April 28, 1995 "The House will be in order. The Members will be in their chairs. Representative Churchill in the Chair. The chaplain for the day is the Pastor Randy Boltinghouse of the Windsor Road Christian Church in Champaign. Pastor Boltinghouse is the guest of Representative Rick Winkel. Will the guests in the gallery please rise to join us for the invocation?"
"Shall we pray? Heavenly Father, we just come to now to recognize You as the Creator and Ruler of this universe. When I think about this country and I think about this land where we live, I'm amazed at how you have established the government that we have. I thank You that You have not wound up this world and walked away but that You are here and that You preside. Your Word says that You preside in the great assembly. Heavenly Father, we know now we need Your wisdom, we cannot govern ourselves alone, we need Your help. I thank You, Father, for the men and women who serve as our Representatives here for the state. I thank You for the courage that they have to serve You and to serve us, and I thank You, Father, that they have sacrificed their time and time away from their homes and their families. I thank You that they've allowed themselves to be put under the scrutiny of the spotlight, not only of You but of the public, Lord. I thank You for their service. I ask, God, now that You would give us wisdom and that You would please be present here in these proceedings and that, Lord, You would lobby these lawmakers, personally, to the degree that legislation and decisions that are made would reflect Your decisions, Lord, and that people would not only see Your presence here, but everywhere. We're grateful and we thank You, in Christ's name. Amen." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
April 28, 1995 "We will be led in the pledge of allegiance this morning by Representative Meyer." "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: Currie, are there any excused absences side of the aisle?" on the Democratic "Thank you, Speaker, it's hard to know after last night's action, whether there is any point in any of us being here, but the only person at this point, officially excused, is Representative Martinez."
"The Journal will so reflect. Representative Wennlund, any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle?"
"Yes, good morning. Thank you Mr. Speaker. All Republicans are present. No excused absences."
"The Journal will so reflect. Would someone on the Democratic side of the aisle like to plug in Representative Pugh. Is he not here? Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 116 Members answering the roll and a quorum is present. The House will come to order. We will now proceed to the order of House Bills, Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read House Bill 2419."
"House Bill 2419, a Bill for an Act regarding agencies serving older persons. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang." "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lang: Before you go on with this Bill, I just noticed that it seems to be a shell Bill. Why 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 wasn't this on your list last night? Why aren't you sparing us the opportunity of voting on this Bill today?"
"Perhaps, if we go to Representative Lawfer, he can tell us whether it's a shell Bill or not. Representative Lang."
"Are you going to allow Mr. Lawfer to run this Bill?"
"It's his call, Sir. Representative Lang. Representative Lang, you're on."
"Good. Was it their call last night, the 15 people who you abused on your side of the aisle by running their Bills without their permission?"
"Representative Lang, do you have something further on House Bill 2419?"
"He hasn't started the Bill yet and I have a parliamentary inquiry."
"Okay."
"I'm wondering if the rules still provide that Members can run their Bills?"
"Members can run their Bills. Representative Lang."
"Yes, Sir? We thought maybe the rules had changed."
"It won't be on the record, Sir. Would you like your comments to be on the record, Sir? Please use the microphone if you wish. Representative from Jo Davies, Representative Lawfer."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This morning I would like to present House Bill 2419. It is not a shell Bill. It went through committee and passed on a vote of 9-0, with 1 voting 'present'. It's a, what it does is it amends the Administrative Code of Illinois and the Illinois Act on the Aging. It changes the name of the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the 3 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons. What this does, essentially, is change the name to more correctly reflect what this committee does. This committee was established in 1973, by then at that time, Lieutenant Governor Hartigan. It was named that at this time, at that time. It has remained the same for the last 23 years. However, the purpose of the committee has changed a little in that regard and we think that this heading or this change of the committee more correctly reflects the duties that now this committee has. A lot of times the state agencies are open to criticism for not talking to each other. This is the opportunity for the agencies to get together as members of this committee. This committee serves as a clearing house for state agencies and programs for older adults, keeping up to date on the priorities directed towards seniors and ensuring optimum efficiency of state resources. This committee also promotes a coordinated state response to programs and proposals for older adults. It also acts as a resource body to study and recommend action on senior citizens which are beyond the scope of State Government. Again, this is a committee that meets two or three times annually. It's an opportunity for the agencies that deal with senior citizens to get together and talk to each other to be more efficient. I would urge a 'favorable' vote on this and in the mean time, I would be glad to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I'm joined by the requisite number of people to remove this from short debate and Mr. Speaker, we would request a verification should this reach the requisite number. Do you verify, Sir?" 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
April 28, 1995 "We see the hands and we'll take it off short debate and we've received your request for verification and we'll have one, should it receive the requisite number of green votes."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will. Please proceed."
"Mr. Lawfer, you indicated this is not a shell Bill, but I don't see that it does anything. You've changed the name of an organization to another name. If that's not a shell Bill, what is it, Sir?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I differ with you, Representative. It is not, it does change the name of a committee to more correctly reflect what this committee is doing. This committee was set up backed by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan in 1973 and was named the Technical Advisory Committee at that time. That has changed. The membership of that committee has grown. There's over 20 departments now are members of this committee. So that is why we feel that it should be renamed the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons. I think the technology or technicality of calling it the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging was misleading."
"Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Sir. You know on this side of the aisle, we think if it looks like a shell Bill and smells like a shell Bill and walks like a shell Bill, it's a shell Bill. As a matter of fact, Sir, as a matter of fact, Sir, we discussed in committee and I sit on the Aging Committee with you, we discussed in committee whether this is a shell Bill. You told me in Committee it was a shell Bill. Now it's not a shell Bill? This Bill does nothing, Sir. This Bill does 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 nothing, Sir. By the way, Sir, this Bill doesn't do a thing. It changes the name. Now you want to tell me how changing the name to a Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons is something we ought to pursue in this House? This even has less value than the Chief's Bill last week. The chief at least discussed something on this floor as stupid as it was. Sir, this Bill doesn't do anything. What are you accomplishing by this Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Representative, this was not discussed as a shell Bill in committee. This is a Bill that more correctly designates the response and the responsibilities of this committee and what it does, it changes the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons. I think that is what it does. It puts all these state agencies, some 20 of them together in a room so that they can discuss how to best serve our aging population."
"Representative Lang."
"Sir, I refer you to page 1351 of the digest which is probably on your desk. 'Department of Aging, there is no fiscal impact or the department as a shell Bill.' It says it in here, Sir. What do you think? What do you think about the health digest that calls this a shell Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I would refer you to the fiscal note dated 3-10-95."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let's let Representative Lang hear Representative Lawfer's answer. Representative Lawfer."
"If you would read from the file copy of the fiscal note dated 3-14-95, signed by Marilee Lindley, Director of the 6 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Department on Aging, on 3-10-95, the fiscal implications says there is no cost to changing the name of the Technical Advisory Committee."
"Representative Lang."
"It's a shell Bill, Sir. It's a shell Bill, Sir. It doesn't do a damn thing. It's a shell Bill. Let me ask you this question, Sir. How much did it cost the State of Illinois to print this Bill for you?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Your assumption that it is a shell Bill is incorrect. This is not a shell Bill."
"Representative Lang."
"Well, you're right. This is the most substantive damn Bill we've handled all year. How much did it cost you to print this Bill, Sir? Jerry doesn't know."
"Further discussion? The Lady from Cook, Representative Schakowsky."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to yield my time to Representative Lang."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Lang."
"Thank you. Now Sir, I hope you can follow my line of questioning here. I am very interested in how much this cost the taxpayers. Do you know?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I would assume that it's somewhat similar to any other Bill that's filed in here, whether it be you, Representative Lang, or Representative Lawfer."
"Representative Lang."
"Let me ask you a question, Sir. You're the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Are we taking care of home meals for seniors in this Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer." 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"The answer April 28, 1995 to that specific question is not in this Bill, but if you would look that on the number of state agencies that make up this committee, as they get together they can better serve and coordinate their activities to better serve the aging population."
"Representative Lang."
"So, the answer is no. You're not dealing with meals for the aged at home. Are you dealing with the TRF problem in this Bill for retired teachers in the State of Illinois? What? Okay."
"Representative Lang, on the Bill. Do you have a question on the Bill, Sir?"
"Thank you. Okay, on the Bill. On this Bill, are you taking care of seniors in nursing homes?"
"Representative Lang, on the Bill, please."
"I'm on the Bill. I'm on what's on the Bill and what's not in the Bill. I'll tell you what, I'll tell you what, I've got a great question."
"Representative Lang, on the Bill. Not on the Bill."
"Sir, since this is a shell Bill, is there anything about shells in here?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"No, but on the other hand, I would like to respond that part of the coordinating committees is the Illinois Association of Area Agencies in Aging and they do coordinate taking care of senior citizens, whether it be nursing home care or meals. Those are coordinating committees SO that we can better coordinate the activities."
"Representative Lang."
"Sir, are these questions so tough you need staff to answer 8 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 them? Most of your Members are laughing at me. Have a little sense of humor. You don't need Jerry to help you with this. Sir, let me ask you this question. Sir, I'm over here. I'm over here."
"Representative Lang, you just threw that wad of paper work at Representative Deering. That was not a nice thing to do."
"Well, Representative Deering can take care of himself, Mr. Speaker, but I guess your folks can't. Let me ask you a question, Sir. How did this Bill miss your fast gavel from yesterday. Don't you have any clout with Mr. Churchill?"
"I think you got your answer."
"I didn't here the Sponsor answer. I heard everybody else answer. Jerry didn't tell the Sponsor what to say."
"But they answered in unison, so I guess you got your answer."
"Well, Sir, apparently you need to work on your clout because Mr. Kubik got seven Bills yesterday on the fast track gavel. I think Mr. Kubik deserves some applause for that. What do you think?"
"Even the Chair applauds Representative Kubik. Representative Lang."
"Mr. Lawfer, are you aware that yesterday you voted for a riverboat gambling shell Bill?"
"Representative Lang, on the Bill, please."
"Oh, on this Bill? On this Bill, Sir?"
"That'd be nice."
"Oh, well wait, I'll get my notes back."
"Representative Deering, what did you do with Representative Lang's notes?"
"Sir, is there anything in this Bill to deal with the problems of senior citizens in nursing homes?" 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
April 28, 1995 "Representative Lang, on the Bill, please. Representative Lang, on the Bill, please."
"I asked a question. I don't know what's in the Bill. I lost my notes so I'm asking him if there's anything in the Bill that deals with senior citizens in nursing homes."
"Representative Lawfer."
"What this committee does and made up by these your departments is to serve as a clearing house for state agencies and programs and I think that answers question in regards for all older adults, keeping up to date on priorities directed toward senior."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Washington, Representative Deering."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, you know I could have rose for a point of order earlier since my name was used in debate, but I felt it would have been probably another travesty that just as you caused last night and for those of you on the other side of the aisle that think that what had happened last night has been done before by the Majority Party, let me tell you, Sir, it's never been done in many decades where we ran and voted on more than one Bill without having an opportunity to debate those Bills individually. Even though we had a consent calendar, we as individual Members had a right to look at those Bills and decide if we wanted to vote off of those Bills and I know the Representative from Vermillion County's not on the floor right now, but he ought to be ashamed of himself for also being apart of this travesty when he SO sanctimoniously over the years, the short amount of the time that I've been here, stood up and told how he was shocked and appalled about how the Majority Party treated him, but he still had rights. He still could introduce the 10 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Amendments and still introduce the Bills and have those debated and not have it stuck up his hind-end as you so sanctimoniously did last night and I want to tell you something Mr. Speaker. I want to tell you something, Mr. Speaker. I don't think the Parliamentarian to your right is gonna be enough to stop my colleagues and I or on your left is gonna be enough to stop my colleagues and I, if you try to pull that crap again today."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Effingham, Representative Hartke."
"Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You know, point of order."
"We're in the middle of debating a Bill. Would you like to ask a question? I asked him if he'd like to ask a question on the Bill."
"Point of order."
"State your point."
"Are there any Amendments on this shell Bill?"
"Mr. Clerk, are there any Amendments?"
"No Amendments have been adopted to this Bill."
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, I'm really surprised. We've been talking about whether it is or it is not a shell Bill and apparently, it doesn't do anything and the digest says it's a shell Bill. Yet, he's trying to explain some substance in the Bill, but we don't find any substance in the Bill. We don't find any at all and the fiscal impact is none. So what does it do?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"What this Bill does is change the name from the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the Coordinating Committee on State Agencies Serving Older Persons. As I explained earlier, this was the Technical Advisory 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 50th Legislative Day Committee on Aging was formed in 1973 by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan. During that time it has been expanded. Now consists of 22 different agencies and because of that change in roll and change in the purpose, why I think that to better reflect what this committee is doing as they meet to discuss and decide how they can best serve the aging population within and without of the scope of State Government, I think that this is necessary."
"Representative Hartke."
"It would seem to me that if we're creating another committee, maybe you ought to be the honored recipient of a Grow award, I don't know. How many members are gonna be on this committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This committee was formed in 1973 by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan and at that time the Lieutenant Governor served as chairman of that. Recently, that was changed last year so that the Department on Aging Director is Chairman of that and there's 22 agencies that are members of this committee."
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, is there anything in the Bill that says who's gonna name these members of the committee. Maybe the Minority Democrat Leader, Mike Madigan or Lee Daniels or maybe, Lou Lang or maybe the Governor or who's gonna be naming all these members of the committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"To my knowledge, there's gonna be nobody named in this committee that have not already been named. This committee has been meeting regularly for three years under the direction of the Director on Aging. Prior to that, under the Lieutenant Governor, I'm not exactly sure, but it was 12 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 started and the membership was convened in 1973 by then Lieutenant Governor Hartigan."
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, it would seem to me that this administration who has had the ability to coordinate this on their own, all you're really doing is changing the name of the committee to make it sound good. If they haven't met in three, four years and haven't done anything, what in the world are you planning on doing now? I would think that if this Committee were the old name or new name or whatever, had the ability to meet and to put things together to help seniors in the State of Illinois, they would have done that, but now we're out here doing a shell Bill just to change the name of the committee. Is it changed the purpose and direction and so forth of what they hope to accomplish? I do know, Representative, that each time we introduce a Bill, no matter what it is, whether it's two inches thick or just a shell Bill, it costs us about $4,000 to put that Bill in. Wouldn't those dollars be better spent serving those agency for Meals on Wheels, for investigating nursing homes and long term care, for helping seniors do their job?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Representative Hartke, evidently you did not hear me. This committee has been meeting regularly and has met quarterly for the last two and three years under the direction of the Department on Aging, the Director Marilee Lindley. There is a meeting also scheduled in June of this year following and it will be a summary on the agenda of this committee is a summary of the White House Conference on Aging and they will be reviewing that and understanding how this White House Conference on Aging can better be 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 50th Legislative Day utilized by the state agencies."
"Representative Hartke."
"What is the per diem for these members that meet now? Do they report back to the General Assembly? You know it's nice that meet in June. We're going to be out of here at the end of May and so it'll be a year, a year and a half before we..."
"Representative Hartke, bring your question to a conclusion, please."
"It'll be a year, year and a half before we ever get any kind of report out of this thing. Has this Committee ever helped one senior citizen that you're aware of?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Committee is made up of members of those departments and at that time, they get together and they decide in some instances of how can they best serve the different parts of the agency. How can one, whether the area aging area, how can they best serve, maybe somebody that are on meals, how can they better provide health care, home health care to those individuals? You see you're dealing with different departments there SO this is a coordinating committee and it acts to both study how they can use the resources within government and how they can utilize also volunteers in the area so that they can carry out their mission."
"Further discussion? The Lady from Cook, Representative Fantin. I just recognized Representative Fantin. Do you wish to cut off Representative Fantin? For what reason does the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang, rise?"
"Thank you, Sir. My name was mentioned in debate so I'm standing on a point of personal privilege and you know I'm 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 not at all thrilled when my name is mentioned in debate. I debate a lot around here. There's some other people who are trying to debate while the debate is going on. Representative Stephens is going nuts over there while I'm debating. Representative Black, Representative Black, who wasn't on the floor this morning when we started, who started this commotion last night with a cowardly motion to move 15 Bills and my name is unfairly mentioned in debate so Representative Stephens and Black are on the floor were giving us a hard time, better be careful and now you can take care of Representative Fantin."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Fantin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Last evening and I can't even describe words for what happened. As a Freshman, I've never seen anything like this. I hope I never do again, but I did not get my vote in and I would like to have a 'no' vote. I would like to change I was appointed as absent. I was not able to get my vote in on time. We could not hear. We did not know what was happening. So I would like to Move to reconsider the vote."
"Would the Lady please reduce her Motion to writing and bring it to the well? Mr. Clerk? Representative Fantin, there is a Motion from one of your other Members and we'll go to that Member in a minute. Would you like to ask any questions on this Bill? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Johnson."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, I rise in support of this Bill because this morning, this morning, 15 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 this morning I awoke to a new realization and an awareness of how important aging coordinating committees are. Today I go over the hill at age 50. There is cake up in my office. You are all welcome to it, but more importantly I would sincerely hope that we move expeditiously to approve this Bill. Thank you."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Scott."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will. Please proceed."
"Did you lose the bet last night? You got to present the first Bill this morning. Was that?"
"That's how it works. Do you have a question for Representative Lawfer?"
"Yes, I certainly do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Lawfer, does this Bill have anything to do with the five Bills that were ready to be presented when you adjourned the committee early and left and room that day on the last day of committee? Does this Bill have anything to do with incorporating any of those substantive Bills?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Bill changes the name of the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging and to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons."
"Representative Scott."
"Well, that's not my question, Representative Lawfer. My question is there were five Bills ready to be presented the final day of the committee and you saw fit to adjourn the committee early. Does this Bill have anything to do with those five Bills that you wouldn't hear the last day of committee?" 16 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE Speaker Churchill: "Representative Lawfer."
April 28, 1995 "Again, this is House Bill 2419 and it changes the name of the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons."
"Representative Scott."
"Is that a no? Is that a no?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm telling you the substance of this Bill."
"Representative Scott."
"Well, my question was, does the substance of this Bill incorporate in any way the substance of the other Bills that your committee refused to hear the last day of committee meetings?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This is House Bill 2419 and it also changes the name of the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons and it's a necessary change to more reflect what this committee does and departments that make up this committee. This committee was formed in 1973 by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan and during that time, the course of that has changed."
"Representative Scott."
"Well, I assume that answer is no. Let me go on to one other question. The Gentleman from DuPage who just included himself in the class of people who would be affected by this legislation. Tell me what this is going to do to help him personally, or any other senior, any single senior. What will this Bill do to help them?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I think that overall the correct answer for this 17 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 question would be, even though I could list all the departments, all 22 departments that are members of this committee and as we talk about the name change, but I think the overall effect to help the Representative that just turned over the hill 50. I can remember when I turned over that hill 50 and that's been a good many years ago, but overall, the purpose of this and the benefit of this Committee is that a lot of times as a Representative, I hear that agencies are not talking to each other. They don't know what they're doing. This is an opportunity for those departments and those agencies to get together regularly and talk about what they're doing and together, the coordination of their efforts. As you realize, there's not a lot of additional money. As they better coordinate their activities, why they're gonna better help any Representative that reaches the senior citizen status."
"Representative Scott."
"But you told us this committee already exists. Your Bill doesn't establish this committee. Your Bill changes the name. That's what you told us is the entire substance of this Bill. How does changing the name help one single senior in the state as opposed to all the Bills you wouldn't hear in committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"What this does, as I repeated earlier, this changes more accurately the definition and what this committee does. I wonder whether we could understand, you know, if this was named the some other committee, but this is a coordinating committee and I think this is what we need to understand so that people when they look for questions whether it be in an agency or whether it be one of your constituents. You can refer to the coordinating committee and maybe they can 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 get together with the other agencies and talk about it and solve and problem and help us all."
"Representative Scott."
"So, in other words the answer is, it doesn't do anything other than change a name. It doesn't help Representative Murphy, who just informed he's a senior citizen. It doesn't help him one bit. It doesn't help Representative Stephens, who may be a senior citizen someday. It doesn't help any of these people. All you do is change."
"Representative Scott, bring your remarks to a conclusion please. Oh, he did. Further discussion? The Gentleman from Macoupin. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook whose name was used in debate, Representative Murphy." Murphy, H.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want this Body to be quiet. I would like for the Sponsor to start all over and let me know what this Bill does. I couldn't hear anything. What's the nature of this Bill, Sir?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Representative, this is House Bill 2419, passed out of the committee at 9 with none. What it does is change the name of a technical advisory committee. This had better reflects what it is currently doing. In 1973 when Lieutenant Governor Hartigan formed this committee and put together the departments to better serve the people, the responsibilities and the committee goals have changed. Currently, this committee is to serve as a clearing house for state agencies and programs for older adults. Keeping up to date on the priorities directed towards seniors and ensuring optimum efficiency of state resources. It also promotes a coordinated state response to programs and proposals for older adults. This is gonna be very, very 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 useful when people, the 50 people from the State of Illinois that will be attending the White House Conference on Aging next week in Washington. So they will be able to come back and meet with this committee in June and coordinate the state response as we move forward. Also, is to act as a resource body to study and recommend action on senior citizen issues which are beyond the scope of State Government and I read that to be and as you'll be aware that not only do state agencies use their resources, but they also incorporate a lot of state help from volunteers so that they can carry out their program to serve the people that cannot help themselves."
"Representative Murphy."
"Yeah, thank you very much. Okay, so I'm gonna to ask Larry Woolard since he's down in farm town, is this the way, is the way, is this the way farmers do change names, cost taxpayers a lot of money for new stationary, et cetera, et cetera? Could anything else change other than the name?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"If I understood your question, it says will there be any other changes such as stationary in that regard. Is that correct?"
"Representative Murphy."
"Do you have to print new stationary because you changed the name? Business cards, too?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"As I stated earlier and the fiscal note says there will be no fiscal impact so I anticipate no additional costs."
"Representative Murphy."
"So you gonna use the old stationary using the old name, you gonna print the new name on the, how you gonna do 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day that?"
"Representative Lawfer." April 28, 1995
"Representative, to my knowledge, there is no stationary for this committee."
"Representative Murphy."
"Well, I'll stop now and thank you very much."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Williamson, Representative Woolard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a statement of personal privilege. I think that I heard my name used in debate, but let me just say that I'm shocked and appalled. I'm shocked and appalled, not at Representative Lawfer, but of all those people on this side of the aisle who have tried to make mockery of this great Legislator. I'm here to tell you that this is not a shell Bill, positively not a shell Bill. This is a vehicle Bill and dealing with senior citizens, I think that Representative Lang is totally wrong if he doesn't recognize the necessity of transportation and senior issues. How can we get those meals delivered to homes without a vehicle? How can we get those seniors delivered to the necessity items and their doctors and medical centers across this state without a vehicle? This is a great vehicle Bill and I'm shocked and appalled that you don't recognize the necessity of vehicles and the delivery of services to seniors. I implore each and every one of you to stand with me. I know that my great friend, Jack McGuire, standing over here doesn't look like a senior citizen, but he certainly is. He takes care of himself because he doesn't use a vehicle. He runs to work. He walks to lunch. He climbs the stairs. Representative McGuire is a living proof that vehicles are not necessary. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 I know that there's been a time or two that he's been caught on an airplane. I think that some people have accused him of not only being a senior citizen, but maybe even a Baptist. There's been times when there has been bottles found in the lavatory after he left, but he's a great senior citizen. He doesn't need vehicles to accomplish the task, but I commend the Sponsor of this Bill of recognizing the necessities that vehicles play an important role in the lives of seniors of this great state. Jack McGuire is an exception to the rule."
"Representative McGuire, your name was used in debate. Do you wish to defend yourself or would you like to ask the Sponsor some questions on this Bill? Representative McGuire."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think my name was used in debate. I think it was debate. I'd rather think it was used in humor, but seriously I'd like to question what the Sponsor of the Bill's really trying to accomplish because all I've heard this morning is changing the name of the committee."
"Representative Lawfer."
"You are correct, Representative."
"Representative McGuire. Representative McGuire."
"I'm sorry. Being a senior, I couldn't hear that answer too good over here."
"Representative Lawfer, would you repeat your remark, please?"
"Representative, one of the first things I did when I came down here, I got one of these ear plugs and that helps. I realize the noise has been very great. In response to your question, you are correct." 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative McGuire." April 28, 1995
"My question then, Mr. Lawfer, is how will this help the seniors in my home district of Joliet by changing the name of a Committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"If your community of Joliet is typical of other communities in the state, you have 22 state agencies that are providing services to senior citizens. This is a coordinating committee at the state level SO that these agencies can get together and talk to each other. So that one agency knows what the other is doing. So that they can better provide what was recently referred to as transportation for senior citizens because the Department of Transportation is one of the 22 agencies that make up now called, Technical Advisory Committee, that we would like to rename more effectively to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons."
"Representative McGuire."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I have to laud your efforts, but I've served on the senior citizens' committee in my home town of Joliet for many years and I've never had anyone ask me to change the name of a committee to improve services. I think the services are performed very well, at least in my area and I assume in most parts of the State of Illinois, but I've been standing long enough and I really, I'm getting tired here so I'd like to ask Mr. Blagojevich to carry on."
"Representative Blagojevich does not seek recognition, but Representative Hannig does. So the Chair would recognize the Gentleman from Macoupin, Representative Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"He indicates he will. April 28, 1995 Please proceed."
"Representative, could you tell me which Bill this is?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This is House Bill 2419."
"Representative Hannig."
"Yes, and I couldn't always hear. I'm a little bit hard of hearing, I have to admit. Could you explain to me what this Bill does and why we need it?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This committee was formed in 1973 by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan in an effort to better work together among the agencies so they could serve the aging population. During that time, our aging population has increased and this committee now does a lot more than it did at that time. It has a lot more responsibilities and goals. Rather than refer to it as a Technical Advisory Committee, which may to some people think that they only deal with technicalities, I think that they deal in a lot of other things as they talk together and converse so they can better serve and therefore, it should be named the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons. That's what this committee really does and that's what they've been doing."
"Representative Hannig."
"How much do we spend as taxpayers of the state to fund this agency? Do you know that, Representative?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"There's no cost to the agencies."
"Representative Hannig."
"There's no expenses for travel or there's no expenses for the meetings or secretaries or anything like that, is that correct or not?"
"Representative Lawfer." 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"There is no additional expense."
"Representative Hannig." April 28, 1995
"So, Representative, when these people meet and when they meet, they just do it for free, is that what you're telling us?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"They're all members of state agencies. There's 22 state agencies that make up this now Technical Advisory Committee."
"Representative Hannig."
"So we really have a situation where someone from a given state agency is paid for by that agency, not by this commission and what I assume that expenses to go to and from these meetings if they're in Chicago or Springfield or wherever are paid by their respective state agency?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"All the meetings that have been held have been held here in Springfield."
"Representative Hannig."
"And when these people go to the meetings, are they on state time? Are they taking personal time from their, are they taking personal days or personal time or is this on state time?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This is part of their official duties on state time."
"Representative Hannig."
"I'm sorry, Representative, I didn't hear your response."
"Representative Lawfer, would you please repeat your response for Representative Hannig."
"Their service on this committee is part of their official duties on state time."
"Representative Hannig." 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995
"Are there any senior citizens that are not state employees that are on this committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This is the, this committee is made up of the departments and if there is a department person that might be a senior citizen, they could well be on this committee. However, essentially what you'll get in the involvement of senior citizens to this committee as the questions come up and I recently referred a question to this committee and they're currently working on it, as how we can better coordinate some of the activities, such as serving meals to senior citizens, how we can better coordinate the health care, the in home health care that's available."
"Representative Hannig."
"Representative, do they put out a document for senior citizens or are they giving us some legislation that's helped the plight of senior citizen or could you give me some examples of what they've done?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"They do not produce a document."
"Representative Hannig."
"So they've not put out any documents or recommendations or they've not introduced any legislation or they've not provided this Body with any recommendations as how we can improve the situation for our senior citizens. Is that what you've said, Representative?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I think as we look..."
"Representative Lawfer, please, would you please answer the question, the last question of Representative Hannig?"
"I think you're gonna see a lot of these ideas, but they 26 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 may not be specifically coming from this committee. They're coming from the departments. As the departments talk to each other so they can better solve the issues, you're gonna see legislation coming from these departments so that they can better serve the senior citizen. Specifically, no, I cannot name anything specific, but I think it's all bits and pieces that are put together and can be helpful. As you know, we solve the problems one step at a time. I think this is a step in the right direction."
"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from St. Claire, Representative Hoffman."
"Yes, will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will. Please proceed."
"Representative, I know you've said it before, but it's my understanding that this Bill simply changes the name of a committee, is that correct?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Bill changes the name of the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons and if you'll look at the Bill, you'll see that, that's exactly what it does. It changes the name in the statutes."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Do you intend to use this for any other purposes, Representative, other than to change the name?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"No."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Well, I just got off the phone with some of the nursing homes in my area and I'll tell you what, there's a buzz around the state, a buzz around the state that hey, 'Oh my 27 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 goodness, great things are happening in the Illinois General Assembly. They're changing the name of this committee.' From Cairo to Chicago, from Danville to Quincy, there's a buzz in every nursing home. Old folks are happy. The light is shining on the process in Illinois. My goodness, Representative, congratulations, you're changing the name of this committee. Oh, and you have nothing else, nothing else that you want to do for seniors in this Bill. All you want to do is change the name of this committee. The great Panthers are happy. There's a buzz in their organization. I know their founder just passed away, but they are so glad that you're doing this, Representative. It's really going to change the lives of seniors in this state and even better and even better, they're not worried any more, Representative. They're not worried any more about where their next meal's gonna come from. They're not worried any more about the high cost of property taxes in their area. They're not worried any more that they may not be able to pay their utility bills. They're not worried anymore, Representative, that they may not be able to pay their medical bills. They're not worried anymore that all their life savings may be taken up with one catastrophic illness. Why should they worry, Representative? Why should they care? The sun is shining on seniors today because you have changed the name of this committee. Congratulations, Representative, and you know what is even greater, what is even greater? There has been five, six, seven Representatives incredulously asked, 'You mean you're actually going to change the name of this committee? And each time you cannot even after five times, remember exactly what the Bill does. You have to read from the 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 sheet. Well, all you're doing is changing the name of the Committee and I'm am so proud, so proud that people like Jack McGuire, people who are teachers who are retired in this state, seniors who have given their lives to teaching our children. I'm am SO proud that they can rest comfortably today. I am so proud that we in this General Assembly after sticking it to us the way you did last night, the first Bill is to change the name of this committee. It's really good, Representative, what you have done for the seniors in this state."
"Further discussion? The Gentleman from St. Claire, Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will. Please proceed."
"Mr. Lawfer, Mr. Scott alluded to the Bills that we allowed to die in committee without testimony. Did you say that none of those are included in this vehicle Bill?"
"Representative Ryder in the Chair. Representative Lawfer to answer the question."
"This Bill just changes the committee name."
"Representative Holbrook."
"So the Bill that I spent two hours with my witnesses sitting out in the audience at your committee, which you said I'd be allowed to testify on, is not included in this Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Bill only changes the name of a committee."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you. All the teachers that were up here the other day, the senior teachers that were retired, did any of those mention this Bill to you about changing the name to help them out?" 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Lawfer."
"We talked on other subjects."
"Representative Holbrook." April 28, 1995
"The 18 vehicle Bills that were passed last night within 15 seconds, were any of those related to this Bill at all?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Bill changes a name of a committee."
"Representative Holbrook."
"There were no other aging or were there any other aging vehicle Bills that were put into this Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Bill only changes a name of a committee."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Representative Hartke has been very concerned about the seniors in this area and I was wondering, do these affect the seniors in his district?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Although this Bill just changes a name of a committee, it allows members of this committee to talk to each other so that they can better understand what they are doing and coordinate their efforts. A lot of times, I think there's been complaints that state agencies do not talk to each other. This committee does this and the name change is to better reflect what their responsibility and goals are."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Well, Mr. Lawfer, I made commitments to people in my area on many things including aging, like riverboat gambling, workman's compensation, judicial reform, airport authorities, that I would or wouldn't open up a can of worms for them in these vehicle Bills. That I wouldn't vote for them or I would vote for them, depending what the 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 subject matter was. So I didn't get that opportunity last night. I didn't even get an opportunity to read the Bill numbers in time to vote, but I would like to know, have you made any commitments to any of your constituents that are seniors to open up a vehicle Bill for them for something to be put in there or have you not made a commitment not to open up a vehicle Bill for them?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Bill simply changes the name of a committee."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Well, Sir, I'm glad you have that opportunity to have time to consider that because last night I didn't get that time. Last night, I had a matter of a few seconds, not even enough time to read Bill numbers to figure out whether those vehicle Bills would address it. At least I have the opportunity here with this seniors Bill that you have. I have no further questions."
"Thank you, Representative. The Chair recognizes a Gentleman from Fulton, Representative Smith?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Gentleman yield?"
"Representative Smith, he indicates he'll yield for your questions."
"Representative Lawfer, can you tell me again what this committee is made up of?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This committee is made up of 22 various state agencies. They are the Lieutenant Governor's office on Volunteer and Senior Action, the State Board of Education, the Department of Labor, Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Corrections, Department of Conservation, the Illinois Planning Council on Development 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day Disabilities, April 28, 1995 Department of Veteran's Affairs, Department of Public Health, Department of Public Aid, Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Insurance, Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Illinois Health Care Cost Containment Council, the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Illinois Council on Aging, and the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service."
"Representative Smith."
"What's the current name of the Committee, Representative Lawfer? I forgot what you said in your opening remarks."
"Representative Lawfer."
"The current name of the committee is the Technical Advisory Committee. That was formed and designated by then, Lieutenant Governor Hartigan in 1973."
"Were you finished, Representative? Did you finish with your question, Sir? I'm sorry, Representative Smith."
"Representative Lawfer, how often does this Committee meet?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This Committee meet for the last 3 years has been quarterly and it does have a meeting planned in June of this year, the next meeting."
"Representative Smith."
"Where are those meetings held, Representative Lawfer?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"These meetings are held in Springfield."
"Representative Smith." 32 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995
"And the various departments that are represented on that committee, who appoints those members? Is that the director of the various agencies?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"The people to this committee are appointed by their directors."
"Representative Smith."
"Representative Lawfer, I, the intent of this Legislation is to change the name of the committee. Are you being asked to do this by the Department on Aging or is this been a desire for on your legislative agenda?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"House Bill 2419 is a Department on Aging administrative Bill."
"Representative Smith."
"Representative Lawfer, is there anyone from any of those agencies on the committee who happen to reside in Representative Hartke's district?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I have no idea."
"Representative Smith."
"I have no further questions."
"No further questions. The Chair recognizes a Gentleman from Effingham, Representative Hartke. The Chair seems to remember that you've spoken previously. Was that in debate, Sir, or to state a personal privilege? For what purpose do you rise, Sir?"
"Point of personal privilege. My name was used in debate twice."
"I'll give you an opportunity to respond, Sir."
"Well, you know anyway the question was asked by several whether this would affect the senior citizens in my 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 district and whether any members of the board would be in my district. I, since we've been debating this Bill, I got a news flash. The news have done a tremendous job because it is all over the state on the importance of this Bill. You know, it's really amazing to me. It's really amazing. I was surprised. I was shocked and I was appalled that what has happened. You know, my secretary has just been flooded, flooded with support. Phone calls have been coming in about this issue. How grand this is that we are now changing the name of this committee and I'm happy to be part of this discussion today so I can go back and tell my senior citizens that we're saved, we're saved by this piece of legislation. It's not gonna cost any money, but everything is gonna fall together now because of this Legislation. I would really like to see several members of that committee out of my district so that we can coordinate those activities for seniors. It's really a great."
"Representative Hartke, did you need more time to finish your point of personal privilege, which then evolved into debate on the Bill? I'll be happy to give you additional time, Sir."
"Well, I just wondered if I made my point."
"Very well eloquently and the Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Boland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"You are recognized for that purpose, Sir."
"Last night I was recorded as absent and I was here on the Bill that rammed through 18 vehicle or shell Bills, whatever name. They should be called sham Bills. I could not get to my button fast enough. This was not fast gavel. This was actually phantom gavel and I want the record to show that I would have voted 'no' on this sham on this 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 package of Bills and Mr. Speaker, earlier in the Session, I thought the most gross thing that had happened was when several of us Freshmen on the Elementary and Secondary Committee were not even allowed to present our Bills, not get a vote on them, not even allowed to present them, and now we find out this, what happened last night was even a far greater sham. So, I think the public needs to know what's going on down here and let's get this back to the way it should be in an orderly and democratic, with a small'd', fashion. Thank you."
"Representative, your remarks will be journalized for the record, Sir, at your request. The Chair recognizes a Gentleman from Kankakee, Representative Novak. Representative Novak? Representative Novak?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, may I question the Sponsor, please?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield for your questions, Sir."
"Thank you. Representative Lawfer, how many people are on the Coordinating Committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"There are 22 departments represented on this committee."
"Representative Novak."
"Thank you. Are there any senior citizens on the committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This committee is made up of state employees and I would assume that some could qualify as senior citizens within that definition."
"Representative Novak."
"Is this a volunteer committee or a paying committee? Are there stipends or per diems associated with this committee?" 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Lawfer." April 28, 1995 "This committee is made up of people that are appointed to this committee by their directors."
"Representative Novak."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Representative, what is the mission of this Committee? Is the mission of this committee to coordinate services for the elderly in a better manner or can you explain it, please?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I read the goals earlier, but let me take a little different slant on that. I think as you've been a Representative and have answered constituent questions, you often get the comment, 'Well, don't these state agencies talk to each other? Don't one agency know what the other agency is doing?' That is the purpose of this committee and it was well formed on this committee too, that goals and those responsibilities when it was formed over 22 years ago by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan. Since that, in the last two years, it's taken a little different scope. It's moved forward. The chairman of the Committee now is the Director on Aging. Prior to that, it had been the Lieutenant Governor. Now, that was changed two years ago and the Director on Aging now is the Committee Chairman and has held regularly meetings of that Committee so that there again as I emphasized earlier, the agencies can get together and talk to each other so that best know how they can serve senior citizens and I think it's gonna be very important as they meet next month in June, when they come back and study the recommendations and consider what the 50 members to the White House Conference on Aging is going to learn in Washington next week."
"Representative Novak." 36 50th Legislative Day Novak: STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Lawfer, is the AARP associated with this Committee? Have they been consulted with respect to the formation of this Committee and the coordination of services? They're probably the largest senior citizen group in the entire country."
"Representative Novak, I apologize for interrupting your question. Representative Lawfer."
"Any organization, regardless of how large or how small or anything public person can Direct a question to the director on Aging for consideration by this Committee."
"Representative Novak."
"Well, yes, Representative Lawfer, probably one of the reasons why I mention that is because Representative Schakowsky, prior to her service in the General Assembly, was the president of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens so she certainly worked very actively with senior citizen causes. A few other questions concerning this Bill, you know, I think in the next month, we have the annual White House Council on Aging where various Representatives are appointed throughout the State of Illinois. I think the Governor appoints a number of them and Congress, Members of Congress of each Congressional district appoint individuals from their respective districts to the White House Council on Aging. Is this Coordinating Committee going to have any interaction with those Illinois members that are going to be going to the White House Council on Aging? Because, as we're looking at the federal budget and the cuts that are gonna be coming down from the federal budget, the block grants that have been talked about, how they're gonna impact State and Local Government services, so is there going tobe any type of coordination between members of the White House Council on 37 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Aging and from Illinois and your Coordinating Committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"As I mentioned earlier, Director Marilee Lindley of the Department on Aging will be going to that conference and of course, she is chairman of the committee. So I think there'll be input from her as well as private citizens, one who is from my district that will be among the 50 people attending the White House Conference."
"Thank you for your remarks, Mr. Novak. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, to request an immediate Democratic Caucus, immediate."
"That request will be honored. Would you care to indicate if you would be back within the hour, Sir?"
"We'll be back after a full discussion."
"Well, we will set the time in one hour and we'll see if folks are back at that point, if that meets with your approval. The Democrats will have a conference. Oh, I'm sorry. Representative Madigan?"
"Mr. Speaker, I would make the point to you that Bills should not be called unless the Democrats are back on the floor. Now that started the other day, apparently by mistake, but Bills should not be called until we're back on the floor."
"Sir, it was an error the previous day. We thought that some of your Members, in fact, some were on the floor. They brought to our attention that you either had not completed your conference or had just completed the conference. We immediately stopped and waited until such time as the Members were on the floor. We will extend the same courtesy today, Sir. The House will be in recess 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 until the hour of 11:15. The Democrats will meet in Room 114. We would ask the Republicans to remain on the floor. The House is in recess until the hour of 11:15. We would ask the House Republicans to remain on the floor in their seats, please. While the House is in recess, the Chair would like to take the liberty of informing those Members who may know or be interested that former Representative Bob Regan, who is rather seriously ill, is now at home and I'm sure that he would appreciate cards from his colleagues, in the past. That's former Representative Bob Regan. An address, Sir, is 1239 Elizabeth, 1239 Elizabeth in Crete, Illinois, 60417. Former Representative Bob Regan is at home. Address: 1239 Elizabeth, Crete, Illinois, 60417 and if you misplace your address, Representative Balthis will be able to provide it for you. The Chair also during this time of recess would like to take the opportunity to recognize teachers, Mrs. Julie Bice and Mrs. Diane Maher and 41 children of the third grade class of Colechester Community Unit District #180. They are in the Speaker's Gallery. The teachers, chaperones, and students reside in the 95th district and are the guests in the Gallery today of Representative Rich Myers. Representative Myers. The House shall continue in recess. Again, I would remind the Republican Members to remain on the floor and in their seats. Thank you. Could I have the attention of the House Republican Members, please? Could I have your attention? There's a rather important visitor that is going to be with us today and he's asked the opportunity to meet with you. If the most deliberate way that we can do this is simply to go back by rows, probably the same way that the children upstairs go. So, and I will personally advocate that the back row goes first, but it is not my 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 decision to make. However, if you would please the easiest way for us to do it and to make for sure that everyone gets the opportunity to meet with this important visitor is if we take them row by row and if everybody is in their row at the time that we take them. So I don't, if you could all do that. That's right. For the students that are watching, you can realize that you are in training to be State Representatives. As is usually the case, we do have some staff Members that are going to try to get us all back there. The reason that I'm making this request and I would ask for your cooperation, is SO that we all have an opportunity to meet with the gentleman who has honored us with his presence today. So would it be possible for each Republican to take their appointed seat and we'll proceed with the process? And if you have any questions, I strongly suggest you contact the Majority Leader. Thank you for your cooperation and have a safe flight."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Governor Jim Edgar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's indeed my pleasure to be here today and I wanted to tell the Senator, that's a lot warmer applause than I get when I come here, but it's in my pleasure to present to you a good friend of Lee Daniels, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate and who some of us believe very well could be the next President of the United States, Bob Dole."
"Again, being the Majority Leader in the Senate, I never get that kind of applause from my colleagues either, but I'm looking over the House Calendar to understand, you had, what 18 votes yesterday or last? Oh, just passing through town and just wanted to know..." But I'm very honored to be here, I haven't had an opportunity to address Members of the State Legislature. I was in Florida and addressed the 40 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Joint Session a couple of weeks ago. I served in the State Legislature a long time ago in the State of Kansas and I would just say that this is where it all sort of started for me right in the State House in the State House of Representatives, where I first got my first taste of politics and decided I liked it and I've been active ever since. To those on the Republican side, I don't mean to offend anybody on the other side, my parents were good Democrats and they're the best people I knew. So I don't have any problem with that, but they did later convert, however, so. But I am one of the candidates for President of the United States and I just had the high honor of being endorsed by the Governor and by Lee Daniels and by Mrs. Edgar and I think that's very important to me. I've known both for a long time. Lee was very helpful to me in 1988, as many of you were in this Chamber. I really feel good about it. You know, you can tell in our business of politics, regardless of our party, when it feels good, when it doesn't feel right and it feels right to me. Maybe I don't understand it, but I think I do and the way it's going now if we just keep it going that way, it's gonna be a very successful year and it's not about Bob Dole. That's not what the race is all about. It's about competition, competition of ideas on what we might do differently with a Republican President in the White House and a Republican Congress for the first time in 40 years, whether we could make changes. So, I'd just say that if you don't have a candidate yet, I make house calls and I make phone calls and I'd be very happy and we have Democrats for Dole, too, available. So, you know, one stop shopping, but I want to say again, thank you very much for letting me interrupt what didn't appear to be a very busy schedule anyway. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day Well, thank you very much." April 28, 1995
"We're going to for the Republican Members of the House, we're going to go into my office and then, by row, you can come through the office and greet Senator Dole, personally."
"There will be an immediate Republican Caucus down in 114. There will be an immediate Republican caucus in 114."
"Attention, Republican Members, there will be a Republican caucus immediately in Room 114. A Republican caucus immediately in Room 114. Attention, Members of the House of Representatives. Attention, Members of the House of Representatives, the House will be in recess until they call the Chair."
Speaker Ryder: "Representative Brunsvold? Representative Brunsvold. Representative Brunsvold? Representative Brunsvold, has your conference concluded?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, it is finished and our Members are back."
"Thank you, Sir. Mr. Clerk, returning to the order of House Bills Third Reading, House Bill 2419. At the time that the Minority Leader called for a conference, Representative Novak had 46 seconds left. Sir, I will give you a minute to conclude your remarks.
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Lawfer, I think the last question I asked you was the White House Conference on Aging. I know that there's gonna be a major conference at the White House in May. Does this Bill have anything to do with interacting with the policy statements that all the Representatives from Illinois are going to put together and when they come back from the conference, will this Coordinating Committee interact with Representatives 42 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 from the White House Conference with respect to delivering of senior services through the Department of Aging and throughout the State of Illinois. Can you answer that?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes, they will. Would you like to have me go further on that, Representative?"
"Representative Novak."
"Representative, did you say your corn was up already? I'm sorry."
"Representative Lawfer."
"I do not have the corn planted yet, Representative, so."
"The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Schakowsky."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My name was used in debate and I would like to ask the Sponsor a few questions about the legislation. Representative, I was appointed by the President of the United States to be a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. Unfortunately, we're gonna be in Session and I'll be unable to attend, but I'm glad that this Bill came up."
"Excuse me. Representative Schakowsky, the Chair apologizes for this inquiry. Did you yield time earlier? I wasn't in the Chair, so I wasn't for sure. Could you clarify that, please?"
"My name was used in debate, however."
"Then I will recognize you for point of personal privilege to respond to that."
"My name was used in debate in connection with my past job as Director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens and now as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging and it seems to me that I was saying how appreciative I was that this Bill had come up in 43 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 advance so we'd have an opportunity to discuss some of the needs of senior citizens on the floor of this House. However, I have not been able to discern anything in this legislation that, in fact, does relate to the needs of senior citizens nor am I able to find anything that would be of interest to bring back to my former organization which came up in debate, the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens or in connection with my appointment to be a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. I scrutinized this Bill backwards and forwards and upside down and inside out and all various ways and I have yet to find anything, Representative, that really will be of any concern whatsoever to senior citizens in Illinois or around the country that would make it worthy of bringing it forward, either today or in Washington."
"Representative Schakowsky, thank you for bringing your remarks to a close. The Chair..." Representative Lang, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Parliamentary inquiry, Sir."
"And what is your inquiry?"
"Has this Bill been read a third time today?"
"Mr. Clerk?"
"House Bill 2419 has been read a third time, previously."
"Representative Lang, do you have further inquiry?"
"So this Bill had been read a third time previously before today, Sir?"
"Mr. Clerk? Mr. Clerk?"
"When the Bill was called on Third Reading today, it was read a third time."
"Representative Lang." 44 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995
"Had it been read a third time previously before today, Sir?"
"Mr. Lang, do you mean prior to the calling of the Bill today or do you mean on a previous date? Mr. Lang?"
"On a previous date."
"Alright. Sir, we will have to check that. May we continue with the debate or do you wish to stand for your inquiry?"
"I think we'll wait until we get the inquiry answered. Sir, to me, it's a very important inquiry."
"There are others seeking recognition at this point. Mr. Lang, we're checking on that. Mr. Clerk, do you have an answer to the request of Mr. Lang?"
"House Bill 2419 was not read prior to today on the Order of Third Reading."
"Anything further, Mr. Lang?"
"Nothing further at this time. Thank you, Sir."
"You're welcome, Sir. The Chair would recognize the Lady from Macon, Representative Curry."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Gentleman yield?"
"The Gentleman indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Lawfer, can you tell us what this Bill does?"
"Representative Lawfer?"
"It changes the name of the Technical Advisory Committee."
"Representative Curry."
"Well, I don't understand what that means. Could you explain that a little further, please?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"The Technical Advisory Committee as it is now named, was formed in 1993 by Lieutenant Governor Hartigan. During 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 that period of time, the goals have changed, the responsibilities of that committee have been enlarged, and to properly reflect on its current goals and responsibilities, this Bill changes the Technical Advisory Committee on Aging to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons. It more reflects what it currently is doing."
"Representative Curry."
"Is this in any way a vehicle Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"No."
"Representative Curry."
"So, your only intent, Representative, is to change the name of a Committee to better reflect some other advisory group of senior citizens?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Curry."
"Was this an idea that you came up with or the Department of Aging?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This is the Department on Aging administration Bill."
"Representative Curry."
"Does the AARP support this Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I know of no opposition to this Bill."
"Representative Curry."
"How much will this Bill cost the State of Illinois?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Nothing."
"Representative Curry."
"No further questions, Mr. Speaker. I think that the 46 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Representative has fully answered my questions about this Bill, that it basically does nothing. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Ronen."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I'm concerned of what the impact of this Bill might have with the City of Chicago. Right now, there is a City of Chicago coordinating body that's part of... receives money via the state organization, it's one of the official state coordinating councils and I'm wondering if this change would have any impact on the city's council?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"No."
"Representative Ronen."
"Are you aware what's the, what would the title then of the city's area aging council be called then?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm not sure that, that would change."
"Representative Currie or excuse me, Representative Ronen. I apologize."
"That's okay. I'm flattered."
"It was a compliment to both."
"So it's the, but this clearly relates to the city's council on aging is part of the structure, I believe of what you're seeking to change. So I'm concerned that there would be some impact on the city's council since this is really part and parcel of the umbrella agency that you're changing right now."
"Representative Ronen."
"No, Lawfer."
"Representative Lawfer." 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995
"Members of this committee are only state agencies."
"Representative Ronen."
"No, so weren't we saying that the agency in the City of Chicago that was receiving state funds and was part of this umbrella will no longer be part of this? Is that what you're saying?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"It never was."
"Representative Ronen."
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear your answer, Representative."
"Representative Lawfer."
"It never was."
"Representative Ronen."
"So, the City of Chicago is no longer gonna be receiving funding through this mechanism. It is not to be considered an area aging agency?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This committee does not fund agencies."
"Representative Ronen."
"Now, my other concern is as you are probably aware, the city of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against this agency in relation to the funding formula by which Chicago and other areas get funding. Would this make any, have any impact on that decision, on that case?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm not aware of any lawsuit against this committee."
"Representative Ronen."
"Well, let me tell you a little about it, then. The City of Chicago has filed suit because the formula by which moneys are distributed now to the city are unfair to seniors living in the City of Chicago. I'm kind of concerned that the agency that you're representing here, 48 50th Legislative Day talking about, has nothing, you're not knowledgeable of that." STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm knowledgeable about the inner fund of suit is on, but this does not pertain to this committee."
"Representative Ronen, please confine yourself to the Bill when you ask your questions. Representative Ronen."
"I'd be happy to. Thank you, Speaker. Representative Lawfer, this change that you're making, was that at the initiative. I mean, who's idea was it to change this name and what's the genesis of that idea?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"House Bill 2419 is a Department on Aging Administration Bill."
"Representative Ronen."
"Was this the major initiative of the agency this year?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"It is one of their initiatives."
"Representative Ronen."
"Would you say this is their most important initiative?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I think that could be more adequately answered by the director or from the department."
"Representative Ronen."
"To the Bill. Thank you, Representative. I would hope that really there are more important initiatives that the department would be pursuing this year. This Bill doesn't seem to do anything. I don't know why we're even moving this forward."
"The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative, Feigenholtz. Representative?" 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Lawfer, I'm very night was a very long night. Could you what's in this Bill?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"House Bill 2419 changes the name April 28, 1995 confused. Last please tell me of the current Technical Advisory Committee to the Coordinating Committee of State Agencies Serving Older Persons."
"Representative Feigenholtz. Representative Feigenholtz?"
"I'm sorry, Representative. Some of our colleagues on the floor are making an inordinate amount of noise. Could you please repeat the answer?"
"The Lady has indicated an inability to hear the answers of the Gentleman. I would ask the conversations in the aisle, conversations of staff, to please remove yourselves to the rear of the Chamber so that the Lady can hear answers to her questions and the Gentleman can hear the questions of the Lady. Representative Feigenholtz."
"Representative Lawfer, you were discussing earlier about this Bill that there were meetings that were held. Were there any minutes produced from these meetings and if there were, would you mind telling us a little bit about what were in these minutes?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"There are no minutes of this meeting."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Does this violate the open meetings act, Representative?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"No."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Are you sure about that?" 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"It sounds like a violation to me."
"Representative Feigenholtz, that was not a question. Do you have further questions?"
"Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I do."
"Please state them."
"Representative Lawfer, how does one get appointed to this committee? I have a very large constituency of elderly in my district and I think I'd like to sit on this committee."
"Representative Lawfer."
"Members of this committee are appointed by the directors of the agencies and departments that are members of the committee."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Is there an application process to this?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"No."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Well, then how do they get the names?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"From the Director of the Agencies."
"Representative Feigenholtz. Representative, Representative, is that member of staff bothering you? Should I ask him to be removed, or do you...Sir. Representative Feigenholtz, it's your turn."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Your welcome." Feigenholtz: : "Is there...this application process, do they accept facsimile applications and would that be public, 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 would that be printed in public record that people such as myself, or some of the senior members of my district would be able to apply for this position?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"The members of this committee are appointed by the directors of the agencies involved." Speaker Ryder: : "Representative Feigenholtz."
"Could you provide us with that fax number, please?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"I assume that this, that these applications are also accepted by mail, who pays for the postage since it's an inter-agency endeavor?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"There is no application process."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Well, what happened to open and honest government, Representative?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This committee is open government because it allows agencies to talk to each other. Often, I think you will find, that constituents will say, 'Why do not the agencies talk to each other in regards to their problem?', that's what this committee does. It analyzes what the programs are, what their goals are and how they best can serve senior citizens and then the individual departments can go back and answer those questions, some of those questions that will be from your constituents."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Frias."
"Thank you Mr. Speaker. I'd like to yield my time to 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day Representative Feigenholtz."
"Representative Feigenholtz." April 28, 1995
"I'd like to yield my time to Representative Davis."
"Representative, you were not recognized for that purpose. I'll be happy to call on Representative Burke, the Gentleman from Cook."
"Thank you Speaker. I'd like to yield my time to Representative Fester Davis."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Madison, Representative Davis, Sir." Davis, S.: "Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates he'll yield for questions." Davis, S.: "Good afternoon Chairman Lawfer. Very nice tie you have on today. Chairman, I seem to remember when you brought this Bill before committee and it seems to me that when you testified in committee on this Bill, you were asked about it being a vehicle Bill and I thought, to my recollection, you said it was a vehicle Bill in committee. Is that correct?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"That is incorrect."
"Representative Davis. Representative Davis." Davis, S.: "Yes, I'm sorry. Representative, what exactly did they discuss in committee. Did they discuss the Whiteside vs. Lindley in these committees?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm sorry, I did not hear that, would you repeat the question?"
"Representative Davis." Davis, S.: "I was curious, Sir, if coordinating committee, the new coordinating committee, if they would discuss things 53 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 such as the Whiteside vs. Lindley, et al?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Not to my knowledge, but however this is not part of this Bill."
"Representative Davis, please confine yourself the items in this bill. Representative Davis." Davis, S.: "What exactly is the impact of this Bill on the senior citizens of the State of Illinois, can you tell me exactly what the impact is on the senior citizens in the State of Illinois?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"This new name, if this Bill is approved, will more clearly identify the purpose of the committee and how it is related to the Department on Aging."
"Representative Davis." Davis, S.: "Can you tell me what the effect of this Bill for the residence of my district, District 111?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I think that they would better understand what this committee does."
"Representative Davis." Davis, S.: "Do they discuss why the Department of Aging does not adequately fund home delivery meals in these committee meetings?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Not in this Bill."
"Representative Davis." Davis, S.: "What would be the effect of this Bill on somebody, say like Representative Black's district, would it have some effect on somebody in his district?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes." 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Davis." April 28, 1995
"Would it also have some effect on somebody, say, like Representative Jones? Would it effect them in their district?."
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Davis."
"Would it also effect, say Representative Wennlund's district?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Davis."
"And would it also effect Representative Johnson, Tim Johnson's District?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Davis."
"And would it also effect my colleague from Madison County, Representative Stephens District?'
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Davis."
"Would this directly effect..."
"The Chair recognizes the lady from Cook, Representative Howard. Representative Davis. Sorry, Representative Howard, would you wait for just a moment please? Representative Davis."
"Speaker, I thought I was yielded five minutes from Representative Feigenholtz and 5 minutes from...I mean..."
"No Sir. No, no. You were yielded from Representative Burke and the hand signals are helpful. Thank you. Representative Howard." 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995
"Thank you Mr. Speaker. Will the Gentleman yield?"
"The gentleman indicates he will yield for your questions."
"Representative Lawfer, in as much as I am rapidly approaching the senior citizens stage, I would like to be able to be clear about what this Bill actually does. Let me ask you this. You say it's coordinating some agencies that are already in existence, is that correct?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Howard."
"Did you say there were four or five agencies that we're talking about?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"There are 22 agencies that are members of this committee."
"I apologize Representative Howard."
"I was way off then, Representative. Can you tell me what those 22 are?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"The Technical Advisory Committee members are the Lieutenant Governor's Office, the Volunteer and Senior Action, the State Board of Education, the Department of Labor, the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Corrections, Department of Conservation, the Illinois Planning Council on Development Disabilities, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Aid, the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, the Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Insurance, 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Illinois Health Care Cost Containment Council, the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Illinois Council on Aging and the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service."
"Representative Howard."
"Thank you Representative. Can you give me some kind of idea, what types of activities are we talking about coordinating. I'm not quite sure what that means regarding some of those agencies that you just mentioned."
"Representative Lawfer."
"Anything that would deal with senior programs."
"Representative Howard."
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear that. Would you speak a little louder, please?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Anything that would deal with senior citizens."
"Representative Howard."
"OK, give me an example. Are we talking about that agency answering questions that people ask as they call, or exactly what is that agency doing, referring people or what?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"They not only deal with senior citizen agencies or issues that deal with their particular agencies, but they also serve as a resource body to study and recommend action on issues which are beyond the scope of State Government. A lot of times this involves volunteer organizations and how they can better be utilized."
"Representative Howard."
"Yes, Representative, to whom would such recommendations be made?" 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm sorry, I did not hear that question."
"Representative Howard."
"Yes, to whom would such recommendations be made, ultimately?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"To the agency that was concerned and could cope with those recommendations."
"Representative Howard."
"And, would these be advisory recommendations, or must the agency, is the agency required then to do something to make certain that those things are complied with?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"They would be advisory."
"Representative Howard."
"Can you give me an example of a kind of problem that one might have as a senior citizen and tell me...give me some kind of understanding about how this would go through that process?"
"Representative Howard. Representative Lawfer, I apologize ma'm."
"I think that a question that could be considered by this committee as far as the rural areas, is the transportation of senior citizens. Now, that could involve the Department of Transportation, it could involve the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, it could be involve..the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. That could also include the Illinois Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of DORS, that all of those would be concerned...."
"Representative, please bring your answer to a 58 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 close. Representative Lawfer."
"Those are just some examples."
"Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Saline, Representative Phelps."
"Thank you Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates he will yield."
"Representative Lawfer, are you familiar with...since this Bill and topic has to do with aging, are you familiar with the change, I think it's been a couple three years ago, where the rural floor formula was eliminated that was more of a equalizing factor to give, not just down-state, but rural areas the benefit of the doubt when they don't have the population, but they have the wide geographic areas to get the home delivered meals and the other golden circle activities..."
"Representative Phelps."
"This is a question."
"Representative, I understand that it is a question, Sir, and you are certainly entitled to ask questions concerning the content of the Bill. Please confine yourself to the content of the Bill."
"Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm sure your sitting in the judgment seat, that's a matter of interpretation but many people have different styles, preface questions, some just come to the point. I'm from down-state, we have to take our time to make our point, so...Representative, bear with me. Please, I don't think I've been too much on your patience after some of the activities of the Chair."
"The Chair was cutting off your preface, or your prelude, the Chair apologizes to you, Sir. But, it would remind you that we are restricted to the contents of the 59 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE Bill. Please proceed." April 28, 1995
"Well, I think the question's appropriate since the title of the committee is aging coordinating. I was wanting to know if this is the committee that coordinated the activity after input from not only my area, Representative Bost, Representative Jones' area, Representative Deering, Senator Ralph Dunn, Representative Hartke, that were cut out of the formula, if they were hurt from the input liaisons, the directors or the agencies, why this rural formula is now eliminated and the populated areas that have the resources that deal with these senior citizens needs is now getting more funding than the rural areas that I'm trying to emphasize that maybe this committee should have saved, or maybe in the future, by changing this title, will do so. Can you answer all of that?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"I'm familiar with the issues that you have raised, however, that does not have anything to do with the Bill."
"Representative Phelps."
"But, what I...my question is the background of this agency, that evidently has already been meeting, do you have any information as to the creditability of their meetings, how they form policy from input that I suppose is the purpose of meeting to begin with and maybe reflect on why this policy was changed. If this is the committee, I want to do more than just change the title."
"Were you finished Representative Phelps, with your question? Representative Lawfer."
"I think that question could be well directed to the department."
"Evidently you don't know about the background with that, even though your district might be suffering 60 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 from that policy change. I hope not. Mine is drastically. Let me ask you something. One of the agencies that you listed as involved in this committee, the Department of Corrections. Can you tell what an aging consideration would have to do with corrections unless we're talking about the inmates getting older there that we want to deliver meals to them, or, what, can you tell me what corrections has to do with meeting with an aging coordinating committee?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes, there are senior citizens in regards to the Department of Corrections. Also, there are some that are making the transition to civilian life."
"Representative Phelps."
"Mr. Speaker, I really didn't hear his answer, but I'll let him finish his answer after I...maybe he'll answer the last question. Representative Lawfer, I know that you're sincere and honest about most of the legislation that you present and I just want to ask you one honest question and I know you'll give me an honest answer. Will you reject or non-concur with any Senate Amendments that might be attached to this Bill, in relation to the aging policies and issues that may come back to us?"
"Representative Lawfer."
"Yes."
"Representative Phelps."
"You will non-concur, that's...you understood my question, so this is entirely the way you want it to go the the Governor's desk, exactly like it is."
"Representative Lawfer."
"That is the purpose of this Bill."
"Representative Phelps, anything further? The 61 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Persico."
"Thank you Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question."
"The Gentleman has moved the previous question. All in favor say 'aye', those opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The previous question is put. Representative Lawfer to close."
"This committee allows these 22 agencies to get together, talk about the problem and I appreciate the support that you've shown to that and urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Lang, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Did you not hear us call for a Roll Call on that Motion, Sir?"
"I did not."
"You did not?"
"On the Motion, I did not. You will get your Roll Call, Sir, on the vote which we are about to take. The question.... That is correct, I did not. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2419 pass'? All those in favor vote 'aye', all those opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Representative Lang is recognized to request a verification and your request will be acknowledged, Sir. 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 64 voting 'aye', 34 voting 'no' and 16 voting 'present'. And the Gentleman has asked for a verification of the affirmative. Mr. Clerk, please read Clerk the affirmative."
"Those Representatives voting in the affirmative. Representative Ackerman. Balthis. Biggert. 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day Biggins. Clayton. Jones. Black. Bost. Brady. Churchill. Ciarlo. Cowlishaw. Cross. Deuchler. Durkin. Hanrahan. Hassert. Hoeft. Hughes. Tim Johnson. Tom Johnson. John Klingler. Krause. Kubik. Lachner. Lawfer. Leitch. Lindner. Lyons. McAuliffe. Meyer. Mitchell. Moffitt. Andrea Moore. Mulligan. Maureen Murphy. Myers. Noland. O'Connor. Pankau. Parke. Pedersen. Persico. Poe. Roskam. Rutherford. Ryder. Salvi. Saviano. Skinner. Spangler. Stephens. Tenhouse. John Turner. Wait. Weaver. Wennlund. Winkel. Winters. Wirsing. Wojcik. Zabrocki. Zickus and Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Lang, questions of the affirmative?"
"Thank you Mr. Speaker, one moment. Representative Black."
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, Sir."
"Representative Black. Did you hear that?"
"Sir, it's not necessary to yell."
"You didn't hear our request for a roll call earlier, Sir?"
"I heard a lot of noise. Representative Black? Representative Black? Representative Black? The Gentleman is not in the Chamber, please remove him. Representative Lang, Representative Maureen Murphy requests leave to be verified."
"There will be no leave, Sir."
"Please proceed with your questions."
"Thank you. Representative Parke."
"Representative Lang, please notice Representative Black in the front of the Chamber. Return his vote to the Roll Call. And your next question was, Sir?"
"Mr. Parke."
"Representative Parke. Is Representative Parke in the Chamber? Representative Parke? Representative Parke? Representative Parke is not the Chamber, please remove him. 63 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 Further questions, Mr. Lang?"
"Yes, Representative Jones, John Jones, as he voted 'aye' on this very important measure?"
"Representative John Jones is in his chair, Sir."
"How about Representative Bost, how was he voted on this very important measure?"
"Representative Bost is in his chair, Sir."
"One moment, Sir."
"Certainly."
"And, is Representative Poe here?"
"Representative Poe, is over here."
"He also has voted for this very important measure, but he's here."
"Did you see him, Sir."
"Yes, I do. Thumbs up, sir."
"Thank you. Do you have further questions, Sir?"
"How about Representative Stephens, how has he voted on this very important Bill?"
"Representative Stephens is at his desk. Do you have further questions, Sir?"
"I may, bear with me sir."
"I'll do my very best, Sir. Do you have further questions?"
"Bear with me, Sir. We're working on it. You didn't seem to mind when Mr. Lawfer had 4,000 staff people helping him with the Bill, Sir. So, I'm desperate to have my staff help me, Sir."
"Sir, you're entitled to all the help that you wish and I will do my best to bear with you. Would you recognize that Representative Parke is now in the Chamber?"
"Yes, I would certainly recognize Representative Parke."
"Thank you. Please return Mr. Parke to the roll 64 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE call. Do you have further questions of the affirmative, Mr. Lang?"
"Representative Skinner."
"Representative Skinner. Representative Skinner. Representative Skinner. Please remove him from the roll call. Oh, excuse me. I apologize. Representative Skinner was on your side, Sir. Do you recognize him?"
"Oh yeah, I'd recognize him anywhere, Sir."
"Thank you. Representative Lang, do you have further...further questions, Sir?"
"I don't see Representative Pankau, is she here?"
"Representative Pankau. Representative Pankau is in the back row. Do you recognize her, Sir?"
"Yes. Apparently, the people on your side of the aisle, Sir, don't like their chairs. Maybe you could move them around a little bit."
"The debate has been lengthy and I'm certain that they have moved around, but they are here. Sir, do you have further questions of the affirmative?"
"Representative Tim Johnson. I'm sure he's voted 'aye' on this very important Bill."
"Representative Tim Johnson is in the aisle. Do you have further questions, Sir? Representative Lang."
"No further."
"No further questions. On this question there are 64 voting 'aye', 35 voting 'nay', 16 voting present and this Bill having received a Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 359, continuing on the order of House Bills, Third Reading. House Bill 359."
"House Bill 359. A Bill for an Act that amends the Environmental Protection Act. Third Reading of this 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day House Bill."
"Representative...Representative Lang, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Parliamentary Inquiry, Sir."
"Please state your inquiry."
"Is Amendment #1 on the Bill, Sir?"
"Mr. Clerk?"
"House Amendments #1 and #2 are on the Bill."
"Mr. Lang?"
"Second Parliamentary Inquiry, Sir."
"Please state your inquiry."
"Is Amendment #2 on the Bill?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"Amendments #1 and #2 are on the Bill."
"Mr. Lang?"
"One additional Parliamentary Inquiry, Sir."
"State your inquiry, Sir."
"Thank you. When was this Bill read for the third time, first?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"Just a few moments ago."
"Mr. Lang, further inquiry?"
"The Clerk is certain that this was not read a third time previously, before today?"
"Mr. Clerk?"
"House Bill 359 was on the Order of Second Reading yesterday."
"Mr. Clerk, excuse me..Mr. Lang."
"And Mr. Clerk, it was not moved to Third Reading yesterday...I mean it was not read on Third Reading yesterday in the hub of excitement as we adjourned?"
"Mr. Clerk?" 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"No it was not."
"Mr. Lang?"
"Thank you." April 28, 1995
"Representative Persico, please proceed with the Bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 359 as amended, will deal with the Brownfield Redevelopment Plan. This is a Bill...it's a vehicle right now. I would like to move it along in the process over to the Senate and wait for the final agreed version between industry and IEPA and I will be happy to answer any questions."
"Thank you. Before we proceed, the Chair has been advised that the Martinsville Grade School and their teacher, Mrs. Sherwood, are guests in the Gallery. They are the guests of Representative Mike Weaver. We welcome them to the General Assembly. On that issue, the Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Effingham, Representative Hartke."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates he will yield for your questions, Representative."
"Representative Persico, Amendment #2, what does that do?"
"Representative Persico."
"Amendment #2 made House Bill 359 into a vehicle."
"Representative Hartke."
"It made it into a vehicle Bill. I'm curious to...in my mind why this was not included last night in the fiasco that took place here at about 11:00 o'clock. It seems that would have been appropriate to put on that as well. We 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 could have had 19 Bills, rather than 18. Did you request that you be put on that agenda?"
"Representative Persico."
"No, I did not."
"Representative Hartke."
"What you're saying is that you were no part of that fiasco last night?"
"Representative Persico."
"I recall making a vote on a few Bills last night, yes."
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, I guess what you're saying is that you disagreed with what happened last night because if we were passing out a an agreed list of Bills and there were shell Bills and they were all shell Bills or vehicle Bills, this could have been part of that, right?"
"Representative Persico."
"This Bill was read for a third time today."
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, I guess....what did the Bill do before you gutted it and what is your plans for it when it gets to the Senate?"
"Representative Persico."
"My plan is to come up with an agreed version between industry and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act in order to clean up old industrial contaminated sites and put them back on the tax role and we're waiting for a final agreed version between those two entities."
"Representative Hartke."
"So, we will have an opportunity to openly debate this, if it should come back from the Senate. I would imagine it will be sent back to committee so we could probably have some input into it?" 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day
"Representative Persico."
April 28, 1995 "Representative, there has been a lot of input on both sides of the aisle, into the original Bill. There was some concerns, from many different groups, we're trying to answer those concerns and you will definitely be able to debate this Bill when it comes back in its final form."
"Representative Hartke." "Well, I guess that's just my point. There was a lot of debate on it and a lot of input and there was a lot of language in that Bill. And so now, we're sending them over to the Senate. How will they know what our ideas are if you've gutted the thing and now it says nothing. I thought the process was one were we worked on a piece of legislation here, in the House, sent it to the Senate and if they wanted to make some corrections or additions that they would do so, with Senate Amendments to House Bills and then, if we agreed with those changes, and whatever, they would send it back here and we would approve. I f we disapproved then we would ask them to make some changes. If they wouldn't make those changes we would go to a conference, or is there a new plan out here that now we send over just a House Bill number that gives a broad concept of what we think this ought to be used for and then brought back here. Are we going to have an opportunity to amend this Bill again? To put back our ideas and things that we discussed here in the House into that Bill?"
"Representative Hartke...excuse me, I apologize, Representative Persico."
"Representative, you know as well as I do that sometimes these ideas and issues that we debate, we would like to see some sort of agreement with all the concerned parties and what I'm trying to do here is, since the agreement has not 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 been reached yet with the time frame that we're working under, I'm going to send it over to the Senate, they're gonna send it back to us. If we feel at that time that there are necessary Amendments that would be needed to this Bill, and we will debate those and either put them on or leave them off."
"Representative Hartke."
"Well, I guess that's just my point. There were a lot of ideas out here, and a lot of good ideas in this legislation. I think that we should have all had an opportunity to openly discuss that in various Amendments here on the House floor and keep those ideas in tact to send over to the Senate. When we pass a Bill out of here, we say that there are 60 Members of this Chamber that approve of this idea and will give some insight to our colleagues on the other side of the..."
"The Chair recognizes the....I'm sorry Mr. Hartke, would you bring your remarks to a close, please."
"Yes. So that those ideas would be intact and SO we would give our esteemed colleagues on the other side of the aisle, some idea on exactly what the Majority of the Members here feel. Right now, they don't have any idea because this is a gutted, shell Bill, a vehicle Bill. They don't know if 30 Members over here or 10 Members over here or 20 Members over here or 40 Members over here agree. But, if we passed over to them a piece of legislation dealing with the clean up language, then they would have some idea, yes, the Majority of the Members of the House think this is a good idea, we think we can improve it a little bit. Right now, they have no idea, other than here is a shell Bill."
"Thank you Mr. Hartke, for bringing your remarks 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day to April 28, 1995 a close. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Kankakee, Representative Novak."
"Oh. Thank you Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Persico, can you explain the original content of the Bill and what it did? What is Brownfields? How do you define that?"
"Representative Persico."
"Representative, Brownfields, as you are well aware are old industrial sites that have been contaminated and what we're trying to do with this legislation when it comes back in its final form, how far down in the process that will be, I don't know, but we are trying to put these old industrial sites back onto the tax role. It is a concept that almost everyone agrees with, it's just working out the final details in the language that there was a hang up and we're trying to get everyone agreed upon."
"Representative Novak."
"In the original language of the Bill, was there a tax credit or a tax deduction for those individuals that were going to clean up the property and re-invest in the property?"
"Representative Persico."
"Yes there was."
"The Chair apologizes, whose turn is it? Representative Novak."
"Thank you, Speaker. How much was the tax credit and what would have been the liability on the State Treasury?"
"Representative Persico."
"Representative, the tax credit that was in the original Bill was for 25% and what the impact on the State Treasury was would have been open for interpretation, depending upon 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 how many industrial sites they were including in this."
"Representative Novak."
"So, in other words, let's assume there were like 120 industrial sites in the state that are abandoned and contaminated. So if there are only maybe 20 parties interested in 20 sites, so the liability would certainly fluctuate with respect to the number of sites that would be effected, correct?" Speaker Ryder: : Representative Persico."
"That is correct, Representative."
"Thank you. In the....again, in the original language, what was the determination. Well, let me re-phrase that. The groups of people, the business groups that sat at the table and put this language together, could you tell me who was represented? Not the names of the individuals, but the names of the groups of the people that put this initial language together?"
"Representative Persico."
"Representative, there were numerous groups that were involved in the original legislation, the Illinois State Chamber, Illinois Power, Illinois Farm Bureau, Petroleum Council, Caterpillar, Illinois Manufacturer's Association, the Chemical Industry and the Illinois Petroleum Marketer's Association, among others."
"Representative Novak."
"Thank you. Now, this doesn't have anything to do with...when we say Brownfields and contaminated sites, what if there was a underground tank, would the LUST program kick in under this language that was originally in the Bill?"
"Representative Persico."
"Representative, the underground storage tank is in a 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 50th Legislative Day separate legislation."
"Representative Novak."
"Representative, I understand that. Maybe I didn't phrase my question clearly, in a contaminated field, commonly known as a Brownfield, if a responsible party that wishes to participate in the clean up discovered an underground tank that was there 50 years ago and had residue in it, how would that interact with this Brownfields legislation? Would they have to go under the...would that have to go under the auspices of the Underground Storage Tank Program?"
"Representative Persico."
"Representative, if they found an underground storage tank that was put in the ground over 50 years ago, I don't believe it falls under present underground storage tank Bill, but it would probably fall under what this final Bill will be like, I'm not sure what it's going to be like that so I can't answer with any certainty."
"Representative Novak, please bring your remarks Novak: to a close." "Thank you Mr. Speaker. Would the language that we had in there originally, does it deal with abandoned contaminated sites or sites that are currently owned by parties, or companies, or individual groups of people, who would be affected?"
"Representative Persico."
"Representative, if you're talking about what we normally call orphan sites, or abandoned sites, this legislation, the original legislation did not deal with that."
"Representative Novak, you have 18 seconds."
"Thank you. To the Bill. We know that we're reluctant to 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 pass shell Bills, of course we've seen one Bill pass in mass last night with about 18 shell Bills dealing with riverboat gambling and property taxes..."
"Representative Novak, please bring your remarks to a close."
"I am, you gave me about 20 seconds so I just want to advise people on my side of the aisle that you may want to have reservations about voting for controversial Bills, you had them last night."
"Mr. Novak, thank you. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative McAuliffe."
"Mr. Chairman, I Move the previous question."
"We will vote on the previous question. Mr. Lang, for what purpose do your rise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, to request a Roll Call on this motion..."
"The Chair indicated that a Roll Call will be allowed."
"Thank you, we appreciate that. And second, let me say this, Sir. There are many lights on on this side of the aisle....."
"Sir, Mr. Lang, the...I recognized you for a point of Parliamentary inquiry, you asked for a roll call, you shall be given one. You were not recognized for that purpose, Sir. The Gentleman has moved for the previous...Sir. Mr. Lang, the Chair recognizes you for point of Parliamentary inquiry, is that the... For what purpose, for what purpose. The Gentleman has moved the previous question. All those in favor of putting the previous question vote 'aye', all those opposed vote 'nay', the voting is now open. Representative Brunsvold, for what purpose do you rise? Uh...Mr. Brunsvold, Mr. Brunsvold, we 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 were in the middle of a vote, I'll take it and come right back to you. On this issue there are 64 voting 'yes', 49 voting 'no' and 0 voting present. The Motion is put. Representative Brunsvold, for what purpose do you rise? Oh. Mr. Brunsvold, I'm going to recognize the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan, instead. Mr. Madigan."
"To request an immediate Democratic caucus. You had four Democrats seeking recognition. I saw the lights. You decided not to recognize them, to move ahead with your motion, immediate Democratic Caucus."
"Mr. Madigan, you request will be honored, Sir. The House shall reconvene at 2:00 o'clock p.m. The House shall stand in recess."
"The House will come to order, the Members will be in their seats. Mr. Clerk, is there a Quorum present?"
"Yes Mr. Speaker, a Quorum is present."
"Please read the Adjournment Resolution."
"Senate Joint Resolution 43, offered by Representative Churchill. Resolved by the Senate of the 89th General Assembly, the State of Illinois, the House of Representatives concurring herein that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, April 27, 1995, it stands adjourned until Monday, May 1, 1995 at 2:00 p.m., and when the House of Representatives adjourns on Friday, April 28, 1995, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 1995 at 11:00 a.m."
"Representative Churchill moves for the adoption of the adjournment resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no', the 'ayes' have it. The adjournment resolution is adopted. Representative Churchill now moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 1995 at the hour of 11:00 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed, 'no'. In the 75 50th Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE April 28, 1995 opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have and allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, the House now stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 1995 at the hour of 11:00 o'clock a.m."
"The House Perfunctory Session will be in order. Introduction - First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 126, offered by Representative Cowlishaw, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. Senate Bill 190, offered by Representative Lou Jones, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. Senate Bill 192, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. Senate Bill 260, offered by Representative Zickus, a Bill for an Act in relation to the licensing of respiratory care practitioners? Senate Bill 265, offered by Representative Cowlishaw, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Building Commission Act. Senate Bill 276, offered by Representative Balthis, a Bill for an Act in relation to alternate fuels. Senate Bill 304, offered by Representative Ryder, a Bill for an Act concerning the regulation of certain financial activities by the Commissioner of Savings and Residential Finance. Senate Bill 323, offered by Representative Kubik, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Horse Racing Act. Senate Bill 324, offered by Representative Kubik, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Horse Racing Act. Senate Bill 332, offered by Representative O'Connor a Bill for an Act to Amend the Juvenile Court Act. Senate Bill 356, offered by Representative Lachner, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Uniform Commercial Code. Senate Bill 358, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act in relation to nursing homes. Senate Bill 395, offered by Representative Pankau, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 Code. Senate Bill 422, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning board and care homes. Senate Bill 423, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Pension Code. Senate Bill 427, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Hospital Lien Act. Senate Bill 443, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act to Amend the nursing home care act. Senate Bill 450, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act in relation to business and economic development. Senate Bill 460, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Environmental Protection Act. Senate Bill 552, offered by Representative Biggins, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Banking Act. Senate Bill 563, offered by Representative Kubik, a Bill for an Act in relation to property taxation and assessments. Senate Bill 623, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act in relation to animals. Senate Bill 650, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Salem Civic Center Law. Senate Bill 689, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Senate Bill 700, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. Senate Bill 738, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Pension Code. Senate Bill 772, offered by Representative Wennlund, a Bill in relation to the powers of County Boards and County Board Chairmen. Senate Bill 816, offered by Representative Tom Johnson, a Bill for an Act concerning the regulation of mental health matters. Senate Bill 818, offered by Representative Meyer, a Bill for an Actin relation to emergency telephone systems. Senate Bill 820, offered by 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day April 28, 1995 Representative Kubik, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Sanitary District Act of 1936. Senate Bill 833, offered by Representative Dart, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Adoption Act. Senate Bill 857, offered by Representative Churchill, a Bill for an Act in relation to hockey. Senate Bill 946, offered by Representative Biggert, a Bill for an Act to Amend the School Code. Senate Bill 975, offered by Representative Hughes, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 978, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act relating to the Rehabilitation and Liquidation of certain insurers. Senate Bill 1034, offered by Representative Howard, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. Senate Bill 1048, offered by Representative Krause, a Bill for an Act concerning the administration of psychotropic medication. Senate Bill 1067, offered by Representative Mitchell, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Counties Code. Senate Bill 1096, offered by Representative Julie Curry, a Bill for an Act relating to the issuance and cancellation of driver's licenses due to school attendance. Senate Bill 1140, offered by Representative Lindner, a Bill for an act to Amend the Adoption Act. Senate Bill 1197, offered by Representative McAuliffe, a Bill for an Act to amend the Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941. Introduction, First Reading of these Senate Bills. Being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session stands adjourned and will reconvene on Tuesday, May 2, 1995 at the hour of 11:00 a.m." 78 REPORT: TIFLDAY PAGE: 001 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX APRIL 28, 1995 96/07/12 15:12:20 HB-0359 THIRD READING PAGE 65 HB-2419 THIRD READING PAGE 2 HB-2419 THIRD READING PAGE 42 HB-2419 OUT OF RECORD PAGE 38 SB-0126 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0190 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0192 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0260 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0265 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0276 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0304 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0323 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0324 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0332 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0356 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0358 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0395 FIRST READING PAGE 76 SB-0422 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0423 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0427 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0443 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0450 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0460 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0552 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0563 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0623 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0650 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0689 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0700 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0738 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0772 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0816 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0818 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0820 FIRST READING PAGE 77 SB-0833 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-0857 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-0946 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-0975 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-0978 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1034 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1048 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1067 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1096 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1140 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1197 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SJR-0043 ADOPTED PAGE 76 SJR-0043 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 75 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER SPEAKER CHURCHILL PAGE 1 PRAYER PASTOR BOLTINGHOUSE PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PAGE 2 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 2 REPRESENTATIVE RYDER IN CHAIR PAGE 29 RECESS PAGE 39 GOVERNOR EDGAR INTRODUCES BOB DOLE PAGE 40 HOUSE RECONVENES PAGE 42 RECESS PAGE 75 HOUSE RECONVENES SPEAKER DANIELS PAGE 75 PERFUNCTORY SESSION PAGE 76 PERFUNCTORY SESSION ADJOURNMENT PAGE 78