side of the aisle."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from St. Clair, Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield my time to the Honorable Mr. Boland."
"Representative Holbrook, it appeared that you had a difficult time deciding which of your seatmates are you going to give your time to. So, are we going with the highest bidder here or what are we doing? Okay, further discussion? Representative Boland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question going back to the credentials occupational skills and standards credentialing council has nine members. Now local school district board members are not reimbursed for their expenses. Neither are the regional school trustees are not reimbursed for their expenses. Why should these people be reimbursed for their 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day expenses?"
"Representative Winters."
"Unlike the local school districts, where people actually want to serve on this thing, people are not willing. We cannot keep enough volunteers on this without some kind of reimbursement for their expenses and realize that this board is not meeting in their own home town. They have to travel out of town, often for overnight. To expect them to bear the whole burden of that is different than a local school district board where they go down and go right back to their home, you know, for supper. There are no, in many cases, no actual expenses to serving on a local school district board, other than your time. In this case, there obviously is expense involved with it and we cannot continue to attract volunteers for this, unless we reimburse them for at least some of their expenses."
"Representative Boland."
"You mean you cannot find nine members, nine people in the whole State of Illinois, who would be willing to serve on this without reimbursement? I find that hard to believe. There are dozens of advisory boards and so forth in Illinois State Government and most of these people don't get reimbursed. Has there been like resignations and people saying, I will no longer serve on this because I'm not getting paid travel expenses or whatever?"
"Representative Winters."
"I understand that there have been a lot of comments from that board. That they really consider it inconvenienced, the way they're not reimbursed at all. We could, however I'm sure, find nine people in the state willing to serve, but it may cost us more to advertise for those people than it will make up by not paying them, or 30 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 reimbursing them, I should say."
"Representative Boland."
"I really doubt that you'd have to advertise. I'm sure the Governor or some of the other high political leaders, would have plenty of friends who would be willing to do this. The other question I have deals with the grants for...or the contracting for scientific literacy. Why is this necessary? Is there too much paperwork right now involved in getting money from the state to the local school districts for promoting scientific literacy?"
"Representative Winters."
"These entities that we are making eligible are not currently eligible to compete for the grants. Our state colleges and state universities for teacher training and the Science and Math Academy are not eligible for these grants. We're simply widening the pool of potential applicants."
"Representative Boland."
"Is the...is the total pool of money, you said you're widening the pool, is the pool of money being enlarged, therefore to cover these greater number of institutions?"
"Representative Winters."
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear the question."
"Representative Boland."
"You mentioned that...that you're widening the pool of institutions that can get these grants. Is there an enlarging of the money pool, therefore to take into account or is this going to mean that some current institutions will be short changed?"
"Representative Winters."
"I understand there is some additional money for these grants. I don't have the figure at this point. It's in 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 the appropriations side of it, but I understand that there is some increase."
"Representative Boland with 46 seconds."
"Mr. Speaker, I think I'm going to have to oppose this. I hate to do this. I have a lot of respect for Representative Winters. I think he's a wonderful person, but we're in a financial crisis in this state, as far as educational funding and I believe if the citizens saw us spending even a relatively small amount, $13,500 on reimbursement of councils, rather than getting that money into their classrooms where we have over a hundred school districts on the financial watch list. I just think this is a type of thing that alienates the citizenry and it just doesn't look good. I would ask the Gentleman to follow Representative ..."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Kane, Representative Hoeft."
"If I could shed a little light on the boundary issue, please. I have been the hearing officer for two of these boundary changes. What we have is two distinct different sets of law; one for the boundaries of the charters, one for the rest of the school districts in the state. When you have one of these boundary changes, it is extremely technical and almost every single procedure is followed by a court hearing. We have the procedures well set for the boundary changes for the normal, the regular school districts in the state, the non-charter school districts. The charter school districts, we do not have that same case law. If in fact a charter school district would want to change a boundary or even worse, if it was a boundary change between a charter and a non-charter school district, there is no avenue allowed presently in law. What the 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 state board is saying is, we're looking ahead; we want to help school districts stay out of court. We are trying to show some leadership. I applaud them for this. What you would be voting on today, is taking two systems that are confusing, that will create great costs, you'll be merging them into one. I am very confident that the charter schools in the state, the 13 of them, will find that this will help them in the future, lower costs, keep out of court, and create a consistent one system throughout the state for all the school districts. If you want confusion, if you want school districts in court, if you want legal expenses, then keep the present system. I applaud the Sponsor for trying to change before a problem occurs so that we can help our school districts. This simply makes good sense."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Effingham, Representative Hartke."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will. Please proceed."
"Representative Winters, I just got a couple short questions. I thought I heard you say that Chicago Unit 299, was a charter school. Is that correct?"
"Representative Winters."
"Yes, that is one of the ones that I listed."
"Representative Hartke."
"Yes, this boundary change idea wouldn't have any...any move or set the stage to divide up Chicago 299 into 15 or 20 districts or 30 districts or anything like that?"
"Representative Winters."
"That is not the design of this. It's not anything underlying. That Chicago Board of Education was represented in Committee when this was heard and had no 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day objections."
"Representative Hartke." March 24, 1995
"But under this legislation, it does set up the possibility to do that."
"Representative Winters." "In Cook County, the township trustees actually act as the Regional Board of School Trustees. In other words, there's not a separate board in Cook County."
"Representative Hartke."
"So, those township trustees are actually members of the school board, then, the charter school board?"
"Representative Winters."
"Could you repeat that again. I didn't understand it."
"Representative Hartke."
"Yes, the trustees that in the township in Cook County are the school board is what you're talking about, correct?"
"Representative Winters." "There not exactly the school board. They would serve as the Regional Board of School Trustees. school board."
"Representative Hartke." Hartke: They're not the "Then those individuals are elected in the townships in Cook County, and so, they would make the decisions on the boundary changes that would be taking place, if they were to take place."
"Representative Winters."
"Mr. Speaker, I'd like you to take this Bill out of the record."
"Next Bill will be House Bill 2077. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." Clerk McLennand; "House Bill 2077, a Bill for an Act to amend the 34 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 school code. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this is a Bill which we amended last night. When the Bill was presented in the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, Dr. Joseph Spagnolo, who is now our state school superintendent, came and presented this Bill because although I am carrying it for him, it is his initiative. I know that all of you were provided with a copy of this report. I'm sure you have all read it. It was provided to you a good...quite some time ago, probably six to eight weeks ago. It's called the Quality Schools Initiative, QSI, and it is the initiative of the new state school superintendent, Dr. Joseph Spagnolo. There was one element in the legislation that evolved from this report, that the Illinois Education Association objected to. That portion was removed last night and the Illinois Education Association no longer has any objection to this Bill. What remains in this Bill is basically, there are basically three elements in this Bill. There is an additional flexibility sought for the granting of block grants that are already block grant programs through the State Board of Education. There is the initiation of a project called Project Jumpstart, in which there is already a five million dollar appropriation suggested in the State Board budget and there is a section on learning technology. Now, it is important to realize that all of the sections of this Bill are permissive only and that implementation is contingent upon appropriations for these purposes. This is I believe, because it is the initiative of our new state school superintendent, something that we deserve...that deserves to have our careful consideration. I would be glad to 35 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Macoupin, Representative Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will. Please proceed."
"Representative, my analysis says that the proposal changes the current authority of the State Board to award block grants and my question is, in what ways does it change it? In other words, I'm concerned about how this might impact my school district and so, could you enlighten us, please?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"I think I understood your question. I will do my best to answer it. The provision relating to block grants continue an effort begun last year. I think if you think back about this, Representative, you will remember that this effort did begin last year. To transform state grant programs from a fragmented and categorical approach, to one that is unified, flexible, and more easily administered. This action will reduce the number of separate programs be administered by the state and local education agencies, thereby reducing administrative costs. Although, there may ultimately need to be several major block grant programs, each of these should be linked and that is the critical thing in this legislation. Those projects should be linked to the local learning goals that have been set up in the school improvement program and those links should be made at the local level. In this way, schools will be empowered to target their funds to address the needs that are identified locally in their school improvement plans. 36 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 That's all this does."
"Representative Hannig."
"So, I guess the question that we all probably wonder about this provision in the Bill is, does it change any way that money is distributed, any of the ways that it's currently distributed, Representative? Is there gonna be a shift?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"No. Districts still have to apply. They still have to give a reason for why they want the money for a particular project but now, the major change here, now they have to be able to show that there is a link between what they want the money for and their school improvement plan."
"Representative Hannig."
"Representative, when you say now, you mean under this proposal, they will have to make that connection?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Yes."
"Representative Hannig."
"And how much money...do you know how much money is in the State Board's budget for this program?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Representative, in order to answer that question accurately, I would have to go all the way through the State Board budget and add up all the differing block grant programs and the suggestions that are...that are given in that...in there for the...from the State Board's proposed budget and I'm sorry, but I just don't have that in number."
"Representative Hannig."
"I'm told, Representative, by our staff that there's a line item in the budget this year for 27 million. They've 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 told me that after I asked a question. Could you verify if that's correct or not?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"I'm sorry, I do not know the correct or accurate answer to your question. I am confident that indeed that, you probably have a pretty good ... The fact is, as my understanding at the moment least is that there have been no allocations and therefore, there can't very well be a total number."
"Representative Hannig. I'm sorry, Representative Cowlishaw, I took that pause as a fact that you were done with your statement. Do you have something further?"
"And if we do this, it will have to come before us in an appropriations Bill."
"Representative Hannig."
"I'm told, Representative, that it's...that it's in House Bill 1887, the appropriation."
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"The State Board of Education already has block grant authority under the current School Code. This simply expands that and adds the length to the local school improvement plan."
"I'm sorry, Representative Hannig, your time has concluded. Further discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, before I proceed, this matter may be on short debate, if it is, I would like to remove it. I'm joined by hundreds of my colleagues. Thank you very much."
"I didn't quite see hundreds, but I think I saw the right number." 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
"Will the Sponsor yield?" March 24, 1995
"She indicates that she will. Please proceed."
"Representative, the IFT was opposed to your for some amendment, removing some language. done?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Yes." Bill looking
Has that been Speaker Churchill: "Representative Lang."
"What was that change, please?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"All materials having to do with teacher certification were removed."
"Representative Lang."
"So, as far as you know, they're okay on this Bill now?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Speaker, I could not hear the question."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, I should restate it anyway. Are they now in favor of the Bill or are they now neutral on the Bill?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"As amended, this Bill has no opponents, whatsoever."
"Representative Lang."
"Do you think that the fact that it's a new program, it has a possible price tag of 32 million dollars might make some people be opposed to it?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Where did you get the figure of 32 million dollars?"
"Representative Lang."
"Well, I'm not here to answer the questions, I'm here to ask them. Let me ask you this, Representative, you Chair 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 the Education Committee. There are numerous Amendments filed to this Bill. Why were they rejected?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Because, this is the initiative, as I have explained repeatedly. This the initiative of the new state school superintendent, Dr. Joseph Spagnolo. This is his initiative. It is his Bill. I am simply carrying it for him and I think that we should respect him and his position enough to let him have his own piece of legislation unencumbered by anybody else's ideas."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, just as we respect him, I'm sure he would respect you as the Chairman of the Education Committee, if you agreed to move along a process that would properly fund education and properly take care of the teachers retirement system insurance crisis. I'm sure he's interested in funding education as the head of that agency. Did you give any thought to talking to him about those amendments that would fund education first?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"No."
"Representative Lang."
"Shall we assume then that, that's not important to you or what should we assume from that, Representative?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"You should make no assumptions, whatsoever, particularly in this business."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, let's go on. All these various parts of programs that are part of this Bill, are they all in the Governor's proposed budget?"
"Representative Cowlishaw." 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day
"The Governor didn't allocate specific line items for these kinds of things."
"Representative Lang."
"So, where's the money going to come from? Where will we get 18 million dollars for technology for success, 9.7 million dollars for scientific literacy, et cetera, et cetera, where will we get this money?"
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Representative Lang, this is another document that has been distributed to all of us. Many of us have received more than one copy of it. It is the proposed budget of the State Board of Education. If you had looked through this document, you would understand that the amounts that you find in your analysis on this Bill are included in this budget, page by page, item by item and this budget is clearly in accord, although it is far more detailed than what the Governor's budget puts forward. This budget is in accord with what the Governor's general proposal was for expenditures for education." Johnson, Tim: "Excuse me, Representative Johnson in the Chair. Proceed. Representative Lang, proceed."
"Thank you. Well, now you wanted to tell me what I should understand. Let me tell you what I think you should understand. What I think you should understand is, that the Governor of this state has taken education funding down from 39% to 32%. Now he wishes to take it back, all the way to 32% with some kind of funny money in the budget, that apparently includes pension money. Now, the money you're talking about is part of this program. I appreciate the fact that you're turning your back on me. Thank you. The money that you're asking for here, which is approximately 32 million dollars, is not in the Governor's 41 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 budget. Now the State Board of Education can put it in there all they want in their proposal, but the Governor doesn't have any money for this. We don't have any money for this. Where will the money for these programs come from, Representative?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"The taxpayers, that's where all the money we spend comes from." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Lang, if you could bring your remarks to a close."
"There are many that will yield their time to me, Mr. Speaker. Representative, are you proposing a tax increase to pay for this program?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw. One minute to briefly respond. Simply respond to the question."
"No." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes a Lady from Cook, Representative Davis. Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Lang, I'm sorry I have to do this. Representative, on your Project Jumpstart that's gonna cost 32 million, how many schools will get the services from the state of Illinois?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"There is no exact figure at this time. Approximately 75." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "In committee, we were told that about 140 schools in Chicago. 140 of Chicago's lowest achieving schools would be the major beneficiaries of this. Is that correct? That's what we were told in committee."
"Representative Cowlishaw, do you wish to respond?" 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
March 24, 1995 "In the proposed budget of the State Board of Education, in order to serve approximately 75 schools with Project Jumpstart, there is a line item for five million dollars. Now of course, if we wish to increase the five million dollars to a larger sum, we could serve more schools." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis." Davis, Μ.: "Five million dollars for 75 schools to jumpstart them, I don't think that would go very far." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Is that a question, Representative Davis?" Davis, M.: "Well, I'm just wondering how much...what does she expect them to do? Will that be for staff development? Will that be for tutorial labs? What could five thousand dollars do for 75 schools?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"Support services." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "She said support staff?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "I believe that was your response, Representative Cowlishaw? If we could have a little...just a little more quiet SO Representative Davis can hear Representative Cowlishaw's response. Well, let Representative Cowlishaw, if I could or she could respond. Was that your response, Representative Cowlishaw?"
"Support services." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "I'f you get more than the five thousand dollars, how many schools will you serve?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"It's five million dollars and I don't get any of it." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis." Davis, Μ.: "Currently, there are a number of low achieving 43 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 schools, just as there are schools on the financial watch list. The low achieving schools currently in their Goals Assessment Plan, I'm sorry... in their School Improvement Plan have to provide their local proposal for improving education. How would this affect that?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"The process would remain the same. There would just be additional help." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Do you mean they'd be bumbling and stumbling all over each other? They'd be bumping into each other in the hallway, going to room 104?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw. Do you wish to respond?"
"That is not in my opinion, a worthy question and I am not going to respond to it." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Lady indicates she'll not respond. Further questions." Davis, M.: "Just as we have voted in this Body to remove mandates and to allow schools to waive mandates, it appears that here we come with a package that's gonna be almost a 32 million dollar mandate with someone from a far way in Springfield, telling somebody, way away, Chicago or St. Louis or Wilmette, what to do and how to solve it's educational problem. Now, either we're going to have so called local control. Either we're going to set up remediation at the local level or we're going to give it all back to the state and go back to the mandate. I'm not sure what Jumpstart supports, technical and system and all of that is supposed to mean, but what it really means is the State Board telling local districts what to do with this money. Our school systems are financially strapped 44 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 and we don't have time to continue to play with programs because someone has a whim. We're in the process of improving schools, writing remediation plans, and local school counsels are in the process of helping to fund that with their chapter one money. Now, I don't know what tinkering the State Board wants to do but I think ... " Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Davis, you have 30 seconds. If you could bring your remarks to a close." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Well, I just don't think it's a good idea for us to establish new mandates and to go and provide 32 million for 140 Chicago schools and five million for the rest of the schools in the state. I don't think it's a good idea." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Thank you, Representative Davis. Further questions? The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Roskam."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move the previous question." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The question is, 'Shall the main question be put?' All in favor, signify by saying 'aye'; opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The motion carries. Representative Cowlishaw to close."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As I said before, this is...this is the major initiative for the Quality Schools Initiative, the QSI of our new state school superintendent, Dr. Joseph Spagnolo. I would like to point out that somebody seems to be bantering around the number of 32 million dollars. When I was asked about that, I asked the person who had asked me, where did you get that number and the person I asked, refused to answer. So, I suggest you put that number aside, since there's nobody who can even substantiate it 45 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 and suggest that instead, you should go through and read the proposed budget of the State Board of Education. The QSI report and the proposed budget have all been provided to all of you. Apparently, some of you have not had an opportunity to read them yet, but I would suggest you do so as soon as possible. This is a very significant piece of legislation to attempt to move forward, not only in the flexibility that we have in providing funds through grant programs to our local school districts and enabling them to use those funds in a more flexible way, directly related to their school improvement plans. This also provides help, professional help to the most poorly achieving schools in this state, the ones that need our help the most and finally, it has a section to enable us not only to improve the technology in our schools, but to improve the knowledge of the people who teach in those schools, so that they can take the fullest advantage of technology. In my opinion, this is a very, very excellent initiative. I am proud of Dr. Spagnolo and I would urge a 'yes' vote." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2077 pass?' All in favor, vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 18 voting 'yes', 90 voting 'no', 4 voting 'present'. And this Bill , having failed to receive a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared lost. Mr. Clerk, you have just a moment here." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 797."
"House Bill 797, a Bill for an Act amending the School Code. Third Reading of this House Bill." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage, 46 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Proceed."
"Thank you...thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm sorry for the delay. House Bill 797 is a Bill that has actually...has incorporated four other Bills. One of them is a Bill Sponsored by Representative Black and the language that now appears in this Bill is...reflects an agreement that Representative Black has reached with the special education interest groups throughout the state and the State Board of Education, and I would suppose that if there are any specific questions about the contents of that first portion of this Bill that Representative Black would be glad to answer them. Secondly, there is an initiative of Representative Frias which has to do with the sale of non-educational properties by the State Board of Education and also, a formula base school construction grant program which...for which there is no money appropriated, but at least there would be an authorization for that. Then there is what was formerly House Bill 2440, which actually requires the state...the Chicago school treasurer to make a monthly audit and file an activity report and audit findings covering each external school account or other depository account that is a maintained by a school official or entity in the name of or on behalf of the school. I think that those audits are suggested partly because there has been, I think probably unwarranted rumors about the use of funds that are student funds in individual schools in...in the city. And finally, there is an Amendment #2, which was adopted in committee, which was suggested to me by Representative Lang, in which allows one student who lives in Skoki to attend a school that the 47 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 student was told when the family was about to buy the house, that the house was in that school district and a couple of years later after the student has really thrived in that school, their told that the house is in not in the district. And so, this simply makes an exception. It is very narrowly drawn and it only applies to this one student in Representative Lang's district. That's all this Bill does and I'd be glad to try to answer any questions." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Washington, Representative Deering."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "She indicates he will."
"Representative, is this...is this initiative as far as the school construct...or the sale of the non-educational property. Is this a statewide issue or is this an issue dealing with a certain portion of the state?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative ..."
"I notice in the...I notice in the language here, it mentions the school finance authority. Is this section of the Bill relate strictly to Chicago?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"As I said before, this is the...this is Representative Frias's Bill, but I can answer the question, all the same. If he...if he doesn't agree he can give some kind of a signal or something. It applies only to the City of Chicago." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Deering, further questions?"
"Okay, as I read the language on page 4 of the Amendment, line 31 it say's the board shall immediately institute. Is...okay, but is this, and Representative I'll direct this question to Representative Frias, he can shake 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 his head. Is this a mandating that all schools in the Chicago district start selling their interest and other land and holdings?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Even though the rules don't permit, we'll allow you to do that. Further questions of the Sponsor, Representative?"
"No." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "No further questions. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Will, Representative Wennlund. Representative Wennlund on the Bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An inquiry of the Chair?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "She indicates she will yield."
"Thank you. The inquiry is that..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair...the Chair will also yield to your question. What's your inquiry?"
"Thank you. I'm under the impression that...and there's a rumor floating around that the compensation review board is currently meeting to change the method of compensation for health members to a wage per hour. Is that correct, is that...am I under the correct impression?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "We'll have to refer that request and inquiry to rules. I appreciate the inquiry, Representative. Further questions? The Gentleman from McLean, Representative Brady."
"Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "She indicates she will."
"Representative, I'd like to refer to House Amendment #2. This...this appears to me to be special legislation. Is it?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw." 49 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995
"I would suppose, Representative Brady, that, that would be one...one way that one could refer to this provision. Let me say something, if I may. I have...I have served here for several years. During that time, we have always tried on both sides of this aisle and in both chambers to be accommodating when somebody has a very specific problem involving one or two students or perhaps, even just one school building back home. Representative Lang called me and asked me to help him with this problem. If you could hear the whole story of the problem, it would not bother you whether it was special or not special legislation. You would want to help that child." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Brady."
"Thank you, Representative. I understand that your...you said that Representative Lang asked you to provide this...is this the same Representative Lang that yesterday, told me that special legislation was unconstitutional. The same Representative Lang that criticized a piece of legislation I had yesterday as unconstitutional as special legislation but yet, came to you with a very heart felt situation that you felt compelled to support. Representative Lang and his unconstitutional Amendment by his own definition, is that the same Representative Lang? Is this Lou Lang, the Representative who last night chastised me for trying to provide equitable funding for education? Is...do I have the right Representative?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"Representative Brady, remarkable as it may seem, it is indeed the very same person." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Brady, further questions?"
"Thank you, Representative Cowlishaw. I...I just have a very hard time believing that, that same individual could 50 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 turn in less than ten hours on his opinion of the Illinois Constitution. I...I...this is the righteous, the Representative who fights for the cause of the Constitution and the people... I've used his name in debate, I'm sure he should have an opportunity to defend his actions here, and I hope the Speaker will so give him a chance to...to define for us exactly why this is not special legislation. I intend to look favorably upon the Bill and I agree with you about the bipartisan support we've had in this Session. But, I really have concern about Representative Lang's mentality and where he finds on one issue to support one thing and on another, not. And, I know I've used his name in debate and just hope the Speaker gives him a chance to defend his honor on this question." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Thank you. Further questions? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, first of all let me tell you that I appreciate you helping me with this Amendment, and it's clearly not special legislation because it would affect anybody who mis...who had got misinformation from a school district then relied on it to their detriment. It doesn't affect just one person. Let me ask you though, a question I asked you on your last Bill. I asked you on your last Bill why you did not allow other Amendments such as Fund Education First and the TRS Resolution to go your previous Bill, and you indicated that it was Mr. Spagnolo's Bill and that you didn't want to tamper with it. Now, this was not Mr. Spagnolo's Bill, this is a Bill that had the ideas of Members on it. Why would you not allow those Amendments to go on this Bill?" 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cowlishaw."
"Representative Lang, in this Bill, I had made an effort to be as accommodating to both Republicans and Democrats, and as fair to both sides of the aisle as I could. Now, there are two sections of this Bill that were originally pieces of legislation Sponsored by Republicans, and there are two sections of this Bill that came to me from Democrats. One is a Bill that was actually Sponsored by Representative Frias and the other is an Amendment that you asked me to add. In order to keep it balanced, two Republican pieces, two Democrat pieces. I felt I should stop right there, I had a good Bill, I didn't need to do anything further." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further questions? Representative Lang."
"Well, thank you. Well, to keep it balanced, I'd be very happy to allow you to take the part that you put on this Amendment for me and put another Amendment of mine on which is Fund Education First, if you'd like to make that trade so it'll be balanced. We're prepared to do that." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Do you wish to respond Representative Cowlishaw. No response. Further questions, Representative Lang?"
"No. I do thank the Representative though, for her courtesy and addressing a specific problem that some people have had in the State of Illinois relative to nonresident tuition, and I appreciate her putting up with my questioning. Thank you." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I too wish to rise to support the legislation and to thank the Sponsor for accommodating 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Members on both sides of the aisle, who have legislation that they believe in and that they believe is important. And she certainly did not have to do this. I'm very grateful to her that she did. In fact, it is my Bill that has created a great deal of controversy and that the Sponsor has had to put up with late night phone calls and considerable abuse from people who are attacking me indirectly by attacking her. She has agreed to embody my House Bill 717 in this language, to which there has been more disinformation put out than on anything I have ever carried. If you'll recall two years ago, this Body at the behest of the State Board of Education, passed a relatively, at the time, simple law that said school districts must draft guidelines on behavioral intervention programs. They put out a booklet within the last six months, telling local school districts that they had to comply with these guidelines. Many of my school districts, and I have shared with you, all of you. I put out a memo, 1 hope you got it. Gave you copies of corespondents from superintendents and teachers. I've then wrote about eight weeks ago, to the State Board and said, are these in fact, guidelines as the manual you put out said. I have in writing that yes, they are guidelines. The...the school districts don't have to follow this. These are simply guidelines for their policy. While my letters were crossing in the mail, the State Board of Education had gone to JCAR to embody guidelines into rule. I don't think that's the proper way to do business here. All the language of my Bill does, is to say that these will in fact, be guidelines. That they will be reviewed every three years and that there will be input from schools and other educational groups. The inherent weakness of the 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day original BIP, a guideline which they then tried to incorporate by rule, was that they never had a public hearing on this matter. This legislation does not permit locked closets, cells or time out rooms. It doesn't even mention that. I would hope that we could address it on the merits. I would hope that we could address it on the way that all of you I think, feel we should do business. When an agency tells us one thing and then turns around and does another, then I think the General Assembly needs to get involved. That's why I support the Bill. I hope you can too, and I do appreciate the kindness of the Sponsor in trying to accommodate not only Representative Lang's constituents, but many of mine as well." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Morrow."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise to oppose House Bill 797. And, the only reason why I rise to oppose this Bill, the concept of a school board having to sell property to balance it's budget sounds good, but I...I have to remind the Body that the City of Chicago is not the only school district that's having fiscal problems. Now, if this Bill was designed or...or mandated that all school...school districts in this state sell their school property, then I...I would vote 'yes' on House Bill 9...on House Bill 797. But you know what happens in other parts of this state when...when things have to be done. They issue bonds. At Eastern Illinois, we have Financing State Back Bonds to build fraternities at Eastern Illinois. Why didn't Eastern Illinois sell some of their land, if they wanted to build dorms. But yet, this is another attempt to single out the City of Chicago and the school system. The Representative 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 that is carrying this Bill, her schools are in fiscal problems. I don't see her putting language in there to say Naperville needs to sell some of their school property to balance it's budget or to build new schools. East St. Louis has problems with it's schools. There are hundreds of schools on the watch list of the State Board of Education. Why are aren't those school districts included in this Bill, to require them to sell some of their school property. This is just another mean spirited attempt aimed at the City of Chicago. Now, if people said we want to help the children. Well, let's help the children of all the state. If you say you're going to help Chicago's children, then I tell you what, later on this year we're going to come to you asking for some money to open up the schools in the fall. How many of you are going to be willing to help us then...none. None. But yet, you want me to help you with your school districts and I'm going to do it, because no child should be denied the right to get an education. Now, there is language in this Bill. The language that Representative Lang has, that's needed. I just wish it wasn't on this Bill. Please, vote 'no' on House Bill 797, until...unless...the Representative carrying this Bill put...agrees to some language that would take care of all the school districts in this state. Why single out Chicago, why single them out? If you read the paper today... Steimez...won the Illinois State decathlon championship for academics. That goes to show you that our kids are learning in the Chicago public schools. Whitney Young, for nine years straight, has won that same competition. That goes to show you, our kids are learning just as well as the kids in Decatur, Danville, Springfield, Champaign, Naperville, Lake Forest. Give our kids a chance 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 as we would give your kids the same opportunity. Vote 'no' on 797." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Frias."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I rise in support of House Bill 797, and I want to thank the Sponsor for agreeing to put the language on that would address the concerns not only of my district, but the concern of schools that are over crowded throughout the City of Chicago. This is a very simple concept. What it's asking to do, is asking the Chicago Board of Education to sell the non-educational property so it can generate some revenue and build new schools so the children don't have to attend school in lunch rooms, so they don't have to be taught in hallways. And yes, we should afford every child, a reasonable opportunity to a good education and this is where it starts Ladies and Gentleman. And here's a news flash for all those who are wondering why I am choosing to take care of my district. There are more African-American children attending over crowded schools than there are Hispanics. However, there are more Hispanic children attending severely overcrowded schools than any other ethnic group. This is a good idea whose time has come. We're asking the Chicago Board of Education to get out of this...the business of real estate and get into the business of teaching children. Build the schools that are necessary SO these kids aren't taught in the basement. Every school in my district is operating in access of 120% capacity. This is not the solution, this is a good start, however. And I thank the Sponsor and I ask everyone to vote 'yes'. Give the children an opportunity to a quality education. This is where it starts Ladies and Gentlemen. 56 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Vote 'yes' on House Bill 797." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Roskam."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move the previous question." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The question is 'Shall the main question be put?' All in favor, signify by saying 'aye'; opposed, 'nay'. The 'aye' have it. Representative Cowlishaw to close. Representative Cowlishaw to close. Could I have some order for Representative Cowlishaw to close on her Bill, so that the chamber can hear her comments. Representative Cowlishaw, do you wish to close? Now that we've concluded the demonstration. Representative Cowlishaw, do you wish to...do you wish to conclude with any remarks? Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. Representative Cowlishaw."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Speaker, I couldn't hear what you said." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "I asked if you wish to conclude with any concluding remarks to close?"
"Mr. Speaker..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Lady is closing. Representative Cowlishaw."
"Mr. Speaker." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Yes, Representative Cowlishaw."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 797 consists of four parts as I explained in my opening remarks, and I want to thank all of the people who made contributions to what this Bill has now become. Mr. Speaker, don't you suppose we could have some order here?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Yes, I think, I think the..."
"Mr...Mr. Speaker, it's a good Bill. Please vote 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day 'yes'." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The question is, 'Shall House Bill 797 pass?' All in favor, vote 'aye'; opposed, vote 'no'. The voting is open. This is final action. This is final action. Representative Black, Representative Black, Representative Black and Representative Davis. 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 65 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', 8 voting 'present and this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 633. Out of the record. If I could have just a moment. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 765."
"House Bill 765, a Bill for an Act amending the water authorities Act. Third Reading of this House Bill." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "On the Bill, the Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Effingham, Representative Hartke on the Bill. Representative Hartke. If we could give Representative Hartke your attention."
"Could I momentarily yield to Mr. Brunsvold?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "If I could have just a moment. Is Representative Brunsvold a hyphenated Sponsor? I'm not trying to deny your privilege to allow another Member to present the Bill, but the board would indicate that you are the only Sponsor of the Bill."
"Our Democratic leader has been trying to be recognized and I would like to call this Bill, but I would like to go to the...respect our Minority Leader." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Brunsvold, proceed. Representative Brunsvold, proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Democrats would like a conference immediately, in Room 118 for at least an hour 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 and I would like to yield to Speaker Madigan." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "If I could have just one moment. And it's not Speaker Madigan. The Chair recognizes the Minority Leader the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan. If we could give the Gentleman your attention on both sides of the aisle. Break up the caucuses on both sides of the aisle to give the Gentleman your attention. I know we'd appreciate it. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, there is a request for an immediate Democratic caucus. My point to you, Sir, would be that there would not have been a need for this caucus, had you recognized just one Representative who was seeking recognition. In the occupants of that Chair, routinely do not recognize Representative Davis. Now they can speak to why they don't recognize her on the floor. I don't know why, but it is a rather routine practice that she is not recognized. She wanted to speak on this Bill, because part of this Bill is repugnant to her and to many other Democrats and that's the purpose of the caucus and it could have been avoided, had you just recognized a Member seeking recognition to speak on the Bill Sir." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "How much time, Representative Brunsvold, do you anticipate that your caucus will take?"
"Approximately an hour, Mr. Speaker." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Would it be satisfactory if we were to return at 11:30?"
"Quarter till twelve." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Your request is granted. There will be a recess for a Democratic conference and the House stands is recess until the hour of 11:45."
"Attention Members, lunch is presently being 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 served for Republican Members in the Speakers conference room and for Democrat Members in the Minority Leaders office." Introduction and First Reading of Resolutions. House Joint Resolution 34 offered by Representative Churchill. Rules Committee." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The House will come to order, the Members will be in their seats. All unauthorized personnel, please remove themselves from House Floor. All unauthorized personnel, please remove themselves from the House Floor. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Lake, for purpose of announcement, Representative Churchill. Representative Churchill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to announce that there will be a Rules Committee meeting at 12:30. 12:30 Rules Committee."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, the Minority Leader, Representative Madigan, for what purpose do you rise?"
"To advise the Chair that a Motion has been filed with the Clerk under the Sponsorship of Representative Schoenberg to reconsider the vote by which House Bill 797 passed. The purpose in filing a Motion is very simple. Part of the Bill, House Bill 797, part of that Bill is concern with a very contentious issue. The simple question is whether children should be locked up in lock boxes? Illinois has a law that mandates that there shall be state standards applied to this question. The Bill would provide the local school districts could adopt standards different than the state standards. In our judgement, that question was not adequately debated during the consideration of this Bill. Do in part that the fact that Representative Monique 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Davis was not recognized to speak to that question. Now, whether you like Representative Davis or not, whether you want to hear from her or not, in this area she has a certain expertise that ought to be available to every Member of this Body before you vote on a question such as this. This is a serious, serious matter and let me just quote from an editorial of the Chicago Tribune, where they report that the current law was adopted because in 1992, following reports that a twelve year old mentally retarded boy was confined in a 3x3x7 ft. box when he cried in class. That's the essence to all of this. That's what at issue in this Bill and that was not adequately considered and deliberated by this Body when this Bill was passed and therefore, Mr. Speaker, the Motion has been filed and I would ask that you call that vote, right now." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Mr. Clerk, what is...first, what is the status of House Bill 797?"
"House Bill 797, has been delivered to the Secretary of the Senate." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Accordingly...well, if I might...if I might bring the attention of the House, the Minority Leader, to House Rule 7-15 subsection A. Provides that a Member who voted on a prevailing side of a record vote, on a legislative measure still within the control of the House, may in the same or the following legislative day to move to reconsider the vote. Since this Bill is no longer in the possession of the House, within the control of the House, the Motion is not in order and will not be considered. House Bills Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 667."
"House Bill 667, a Bill for an Act in relation to International Terrorism. Third Reading of this House 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day Bill." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes...Representative Madigan I believe, would like your attention. I'm about to recognize the Minority Leader. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, the Minority Leader Representative Madigan. Representative Madigan, for what purpose do you rise?"
"To request an immediate Democratic caucus." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "How much time do you anticipate you'll need, Representative? If we could have just one moment to consult? We'll just have one moment and a little order in the chamber, we'll recognize you. Thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen, for your attention. There's been a request from the Minority Leader for a second Democratic Conference. Your request...if I could just respond to the request of the... of the Minority Leader. Your request will be granted and...and the House will stand in recess. Before we...before we grant the Gentleman's request, the chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This uproar is obviously my responsibility. Let me except that responsibility. Let me assure my colleague and former Speaker, now House Democratic Leader, Representative Madigan. Let me assure Representative Davis, although we sometimes yell at each other. I believe we are colleagues and friends and I apologize to you, Representative Davis, for my outburst. We both have tempers. I do apologize. Hopefully, we can avoid a Democrat conference at this time. I give you my solemn word, Sir. I will beseech, I will put it in writing. I will ask the President of the Senate and all 62 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Members therein, that House Bill 797, be held in Senate Rules until we adjourn. We have Vehicle Bills where we can try to work out my concerns and the underlying language in the other Bill. That is my absolute promise to you. I will make it in writing. This is my responsibility. Please, let me except the responsibility and perhaps then, the House can go on with it's business." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Minority Leader, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan."
"No need for the document. I'll except your word, Sir, because I know that you are a man of your word. And I'll withdraw the request for the conference." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Thank you, Sir. Now we'll proceed to the Order of House Bills, Third Reading. Now, on the...Mr. Clerk, the status of House Bill 667."
"House Bill 667 has been read a third time." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "If we could have attention, so we can hear the Sponsor. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Kane, Representative Cross on House Bill 667. Proceed, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is House Bill 667, which amends the Solicitation for Charity Act. It's a Bill that addresses concern not only in this state but nationwide and that is the issue of international terrorism. It's a Bill that I've worked on with Representative Lang and I believe he will want some time to address this Bill as well. Or at least help...in support of this Bill. By amending the Solicitation for Charity Act, this Bill provides that the Attorney General of the State of Illinois has the authority, when he has reason to believe that any person or charitable organization, professional fund raiser or other solicitor is engaged in soliciting or collecting funds that may be used to support an organization that engages 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 international...in international terrorism...terrorism. If so, the Attorney General may bring a civil action, cancel the charitable registration statement or confiscate assets present in the state. Additionally, it amends the criminal code and creates the offense of solicitation of funds in support of an organization engaging in international terrorism. This is a much needed Bill. It's an attempt to address a major problem and we believe in conjunction with the Federal Government, that we can attack the international terrorism problem or at least the fund raising portion through this Bill. And I would appreciate trying to answer any questions." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "On the Bill. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Now, if we could just give Representative Lang your attention."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in strong support of House Bill 667. Ladies and Gentlemen, terrorism stalks the world, and in particular...in particular there are groups that use the State of Illinois as a base to raise money to send overseas for terrorist activities. This Bill would stop that, this Bill would say your not welcome in Illinois if you're going to use money for terrorists. Some will say to you, 'well, there's a problem here, because legitimate fund raising is cut off'. Some will say it's guilt by association, et cetera. In my view, that's incorrect. In my view, the...the issues that have been advanced such as those are incorrect. But, Illinois has an opportunity to take a stand here, as the Federal Government is about to do. Federal Government is about to pass similar legislation. 64 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 But, as for Illinois, we have an opportunity to say to terrorists groups, if you're going to raise money in this country, don't do it here. You're not welcome here. We're not going to allow you to raise money in Illinois and send it overseas to blow up school children and school buses. To blow up and hijack airplanes. To detain people on the roads. To kill soldiers from somebody else's country and then happily...take credit for it. The State of Illinois should be about the business of deterring any kind of activity that is bad for humanity. And surely, terrorism is something that all of us abhor. Terrorism is something that all of us want to stop. Terrorism is something that we're all against. So, here's a chance to take a stand, and we've taken similar stands in international issues in the past. We have voted in this House to stop state pension funds from going to companies in South Africa, that support apartheid. We past a Bill two years ago that the Governor signed, to stop doing business with countries that adhere to the arabic boycot of the State of Israel, and I was proud of this Assembly when we did those things. And, I'm going to be proud of this Assembly today because we're going to take a step in the State of Illinois, to say that terrorism is not permitted and to the extent that we can do something about it. The small step that we can take to do something about it, we're going to do today in this Assembly. I recognize that those who are opposed on constitutional grounds, in my view their wrong. These are people I generally agree with, but in my view on this Bill, their wrong. This is a Bill that's important SO that we can take a stand, SO that we can take the moral high ground. So, that we can do whatever we can do in the State of Illinois to stop the spread of terrorism and to stop the 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 advantages that some organizations have taken in our state to continue to spread terrorism around the world. So, I ask you, I implore you, please vote 'aye' on this Bill. It's a very important Bill," Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, and Members of the House. I appreciate the...the points made by the previous speaker. I reluctantly stand in opposition to this Bill. I do believe that it has very serious constitutional problems. Nowhere in the Bill is there any specific definition of what makes a group international. Nor any...any definition of what counts as a group that engages in terrorism. Under the provisions of this Bill, groups like green piece or operation rescue could clearly be stopped from soliciting money in the State of Illinois. In addition, the recent visit to this country of someone like Jerry Adams, very involved with the Schin Fane Group, the political arm of IRA, the Irish Republican Army might well have been voided, been not permitted to try to raise money even if he were here to raise money for peaceful purposes within Schin Fane and the IRA. We in this country have generally given strong support to our rights of association, our rights to participate in organizations that are legal, that are law abiding. Our ability to give money, to give our name, to give our support to organizations that stand for what we believe in has always been a fundamental part of our notion of what it is to be a constitutional democracy. Unfortunately, I think the provisions of House Bill 667 will interfere with those dearly held rights of association and I...while I appreciate the concern for the kind of terrorism that has characterized some activities in the 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Middle East and I know that the supporters of this Bill, the proponents are very concerned about those activities and are concerned with good reason. I am fearful that House Bill 667 as drawn, casts far too wide a net, includes too many organizations that have among other activities, peaceful purposes and would seriously invade our rights to free association and free support for organizations and causes in which we believe. For that reason, I think the only constitutional vote on this measure is a 'no' or a 'present'." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Lake, Representative Andrea Moore." Moore, A: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Indicates he will. The Gentleman from Kendal." Moore, A; "I need to clarify some of this information that's being debated here for my own purposes. How...in your Bill, how do you determine what organizations are classified as terrorists? Who and how is that determined?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, that's a good question and it's one that does need to be addressed. There is a specific reference in this Bill about international terrorism and it directs this...the State Bill directs us to the Federal Code...specific sections of the Federal Code to outline what international terrorism would be. Several examples are...would be in the Federal Code, the destruction of airplanes. A second example, would be the assassination of Presidents. A third example, would be using explosive materials. So, we have attempted in this Bill to...to be as specific as we can in defining international terrorism and I think in working in 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 conjunction with the federal statute; we've done that. And I, as I said, I think it's a legitimate question, but it has been addressed." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Schoenberg. Proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "He indicates he will."
"Mr. Cross, what is this...this Bill which I had the pleasure of working with you on, rather extensively also, is modeled on Federal Legislation, which is pending before the United States Congress. Could you please, tell me what the status of that Federal Bill is, currently?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, my understanding is the Federal Bill has passed, and is law. And...and...that's what I was referring of the Federal Legislation earlier on these specific issues of/or definitions of terrorism, but you're at the Bill your talking about has passed." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further questions? Representative . Schoenberg."
"The...the definitions of terrorism, those are from the new version...the federal version of the Bill that was signed into law by the President. That's not from existing federal statute as far as how terrorism is defined?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, these... these are existing definitions of what terrorism...of specific acts of terrorism, that already exist in a Federal Code. The Bill you're talking about, at least the one I thought you're talking about, that addresses the fund raising aspect, that Bill's just passed. But, the Bill we have, 667 outlines about 10 to 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 maybe 15 incidences of what international terrorism would be and refers to existing or prior law, federal law." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross. Representative Schoenberg, proceed."
"It's an important distinction because what we're seeking to do with this Bill...and I see in your agreement, but we're seeking to do with this Bill is empower the...our State's Attorney General, Mr. Ryan to be able to challenge the tax exempt status of an organization which could be soliciting funds ostensively for educational purposes, but in fact, is transferring that money for purposes which are violent in nature, and that's why...that was the basis of my questions before. So, that Bill has...has that Bill passed?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further response? Representative Cross."
"Jeff, it has passed and the very reason for the language is to address the constitutional concerns to be as specific as possible. So, the answer is yes." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Schoenberg."
"To the...to the Bill...to the Bill then. I would have to regret that I would oppose the...the arguments of organizations like the ACLU, if all you had to do is see the broadcast of November 21, 1994, on public television, Jihad in America which very elaborately outlined how groups such as Homas, Hezvollah, and others were raising money in the United States and transferring those assets exclusively for violent activity abroad. I think... I know that we often find it difficult in this world to know who are the people wearing the white hats and who are the people who are not on good terms with our country. But, none the less, this is a necessary measure so that we can give the law enforcement community and the legal community the full 69 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 compliment of measures so that they can slow, if not stop all together the export of American dollars into...into organizations which are being used exclusively just to create violence and to kill people. Thank you." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage, Representative Biggert."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to yield my time to Representative Moore." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Apparently, Representative Moore had further questions? Representative Moore, proceed." Moore, A: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the courtesy of the Representative, but I was as far away from using my five minutes and yes, I did have another question. Thank you." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Proceed." Moore, A: "Representative, I still wasn't clear when you said, you quoted the federal statute on determining who is terrorists and who isn't, and you cited several instances that were used to determine that. But, there are two organizations specifically who have arms of the corporate structure that on occasion have been involved in...in what some might refer to as terrorist organizations, loosely defined. And, I'm curious about that. One was Green Peace and the other was...was portions of the IRA and how specifically is it. Is that determined? If there is an incident say, where we all know that Green Peace has involved...been involved in protection of whales. If there is an incident where some kind of explosive were to be used, does that then prohibit all fund raising for Green Peace in the United States?" 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross." Moore, A: "And, how is it that, that's determined?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, the federal language that I refer to talks about specific acts or actions and...theoretically, I guess that's possible if there's a...if a bomb is used which this...this Bill, the 667 Bill, refers to the federal statute which refers to the use of explosives. So I mean, to answer your questions specifically, I think your answer is 'yes'...it could happen." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Moore." Moore, A: "So, there's no determination then as to the damage and...and the extent of the use or the purpose of the use, it's just the fact that there might be explosives used." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Can you repeat... I didn't hear that Representative." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Moore. If we could give the Lady your attention. Representative Moore." Moore, A: "So, if there's an explosive used, that is part of the criteria period? I mean...sometimes it's used as a demonstration and there isn't really loss of life...it isn't the same as can be referenced...what Representative Schoenberg was referring to." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, it say's in the federal statute, 'any explosive materials involved are used, or intended to be used in any violation of the provisions of this chapter, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture and all provision of the Internal Revenue Code.' So, I...we're talking about explosives here and the use of them. I guess I'm...it almost sounds like we're...sanctioning what any organization...are we sanctioning what other organizations 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day do with explosives?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Moore." March 24, 1995 Moore, A: "Well, I just was needing a clarification of...of some specifics, because in some cases...explosives are used and it's not with the intent to...to cause bodily harm. They're used in a demonstration kind of way." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross, do you wish to respond? Representative Moore, further inquiry?" Moore, A.: "Is it the Attorney General that makes the final decision or is there some kind of a proceeding?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, it falls under the control of the Attorney Generals Office. It also, though, by amending the criminal code, there could be a State's Attorney involved, a local State's Attorney." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Pugh."
"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentleman of the committee. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "He indicates he will."
"Representative individual Cross, under this organizations identify legislation the as international terrorists. Would that...would that include the...the IRA?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, it could." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"Representative, did you say IRS or IRA? The IRA...the IRA could be yes." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"The...so would you say that Jerry Adams, who is currently visiting President Clinton in Washington, would be in 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 violation if he came to Illinois to solicit funds?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, I don't...I don't think in that situation and your just alleging in a situation, I don't believe that, that would apply to this situation. We do have judges that make these decisions and juries as fact finders to determine whether or not there's a violation. If, would there be a violation of this section...or this Bill." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"So, would I be correct in assuming by your answer, that if Jerry Adams came to Illinois to try to raise money for the IRA, that he would end up in front of a judge and the judge would have to determine whether or not his actions were in violation of this piece of legislation?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, you're making...good...good many presumptions that the other section to the statute are violated. You are making a presumption that there's been an act of terrorism, there's been a act of destruction of an airplane or an assassination...and without those facts, the answer would be no, or without those facts occurring the answer would be no." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"We were not speaking to the facts, we were speaking the...the facts of the terrorism, we're speaking to the alleged activities of the IRA as they related to Jerry Adams who, is currently in Washington with President Clinton to raise money for his organizations. Would he be in violation of this legislation if he came to Illinois to raise money." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"With those facts, Representative, the answer is no. 73 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 You've got to have...to follow through with an act of terrorism. And so in your scenario, just coming to Illinois, there's not a violation of this act." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further questions, Representative Pugh?"
"Representative Cross, records reflect that the IRA has engaged in acts of terrorism. They have a history of engaging of acts in...in terrorism. So, you're saying that this individual will not be subjected to incarceration under your legislation, is that what your saying?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, there has to be a connection between the act of the fund raising or the solicitation combined with their terrorists act...and...and it may be a difficult burdened to prove, but the connections got to be there. The very fact that your in Illinois and maybe the very fact that your fund raising. But without the...isn't enough, you've got to have the connection with the act of international terrorism. Representative, one other point, and I'm not trying to be flippant here, but the IRA is not listed as a charitable organization in the State of Illinois. And this is an attempt from an administrative standpoint to get to those charitable organizations that are acting as if their charitable organizations but in reality, are doing fund raising for international terrorism. So, I don't think in your scenario, while it's a good...legitimate concern I think or a good question, it will not...it wouldn't fall in. We're far away from falling in." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"I beg to differ with you, Sir. If an organization...if an organization is going to be certified as a 501(c)3 organization, which would allow an individual to write off 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 his donations to the organization, he would have to be registered in the State of Illinois in order to qualify for that tax exemption. Now, under this legislation..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh, if you could bring your comments to a close."
"Under this legislation, the African national congress would be in violation of the law if they had of came...come to Chicago to raise money to abolish apartheid, am I correct?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Well Representative, I don't..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Your time is expired, you would be allowed to respond to the last inquiry."
"Representative, I'm not aware that they're listed as a charitable organization of the State of Illinois. I don't believe they are, and they...that has got to met before he even follows...go any further with this Bill." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh, if you'd bring your comments to a close, you are over the five minutes already but go ahead and finish the minute."
"If...is it correct that any organization soliciting moneys in the State of Illinois in order for the donating organization to receive the tax credit that he would receive for his donation, would have to be registered as a 501(C)3 organization in the State of Illinois. Is that correct?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross, this will be the last response here."
"Representative, I...I...you have to be registered in the State of Illinois as a charitable organization and incorp...and I believe, I'm not familiar with that part of the statute, you have to incorporate as a non for profit 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day corporation." March 24, 1995 Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dart."
"Thank you, will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "He indicates he will."
"I just have a couple of..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "If I could... If I could interrupt you just one moment to announce that the Rules Committee is currently meeting in the Majority Leaders' office. Proceed."
"Thank you. I just have...really have one question. I'm looking at...one of the...the great journal books here with the Bills in it. And I've noticed that the Bill, when it was introduced, had four...four Jewish Members on it and actually had Representative Gash and other Jewish Members that Cosponsor and I was wondering why the Jewish Members other than Representative Lang were removed from this Bill?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"I think there are other Members on this Bill, they may not be in the top...on the board up there Representative, but if that wants to become an issue, I guess we could take the Bill out of the record. I'm willing to move forward with this Bill. I think it's a much needed Bill, and I think it's a good Bill and I think your issue...your question is addressed, as I said, the other Members are on...on here. Or at least some of them are..." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Rpresentative... Representative Dart, on the Bill."
"Well, thank you, no. If it's a good Bill we definitely don't want to pull it out of the record. I'm sure if it's a good Bill, you wouldn't want to pull it out of the record 76 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 either, but my question was, is to why they were no longer on as hyphenated Sponsors. I...I mean, I picked up the book to look at the Bill and I notice names that are no longer on there and I want to know if there's a reason why that, that occurred? I mean, did you change that or was there a reason behind that?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Do you wish to respond further, Representative Cross? Further questions, Representative Dart? Seeing none, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Stroger."
"I would like to yield my time to Representative Pugh." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Your request will be granted. Representative Pugh, for an additional five minutes on the Bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Representative Cross, if an organization solicited funds in the State of Illinois and the organization was proven to have had a history of terrorists activity, then that organization would in turn be...be liable for punitive action under your legislation, am I correct?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, if your a charitable organization in Illinois and you solicit funds in Illinois, and that money ultimately is used to conduct international terrorism is defined in the code, then your...then your guilty, if the jury or judge finds you guilty." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative..."
"That scenario falls under this Bill." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"Are...are we talking about expose facto kind of stuff or are we talking about activity that...that took place prior to the solicitation of the funds?" 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further response, Representative Cross."
"We're talking about soliciting funds and then using them for international terrorism, Representative. I'm not sure when the Act would or would not take place, but it's a matter of utilizing that money that you've raised in Illinois and ultimately, using it for international terrorism, as defined under the Federal Code." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Do you have further questions Representative Pugh?"
"I don't...I don't think my question was answered relative to a...the African National Congress when they came over to solicit dollars to abolish apartheid. Under this legislation, would...would they...would the African National Congress had been in violation of the Illinois State statute under...under this current legislation?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, I'm not sure where you want to head with this but...but in your scenario, very simply, yes." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh, further questions?"
"Representative Cross, are you currently aware that in...in Washington, in the Congress, that the CIA is under investigation for a murder that was conducted by one of his members?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"No." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further inquiry?"
"It happened in Guatemala. So, it was an international terrorist crime. So, would...under this legislation, would the members of the CIA be in violation of this state statute?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, you may not like some of the actions of 78 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 the CIA but under this Bill, they would not...it would not apply. Their not a charitable organization in the State of Illinois and they weren't soliciting funds in the State of Illinois for international purposes of international terrorism. So, the answer is no." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Pugh."
"I think that was more of a point of information. That's...and that's a nice tie you're wearing too, Representative Cross. But, I don't think...to the Bill, Mr. Speaker." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "To the Bill."
"I don't think that any of us as duly elected officials would have supported...consciously supported apartheid. I don't think that any of us would put barriers in front of an organization that is fighting to be liberated. Whether that organization is in South Africa, whether that organization is in Ireland or whether that organization is in Israel. I think that this piece of legislation is ill prepared and needs to be rethought carefully. The ramifications of this kind of activity is not going to only affect the State of Illinois, but it's going to affect the international relationships that we have fought so hard in the United States of America to protect, and if we are going to restrict the rights of organizations who are fighting to be liberated, who are fighting constantly on the...forefront of what this country is supposed to be made of, freedom, justice, and equality, then we are missing the mark by supporting this piece of legislation and I encourage a 'no' vote." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Blagojevich. Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 a question or two?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "He indicates he will."
"Representative Cross are you familiar with the group ABATE? Are you familiar with a group ABATE, A-B-A-T-E?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Yes." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Blagojevich."
"With their...you...you familiar also with their lobbyist, Todd Vandermeed?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross, do you wish to respond?"
"It's Vandermide, Representative, and we need to watch how we pronounce that...pronounce names on the floor. Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The Representative is very sensitive about pronunciation of names. Representative."
"Fine. My apologies...I should be very careful with something like that. Fair to say, is it not, Representative Cross, that Todd Vandermide is to that group ABATE, what Adon O'Brien Gilbert was to domestic violence? is that correct?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross, I guess that's a question. Do you wish to respond?"
"I think that's a question. I...it's a good question, Representative, and I think the answer is, 'yes'." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further questions Representative?"
"Having established that, Representative, can I then...it's fair to say that Mr. Vandermide, and there he is, is a very committed person for that group and I think the world of his ability to lobby for, motorcycle lists and helmet nonusers or users, if they do it voluntarily. He's very committed and I don't mean to impugn his group, but is 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 it not that possible that there are some perhaps, over zealous members of that particular group who, could conceivably be members of the hells angels or other groups that do national internal type terrorists acts, and would that not be possible that those people within that group, Hells Angels for example, who might go south of the boarder and cross the Mexican boarder between California and Mexico, could in fact engage in acts that could be defined legally as international acts of terrorism, is that possible, Representative Cross?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Give the Gentleman your attention, Representative Cross."
"Representative, the answer...the answer is, 'no' because their not...that I know of, their not a charitable organization." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further questions, Representative?"
"Yeah, your right their not charitable to this side of aisle, you're probably right. Now, that you've...now, that you've explained that discrepancy, I would just speak to the Bill and say to you, Representative Cross, that I support this Bíll and I support the concept of doing something about international terrorism. I think you're on the right track and I hope that we can all work together and pass that Bill, and I would...I recognize that you want to respond to something, Representative Cross, so I'd yield to you for a second, if I may?" Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, what we want to be...also, address is the...maybe, the hypothetical situation of the person in York City stalking people, and this Bill might go to that, if...you may understand that." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Further...further inquiry Representative." 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Representative,
"The way...the way I read your Bill in order to stalk a former President, it would have to be in another country for it to be applied as an international act. And so, therefore, in a New York City scenario, that would not apply. And so, your Bill would not be germane." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Representative Cross."
"Representative, thanks for clearing that up. I think...I know your correct."
"Further questions?"
"I would implore the Republicans to vote for this Bill. I know many of them probably don't intend to help Representative Cross on this Bill, and so I would say that based on the question that I've asked and the answers that he's given, it's a good Bill, and I hope they support their own colleague to help pass this out. Thank you." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "Seeing no further discussion. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from...from Kendal, Representative Cross to close."
"Would appreciate a 'yes' vote, Mr. Speaker. Thank you." Speaker Johnson, Tim: "The question is, 'Shall House Bill 667 pass?' All those in favor, vote 'aye'; all those opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 91 voting 'yes', 14 voting 'no', 7 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Larry Wennlund would like to welcome the sixth and seventh grades of Joliette Christian School to the Speakers gallery today. They're studying the Constitution and wanted the opportunity to observe the House in action." 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Representative Ryder in the Chair. Mr. Clerk, please read House Bill 765."
"House Bill 765, a Bill for an Act that amends the Water Authorities Act. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Hartke, for what reason do you rise?"
"Well, it's strange, but I see a Bill up on the board that has my name on it and only my name on it, and I would like to present House Bill 765."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Back in 1950, there was a drought in the State of Illinois, and many communities were short of water. The Effingham county community that I represent, Effingham, took matters in their hands and created...or asked the General Assembly to create for them a water authority. The Effingham Water Authority was created at that time to provide water to the Effingham City area and surrounding area. They had no idea the onset of that legislation...the good things that would happen because of that lake. The Effingham Water Authority over the years, has developed substantially. Originally, had about three houses around his 26 acres in shoreline and now, there are more than 300 homes and with that go the rules and regulations governing Lake Sara through the Effingham Water Authorities Act. Back in 1951, when the Act was perceived, any violations of the Water Authority Acts carried a fine of $50 maximum and was considered a misdemeanor. Since then, we have changed state statutes, and looking at this we have class...different classes of misdemeanors so, we are adding the word Class C misdemeanor to the statute and we are changing the maximum fine, that could be levied in violation of Water Authority Acts from 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 the $50 maximum to $500. It seems that the $50 was hardly worth while going after and there were some substantial violations of the Acts and so, that is the genesis of the Bill and the need for it. I would be happy to answer any questions, if you have any on this piece of legislation."
"Thank you, Representative Hartke. Is there any discussion? Seeing none on the majority side, the Chair would recognize Representative from Cook, Representative Dart."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to take this off of Short Debate and I'm joined by a sufficient number of colleagues. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Excuse me, before you proceed. A request has been made to take Representative Hartke's Bill off of Short Debate. In the spirit of fair play, the Chair will acknowledge that."
"Thank you, I just have a few questions."
"Mr...Mr. Dart, the Gentleman indicates he will yield."
"Representative, there ... some changes made in this...what is the reason why we are changing these?"
"Representative Hartke."
"We're seeking the change because, when the attorney for the Water Authority District goes to court for violations of the Act, the most he can ask for is a $50 fine by statutes. And sometimes, that's hardly appropriate, considering some of the violations."
"Representative Dart."
"So, the primary thing is it's just the penalty aspect of this and they're increasing it so it makes it worth their while?"
"Representative Hartke." 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
"Yes."
"Representative Dart." March 24, 1995
"Just two more questions. Is there any idea of how much money this would bring in, in additional fines? Any idea how much this would increase it by?"
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, there could be all kinds of violations and there has been in the past. You must understand that the Effingham Water Authority and all the homes around the lake, as well as the roads, the water system, the sewer systems, the boating on the lake, the permits that are sold, the speeding, the skiing violations and so forth, to protect the health and safety of the residents around the lake. There are all kinds of rules and regulations that fall under the jurisdiction and authority of the Effingham Water Authority Act therefore, there could be many violations of the various Act. For example, to build a home around the lake, you do not buy the land around the lake, you lease it for 99 years. You put in a septic system, that could be a violation to that which could leak into the lake and so forth. You're not only violating then the Effingham county Public Health rules and law but also, the Effingham Water Authority Act. So, those are some of the violations that could take place."
"Representative Dart."
"One more question. Is this an attempt of yours, by chance, to relieve the prison overcrowding?"
"Representative Hartke."
"There has been a prison impact note filed and the Department of Corrections feel that there will be no impact on the prisons systems in the State of Illinois, because of my change in this legislation." 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Representative Hartke, did you want the Bill filed now from Representative Dart?"
"No, that's fine."
"Oh, okay, I'm sorry. Representative Dart has concluded. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang. Representative Lang. Representative Lang. Please, give the Bill file to Representative Lang."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Representative Lang."
"Thank you. Is this for someone in you district, Representative?"
"Representative Hartke."
"I own no property around the lake, lease no property from the lake, do not swim in the lake, do not have a boat on the lake. The attorney for the water district was my classmate. He was always number one in class; I was number two, and the only time I ever beat him was in the seventh grade. I beat the tar out of him."
"Representative Lang."
"Do any of the pigs from your personal pig ranch swim in this lake?"
"Representative Hartke, you are not required to answer that question. Representative Hartke."
"My farm is located on the East side of the county, Lake Sara is on the West side of the county. My pigs do not get that far away from home."
"Representative Lang. Representative Lang."
"Well, I thank you, Mr. Speaker, I was really concerned that the Eastside pigs are swimming in the Westside lake, so my concerns...I think it's a good Bill, surprisingly 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day so."
"Representative, is there any further discussions? Seeing none. Representative Hartke to close."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A couple of years ago, I had a system where I had a downstate tour where I brought Members of the General Assembly, both the House and the Senate, down and Representative Wojcik just come over to give me some words of advice. She has enjoyed the beautiful lake Sara, Effingham area and I'm sure that she will support it because she wants to come down again and enjoy the Effingham area. Mr. Ryder, I believe you were there too and I know Mr. Black was there...course some of the old...old Members aren't here anymore and some of the new Members, but there were some 35 legislatures that came down in a two year period, enjoyed the lake. So, support lake Sara with this piece of legislation."
"Thank you, Mr. Hartke. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 765 pass?' All those in favor, vote 'aye'; all those opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are...on this question, there are 112 'ayes', no 'nays', and none voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
"Committee Reports. Committee on Rules has met. Committee Report offered by Representative Churchill, Chairman from the Committee on Rules, to which the following and Resolutions were referred, action taken on March 24, 1995, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do adopt' House Resolutions #5, House Resolution # 29, House Resolution # 30, and House Joint 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day Resolution # 34. March 24, 1995
"Returning to the order of House Bills Third Reading. The Chair would ask the Clerk to read House Bill 1156. Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1156, a Bill for an Act that amends the Northeastern Illinois planning Act. Thi:d Reading of this House Bill."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Saviano. Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 1156, is an initiative of the West Central Municipal Conference of mayors. Under the current law, what this Bill would do, is amend the Northeast Illinois Planning Act and increase the amount of commissioners that represent the Cook county area from two to three. Currently, in suburban Cook County, we have three different mayors groups. We have the South Suburban mayors and managers, we have the West Central Municipal Conference, and we have the Northwest Municipal Conference. What this would enable us to do, was to increase it to three members. Each of those conferences would have their own member on the Northeast Illinois Planning Commission, which is commonly know as NIPSY. To give you a little background on what NIPSY does, it advises the City of Chicago, Cook county and the suburban counties of Lake, Will, Dupage, Cain, and McHenry on such matters as regional planning, economic development, land use, transportation, water supply, and flood control, recreation facilities and capital improvement programs. Currently, the commission consists of 33 commissioners. There is no opposition to this Bill. NIPSY is in agreement with this Bill and I would ask for a favorable vote. Thank you." 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
"Is there any discussion? March 24, 1995 The Chair recognizes...Representative Saviano would you ask you staff to please...please, adjourn to the back of the Chamber. Please. On second thought, keep Mr. O'Brian with you. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang. Representative."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Representative Lang."
"Thank you. First of all...the first thing I would like to indicate is, that you are not getting this award that is in my file because...because I don't feel like giving it to you, and because I don't see the photographer. But next, Representative Saviano, you're just increasing this by one Member. Is that correct? You're increasing this board by one Member?"
"Representative Saviano."
"Yes, Representative, and I would also add that these commissioners are not paid for their service."
"Representative Lang."
"Where would this member come from?"
"Representative Saviano."
"The Representative would be recommended by the municipal conference and would come from the area which would be North of I-55 and South of Devan Ave."
"Representative Lang."
"So, let me ask you this. There are currently 33 members on this Board? Right? How many of them would come from areas you would consider to be Democratic areas and how many would come from areas we consider to become Republican areas?"
"Representative Saviano." 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
March 24, 1995 "Well, I don't have the partisan breakdown, but I could give you what it consists of currently. There are five residents of counties area appointed by the Governor. Five appointed by the mayor of Chicago, of which three members are the Chicago City Council. We have five county board members appointed by board chairman of Lake, Will, Dupage, Cain, and McHenry counties. Three Cook county board members appointed by the board chairman. One member of and appointed by the CTA. One appointed by the Metropolitan Sanitary District or MWRD. Seven elected municipal officials elected by the assembly of mayors of municipalities and counties area, except Chicago. One each from counties of Lake, Will, Dupage, Cain, and McHenry counties. One from Cook county, south of Roosevelt road. One from Cook county, north of Roosevelt road. One member of, and appointed by the RTA. One member of an appointed by the Chicago Park District. And one member of Park District Board and county areas other than the Chicago Park District, appointed by the Illinois Association of Park Districts."
"Representative Lang."
"Thank you. So, you have a board of 33 members. Why are we adding one lonely member to this Board?"
"Representative Saviano."
"Well, Representative, this is an initiative by the West central municipal conference. Currently, we have a member that comes from south of Roosevelt road, one member comes from north Roosevelt road and the tendency of that is is that the one south of Roosevelt Road is associated with the south suburban mayors. The one north of Roosevelt road tends to be associated with the Northwest Municipal Conference. We are looking for one for the West Central 90 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Municipal Conference so there's the proper representation for the suburban area."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, who do you suppose this person is going to side with? The north suburban mayors or the south suburban mayors?"
"Representative Saviano."
"Most likely, this member will side with the West Cook County Mayors, although as you know, our municipal conferences in suburban Cook all work closely together and in most cases, are in agreement."
"Representative Salvi... Lang. Excuse me, Sir."
"That's alright, Sir, that's not an insult. So, you're creating...you're now, taking an odd numbered board and making an even number board. What happen in a case of a tie?"
"Representative Saviano."
"Maybe, I could put something in there to make me break the tie. I don't know, but the bottom line is, it's a more of an advisory group. Most issues are non-controversial. The amount of representation on the board justifies the fact that everybody's concerns are addressed, and this would just insure that our West Cook County area would be well represented."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, I think you should address this odd-even issue in the Senate, Representative. I'll consider giving some support to your Bill. I thank you for your answers."
"Representative Lang concludes and the Chair recognizes Gentleman from Cook, Representative Pugh. Representative Pugh."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you. Will the Sponsor yield for a 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day question?" March 24, 1995
"The Sponsor indicate that he would yield for a question, Sir. Representative Pugh."
"Representative Saviano, how many members are currently on this board? I think you said 33."
"Representative Saviano."
"That's correct."
"Representative Pugh."
"And, this an elected municipal office...elected by...on a general...in the municipal election? Am I correct?"
"Representative Saviano."
"No, you are not correct. It's not an elected position, it's an appointed position."
"Representative Pugh."
"And, who makes the appointments?"
"Representative Saviano."
"The respective municipal conference."
"Representative Pugh."
"And who makes up the respective municipal conference?"
"Representative Saviano."
"In the case of the West Central Municipal Conference, there's 38 communities and the mayors from those 38 communities would be the ones to appoint."
"Representative Pugh."
"Yes, Sir, for my personal edification, can you tell me the boundaries or the general boundaries for that West County Conference?"
"Before Representative Saviano responds, could I please ask... Ladies and Gentleman of the House, please attempt to reduce the level of noise. This is an important conversation for your edification. Representative Saviano." 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
March 24, 1995 "The specific boundaries would be north of I-55, south of Devan Ave., and in suburban Cook county."
"Representative Pugh."
"And would it be also safe to assume, Sir, that the cosponsors that you have on this piece of legislation that reflect the bipartisan support, makes up the boundaries in which you're speaking?"
"Representative Saviano."
"You are absolutely correct."
"Representative Pugh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I have no further questions."
"No further questions? Any further discussion? Seeing none, Representative Saviano to close."
"I would just ask for a favorable vote and I thank my hyphenated Co-Sponsors for their support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1156 pass?' All those in favor, vote 'aye'; all those opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 110 'ayes', 1 'nay', none voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, please read House Bill 1486."
"House Bill 1486, a Bill for an Act in relation to aggregate mining operations. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Out of the record." Mr. Clerk, House Bill 1509."
"House Bill 1509, a Bill for an Act that amends the University of Illinois Act. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Jefferson, Representative Jones. Representative." Jones, J: "Mr. Speaker, I rise before you to present House Bill 1509. This amends the University of Illinois's Act and the section creating scholarships for children of veterans, deletes the provisions that authorizes the Board of Trustees to establish additional scholarships that may be awarded to persons who are not children of veterans. This is strictly a cleanup, Bill and this is a Bill for veterans childrens only. I ask for a favorable vote."
"Any further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Pugh. Representative...Representative Pugh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"The Gentleman indicates that he will. Representative Pugh."
"Representative,ould...this legislation is designed to insure that children of veteran's have access scholarships, am I correct?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "They already have access to those scholarships."
"Representative Pugh."
"Can you give me the genesis of this legislation, Sir?"
"Representative Jones." to Jones, J: "It's strictly to assure that their the only ones that receive this scholarship."
"Representative Pugh."
"That the...this...this...I can't see you. This legislation is designed to insure that some..."
"Excuse me. Representative Pugh, I've always wanted to do this. May I try something, Sir? I suppose that's why I've always wanted to try to do it. Does that 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 help your vision line to Representative Jones, Representative Pugh?"
"Yes, Sir, tremendously. Thank you very much for your kind consideration."
"We're glad to accommodate you, Sir."
"Please, continue in your questions."
"What we're attempting to do here, Sir, is to eliminate scholarships for who?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Representative, we're not eliminating any scholarships. We're just assuring that the scholarships go to children of veteran's only. That's exactly what this scholarship was designed for. We're just assuring that, that's what happens."
"Thank you, Representative Jones. Representative Pugh, further questions?"
"So, it does not say that if there...if there's money available that there won't be additional scholarships, allocated?"
"Representative Jones. Is that a question, Representative Jones?" Jones, J: "That's up to the board, currently. But, there's other Bills to address other scholarships."
"Further questions? Representative Pugh."
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Could you repeat your answer?"
"Just a moment, Sir. The Chair asks that the volume in the chamber please be reduced, so that the Gentleman can hear the questions and we may all hear the answers. Mr...Representative Jones, would you repeat your answer for Representative Pugh, please?" Jones, J: "It's currently being taken care of by the Board of 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Trustees, but with House Bill l119, that we just passed out of here that gives out additional scholarships."
"Representative Pugh."
"So, in...in essence, this legislation will...the current law reflects that the scholarships for the veterans of children will leave this...this legislation allows the University of Illinois to have discretion, whether or not the moneys that are available that's left over from that scholarship fund would be allocated. Is that correct?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "It's not a scholarship fund, it's a tuition waiver."
"Representative Pugh, you have 30 seconds, Sir."
"So, why...why...why are we transferring...are we giving the University of Illinois the discretion at this point, and we didn't do it previously? Is there a need?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "They already have that discretion, that's what we're eliminating. Under this scholarship, it strictly goes to children of veterans."
"Representative Pugh, your time has elapsed. The Chair recognizes the...the Chair would give you additional time to bring your remarks to a close, if you wish, Representative? Do you wish? Do you wish? Representative, please bring your remarks to a close."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you very much. Sorry, if I didn't get to the point...and I didn't understand the genesis of the legislation and I still don't really understand why we're taking away the discretion from...from the U of I."
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "We've given the university discretion in other Bills such as 1119, that we just passed out of this House."
"Representative Pugh." 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
"Well, we've March 24, 1995 taken away discretion...we've taken away discretion in this Bill and given them discretion in another piece of legislation."
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Yes."
"Representative Pugh, 10 seconds."
"Thank you very much. No further questions."
"Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Washington, Representative Deering."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Representative, he indicates that he will. Representative Deering for purposes of questions, Representative."
"Representative, the administration of these scholarships, is it done by the U of I Board of Trustees or is it done by the County Regional Superintendent of Schools?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "It's done by the U of I Board of Trustees."
"Representative Deering."
"Does the county...I noticed here in the language that each county in the state shall be entitled to the honorary tuition waiver. Does the Regional Superintendent of the...of a respective county have any input when the U of I board is making the decision on these...on these tuition waivers?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "As I understand, it goes to the county chairmans. I'm not aware of the Regional Superintendent's office."
"Representative Deering."
"Is this...now, you mentioned the county chairman. Is that county chairman of the county board or county chairman 97 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 of the political parties?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "It's my understanding, Representative Deering, it's the county chairman of the county board."
"Representative Deering."
"Thank you, and I didn't get that...just nod your head. The county chairman or the chairman of the county board. Okay. I notice also in here, in the language you mention...or the language mentions several wars and conflicts, but there's nothing in here to my knowledge, as to the recent desert storm operation or desert storm service. Will these...will the offspring of these individuals that fought in this battle, be eligible for these tuition waivers also? Or, are they excluded?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "They're already in statute, Representative."
"Representative Deering."
"Okay, on the Bill, page 1, line 20, starting at line 24. We're deleting a section that says, 'nor need these additions be confined to the descendents of soldiers and seamen'. I take that to say is, now we're going to...we're only going to make offspring of military personnel, the only ones that have the exclusive right to these scholarships, is that correct?"
"I'm sorry, Representative Deering, was that a question? The Chair apologizes. I didn't...it is indeed a question? All right then, Representative Jones to answer the inquiry of Representative Deering." Jones, J: "That is correct for this particular scholarship."
"Representative Deering."
"Why then, would we be deleting the language that said that the trustees may from time to time offer these tuition 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 waivers to other financially stressed or financially strapped individuals, and just give these scholarships only to offspring of military personnel?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Because, they can receive this scholarship under House Bill 1119."
"Representative Deering. Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have no further questions."
"No further questions from Representative Deering. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Will, Representative Meyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill went through the Veteran's Affairs Committee and received a fair hearing. It passed through with...with out descending vote on it. We had no witnesses in opposition appear before us and, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if I could have your attention, I think that what this Bill does, is to insure that..."
"Representative Meyers, may you pause, please. The Chair would ask for your attention to the Gentleman. Thank you. Representative Meyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the Bill itself is setting aside and making sure that those tuition waivers that have been set aside by previous law, for the purpose of use of the veterans that have served this country and their children, they're reserved for that purpose and they are not given out in addition to other non-veteran scholarships that are...excuse me, tuition waivers that are...are available through other programs. If, in fact, the criteria is not met by the student who wishes to use the tuition waiver, well then, that would not be granted, there by, reserving 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 the integrity of the program. It was intended for use of the offspring of veterans and that should be protected and the money that...or the waivers that were set aside for them, should not be otherwise used. I would encourage the House Members to vote 'yes' on this Bill. I support it, it's a good Bill and it protects tuitions waiver, the spirit of the tuition waiver for the state programs. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Moore, Eugene Moore. Representative. Your light is on, do you wish to speak, Sir? It's rare that I offer this opportunity." Moore, E: "Yes, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker. I yield my time to Representative Hoffman."
"Mr... The Gentleman from St. Clair, Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will."
"Representative, why do you want to take scholarships away from veterans kids?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "That isn't what this Bill does."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Representative, it's my understanding that this would amend the scholarship provisions of the Veteran Scholarship Act and would prohibit the University of Illinois from giving additional scholarships to kids. These could be veterans...children of veterans, couldn't they?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Representative, childrens...veterans' children are still covered under this Act."
"Representative Hoffman." 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day
March 24, 1995 "Well, veterans' children are...are still covered one per county but they have the authority to expand that as my understanding, until you took it away and took away the ability to expand scholarships of veterans' children under this Act. "Speaker Ryder: "Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Representative, they had the authority before to expand it to non-veterans' children."
"Representative Hoffman."
"But wouldn't that...number one, that would be based on need and there is no...there is no prohibition from giving additional scholarships to children of veterans. Is that right?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "I'm sorry, Representative, could you repeat that?"
"Representative Hoffman."
"Well, it's my understanding that the expansion of the scholarships would be based on need and there is no prohibition that would prohibit the University of Illinois from giving additional scholarships to children of veterans under this Act. And now, by changing it, your prohibiting the University of Illinois from giving additional scholarships of children of veterans. If they so chose."
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "No, we're not Representative."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Well, you got to look at the language, Representative. I think you have to read the language because it's my understanding that under this Bill presently, there is...there are, and I do concede your maintaining the one per county Veteran scholarship, but there is an additional provision to law that gives the University of Illinois the 101 authority, not mandate, but the authority to expand that program. They could give those additional scholarships to other children of Veterans. My question to you is, why would you want to take scholarships from children of veterans?"
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Representative, we are not doing that. It's one scholarship per county, per hostility."
"Representative Hoffman."
"But, Representative, the Bill does something. The Bill does something or you wouldn't have a Bill, and it's my understanding that it limits the ability of the University of Illinois to give out these scholarships to one per county. So, the University of Illinois wanted to give an additional scholarship to a child of a veteran based on need in a different county...they would...to give at least two in a county, they would be prohibited by your legislation. So, by it's very nature, by your legislation, your essentially prohibiting the University of Illinois from giving additional scholarships to children based on need, that could be children of veterans."
"Representative Jones." Jones, J: "Representative Hoffman, I am not out to take a scholarship one away from any veteran or an veterans, child. Undoubtedly, in committee you did not read the Bill, because you voted for it in committee."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Well, Representative, I think in committee, you probably didn't explain the Bill. So, what I'm saying to you...what I'm saying to you, Representative, is this. I don't mind helping you get it out on the floor, give you a chance to debate it. I think more of our Bills should be 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 out on the floor. We should have a chance to debate them too, and...and respect to you and your ability to the Sponsor, I'm giving you a chance to debate it. I just don't understand why for the life of me, you would want to introduce a Bill that could have the practical effect. I'm not saying... I'm not saying that you have anything against veterans, Sir. I wouldn't say that, and I respect you more than that, but what I am saying, is you got to look at the content of the Bill. The content of the Bill could have the practical effect of taking scholarships away from needy veterans children."
"The Gentleman from Madison, Representative Stephens."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. What an absolutely, ridiculous line of questioning we've just witnessed. The Gentleman voted for the Bill in committee and he says, ' well, perhaps he did it because it wasn't sufficiently explained.' The Bill simply adds five words to the statute and then eliminates approximately four and a half lines in the...in the statute. If he didn't have time to read that Bill and understand it in committee, maybe he should of deferred and not been a substitute in the committee that day. His line of question ng is out of order, this Bill is not meant to take veterans...scholarships or tuition waivers away from veterans and you know it. And for you to quote those such Acts and to accuse the Representative of trying to take privileges away for the children of veterans, is absolutely ridiculous and the whole Body should resent it. I'm appalled at your actions. Excuse me, I'm shocked and appalled, and I stand in defense of my seatmate whom, I think you have wronged."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Grundy, 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day Representative Spangler." March 24, 1995
"Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question."
"The previous question has been moved and on that issue, we shall vote. All those in favor, shall vote 'aye'; those opposed, shall vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this Motion...on this Motion, there are 61... there are 61 voting 'aye', there are 50 voting 'no', none voting 'present'. The Motion has succeeded and the question shall be put. Mr. Lang, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Well, Mr. Speaker, I...I know that you were probably not listening when I was yelling for a verification, however, I will now ask for a verification on the Bill, on Third Reading."
"Sir, we are not to that point yet. However, I will recognize you in just a few moments for that purpose. The Motion is successful, the question...the previous question shall be put. The Chair recognizes Representative Jones to close." Jones, J: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. This is strictly a cleanup Bill, as I've said in my opening statements. This is a Bill that is a tuition waiver for veterans children and veterans' children only. I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1509...the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1509 pass?' All those in favor, vote 'yes'; all those opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Should this receive the requisite 104 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 number, we would request a verification."
"The Chair acknowledges the request. 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 64 voting 'yes', 44 voting 'no', 5 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Lang for verification. Representative Lang. Representative Lang, I apologize. The Chair was in error. I have declared it passed. The Chair is in error. It has not been cleared, you will receive your verification. I apologize for my error. Please, poll those voting in the affirmative."
"A poll of those voting in the affirmative: Representative Ackerman. Biggert. Biggins. Black. Boland. Bost. Brady. Churchill. Ciarlo. Clayton. Cowlishaw. Cross. Deuchler. Durkin. Hanrahan. Hassert. Hoeft. Holbrook. Hughes. Johnson, Tim. Johnson, Tom. Jones, John. Klingler. Krause."
"Mr. Clerk, please. Mr. Lang, Representative Black is seeking leave to be verified. Mr. Lang authorizes it. Mr. Black is verified. Thank you."
"Representative Kubik. Lachner. Lawfer. Leitch. Lindner. Lyons. McAuliffe. Meyer. Mitchell. Moffitt. Moore, Andrea. Murphy, Maureen. Myers. Noland."
"Mr. Clerk, please. Representative Lang, Representative Mitchell, in his seat, wishes to be verified. Leave to be verified. Thank you, Mr. Mitchell."
"Representative Noland. Novak O'Connor. Pankau. Parke. Pedersen. Persico. Poe. Roskam. Rutherford. Ryder. 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Salvi. Saviano. Skinner. Spangler. Stephens. Tenhouse. Turner, John. Wait. Weaver. Wennlund. Winkel. Winters. Wirsing. Wojcik. Zickus. And, Mr. Speaker."
"Questions, Representative Lang?"
"Thank you, Sir. Representative Roskam?"
"Representative Roskam. Representative Roskam. Please, turn around Representative Lang. Convorting with the enemy."
"Didn't expect to see him on my side of the aisle."
"Convorting with the enemy."
"Representative Parke?"
"Representative Parke. Representative Parke. Representative Parke, please remove him from the roll."
"Representative Tenhouse?"
"Representative Tenhouse is in the back, Representative Lang. Further questions?"
"Representative Persico?"
"Representative Persico. Representative Persico. Representative Persico. Please, remove him."
"Representative Cross?"
"Representative Cross. Representative Cross. Please, remove him."
"Representative Hughes?"
"Representative Hughes is in the back of the Republican side, Representative Lang. Further questions?"
"Bear with me, please. Representative... Representative Meyers?"
"Representative Rich Meyers. Representative Rich Meyers is in the back. Further questions?"
"Yes, in a moment, Sir."
"Further questions, Mr. Lang?"
"One moment." 106 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE Speaker Ryder: "I'm an impatient person, Sir. Lang." March 24, 1995
Representative Lang: "Representative Bost?"
"Representative Bost. Did you recognize him on our side? Thank you. Further questions? Mr. Lang."
"One moment."
"Mr. Lang, further questions? Further questions?"
"Representative Klingler?"
"Representative Klingler is in her chair, Sir."
"Couldn't see her, there's someone in my line of vision, Sir."
"All right. Members will be in their Chair. Representative Lang. Further questions?"
"Representative Zabrocki?"
"Representative. Representative Zabrocki is not voting and he was announced as an excused absence. Further questions, Sir?"
"Representative Salvi?"
"He's in his chair. Further questions, Representative Lang? Sir."
"Representative Ackerman?"
"Representative Ackerman is always in his chair. Representative Lang, please. Further questions? Representative Lang."
"Representative Wennlund?"
"Representative Wennlund's in the aisle. Sir. Further questions?"
"No further."
"No further. On this question, there are 61 'ayes', 44 'nays', 5 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair wishes to announce that...I hope, behind 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 us, Mrs. Christy Woodard and the fifth grade class of Lincoln Elementary school, in Dixon, Illinois...are not here, yet. But, when they arrive... when they arrive, we'll welcome them, again. Please read House Bill 2245, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2245, a Bill for an Act in relation to the transfer of certain crime lab functions. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"On the Bill, Representative O'Connor."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2245 effectively, amends the Personnel Code and the Pension Code in relation to terms of employment and benefits for certain Chicago crime laboratory workers who are effected by an inter-governmental agreement providing for the transfer of certain crime lab functions from the Chicago Police Department, to the Department of State Police.
"Further? Are there any...any further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dart."
"Thank you, will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will, Representative Dart, please proceed."
"Thank you. Representative, is Amendment #1 on the Bill?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Yes, it is."
"Representative Dart."
"Can you explain to me how Amendment #1...I mean, why it was needed? What does it do?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Are you asking who requested it?"
"Representative Dart."
"I was trying...my question was in regards to Amendment #1 108 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 and how it affected the Bill and why we needed it."
"Representative O'Connor."
"It's a technical correction by CMS."
"Representative Dart."
"Was this Bill necessitated by the change that we did last year? Or, was it the year before?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Yes, Representative, this goes back approximately three years ago."
"Representative Dart."
"Just briefly...Mr. Speaker, I am joined by enough colleagues, we wish to take this off of Short Debate."
"Shall be removed from Short Debate. Proceed, Representative Dart."
"Thank you. Finally, Representative, what would be the senario...Ι mean, I agree with this Bill. What would be the scenario if this were not to pass? What's the problem that you're directly confronting here?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"From what I understand, Representative, when the State of Illinois was to take over the crime lab, all the employees would then be layed off."
"Representative O'Connor. Representative Dart."
"Nothing further, Mr. Speaker. Thank you."
"No further. The Chair would...seeing no...is there any further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Pugh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentleman of the House. Representative O'Connor, could you explain to me what functions will be transferred as a result of this legislation?"
"Representative O'Connor." 109 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995
"You said the functions, correct, Representative?"
"Representative Pugh."
"Yes, Sir. Which functions would be transferred?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"All of the functions that are now, currently under the crime lab. In other words, the whole usage of the Chicago Crime Lab would now come under the privy of the Illinois State Police."
"Representative Pugh."
"So, I'm correct in understanding that the functions of the...all of the functions of the Chicago Police Departments' Crime Lab will be transferred to the Department of State Police. Is that correct?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Yes, it is Representative."
"Representative Pugh."
"And what's the fiscal impact? How much money will we save...will the City of Chicago save as a result of laying off these employees?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"The physical impact is minimal to none. Under the current program right now, Representative, the state has been pretty much subsidizing the crime lab to the tune of about $9 million a year, which would end of course, when this takes effect."
"Representative Pugh."
"So...so, are you forecasting a savings to the State of Illinois as result of this transfer?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Yes, I would assume there would be a savings based on the fact that the $9 million a year that was going there prior to this." 110 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995
"Representative Pugh."
"And in developing this inter-governmental agreement was it the...was this the brainchild of the State Police or of the Chicago Police Department who wanted...which agency developed the...originated this legislation?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Representative, it was in conjunction with the Illinois State Police, Chicago Police. It was a cooperative effort."
"Representative Pugh. Further questions?"
"Yes, Sir. So, do you...would you say that...can you say that the City of Chicago is totally in favor...that the Chicago Police Department is in favor of this legislation? The FOP?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Representative, the Chicago Police, the FOP, and the mayor of City of Chicago are strong proponents of this legislation."
"Representative Pugh."
"Just so that I can...so that I can understand further. How does the...why does the Pension Code have to be amended in order for this legislation to be enacted?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Representative, there's no gap in coverage there for like disabilities and death benefits. That's why that's being done."
"Representative Pugh further questions?"
"No further questions, thank you."
"No further questions, thank you, Representative. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang. Representative."
"Thank you, will the Sponsor yield?" 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Representative Lang, he indicates that he will yield for your questions."
"Very polite Gentleman. Thank you, Sir."
"Representative Lang, please proceed."
"Representative, were these folks covered under some pension plan before they were transferred to state control?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"Yes, Representative, they were covered under the Chicago Municipal Pension Plan."
"Representative Lang."
"Was it just an oversight when this transfer was made, that this wasn't done?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"This is required...is requested by the state...the state employees retirement system."
"I'm sorry, Representative Lang."
"Well, I think I support it as well. Don't think I am opposed to your Bill I just want to know why this wasn't done at the time that we shifted the responsibility from the city to the state."
"Representative O'Connor."
"...there was a degree of difficulty working out the fine details to the end, until they finally got around to agreeing on it."
"Representative Lang."
"And what details are in this Bill that couldn't be worked out then? What are these fine minutia of detail you're referring to?"
"Representative O'Connor, on minutia and detail."
"I'm sorry, Representative, I'll be with you in a second. We had to address the Personnel Code to allow for 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day lateral entry."
"Representative Lang."
"Is that your entire answer, Sir? That... Those three words are what couldn't be worked out three years ago when we made this transfer?"
"Representative O'Connor."
"That is my entire answer at this time, Representative."
"Representative Lang, further questioning, Sir?"
"Well once again, a Member of the Majority Party has given me an answer I can't do anything with. He has told me the truth so I am for the Bill."
"It will get you every time, Representative Lang. No further discussion, the Chair recognizes Representative O'Connor to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The State Police, the Chicago Police, there are no opponents to this Bill and I would ask both sides of the aisle to cast a favorable vote on this Bill. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2245 pass?' All those in favor, vote 'aye'; all those opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open and this is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 110 'ayes', no 'nays', and none voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And now, as the Chair promised and alerted you, in deed. We are honored today to have as our guest Mrs. Chrisity Woodward, Vicki Glesner, Barb Wagner, and the fifth grade class of Lincoln Elementary School in Dixon, Illinois. I would remind you that Dixon is the hometown of former President Ronald 113 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Reagan and more importantly, represented by Representative Mitchell. Attention, your attention please. Mr. Clerk, please read House Bill 907..907...seven."
"House Bill 907, a Bill for an Act that amends the Sustainable Agricultural Act. Third Reading, of this House Bill."
"There shall be no insect sounds tolerated by the Chair, during our very busy schedule. Representative Woolard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, it's indeed a pleasure to participate in the process in something so important as...I guess there's probably some of you that really think that this is a agriculture...there have been those that have been buzzing back here about the bee...I really don't even think that's it. I would like for Representative Spangler especially, and Representative Deering to listen closely, because what we are really talking about here is a grocery Bill. No question, no questions. The Department of Agriculture has recognized a very serious problem, and this serious problem deals with something that's important to all of us. That nothing can happen without something happening first and what this really is about, is the pollination of all of the opportunities that the flowers and the trees, the fruit of this great state, the soy beans we can go on and on, the corn and everything else that we have available to us at the grocery store has to have something or somebody to help make it happen. Sure, the good Lord gave us great earth in this state, but without the bees...without the bees to pollinate each and every one of these flowers and vegetables and fruits, we would be in trouble. What happened last year is, we had a near catastrophe. The bees 114 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 were put in jeopardy. Somebody...somebody allowed some bad bees in the State of Illinois, and we can't allow that to ever happen again. We positively, have got to protect the interest of the good bees and their abode. And what we're going to be doing today, is setting forth in the process, something that will make us all to be able to be stung again because we are going to preserve the good bees. In all seriousness, 40% of the bee crop was lost in the State of Illinois last year and this, does put in jeopardy the farming operations of this great state. And we have to do something to insure that those bees that are brought into the state are of good quality and do not infest our bee population with diseases, et cetera. And with this piece of legislation, we'll insure that, that happens. The Department of Agriculture has put forth great effort in insuring that we have a plan that works. I encourage each and everyone of you to join me in this stinging operation, which will make a difference as we all buzz about our communities. Representative Spangler. Representative Deering, I would be honored if you would SO nod, as joining me as cosponsors of this great legislation with Representative Black and Noland. I'll add you at this time if you would."
"Thank you, Reverend...I mean, Representative Woolard. The Chair asked the Clerk to provide the necessary documentation to the Gentleman, SO that the co-soponsors can be added as he indicated and on that issue, the Chair recognizes the Gentleman from...oh I'm sorry, the Lady from Will, Representative Ciarlo."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, just one question. What does one do when one's allergic to bees?"
"Representative Woolard." 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day
"Thank you, for that great question and you know, I think that it's wonderful a process that the Lord established for us. Even though, we may be allergic to bees, the good works that they accomplish we are not allergic to. And the great peaches and pears and apples and oranges and things that are provided for us on this good earth, are the work of the good bee. And you're probably not allergic to them."
"Any further questions, Representative? Please proceed."
"Just ask you then, what does the Bill do?"
"Representative Woolard."
"What we are actually doing is establishing some regulations that would allow the Department of Agriculture to administer a plan that does insure that our bee population does remain in place. There's a registration fee for those beekeepers. We're also taking care of the homes of the bees, the apiaries, which is the places where they reside. Some of them are traveling bees that provide the pollination for various areas of the state, so good question."
"Anything further, Representative? Representative Woolard to close on this Bill on Short Debate. For what..please...for what purpose is the outburst on the Democratic side of the aisle? The Chair recognizes the largest of the outburster, Representative Deering. For what purpose do you arise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I would first like to say that I'm joined by the requisite number of my colleagues and move to take this Bill off of Short Debate."
"Representative, the Chair's reluctant to do that because the Chair only sees Democratic hands. No, the 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Chair only sees Democratic hands; however, there are...Representative Woolard...I'm chagrined. No, I'm not shocked and appalled. I recognize what I see. Representative, it is off Short Debate, please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will."
"Representative, is Honey Skinner lobbying for this Bill?"
"Representative Woolard."
"Honey was not available and we had to really get to the bottom of the barrel. Yogi Bear was not there, but Jelly Bear was."
"Another question, Representative Deering? Please proceed."
"Well, Representative, I'm going to ask... make a statement here, I guess, maybe ask a question. I don't know, I'm so abuzzed by what's going on. But, I've gotten some calls since this Bill went up and apparently, we're patched in a statewide information service because you mentioned my good friend and colleague, Representative Spangler and I in debate and mentioned groceries. Now, why you would tie us with groceries I don't know, but I've gotten some called from Jenny Craig and Dexitrim and even Slim Fast and they asked me to be opposed to this Bill along with Representative and my colleague, Representative Spangler but I think because we don't want our...the rest of our colleagues in this Body to be worried about getting stung and we don't...or we want the rest of our colleagues to know that Representative Spangler and I can remain as sweet as we are. I think we will stand in line to support you in this initiative." 117 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995
"Any further discussion? The Gentleman from Will, Representative Wennlund."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Representative Woolard, he acknowledges your request, Representative, please proceed."
"Thank you very much. I asked one of your hyphenated cosponsors this question and very frankly, I got three different answers. I asked him the definition of the word apiary. First of all, he told me birds and I said, 'well certainly, the Bill can't deal with the birds and the bees', and when I didn't buy that one, he then told me that...that it was an apple orchard and I said, ' no, I don't think bees and apple orchards go together.' The third answer, and he reminds me of...he said it had something to do with ratites. Can you enlighten the House Floor what apiaries are?"
"Representative Woolard."
"This could be construed to be a vehicular storage facility or a permanent home for the storage place of the bee hives, but I guess we probably would just call it a shed back home. It's the place where we stick those bee hives for storage."
"Representative Wennlund."
"I thank you very much, Representative, and now, there are at least 117 other Members of this Body that know what an apiary is. Another question. The Bill provides that hives...it's $100 fine for maintaining hives that can not be readily inspected. Perhaps you could tell me, is this where you hide the bees?"
"Representative Woolard."
"Very definitely. I think that if we hide them well 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 enough, we won't have any fines imposed, but in reality, yes, it is something that's very serious. It is something that we have to have some means to deal with. It is something that we have to ensure that they're kept in a fashion that will not allow us to ever be in a situation we were last year where we lost 40% of our bees in the State of Illinois due to infestation of bad bees. And through this inspection process, through the Department of Agriculture, I'm sure that this will never happen again."
"Representative Wennlund."
"Thank you very much. I had one other question here. In weekends, often travel to the State of Michigan so...so and then come back into Illinois, this might very well effect me. There is a $100 fine for transporting bees interstate without a permit. Now, I've hit a bee many times on my windshield and come through Michigan, Indiana, and into Illinois, could I be subject to a fine of $100 for transporting these bees interstate without a permit or would I have to get a permit?"
"Representative Woolard."
"Let me just say that knowing you and the conscientious good guy that you are, as long as you keep the bee in a very visible place, I'm sure that we will let no one assess a penalty to you. But I'm reasonably sure, that if this becomes in a place that would be less than desirable or difficult to see, there might be a penalty involved and I'm sure that you would just as soon pay $100 as to except the consequences. Especially if it's one of those bigger black with the yellow on it's back."
"Representative Wennlund, with 40 seconds to go."
"Thank you very much. One other question. I assume that this Bill is supported...maybę opposed by ABATE 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 because it says a $5 fine for failure to abate colonies. As long as it's supported by ABATE, it must be a honey of a Bill and I want you to know that on our side of the aisle, we will all bee with you on this one. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Kankakee, Representative Novak."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Woolard I'm shocked and I'm stung by all this acrimony and I move the previous question."
"The previous question has been put. All those in favor, vote 'aye'...say 'aye'; those opposed, say 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The previous question shall be put. Representative Woolard to close."
"A smooth bee sounds like hmmm...."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 907 pass?' All those would who bee in favor, vote 'aye'; all those who bee apposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are be 109 'ayes', no 'nays', none voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Members of the General Assembly, if I could have you attention please, for an announcement. This afternoon we will close today with a Death Resolution of a former Member, Representative Hall. That is not to take place at this time, but upon adjournment this afternoon. We are simply informing you of that and in order to do so, we need leave of the House to suspend the rules and to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 39 which is the adjournment Resolution. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
"Senate Joint Resolution #39 offered by 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Representative Churchill. Resolved by the Senate of the 89th General Assembly in the State of Illinois, the House of Representatives concurring here in that when the two Houses Adjourn on Friday, March 24, 1995. The Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday April 18, 1995 at 12:00 noon, and the House of Representatives stands adjourned, until Wednesday, April 5, 1995, at 11:00 a.m., and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, April 6, 1995. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Friday, April 7, 1995, at 11:00 a.m. And when it adjourns that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 18, 1995, at 11:00 a.m., adopted by the Senate March 24, 1995."
"The Chair now ask leave of the Body to suspend the rules and adopt Senate Joint Resolution, the Adoption Resolution, we are not adjourning, but rather adopting the Resolution. Leave is granted, the Resolution is adopted. We will now procedure to the order of House Bills, Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 90, Representative Tom Johnson. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 90, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 160, Representative Turner. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 160, this Bill has been read a Second Time Previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, House Bill...House Bill 236, Representative Maureen Murphy. the Bill" Mr. Clerk, read
"House Bill 236, this Bill has been read a second 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 252, Representative Biggins. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 252, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 301, out of the record. House Bill 412, Representative Leitch. Out of the record. House Bill 521, Representative John Turner. Mr. Clerk read, the Bill."
"House Bill 521, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in Committee. No Motions are filed. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 565, Representative Wennlund. Out of the record. House Bill 597, Representative Spangler. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 597, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill as amended has not been filed."
"The Bill shall remain on Second Reading. House Bill 630, Representative Eugene Moore. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 630, a Bill for an Act concerning the reporting of fiscal waste and abuse. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. Floor Amendment #2 has been referred to rules."
"Third Reading. House Bill 742, Representative 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Kubik. Out of the Record. House Bill 753, Representative Black. 753. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 753, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 815, Representative Wennlund. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 815, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill and the judicial note that was requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 827, Representative Black. Out of the Record. House Bill 847, Representative Ronen. Representative Ronen. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 847, a Bill for an Act concerning real property. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were withdrawn in committee. Floor Amendments 3 and 4 had been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill 879, Representative Flowers. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 879, a Bill for an Act amending the Civil Administrative code of Illinois. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1002, Representative Saviano. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1002, a Bill for an Act amending the ticket scalping Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in Committee. No Motions have been filed. Committee Amendment #2 has been referred to Subcommittee. No further Floor Amendments." 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Before this Bill is moved to Third Reading, the Chair would admonish the parties going to the basketball game that this Bill has been filed. Third Reading. House Bill 1022, Mr... Representative McQuire. Representative McQuire. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1022, a Bill for an Act amending the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Second Reading of this House Bill. Committee Amendment #1 has been referred to rules. Committee Amendment #2 has been referred to subcommittee. Floor Amendment 3 and 4 have been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1105. Representative Lawfer. Out of the Record. House Bill 1108, Representative Lyons. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1108. This Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note and the state mandates note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1131, Representative McAuliffe. Out of the record. The Chair was in error and the Chair skipped House Bill 746. Representative Deuchler. Please, read the Bill."
"House Bill 746, a Bill for an Act in relation to Female Prisoners and their Children. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions are filed. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill...Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 1131?"
"House Bill 1131, a Bill for an Act amending the liquor control Act of 1934. Second Reading of this House Bill. No committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments."
"Representative McAuliffe. Out of the Record. Held on Second Reading. House Bill 1138, Representative 124 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Lang. Mr. Clerk please read the record. I apologize."
"House Bill 1138, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were referred to subcommittee. Floor Amendments 3 and 4 had been referred to rules. The fiscal note. A state mandates note and a judicial note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1140, Representative Roskam. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1140. A Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Public Aid Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. The fiscal note and the state mandates note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1173, Representative Laurino. Out of the Record. House Bill 1303, Representative Biggins. Representative Biggins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1303, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1324, Representative Lindner. Representative Lindner. Representative Lindner. Out of the Record. Mr. Clerk, I would ask you to go back to the Bill of Representative Spangler. What is the status of House Bill 597 please."
"House Bill 597 has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. With leave of the House the Bill shall remain of Second Reading. House Bill 1398, 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day Representative Young. Representative Young. read the Bill." March 24, 1995 Mr. Clerk,
"House Bill 1398. This Bill has been read a second time previously."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1437, Representative Lyons. Representative Lyons. Clerk, read the Bill."
Representative Lyons. Mr. Clerk: "House Bill 1437. This Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1488, Representative Stephens. Out of the Record. House Bill 1489, Representative Stephens. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1489. A Bill for an Act amending the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Floor Amendments #1 has been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Excuse me. On House Bill 1489 the fiscal note was requested on the Bill as amended. The note that was filed appears to be on the Bill without amendment. The Bill shall remain on Second Reading. House Bill 1575, Representative Bost. House Bill 1575, Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1575, a Bill for an Act amending the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Floor Amendment #1 has been referred to rules. No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1662, Representative Kenner. Representative Kenner, do you wish the Bill to be read on Second Reading Sir? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1662, a Bill for an Act amending the Unifies Code of Corrections. Second Reading of this House 126 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Bill. Committee Amendment #1 has been referred to rules. Committee Amendment #2 has been referred to subcommittee. Floor Amendments 3 and 4 have been referred to rules. No Motions filed. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1677, Representative Cowlishaw. Representative Cowlishaw. Out of the Record. House Bill 1691, Representative Andrea Moore. Out of the Record. House Bill 1698, Representative Rutherford. Representative Rutherford. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1698 has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note and judicial note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1725, Representative Wait. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1725. This Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note and the state mandates note that have been requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1825, Representative Andrea Moore. Representative Andrea Moore. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1825, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1869, Representative Leitch. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1869, a Bill for an Act amending the Disabled persons rehabilitation Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed." 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Third Reading. House Bill 1878, Representative McAuliffe. Representative McAuliffe. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1878, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Vehicle Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1929, Representative Saviano, 1929. Out of the Record. House Bill 1936, Representative Tenhouse. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1936, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1937, Representative Tenhouse. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1937, a Bill for an Act amending the Nursing Home Care Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1974, Representative Winters. Out of the Record. House Bill 1979, Representative Durkin. Representative Durkin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1979, a Bill for an Act in relation to use and occupation taxes. Second Reading of this House Bill. Floor Amendment #1 has been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1988, Representative 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Cowlishaw. Out of the Record. House Bill 2028, Representative Blagojevich. Representative Blagojevich. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2028, a Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this House Bill. Committee Amendment #1 has been referred to rules. Committee Amendment #2 has been referred to subcommittee. Floor Amendments 3 and 4 have been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2050, Representative Winters. Representative Winters. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2050, a Bill for an Act to require the Chief judge of each circuit to adopt a system of structured intermediate sanctions for violations of the terms and conditions of probation. Conditional discharge and supervision. Second Reading of this House Bill. Committee Amendment #1 has been referred to rules. Committee Amendment #2 has been referred to subcommittee. Floor Amendments 3 and 4 have been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note and a judicial note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2066, Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2066, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2100, Representative Skinner. Representative Skinner. Out of the Record. House Bill 2153, Representative Maureen Murphy. Representative Maureen Murphy. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2153, a Bill for an Act to amend the 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Illinois Income Tax Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. Committee Amendment #1 has been referred to subcommittee. Floor Amendment #2 has been referred to rules. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2234, Representative Mautino. Representative Mautino. Representative Mautino. Out of the Record. House Bill 2240, Representative Rutherford. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2240. This Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2307, Representative Leitch. Out of the Record. House Bill 2317, Representative Bost. House Bill 2317, Representative. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2317, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note and the corrections budget and impact note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2321, Representative Bost. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2321, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The corrections budget and impact note and the fiscal note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2329, Representative Wirsing. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2329. This Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note and the judicial note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2337, Representative 130 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 Pedersen. Representative Pedersen. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2337, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill as amended by House Amendment #3 has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2338, Representative Biggert. Representative Biggert. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2338, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Human Rights Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2341, Representative Winters. Representative Winters, House Bill 2341. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2341, this Bill has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2343, Representative Mitchell. Representative Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2343, a Bill for an Act concerning Economic Initiatives. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No further Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill as amended has been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2416, Representative Andrea Moore, 2416. Out of the Record. House Bill 2423, out of the Record. House Bill 2441, out of the Record. House Bill 2455, Representative Spangler. House Bill 2455, 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 Representative. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2455 has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note, the corrections budget and impact note and the state mandates note that were requested on the Bill have been filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2456, Representative O'Connor. House Bill 2456, Mr. Clerk please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2456 has been read a second time previously. The fiscal note that has been requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 2447? Move House Bill 2456 to Third Reading, Mr. Clerk, and now could you inform me of the status of House Bill 2447?"
"House Bill 2447 has been read a second time previously."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 2330...2337?"
"House Bill 2337 has been read a third time previously."
"The Chair was in error and with leave of the House, that Bill will be removed from Third to Second. Leave is granted. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 2429?"
"House Bill 2429, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2449..."
"House Bill 2429, a Bill for an Act to amend the response action contractor indemnification Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. The fiscal note that was requested on the Bill has been filed."
"Third Reading. Announcements." 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Members are requested to clear all materials from their desk. The Chamber will be thoroughly cleaned next week. Any material not put away or made arrangements for will be put in the garbage so a reminder, please clear all your desks. Save the materials you wish to or make arrangements. We will be cleaning the Chamber next week."
"Members of the Assembly. Members of the Assembly we are now prepared to go to a Death Resolution. For those of us...for those who have not been in the Chamber during the time that a resolution of a prior Member...a Death Resolution is read, this is one of the more solemn events in the General Assembly. The Chair would ask that staff move to the rear of the Chamber. Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution."
" HOUSE RESOLUTION 30 offered by Representative Young, WHEREAS, The members of the House were saddened to learn of the death of Senator Kenneth Hall of the 57th District in East Saint Louis on March 21, 1995 at the age of 79; and WHEREAS, Kenneth Hall proudly served in both Chambers of the Illinois General Assembly; he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1966, and was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1970; he became the first Black Assistant Majority Leader in 1975; and WHEREAS, Kenneth Hall recently served as minority spokesperson for the Committee on Appropriations and as a member of the Executive Committee, the Legislative Audit Commission, and the Legislative Space Needs Commission; and WHEREAS, Senator Hall was active in the Third Degree Knights of Columbus, Sierra Club, Kiwanis Club, NAACP, and the Saint Clair and Madison Counties Urban Leagues; and WHEREAS, He was born in East Saint Louis on May 20, 1915, the son of Thomas and Lucy Hall; he attended Lincoln Senior High 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 School in East Saint Louis and Parks College in Cahokia; and WHEREAS, Husband, father, grandfather, legislator, statesman, and protector of the poor, the sick, and those in need of education, Kenneth Hall lived an amazing life and is worthy of the respect of this Body and all the citizens of Illinois; and WHEREAS, His passing will be deeply felt by his family and many friends, especially his wife, Anne; his sons, Thomas, Kenneth, Maurice, and Mark; eight granddaughters; four grandsons; and fourteen great-grandchildren; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our sincere condolences to the family of Senator Kenneth Hall, a respected colleague who will truly be missed; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his widow, Anne Hall.
"Representative Churchill in the Chair. Representative Young."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank you for the expeditious way that you have handle this Resolution in order that I might take it to his family for the funeral tomorrow morning. I would like to say that Senator Hall, Senator Kenneth Hall has served as my mentor here at the General Assembly. His legacy of service can be described in about four words. First of all, he was a man who was impeccably dependent. He always was dependable. If he gave you his word then he would carry out his word. If he told you he was going to be there, he would be there and if he told you he was going to argue for your cause that is what happened. So dependability is a word that describes his service. Secondly, to say that he used all of his intelligence to perform his duties as a public 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 official would be quite accurate. Senator Hall as it was reported, was a graduate of Parks College and he used all of his training to serve his people. He was fiercely loyal to the Democratic Party and to the people of his district that voted for him and that brought him here. Yet he understood and always carefully balanced the fact that he was not only a Senator of the 57th district of Illinois, but he was a Senator of all the people serving the whole State of Illinois and this delicate balance of being a state official...being an official of the 57th District, being a father, a husband, a legislator, and was handle in. an exemplary way. In addition, he continued to go to all those meeting locally. And it's just simply amazing. I suspect in many instances he did not feel well at all, but he continued to go and as we each serve here we know how difficult it is to balance all those things and his life is an excellent example of that. He served with honor and integrity and all we can say is, ' well done thy faithful servant'."
"The Gentleman from Madison county, Representative Stephens."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senator Hall was indeed one of the finest Gentleman that I had ever met. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers go to his wife and family. Representative Young was quite right he was absolutely dependable always kept his word. He never lacked for a sense of humor. Never lacked in friendship and sharing of that friendship and he was so devoted to his duties as she said that he would...it was amazing what he would do. I will personally miss him as a friend. The Senate has lost a great Senator. Illinois has lost a great citizen."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day Turner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentleman of the Assembly. I too, in my fifteen years here in the Assembly got to know Kenny Hall pretty well. Kenny, as we mentioned earlier, was one of a kind. He was a man who always had a story to tell. One who you could depend upon daily for a joke or two. Kenny was one of the guys that often times we'd be talking, especially as Members of the Minority Caucus and we'd be sitting around debating issues, and Kenny would remind me sometimes, and he says, ' well you know, I am a Member of the Minority Caucus, but I'm also a Member of the downstate Caucus. In fact, sometimes I think he paid his dues to the downstate caucus first, but Kenny certainly represented the East Saint Louis community and that Belleville area very well. He is one who because of his history and his longevity here in the Assembly could always reach back and tell me a story about some of our predecessors that was here before and he could talk about the days when he served with the late Harold Washington and Decon Kornel Davis and Charlie Ganes and he'd talk about the stories of what things were like back in the 50's here in Springfield. He is serving as a Member of the House of Representatives and yet having to deal with the worldly problems that we were confronted with as people in this country. Truely he will be missed. I can remember once when we went to Reno for something and here we are in the middle of Nevada and here we happened to be a boat and there are people that knew Kenny Hall. It appears that everywhere he went as he traveled around the United States that people knew Senator Hall and I can truely say that he will be missed. For those who didn't get to know him I know his legacy will be here with us for a while and to his 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 family we wish God's speed and we ask that all Members of the Assembly be added to this Resolution."
"Minority leader Madigan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The prior Speakers have said it very very well. Ken Hall was truely a credit to this institution. All of us may of have had differences with him on policy or issues, but in terms of the key elements of a legislator which would be integrity, honestly, the value of you word. The Gentleman was impeccable. He brought to this institution a simplicity, yet a wisdom as valuable as any that has ever been brought here. He spent, I believe, well over 24 probably 26 or 28 years working within this institution and so today as we reflect back upon the legislative and personal record of Ken Hall he was truely an outstanding man and we shall miss him very, very much."
"The Gentleman from Jersey, Representative Ryder: Ryder." "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin my remarks on behalf of the Republicans and I think all that are here. We would wish leave of the House that we all might be added as cosponsors of this Resolution."
"Is there leave? Leave is granted."
"Representative Young, when you take this Resolution to the family of former Representative and former Senator Hall please take it with the very best wishes of those that served with him. We are fortunate individuals. We serve in a Body that has history for over hundred years. When that history is written there will be those who will suggest that the laws that we pass and the policies that we adopt may be the most important and perhaps that they are, but when the history of Senator Kenny Hall is written will 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995 be the friends that he made. I am proud to count myself among them. He was a Gentleman. He was a person who understood the legislative process as one with only his years of seniority and wisdom might, but more than that, more than the laws, more than the policies, more than the issues, Kenny Hall liked this place. He liked to be among us. He liked to enjoy our company and I truely enjoyed his. He always had a story that always made me laugh. He always had an observation that at one time as accurate and yet another time humorous. I hope that when my legislative career is done that folks will indicate as we are today that Senator Hall was one of our favorites that Kenny was one of those who we were proud to count as our friends. He clearly made a mark for his community, he clearly made a mark for the people of the State of Illinois that he served for over a quarter of a century and he certainly made a mark on me. His legacy shall live for a long long time. Please to his family and his friends that are countless, let us honor him today for all that he was for us and all that he was to the people of the State of Illinois. A fine statement and a true Gentleman."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Davis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand in great appreciation at having met Kenny Hall. My daughter was an intern here over 20 years ago and I had not met Kenny, and then when she came to my first inauguration she introduced me to the person who had wrapped his arms around three young girls who were interns from Chicago and he served as a protective arm so certainly as a mother I'll be eternally grateful to him for that. I said you know it's real important how you treat people because you'll never know where or when you'll meet them someplace again. Well, a new legislator, I 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 38th Legislative Day stumbled into a House Appropriation Committee Hearing and McPike told me to get out of there because I wasn't a Member of it, but Kenny took me to the Senate Appropriation Hearing. He said I want you to sit here. I want you to listen. I want you to learn and when people questioned my presence he said, she's with me. Because someone will have to take over when I'm gone and I want these people, young people, to learn what we do in here. Wherever Kenny Hall is I want him to know I certainly appreciate and I'm very grateful to the protective arm he gave my wonderful daughter and also for the knowledge and skills he attempted to instill in me. Thank you."
"Speaker Daniels."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentleman of the House. On behalf of the Republicans and the institution that we all so capably serve. We will miss Kenny Hall. Not only for the excellence of the person and though small in size and we remember his size, but we remember how strong he was in his beliefs and his wisdom. We understood the greatness that he brought to us and the pride that he brought to this institutions and the love of the institution that he had. We benefited from him being here. The people of Illinois benefited for his service. We are very grateful for that. To his family we send our condolences. To Illinois has lost a favorite son. Has lost a person who served this institution and the people of Illinois in the highest of traditions. So with him we will send our memories, our best wishes, and God bless him because we know Representative Davis, that he is in heaven and he is looking at us and he will watch over us for the rest of our lives here. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and as Representative Ryder says, we all do want to be added in 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day this Resolution. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from St. Claire, Representative Holbrook." March 24, 1995
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I could echo every comment I heard by my colleagues today about Kenny. I grew up with him as a child and I'll tell you everyone in that community thought the world of Kenny. He was always there. He would show up in the middle of the night at different function that you would never believe that he would even think of coming to. He was always there when we needed him. And I remember him since a child and I wish I could have served more than just this short two months here in the State House will him. And absolutely there is one thing that he is doing right now, looking down upon us, and that's he's laughing a little because he is the jolliest man I ever met and also one of the most efficient and one of the most trustworthy. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Will, Representative Myers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Young, I know you've lost a very close friend and colleague and I send my personal sympathies to you. I didn't know Senator Hall well, but I want to relate a story to you. It's a remembrance that I have of Senator Hall and it started I believe my second week here. I was sitting down in the Rathskeller having breakfast one morning and Senator Hall walked by my table and stopped to talk. To put that in perspective I didn't serve in the same House with Senator Hall. We are not of the same party, but there was a friendship there and he stopped and stayed there at the table with me for about 10 minutes just talking about, how did I enjoy my first weeks in Springfield. What did I 140 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 think about the process, what did I have that was important to me and basically we talked about me and that was what was important to him. And there's that comradery that we have amongst ourselves here and I hope you take the spirit of our feelings for Senator Hall to his family and I appreciate his friendship and I wanted you to know that."
"The Gentleman from St. Claire, Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a very difficult today I think for all of us, especially the ones who knew Senator Hall well. From my part what makes it even more difficult is I guess it was three weeks ago or maybe even less than that when Senator Hall was serving in the Senate Chamber and we were working together on legislation that was important to both our communities. Senator Hall for his part, was one of the individuals who got me interested in politics and took my under his wing once I was here and he certainly helped my greatly. And people talk about Senators Halls sense of humor and his ability to tell stories and I think that one of the greatest stories ever told and I don't think anybody could ever tell it as well as he could, was how he became a Senator. And if you haven't ever heard it, it's a wonderful story. He had served in the Illinois House for some time and Senator Allen Dickson was his Senator. Alan Dickson who later became the United States Senator and he was moving on to be the Treasurer of the great State of Illinois and they were having what they call screening down in our area and the Mayor of East Saint Louis at that time was a Gentleman by the name of Al Fields. And Al Fields to many people down in our area at that time, was the Mayor Daily of St. Claire County in East St. Louis. Well, Mayor Fields had decided 141 38th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE March 24, 1995 that Senator Hall, at that time Representative Hall, was going to be the Senator to replace Alan Dickson. It was a decision that Kenny at that time wasn't necessarily wanting to make. He was very happy as a Representative and they talked to him about it and he said, well, Mayor, I tell you, I'm happy in the House. I just want to stay in the House. I'll just stay in the House. You can find somebody else to run for Senator Dicksons place. Well, Mayor Fields said, 'Well, we are going to meet on that, Kenny, but we want to endorse you for Senator. I hope you'll reconsider.' So, they went in the back room and they talked about it and Senator Hall sat by himself in the room with the press waiting outside. They called him back in and they said, 'Well, Senator Hall, we've decided that well, if you don't want to be a Senator that's fine, but we also decided that you're no longer going to be a Representative.' Senator Hall turned and walked out to the press and said, 'I would like to announce to everyone here, I am now a candidate for the State Senate of the State of Illinois'. So Kenny Hall, although he was very happy with his role in the House of Representatives, moved on to even a greater career in the Illinois Senate. He was very proud to be the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for many years when he was in the Illinois Senate. He was a devout Catholic who has a room named after him at St. Mary's hospital in East Saint Louis, a meeting room and he always used to joke that his picture on the wall was always bigger than the Bishops in the meeting room at Saint Mary's hospital. And, Kenny Hall, I know you are looking down upon us fondly. We are going to miss your smile and we are going to miss you. To him and his family, we loved him very much." 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day March 24, 1995
"Representative Young now moves for adoption of House Resolution 30. All those in favor will signify by saying 'aye'; the opposed will say 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it and House Resolution 30 is adopted. With leave, the House now stands adjourned until Wednesday April 5th at the hour of 11:00 a.m. We are adjourned." 143 REPORT: TIFLDAY PAGE: 001 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX MARCH 24, 1995 96/03/08 09:48:25 HB-0090 SECOND READING PAGE 121 HB-0160 SECOND READING PAGE 121 HB-0236 SECOND READING PAGE 121 HB-0252 SECOND READING PAGE 122 HB-0521 SECOND READING PAGE 122 HB-0597 SECOND READING PAGE 122 HB-0597 SECOND READING PAGE 125 HB-0597 HELD ON SECOND PAGE 122 HB-0630 SECOND READING PAGE 122 HB-0667 THIRD READING PAGE 61 HB-0667 THIRD READING PAGE 63 HB-0746 SECOND READING PAGE 124 HB-0753 SECOND READING PAGE 123 HB-0765 THIRD READING PAGE 58 HB-0765 THIRD READING PAGE 83 HB-0797 THIRD READING PAGE 46 HB-0797 MOTION PAGE 60 HB-0815 SECOND READING PAGE 123 HB-0847 SECOND READING PAGE 123 HB-0879 SECOND READING PAGE 123 HB-0907 THIRD READING PAGE 114 HB-1002 SECOND READING PAGE 123 HB-1022 SECOND READING PAGE 124 HB-1108 SECOND READING PAGE 124 HB-1131 HELD ON SECOND PAGE 124 HB-1138 SECOND READING PAGE 125 HB-1140 SECOND READING PAGE 125 HB-1156 THIRD READING PAGE 88 HB-1303 SECOND READING PAGE 125 HB-1398 SECOND READING PAGE 126 HB-1437 SECOND READING PAGE 126 HB-1486 THIRD READING PAGE 93 HB-1486 OUT OF RECORD PAGE 93 HB-1489 SECOND READING PAGE 126 HB-1489 HELD ON SECOND PAGE 126 HB-1509 THIRD READING PAGE 93 HB-1575 SECOND READING PAGE 126 HB-1662 SECOND READING PAGE 126 HB-1698 SECOND READING PAGE 127 HB-1725 SECOND READING PAGE 127 HB-1825 SECOND READING PAGE 127 HB-1869 SECOND READING PAGE 127 HB-1878 SECOND READING PAGE 128 HB-1936 SECOND READING PAGE 128 HB-1937 SECOND READING PAGE 128 HB-1979 SECOND READING PAGE 128 HB-2028 SECOND READING PAGE 129 HB-2050 SECOND READING PAGE 129 HB-2066 SECOND READING PAGE 129 HB-2076 THIRD READING PAGE 4 HB-2076 OUT OF RECORD PAGE 34 HB-2077 THIRD READING PAGE 34 HB-2153 SECOND READING PAGE 129 HB-2240 SECOND READING PAGE 130 HB-2245 THIRD READING PAGE 108 HB-2317 SECOND READING PAGE 130 HB-2321 SECOND READING PAGE 130 HB-2329 SECOND READING PAGE 130 HB-2337 SECOND READING PAGE 130 HB-2337 RECALLED PAGE 132 HB-2338 SECOND READING PAGE 131 HB-2341 SECOND READING PAGE 131 HB-2343 SECOND READING PAGE 131 HB-2429 SECOND READING PAGE 132 REPORT: TIFLDAY PAGE: 002 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX MARCH 24, 1995 96/03/08 09:48:25 HB-2447 SECOND READING PAGE 132 HB-2455 SECOND READING PAGE 131 HB-2456 SECOND READING PAGE 132 SB-0034 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0083 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0175 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0207 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0227 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0229 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0277 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0303 FIRST READING PAGE 3 SB-0315 FIRST READING PAGE 4 HR-0030 ADOPTED PAGE 143 HR-0030 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 133 HJR-0034 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 60 SJR-0039 ADOPTED PAGE 121 SJR-0039 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 120 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER SPEAKER CHURCHILL PAGE 1 PRAYER REVEREND EDWARD SCHNEIDER PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 1 REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON, TIM IN THE CHAIR COMMITTEE REPORT PAGE 41 PAGE 87 HOUSE ADJOURNED PAGE 143 REPRESENTATIVE RYDER IN THE CHAIR PAGE 83