Illinois House Floor Debate — November 19, 1996

"The House will come to order. The Members will please be in their chairs. Speaker Daniels in the Chair. The Chaplain for today is Father David S. Lance, of Christ the King Church in Springfield, Illinois. Father Lance is the guest of Speaker Daniels. Guests in the gallery may wish to rise for the invocation. Father Lance."

"All knowing God, we gather to pray for Your guidance at this Assembly as it approaches the time of great deliberation for our state and our country. Enlighten our minds with understanding and perception that we may continue to discover Your truth. Endow our wills with the strength to strive for justice, and fill our hearts with love for the peace that You alone give. That we may be at peace with one another. May our individual lives to serve the good of all the people of our land and beyond its shores. Amen."

"Thank you, Father Lance. We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative McAuliffe." McAuliffe, et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie is recognized on the Democratic side of the aisle for any excused absences."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Blagojevich is excused for official business in some other capitol city, and Representative Feigenholtz is excused because of illness."

"The record will SO reflect. Representative Cross is recognized on the Republican side of the aisle for any excused absences." 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the record will please reflect that we are all here on the Republican side. Thank you."

"The record will so reflect. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 115 Members answering the roll and a quorum is present. The House will now come to order. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you on the Republican side of the aisle, three new Members. At this time, I would like to introduce Representative Michael McAuliffe. Representative McAuliffe. Representative Robert Bergman. Representative Bergman. And Representative Mark Beaubien. Representative Beaubien. Representative Capparelli, will you introduce the new Members on the Democratic side of the aisle."

"Thank you. I have to introduce to you a very good friend of mine, Joe Lyons of the 15th District."

"Representative Churchill now asks leave of the House to suspend Rule 3-6(a) to provide for the immediate consideration of House Resolutions 153 and 154. The Death Resolutions in memory of Representative McAuliffe and Representative Pedersen. Is there leave? There is leave with no objection. With leave of the House, Rule 3-6(a) is suspended to provide for the immediate consideration of House Resolutions 153 and 154. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, we are to going to now move for the consideration of House Resolutions 153 and 154. We will ask the House to join in the tribute to the Honorable Roger P. McAuliffe, a Member of the House who passed away in July of this year.. And then upon conclusion of that, we'll ask the House to consider the Resolution honoring and tribute to Representative Bernie Pedersen who passed away just in November of this year. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, we will 2  141st Legislative Day Clerk STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 now move and ask the Clerk to read House Resolution 154 for the Honorable Roger P. McAuliffe."

"House Resolution #154, offered by Speaker Daniels and Representative McAuliffe: HOUSE RESOLUTION WHEREAS, It was with deepest sorrow that the House learned of the tragic accident which took the life of one of our most respected colleagues, Roger McAuliffe of Chicago; and WHEREAS, For the last 24 years, Roger McAuliffe represented the citizens of the 14th legislative district on the Northwest Side of Chicago; his office motto of at your service was more than just a slogan, it was a way of life; and WHEREAS, He was first elected to the Illinois House in 1972, when, it is rumored, the modern day phone bank was first used on Belmont Avenue by the McAuliffe campaign, and during his time in office he won the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle; he served as an Assistant Majority Leader and became the Dean of the Republican Caucus; and WHEREAS, A Chicago police officer, Roger McAuliffe headed the 38th Ward Republican organization for more than 2 decades, and for a number of years led the city in the number of Republican votes he could generate in a precinct; and WHEREAS, Born in Chicago on July 6, 1938, Roger McAuliffe graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1956 and served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963; he graduated from the Chicago Police Academy in 1965; and WHEREAS, Raised in a staunchly Republican household, he started working on campaigns before he was even old enough to vote, becoming a 38th ward precinct captain soon after graduating 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 141st Legislative Day from high school; and WHEREAS, Politics was his passion and he shared his success with others; in 1991, he helped elect his former aide, Brian Doughtery, to the Chicago City Council; this stunning upset made Doughtery the only Republican Alderman in Chicago since 1975; in March of this year, Roger saw his son Michael elected 41st ward committeeman; and WHEREAS, Roger McAuliffe was a strong supporter of legislation concerning older citizens and was known for his dedication to the needs of his constituency; and WHEREAS, Representative McAuliffe served on the Committees on Consumer Protection, Personnel and Pensions, Registration and Regulation, and Transportation and to Vehicles; he was an ex-officio member of all House committees; and WHEREAS, He has left a lasting legacy and will be remembered by many; on October 16th, the Roger P. McAuliffe Postal Station was dedicated at 6441 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago; and WHEREAS, Friends and colleagues will miss him dearly and will fondly recall Roger with cigar in hand leading us in Irish songs at the piano of local establishments; and WHEREAS, Roger McAuliffe loved his family and devoted his life to the people he served; his life embodied the words of his favorite song, God Bless America; and WHEREAS, Though his death was a tragedy, Roger McAuliffe died doing what he loved to do; he was fishing and enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by his loving family; and WHEREAS, The passing of Representative McAuliffe will be most poignantly felt by his devoted family and friends who supported 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 him throughout his public and private career, especially his daughters, Kathleen Alvarez, Suzanne Santoro, and Colleen; his sons, Michael and Ryan; his brothers; his sister; his grandchildren; and his fiance, Diane Marsalek; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Representative Roger McAuliffe, for their loss is shared by all the people of the State of Illinois; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Representative Roger McAuliffe as an expression of our esteem for a great colleague.

"Father Lance will lead us in the invocation."

"Heavenly Father, You are the Lord of all life. As we gather in Your presence we ask You to welcome into Your loving embrace, our brother Roger whom You have called home to heaven. Grant him Your peace. Bless his family and friends and those who mourn his loss. Extend Your loving and gracious hand to them that they may also come to know Your love and Your peace. Amen."

"Please be seated. Let me recognize the family and friends of Roger McAuliffe that are with us here today. We are joined by Roger's son Representative Michael McAuliffe and his son Ryan McAuliffe. Ryan, could you stand up. We are also joined by his daughters Kathy Alveraz, Kathy, and his daughter Sue Santoro is not here today because she gave birth to a baby boy, the day after the election and the baby is still having a little bit of problems but our prayers go with Nicholas Roger Santoro, the continuation of the McAuliffe clan. And we send our best to mother Sue and Nicholas Roger Santoro. Roger's 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 sister Maureen Stebans is here, Maureen. She is joined by Roger's brothers, Joseph and his wife Michelle McAuliffe and their three children, Megan, Katlin, and Kelly. And his brother Edward McAuliffe is here as well, Ed. Thank you. His brother and sister-in-law Mark and Chris Arnold and fiance Diane Marsalek, Diane. And Diane's sister has joined her, Carolyn Marsalek, Carolyn, thank you for joining us. And we're also joined by, of course, Roger's Springfield, Legislative Assistant, Kathy Beard, and his district office Assistant and Treasurer, Gina Dougherty, Gina. And his office staff, Peggy Garridy, and Anne Tentler and Intern, Debbie Nelson. So, welcome to the family and friends of Roger McAuliffe and thank you for joining us today. Representative Churchill is now recognized on the Resolution and the adoption of House Resolution. 154."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. One of my first memories of this place goes back to the first days when I arrived and I sat in the seat right about where Representative Doody is, somewhere in there or Representative Moore, and one day I just started to hear this very excited and loud conversation that was going on behind me. Now in those days, the Doorman was sitting about where the Doorman does today, and there was old guy as Doorman, his name was Ivan Petefish I believe, good old Ivan. And I couldn't hear the whole conversation, but I knew there was something going on. So I turned around and Ivan was talking with one of the Members, and it was Roger McAuliffe. And I couldn't hear Ivan's part of the conversation but I heard Roger's side of the conversation and it went something like this; 'You don't say. Now you're kidding me now aren't you? How big was 6  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 that. Oh come on'. He and Ivan were chattering and Roger was very animated. It didn't take me very long to understand what was going on. You see, Ivan lived about 10 miles out of town on a farm, and Ivan had a little pond on his farm that was well stocked with fish, and Roger use to go out there and fish with Ivan, and they use to compare notes on who had caught the biggest fish the night before or the day before. And he and Ivan were great friends as they chatted about this. And so as a young person just starting out in this process and trying to make some connection with a veteran, when I would meet Roger in the halls or on the floors, I would say, 'Hey, been out to Ivan's pond or done any fishing lately? What did you catch?' And of course, that would always get Roger started because that was something that he really liked to do. I've a lot of fond memories of Roger McAuliffe. Stories about the police department, stories about people back in the City of Chicago, stories about Republican politics. Roger told a lot of jokes, he had a lot of humorous tales and he was fun to be around, Roger. I remember one night over at the Sangamo Club, I think Representative Capparelli was there and I remember Senator Bill Peterson and several of us at a table in the back room, and Roger was in one of those moods and we were with Representative Larry Diprima and he got Representative Diprima, remember that, Cap? Got him talking about the old days with his 'friends', and Representative Diprima was telling some funny stories but Roger kept egging him on, and the more he egged him on, the more Larry told stories. By the end of the evening, Roger was just sitting in his chair and the tears were rolling down his cheeks and was laughing so hard. That was one of the fondest memories I have of being around here that night 7  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 and I've told that story to many people. Roger was a man who loved life. Roger was a man who loved people. Roger was a man who loved family. And I know how proud he would be to see that now his son is here with us. I know it's not exactly the way that it had been planned, but I know that he would be happy that his family name continues on that tote board up there on the wall. I think that probably the best thing I can say about Roger is, is that I only have fond memories of Roger McAuliffe. And the 14 years that he and I served on this floor and there were sometimes when I had to go and talk to him about Bills, particularly Bills that he didn't want to hear about, and once in awhile I'd have to go and tell him we were talking through the dinner hour, and he didn't like to hear about that necessarily. But we never left our conversations with an ill word. Everything that we ever said to each other was always ending on a positive note. I know there are many people here, Mr. Speaker, who have memories to share about Roger McAuliffe. And so, I'll conclude my remarks, but I would like to make one final Motion, and that is that we all be added as Cosponsors of this Resolution. Thank you."

"Representative Churchill has moved we all be added as Members of the Resolution. Is there leave? Leave be granted. Representative Wojcik."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House. Listening to Representative Churchill just made me reminiscence on many wonderful things about Roger. I met him in 1983. I had the pleasure, and I say true pleasure, of sitting behind him on the House Floor as a Freshman Legislator. It was so interesting because I looked at him and I had realized that it's been a long time since I left 8  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 the City of Chicago, but yet he brought back many thoughts and many memories of what I've known when I grew up in the city. As we grew up together that first year, and I say truly grew up together, Roger loved his cigars, and of course, I was always on a tangent about quit smoking, stop this, you're going to hurt your body, you're going to do this, and he always used to say to me, 'Well if this is the only thing that's going to get me, then so be it'. Well one year, a little bit after the first year, there was legislation regarding smoking and anti-smoking on the House Floor. We got into a big debate and it was a given thought to he and Wayne Goforth, that I had voted against their precious commodity. I made a bet with them, and that bet was a bottle of Dom Perignon and a dozen roses, because I knew I didn't. And by golly, they came through and gave me both. So, we had good times. Roger was my office mate. Roger always was worried about if I was having dinner, where I was going, did I have company? Certain things down here that often you think about, I wish somebody would care. He did. Roger cared, and that was why he was such a precious man. He loved his family, his grandchildren. We use to discuss his grandchildren versus mine, because when I came here, I had none. I had no married children. We grew in that area also. He taught me 'Danny Boy'. He also taught me, 'I'll take you home again Kathleen', but most of all, he taught me what a wonderful person he was. And to this day, I think of Roger and I always will. He gave me a lot in my years down here in Springfield."

"Representative Capparelli."

"Thank you very much. As you know, Roger was a very dear friend of mine. Just a year ago, last year we were in Poland together, and the year before that we were in Italy, 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 and the year. before that we were in Bermuda. He was not my friend down here, he was my friend in Chicago. He was a very dear friend. But last year in Poland, Roger got very sick, and he was real ready to be put on a plane and send him back to America, and Diane, his fiance, took very good care of him. We brouth a doctor in and they gave him charcoal because they didn't have penicillin. And sure enough, two days later he bounced back and he was out having a great time again and we were very happy that we didn't have to send him back to, Chicago. Roger was not only a good friend, but he was a good hunting partner. We use to hunt at Richmond Hunting Club. And sometimes it would be a difficult shot and I knew was Roger was 10 times the shot I was, and we'd both shoot at sometimes the same time and the birds would go down, and he'd turn to me and say, 'Great shot Cap'. And so I took that and I said, 'Well thanks, Roger'. I knew he really hit the bird. He was just a super guy. We met for dinner almost every night when we left here. And he's got a great family that I'm very proud of to know, and Roger always talked about bringing Michael to his office when he retired. And Roger, I'm going to miss you and God bless you wherever you are."

"Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tim: "I think those of us like myself and for that า matter those who had the privilege to serve not their whole career like I did, like I had, but even for a part of it had their lives personally and professionally touched by Roger McAuliffe. Michael, his replacement and son, I can remember when you were 1, Michael or 12, when you and your brothers and sisters all stayed in my one bedroom house just over on West Lawrence Street with your dad occasionally when we could fit you in and out and that's 10  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 how I got to know the McAuliffe's. And Roger and what a not only a wonderful great Legislator he was but a wonderful person. There's one word, and as we were all at the funeral those of us who loved Roger so, and that's everybody, tried to think of one word that would describe Roger. Not too many people can you describe in one word, but we figured out what it was, and that's unpretentious. And we in this political business and for that matter, I think society today, generally has become a victim of 'Washingtonitis' or 'Springfielditis' or whatever profession you're in, you tend to talk in catch words and say things you really don't mean sometimes I think or at least you gloss them in terms of what sounds good. Whatever Roger said, whatever he did, whatever his actions were, were absolutely straight up and up forward. He never would give you double talk, no 'Springfielditis.' His word was as good as gold and he was truly the most unpretentious, straight up human being that I've ever known in my life. All of us strive for that, but all of us fall a little short. His professionalism, the quality of service that he's provided his constituents, and the quality of service he provided humanity is something I think we can all look on with tremendous admiration. All of us can only hope that by the end of our career, and more importantly by the end of our life, we will come to accomplish and realize the depth of character that Roger McAuliffe really was. He was one in a million, one in a generation. And those of us not only here but in his district and around the state whose lives were touched by the most unpretentious human being that I've ever know in my life. I really owe him a debt of gratitude that will continue on forever. So thanks Roger, I know you're with 11  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 us today and you're well represented by the second most unpretentious person that I've ever known, and that's his son Michael who will be with us for many, many years to come. So, thank you to all of you, Republicans and Democrats alike and human beings all over the legislative district and all over the state has seen the service of truly one of the great public servants in this state, Roger McAuliffe."

"Representative Zickus.'

"I've had the privilege of knowing Roger for six years as a colleague and as a friend, and he was always there with a helping hand for everyone, and he was...he was just good to everyone. I will always remember Roger's smile and Roger's song. He touched a lot of lives and he will be missed."

"Representative Burke."

"Thank you, Speaker. Knowing Roger as well as I did and having an exceptional understanding of him, being his roommate here in the Capitol, I truly could never have imaged this day. A day to express ourselves and reflect in the life of Roger McAuliffe in this chamber that he knew and loved so well. A day that all who experienced Roger's unique vigor and love of people could have imaged would come as soon as it has. A day that I have not looked forward to because it closes the final chapter of Roger's life. This awful day has arrived and it's my chance to formally say a last good-bye to a sincere and wonderful friend. Six years ago I came to know Roger on my first trip to Springfield after my election. That evening was captured in the photograph of Roger singing with me at the piano over at the Hilton. His family presented me that photograph the day of his funeral. All who knew Roger understood his passionate love of Irish music, and it took 12  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 nothing more than a drop of Tanqueray Gin to lubricate his vocal chords to hear his full repertoire of Irish songs. In fact, after a few songs the entire neighborhood would be appreciating his booming voice. Each evening in Springfield after dinner, our routine would seldom change. Roger would say to me, 'Danny, are we going to sing a few Irish songs tonight?' Then Ralph Capparelli would promptly push the piano over to our table at the Sangamo Club or it was off to Bauers to engage the captive audience always in attendance. Bauers certainly will never be the same without Roger, but his Irish songs will forever echo in its walls and in our hearts. At Roger's funeral mass, Father Cunningham in his homily told a story that I thought most appropriate to describe Roger. The story went that there was a man who had three friends. The first he loved dearly. The second he loved, but not as intensely as the first. And toward the third, he was indifferent. The King of the land commanded this man to appear before him. The man was terrified that someone had accused him falsely to the King. Being afraid to appear alone before the throne, he decided to ask one of his friends to go with him. He naturally asked his dearest friend, who at once refused giving no reason or excuse. So he approached his second friend, who replied that he would accompany him to the gates of the castle, but would go on no further. Finally in desperation, the man asked the third friend, who immediately said, 'I'll not only go with you, but I'll speak in your defense if you are accused, and I will not leave you until you are delivered from this trouble.' This story kind of sums up Roger's public life. He supported his friends and colleagues and would most assuredly stand by their side in times of trouble. Roger needed no special 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 attention. He was a humble man with humble enjoyments. He never believed that his public office carried special privilege. He had no great political ambition, other than to be a good Chicago policeman and a good State Representative. Roger set an example as one who gave of himself fully. And he reminds me that people who never give their all for the team, or have the sincere belief, may very well attain great age, but they will never attain the fullness of Roger's years. He shared his unique personality and charm with all of us and his kind spirit will be with me always, and certainly, I'll never play the piano again without remembering my great pal. So when we meet again, Rog, I know that I'll have a friend to sing a song with. Thank you."

"Representative Bugielski."

"All of us go back to that fateful day in July when I received a phone call, a phone call that I wished never happened. It was from Roger's family reporting that he was missing. I agonized hourly with Roger's family and also with my colleagues, who we kept in close contact with. As each hour and then days passed, our hopes for Roger were fading. I started to realize that our friend may be forever missing from our lives. Roger, who was my neighbor by his legislative district being next to mine, his home just a few minutes away from mine, a man who I have worked with closely over 10 years in this Body, a man whose family I got to know, a man whom my wife Donna and I traveled on vacations with, a dear friend and colleague, who I admired for his strength of character that was ensuring his re-election to this Body year after year. Roger was a true and honorable friend, whose humor and personality lightened all of our hearts. My wife Donna and I will truly miss 14  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 Roger's unique charisma. I'll always remember all that he contributed to my personal and my professional life. I'm reminded especially today as we talk about his Irish tunes, one of his famous expressions after he would finish singing his favorites...one of his favorite songs, Danny Boy, he would always say, 'This song could bring a tear to a glass eye.' As we honor Roger's memory today, a tear could easily come to one's eye, knowing that his wit, charm and ability will be ever from our lives. I am better today for having known and enjoyed Roger's friendship for all of these years. And as our next Session of the General Assembly approaches, I'm sure that we'll all miss him very much. Thank you."

"Representative Santiago."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the pleasure to meet Roger back in 1983 when I was first elected to the Chicago City Council. Then I was elected down here in '89 and I had the opportunity to work with Roger. We became very, very close friends, good friends. We had dinner every night. Diane, I have met before. So when he introduced me to Diane, he said you know, 'I want you to meet Diane' and I said, 'Well, you know, I've known Diane for a long time and her family.' He was a charming individual, who's very calm. He was much taller than I am. He used to put his arm around me every night and say, 'You're my good friend. You're my friend.' He would always repeat that to me. We shared our food. We were part of a dinner party we had every night. Danny, Ralph, 'Bugs', Kay, Representative Lopez, Ann Zickus and we had very fond memories because we were all close friends, who put partisan politics aside and we shared our friendship. He would... I use to urge him to sing, but he would come and tell me, he usually sat next to 15  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 me. He would tell me, 'Miguel, I need at least five drinks. After I have five drinks, then I'm ready to sing.' And, so I would say, 'Roger, come on, we need you to sing. I've got to go...I've got to go back to the hotel room. I've got to go to sleep. I'm not a party animal like you are.' He'd say, 'Well, just wait a minute.' And he would...one of his favorite sayings was, you know, take a drink. He would look at me and would say, 'Down the hatch.' And he will take a sip and another sip and after five drinks, he will be ready and say, 'Come on, Miguel'. Put his arm around me. We'd walk over to the piano over at the Sangamo Club or Bauers, and that shows you his character. He didn't have no prejudice for anyone. He was an individual that extended his hands to others. I...another story, he loved his hobby was to read mystery books. And he would come and tell us about the mystery book and he would say, 'Miguel, I read this book last night and you know, then I started dreaming about what I was reading.' And he would tell us, you know, how scared he was, you know when he was dreaming what he was reading, and he would just keep us up. During dinner, he would just make a few jokes and he... That's the type of individual that he was. A good person, good-hearted person and we miss you, Roger. May the Lord give you eternal life, may the Lord bless you and keep you in good hands, because you really deserve it. And you are a good person, you are a good person, you are a good human being and to the family, I say God bless you. Keep your spirit up and just follow the dreams that Roger had for our society. So God bless you, Roger, and God bless the family. Thank you."

"Representative Lopez."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I met Roger back in 1985 when I 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 was working for Cook County Board of Appeals. And I worked under Commissioner Joe Barrios. And I remember just being in there for a couple of months, and I was in charge of community outreach, where we would reach out to communities throughout Cook County in educating taxpayers how to appeal their taxes. And I remember Joe, Commissioner Barrios, coming up and he says, 'Well, we need to go out into Roger McAuliffe's district.' And I said, 'Roger McAuliffe, he's a Republican.' And being new in the business of politics, Commissioner tells me that Roger is a special person. Roger's not just a Republican, Roger's a friend. So we went out there, we went out to his district and he taught us...taught me a very important lesson and something that we all need to learn, is what being an elected official, what being a public servant is all about. The room, we did in a school gym and the place was packed. It was just amazing. The place was packed, and I looked around and when we finished our presentation and we gave the applications, the amount of people that went up to Roger was just amazing. It just startled me, I was just like 'Wow, how in the City of Chicago, they love this man in his district.' And there is where I met also Alderman Daugherty. He was Roger's assistant at the time. And, that's a lesson that we all need to learn here in Springfield. I have very fond memories of Roger. Roger always had a joke to say. Roger always had a story to say. And something that was very being... Hispanic and very...and we have very few Hispanics down here in Springfield. I remember how he spoke about his daughter and spoke about his son-in-law over...I mean it was like at least once a week. He would talk about his daughter and his son-in-law and his Hispanic grandchildren. He'd say, 'You know, not 17  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 many people know about this, but you know, you guys are all right.' And I respected Roger for that, among other things. I mean, I'm truly going to miss Roger. I was shocked when I heard the news, but Roger will always have a special place, not really in my political career, but in my life, about what it is to be a public servant and what it is to be a friend. God bless you, Rog."

"Representative Kubik."

"We've heard so much about the personal side of Roger McAuliffe, and I don't think that there's anybody who hasn't been touched by what I would call a grand man. And what...I think of two things when I think of Roger McAuliffe and I... You cannot separate the man from his public life. Many of us sit through Sessions and we debate the great issues that come before us. Roger McAuliffe had one of the most unique abilities to take an issue and boil it down to two sentences. You could argue an issue for 45 minutes and Roger would make a two sentence analysis of the issue, and it was over. He was the most unique individual in being able to understand what was important about an issue, where everybody stood and what the answer was. Incredible man! He, I must say, shortened many of our GOP Leadership meetings by hours by doing that. The other thing that struck me about Roger McAuliffe was that Roger McAuliffe didn't speak often on the floor of the House. But when he spoke, he always spoke about people. The Bills that he got up and talked about affected people. They didn't affect monuments. They didn't affect airports. They didn't affect all of the issues that we're talking about in the General Assembly. They affected people and how their lives were conducted. Whether it was a fireman or a pensioner or somebody, Roger was up there talking 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 about those people. He cared about those people. He really dedicated his life to those people. And I can remember sitting at dinner with him one night and saying, 'Roger, you've been doing this for over 20 years. Why do you keep doing it?' He said, 'Jack, too many people depend on me. I've got to keep going. This is for my people.' And, I thought as we buried Roger McAuliffe and we drove out to the cemetery and you saw the hundreds, thousands of people that attended the ceremonies, you realized that Roger had touched an enormous number of lives. And I thought to myself as I was driving out to the cemetery, and the whole northwest side of the City of Chicago was one massive traffic jam, that only a police officer could appreciate. I thought to myself, 'Roger, you would have loved this.' I mean, it was an amazing sight. But what it taught us as Representative Lopez said, when you touch people's lives, that's the greatest legacy you can have, that you've meant something to people. And Roger meant a lot to people. God bless him."

"Representative Biggert."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For two years that I served in the House, the first two years, I didn't get to know Roger McAuliffe. I was scared of him. I really had this vision of the Chicago cop, and so I kind of... I never was in a committee with him. I never really got to know him. When I went into Leadership and he was there, I had the privilege of being in the office suite with Kay and Roger, and I got to know him. I saw all these people walking into his office, big people, small people, fat people, thin people. And I couldn't figure this out. Who were all these people? Why were they always going into Roger's office? And being in the same office, I learned that Roger 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 McAuliffe really did care about people, that people sought him out. And the other thing was that I learned from him is the sense of history of the General Assembly. We would sit down and he would tell the stories of the 'good old days.' Of course, the good days are always better than the current days, it seems. But he had that sense of history that I think that we need to remember in this House, that what's gone on before, so that we'll know what will go on in the future. And I think we'll miss the historian, Roger."

"Representative Saviano."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, my colleagues, everybody's done a great job today on this. I could tell a lot of stories, but I'm going to save it for the book. But one thing that Roger taught me, and you know, Roger wouldn't lecture. He was truly a mentor to me. But he wouldn't lecture you; he did everything by example. And the one thing I learned from him was that there was his priorities. Number one was his family. Number two was his political organization. And number three was the voters he represented. And from his family, that transcended through his political organization to his voters. His voters was truly... His voters were truly an extension of his family. And I think that we could all take a lesson from that, because we're all products of the districts we represent. And if you look at your family and you say, 'Well, how do I want to raise my family? How do I want to conduct my family affairs?' In your voters best interest, you treat your voters like you treat your family. And that's what I learned from Roger. And one of the most important things I learned from Roger through this last four years was that this process he, and again, he never lectured it, but he 20  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 did it by example, in...you always take this process serious, but you never take it personal. And that's probably the best lesson I ever learned from Roger. God bless you, Rog."

"Representative Churchill in the Chair. The Chair now recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Speaker Daniels."

"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this extraordinary man was not only a friend of mine, but a friend of the people of Illinois. I started with Roger McAuliffe in 1975, which means with the exception of a few of you in this House, I was aware of, worked with, laughed with, and enjoyed the good times with an extraordinary person. He was a State Representative from 1973 to 1996. He was Assistant Minority Leader of the House from 1990 to 1994, and he was Assistant Majority Leader of the House from 1995 to 1996. These recognitions were not granted to him just because he was a nice guy. His recognitions were granted to him because he meant so much to the people that sent him to Springfield to represent them. He was known as a community activist, a person that cared about his legislative district and the causes that he believed so strongly in. How many times in our own caucus did we sit there and talk about Roger McAuliffe's driver's education program, senior citizens' programs and all of the many things that he did in his district? How many times did we talk about in Republican caucuses, if you follow Roger McAuliffe's example, you will be re-elected to office time and time again? And I would suggest strongly to you that in this recent election, we saw another example of Roger McAuliffe's legacy with the election of Representative Mike McAuliffe, who carried on the many fine workings in his 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 legislative district. When I think about Roger, I think about a man that I didn't know how much I loved. I didn't know that till I started getting calls at my home. Like many of you, I was out of town, too. Diane called my home. She said, 'Roger was missing, can you help'? And I said, 'What can I do'? She said, 'We need State Police, we need help in Wisconsin. We need to expedite this searching procedure. We need to help find people that will work day and night to find Roger. I know he's safe.' And Diane and I talked many times over the phone and we reached out not only to the Governor of this state, but to the Governor of Wisconsin. We reached out not only to law enforcement officials in Wisconsin, but also in Illinois. And, yes, both states worked together. We didn't know what the result was going to be, at the time we were looking, and of course our worst fears came about. And when I sat in my home and started thinking about Roger McAuliffe, I thought about how much I really loved this man, how much I really respected him and I thought to myself, what a shame I didn't really understand that. The times that I could have come up to him and said, 'Roger, you really are an inspiration to all of us, you really are a great man. You didn't ask a lot from us. As a matter of fact, the only thing you asked from us was to talk less and to get our work done, adjourn on time'. He wanted to go home. He wanted to be with his family. He wanted to be up in Wisconsin fishing. He wanted to spend the good times that he knew were so important and the quality times. So while his death was tragic, tragic as it was, we should take comfort in knowing that Roger died while enjoying the greatest joys of his life. He was vacationing with his family. He was boating and he was fishing and he was 22  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 enjoying the company of a family that to him meant everything, and the great outdoors and celebrating the country that he loved so dearly. Do you understand this man's passion for life? Do you understand what he represented for all of us when he was here and what he meant to us not only on the Republican side of the aisle, but the Democratic side of the aisle? Do you understand what we will miss forever? A man that cared so deeply and loved his city and worked so hard on behalf of the City of Chicago and, yes, was an articulate and strong spokesperson for the city that he loved so much, that believed SO much in his profession of law enforcement, but always had a kind word to say about somebody. And, yes, at times when that person's viewpoints were not ones that made sense to him he could dismiss them, but did it with the realization that we all knew that everybody had an inspiration or a thought that meant something to us all. I remember, as many of you do, these good times. I've had special conversations with Roger in my office just between the two of us, where the times haven't always been as happy and as smiling as I'd like them to have been. But you know what? Almost always he was right. So he led us as Republicans in the right direction and was part of the Republican Caucus and the actions that we took. But I will never forget in my own life the night when Roger McAuliffe sang 'Danny Boy' not too long before we adjourned this Legislative Session. And I looked at Roger and I listened to him as he asked me to invite him and I politely declined, trying to save the people around me from that experience. But I watched him sing 'Danny Boy' with the fervent for life and the compassion for that that he believed in. And so I say to you, Roger McAuliffe, 'Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 the pipes are calling. From glen to glen and down the mountainside, the summer's gone and all the flowers are dying. 'Tis you, tis you must go and I must bide. But when you come back when summer's in the meadow or when the valley's hushed and white with snow, 'tis I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow. Oh, Danny Boy, oh, Danny Boy, I love you so. And if you come when all the flowers are dying and I am dead as dead I well may be, you'll come and find the place where I am lying and kneel and say, and aye be there for me. And I shall hear through soft you tread above me and all my dreams will warm and sweeter be and if you will not fail to tell me that you love me, then I simply sleep in peace until you come to me. Oh, Danny Boy.' Those words are our friend, our colleague, leader in Illinois, one of the finest persons that I have met, Roger McAuliffe. God, bless you, Roger. Rest in peace."

"Speaker Daniels in the Chair. Representative McAuliffe."

"On behalf of all my family and friends that are here with me now and in Chicago, I'd like to say thank you to everyone for all your support. The last couple of months have been pretty difficult, but the strength that my father gave me, the inspiration that he gave me and just all the loving thoughts and everything, just kept me going on the last couple of months. I can tell you he's talked about many of you, past and present. He had very fond memories of his times down here in Springfield and most of all you knew my father very well and he was the same person down here in Springfield as when he was up in Wisconsin or Canada. I'd walk into a bait shop and one of the old gentleman would say, 'Where's your big cigar at'? They always recognized him. They looked up to him. Everybody 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 loved him, whether it was here in Springfield or in Wisconsin. When he was up there he was the same person as he was down here. He always kept his feet on the ground. He never said who he was or what he was doing. All he wanted to do was talk about fishing. And I'd just like to say, thank you, all of you and I'm looking forward to working with you. I wish it wasn't under these types of circumstances, but a lot of times we don't have the chance to, you know, pick out what we want to do. I was thinking, too, many of you probably knew my father and seen him in bars and that. He was a very generous man. He never cared about how much wealth he was going to have at the end of his life or even in the middle of his life. And I always thought and I think he thought, too, that it's not how much money you have in the bank or how much property you own. That makes a man wealthy in one way, but I think having friends and family and the outpouring that they gave for me and my family and in his district, that's... If you could die like that, to me, in my book, you're the wealthiest man I'll ever know. Thank you."

"Representative Phelps."

"Sings Amazing Grace."

"Representative Churchill now moves that the House adopt House Resolution 154. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye', opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does unanimously adopt House Resolution #154. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 153."

"House Resolution #153, offered by Speaker Daniels and Representative Bergman: HOUSE RESOLUTION 'WHEREAS, The death of our distinguished colleague, 25  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 Bernard E. Pedersen of Palatine, brings much sadness to the members of the House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, A native of Grinnell, Iowa, Bernard Pedersen was born on November 24, 1925, the son of Hattie and Edwin Pedersen; he received his bachelor's degree from Grinnell College; and WHEREAS, Bernard Pedersen was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during World War II; he was the recipient of the Purple Heart Award; and WHEREAS, He was the owner of Pedersen Insurance Agency of Palatine; and WHEREAS, He was a former Palatine Republican Township Committeeman and former Palatine Township Assessor; and WHEREAS, He was first elected to represent the citizens of the 54th District in 1982, and served with honor and distinction from the 83rd through the 89th General Assemblies; and WHEREAS, Representative Pedersen served on numerous committees, and during The 89th General Assembly served as Chairman of the Committee on Insurance; Vice Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations for Human Services; and a member of the Committees on Commerce, Industry and Labor; Consumer Protection; and Health Care and Human Services; and WHEREAS, He was named 1995 Legislator of the Year by the American Legislative Exchange Council; and WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia; and WHEREAS, Father, Legislator, citizen, Bernard Pedersen lived an amazing life; he will be sadly missed by his family and friends, especially his daughter, Christina Tinning; his sons, 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 Edwin and Andrew; his daughters-in-law, Susan and Ann; his brothers, K. Mark and Peter; his sisters-in-law, Mary and Joyce; and his grandchildren: John, Kathleen, Brigid, Patrick, Meghan, Mary Kate, and Brendan Tinning and Bernard II, Josephine, and Brendan Pedersen; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we note with sorrow and regret the death of our colleague, Bernard E. Pedersen, and extend our most sincere condolences to his family and friends; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Representative Bernard E. Pedersen."

"Father Lance for the invocation."

"Gracious God and Father, source of all life and love, we gather in Your holy name and we ask You to welcome into Your loving embrace our brother and friend, Bernie, whom You have chosen to call home with You in eternity. Continue to bless his family, his friends, his co-workers as they mourn his loss and give them strength to continue to live and act in his spirit. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."

"We may be seated. Let me now introduce to you the family and friends of Bernard E. Pedersen, Representative. We're joined today by his son, Andy and wife Ann and infant son, Brendan. His son Edwin and wife Susan and two children, Bernard E. the II and Josephine. His brother, Mark Pedersen and in-laws, Paul and Bernie 'Schesling' are with us today. Thank you very much for joining us here in Springfield today. Representative Churchill."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 House. Bernie and I came into the Legislature in the same class. It was kind of a special class because we were the first class after redistricting in 1983 and we were the first class after the cutback Amendment. So we went from a larger Legislature with three Members down to single Member districts. There were 29 of us in that class and I remember when we first got together I thought there was some real characters in the class. First, I looked at Bernie Pedersen, I had a different thought. I sensed that this Member was going to be as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. Let me tell you, I wasn't wrong. Bernie Pedersen was a true believer. He was a conservative's conservative. He didn't just espouse his beliefs for political purposes or because it was fashionable at a certain time or in a certain group or in certain settings. His beliefs were intellectually instilled, deeply felt, and shared by Bernie to whomsoever would lend a moment of their time to listen. He wasn't one of those pushy types. Bernie actually believed that persistence paid off better than insistence. Bernie Pedersen was a kind man. He was also a very pleasant man. He took on the job of being the Illinois representative to the American Legislative Exchange Council or ALEC as we call it around here. His gentle reminders for us to join up or to make sure that our dues were paid or to tell us about some conference that was coming up or an annual meeting, were so low key and inviting that it would have been almost impossible to turn him down on his requests. And if you ever needed to study an issue, you had to watch out for Bernie because your simple request could end up getting you back a flood of paperwork. Bernie loved books and Bernie loved paper. His briefcase and his office attested to that if you ever stopped by. Bernie 28  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 Pedersen was a constant and consistent voice on this floor. His stance on increasing taxes never wavered. In fact, I use to kid him all the time. I said, we could just number his speeches and then we could actually refer to them by the number instead of having to hear them again and again and again. Bernie's retort always went along the lines that he would keep giving them until we got it right. He was a kind man. He was a nice man. Mr. Speaker, we'll miss his gentle persistence. I would again move that all Members be added as Cosponsors of this Resolution."

"Thank you. Let me correct something here. Christina, I apologize. I didn't recognize his daughter, Christina Tinning and Meghan, Mary Kate and Brendan. So would you please stand up. Thank you for joining us. Representative Schakowsky."

"When I chaired the Consumer Protection Committee, Bernie was the Minority spokesperson on that committee. And the first day I said that many people were not aware, I'm sure, of just how much Bernie and I had in common. And of course Bernie spun around and gave me a kind of quizzical look as many of you are right now. And I said, well, first of all Bernie and I are both members of Jenny Craig and actually we're subsequently. both dropouts, as well. But we were also always kind of threatening to report each other to Jenny as we would see each other on the House Floor or in committee doing things that weren't on the program. But the other thing I said is that more importantly Bernie and I are both believers. Bernie was an unswerving conservative. He was a consistent voice, an unapologetic voice, always ready to stand up and give his view. I admired Bernie for that and I always liked Bernie for that. I'll miss him." 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996

"Representative Skinner."

"It's probably hard for all of us to believe, but everybody's here for a good reason. The real challenge down here is to figure out what that reason is. Bernie was a philosopher to us conservatives. You may remember the famous picture of him on the front page of at least the Daily Herald, no more Illinois taxes bumper sticker sitting on his...on his microphone. Well, I remember that one and I remember the picture of Governor Edgar visiting Palatine and Bernie was being quietly persistent as he was poking his finger into the Governor's chest, probably talking about not raising income taxes. Bernie had a real concern for the children of the United States. He thought that they were not having...that they were not getting enough time from their parents. And for those of you that did not understand his opposition to day care and the expansion of day care, that was his motivation. Bernie was very much like Roger in that they both were party war-horses. Bernie was the Township Committeeman of Palatine Township for literally decades. The only one I can think of that might have been in office longer would be the Elk Grove Township Committeeman or perhaps the Schaumberg Township Committeeman. Bernie was an insurance salesman which most of us didn't see. But I noticed the traits when we would give him a list of 30 names to call today for fund-raising and I wouldn't get through 30 names, but he'd get through 30 names. That is a trait I think which is a mark of a successful salesman. As Bob has mentioned, Bernie was the Illinois State Chairman for the American Legislative Exchange Council. What most of you don't know is that in his role in ALEC, he was the inspiration and the persistent nag until the American Legislative Exchange Council formed 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 the task force on empowerment of families and the poor. He really believed that the welfare system in the United States had failed and that there was a better way. Now, I'm making Bernie sound really somber and I would like to offer in evidence of the other side of Bernie Pedersen. A picture of him and my wife on 'Cumba', the biggest roller coaster in the southeastern part of the United States. He's smiling, he's holding his glasses. His eyes are shut. He doesn't look terrified like my wife does, but I'll give them both credit, they went on the 'Cumba' and Bernie's wife Pat and I decided that as a counterpoint we'd go on the merry-go-round. Bernie had a special feeling for his grandchildren. I remember his saying that every time he went to visit the relatives in Texas that he would walk each of the children around the block individually because he wanted to know that each one of them were important. I'm sure in other ways he conveyed the same love for his grandchildren who lived in Illinois. The priest at the funeral mentioned something to me which when I heard it I agreed with, but it had never occurred to me. Bernie was a devout Christian. He was a member of 'Opus Dei' and one of the things that the priest who was his confessor noted was that Bernie didn't gossip. And I'm setting back there, sitting next to a couple of politicians, naturally, saying, he didn't gossip? Well, what else is politics about? And yet when I reflected upon the many dinners that I had with him, it occurred to me that that was never what we talked about. We never talked about people, we talked about ideas. Bernie had an incredible sense of good humor, as you all know, and it occurred to me that this little beenie bag elephant named Whitey might explain his philosophy toward government as well as anything. And now I apologize 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 to those of you who want me to go deeper, and I would explain immediately that the little poem I'm going to read is exactly the same poem that is on the donkey 'Lefty' in the beenie babies. For those of you who don't buy matched pairs. It says, 'Donkeys to the left, elephants to the right, often seems like a crazy sight. This whole game seems very funny, until you realize they're spending your money.' Thank you."

"Representative Clayton."

"Thank you. Bernie Pedersen has left us with many fond memories here in the General Assembly, but also in the northwest suburbs. He was a strong political leader in the northwest suburbs and one that we will miss very intensely. Representative Skinner brought up the day care, which has prompted me to want to mention the conversations that Bernie and I had about day care and what we might do. We went through about six weeks of intense meetings talking about what could we do. When that was over, he came to my office one day and this meant a lot to me and I want you all to know. He said, 'What are we going to do for those little children? We have to find an answer.' I wish he were here so that we together could find that answer."

"Representative Moffitt."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. After I was elected to the House in '92 I believe the first call that I received at home, talking about the upcoming session, was from Bernie indicating that I definitely should attend a session of ALEC that was coming up. I asked him for more information - I did not attend, but I appreciated the call and that was my initial contact with Bernie. Certainly, I think if we were being true to Bernie, we're all talking much too fast as we pay our tributes today because he let 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 141st Legislative Day us think over and he certainly thought over what he said anytime that he spoke. One of the tributes I'd like to make to Bernie and I think he would appreciate the comparison. After President Ronald Reagan was elected, one of his staff members wrote a book and the book was called and I have a copy of that, A Man True To His Word. It was about Ronald Reagan, that he kept his word on what he said he would do and was true to his philosophy. I think that would be the tribute that I would want to give to Bernie. It certainly... Bernie was a man that was true to his word and I saw that displayed down here every time that he spoke, every time an issue came up. In those four years that I've served in the House, there certainly have been a lot of speeches made on this floor. But I think the one that I remember the most was one made by Bernie and he brought in a roll of salami and a knife and was talking. about additional fees and additional taxes and he says, 'You're just using the salami approach, a slice at a time.' And I will always remember that speech and I think a lot of you, probably, maybe all of you, remember that. But he really made his point with the props that he brought in and, again, in doing that, he was being...certainly being true to his word that as far as his philosophy down here. There is a group meeting called the Conservative Caucus and once in a while I would drop by and Bernie was so true to his word he would usually question if I should attend. And it kind of...wanted to card me at the door and make sure that's really where I should attend that evening, but he would allow me in then after a little ribbing on some vote that I had made earlier in the Session. To the Members of the House, to his family especially, I just want you to know that Bernie Pedersen, he was a kind, he was honest, he 33  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 was a decent person and truly I'm going to miss him. Thank you."

"Representative Leitch."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. What a sad, sad time it's been this summer as we've lost Members whom we all have loved. As I sit here and reflect on this, it seems that as we come to this place with such energy and with such enthusiasm, I know that in my case I've been totally unprepared to attend the funerals of people like Dick Mautino and Myron Olson or in these cases Bernie Pedersen and Roger McAuliffe. The one thing that I've noticed in those...in those funerals are a number of things that move me very deeply and I'm sure the reason each of us are so moved here today. And that is because to attend those funerals and to know those individuals in one way or another, their commitment to their families, the love that they shared with their families. The passionate caring, while different in styles is the most passionate caring for those served and whom they sought to work with and what an occasion it is that we come together to recognize these individuals. I'm sure as you may have thought many times, I know I have, how unfortunate it is that we don't know when death comes and that we can tell people and embrace people before they leave us, how much they've meant to us. Like many of you, I first met Bernie when he showed up at my office the very first day insisting, not persisting, insisting that I attend the (ALEC) conference and indeed, I did. And, since that time as we and other Members have worked in Medicaid and other Human Service issues, there was always Bernie with his latest armload of papers and armload of reports coming from (ALEC) to try and steer us all in the right direction. So, 34  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 Bernie and Roger and others who have gone before, we miss you, we love you and rest in peace."

"Representative Brunsvold."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bob Churchill started to indicate that our class, 1982, was a unique class and it was. Twenty-nine of us started then and right now I believe we're down to four. Kay, Mary Lou, Bob and myself. It was a very important class. We were very close as a class could be. You meet together, you do a little orientation. You get to know each other because when you're freshmen, you kind of have to rely on each other because the senior Members don't like to help you very much, some times. So, you become very close. You know, Bernie and I, philosophically, probably aren't very close. We didn't travel down the same path, and that was probably good for Bernie. I'm a little closer to Bernie than Jan is, though. I love you, Jan. I love you, Jan. Don't take that personal. But, Bernie and I, as we went through the 14 years that we served together here in the House, I can't believe that I ever served on a committee with Bernie. I was just thinking about that. I was always on education and agriculture and things like that and he was insurance and one Approp Committee or another that we didn't ever really didn't never serve together in those committees. But, working together on Bills, however, was very easy for Bernie and I to do. We had legislation that I would talk to him about and he would run something by me on a Bill and that worked out pretty good. (ALEC), he always was involved with (ALEC). and you know, he's never, never had a problem with helping you getting to an (ALEC) Conference. You know, when NCSL would have their conference in the Great Slave Lake and (ALEC) would have theirs in San Diego. 35  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 He could always get that arranged so you get to San Diego. So, I want to thank Bernie for those fine times and the work we've had over the last 14 years together and I always remember Bernie. And the families, our prayers are with you and as a Democrat, I want to say I never had any problems with Bernie."

"Representative Stephens."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are blessed. We are among our states and our nation's most fortunate. We have the opportunity to meet and share with people that on reflection, sometimes too late, we see and recognize for what they really were. The Gentlemen that we recognize today, we can say without embarrassment that we recognize them as great. Mr. Speaker, you said earlier as we always do when someone passes, if only I would have said. And I would ask that each of us remember that today about each other. And as one who has been more partisan than most, how much we should appreciate each other for the human beings we are. David, how much we appreciate you're song and the gift that the Lord has given you. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize that the Nation has lost two patriots. Two men who served their country and you know it's always the young men and the young women. Roger was 23 when he joined the United States Army. Bernie Pedersen was a teenager, a teenager when he was wounded. It's a small fraternity that we have. Bernie once told me, 'You know, I don't talk much about my experiences.' He knew that I had been wounded in combat and he said, 'I just wanted to remember that you got the dumb award, too.' That was humor to Bernie. He and Roger both would have laughed earlier at Representative Brunsvold's remarks and they enjoy that laughter today. God rest their souls. Thank 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day you, Mr. Speaker."

"Representative Murphy." November 19, 1996 Murphy, Μ.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. It's of great personal indulgence that we get to remember the two Gentlemen that we've served with, today. And one thing that we can say about both Roger and Bernie is they were quiet, gentle, caring men and they were family men. A little bit about Roger, I got to sit in front of Roger for two years and got to see the Sun Times and all the latest papers. And, he probably knew what Bernie was like with all the papers. When he'd see me coming he'd ask me why I carried all those papers around, I certainly didn't need them. And Roger was always there for all of us. Now only occasionally I joined those that sang with the folks afterwards, but my song that Roger gave me, that my mother gave me a long time ago was Toora Loora Loora. And, he'd get SO mad that I didn't know past the first chorus. So, Roger, I'm learning the second chorus because there's only SO many years that we all have left. And, Roger, I loved you dearly. Now Bernie, Bernie knew about me before I knew about him. Well, how could this be? Well, it's old-fashioned networking. A good friend, a good gentleman from my district called up Bernie and said, 'You know this young girl, because they thought I was, is coming down to Springfield, and I certainly hope you'll keep her under your wing and look over her.' Well, the connection was the John Erickson Society. And don't try to figure out how an Irish girl gets to go to John Erickson Society things but that certainly did occur. Well, Bernie probably wondered what I would be like and he probably didn't know how well we'd hit it off. As well, we did. And to those of you when we're talking about left and right, who thought that 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 those of us who Bernie was far to the right, there are thought that he was rather centered. I was never so privileged as to run for re-election, having served in the Minority, as to have Bernie and some of his friends come out to the South Suburbs to help knock on doors and I was delighted to see him wearing his baseball style cap that was his 'Tax Cap hat.' And how well he was received at the doors of my constituents. But of course, the proudest moment followed when I got to be Chairman of the House Revenue Committee and we were able to bring Tax Cap legislation to Cook County. Bernie was so proud. He would have liked to have been a part of that committee and that wasn't to be but. On many occasion I had him and some of his Legislative ideas before our committee, and he brought in all of his charts and all his coefficients of dispersions and many times Cal Skinner helped. And, I was very, very happy that we were able to pass this legislation that Bernie was so fond of. But you know, we had a lot in common. It didn't take much for him to get me to join (ALEC), and we were able to share some time in Traverse City and the summer following that in San Diego, with the Skinners and the Pedersen's. And we can not talk about Bernie without talking about Pat and how he stuck by her side through the terrible, terrible tragedy she had in meeting her Maker and the long, long fight she had with cancer. And you know, Cal, I wish we'd all brought those pictures of our visit in San Diego. But as true conservatives, we all thought they were too expensive, didn't we. So again, whether it's about reading phonics for children, keeping taxes down, or being quiet family members, we had a lot to learn from these two gentlemen and we thank their families for sharing them with us while they 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day could. Thank you."

"Representative Bergman."

"Mr. Speaker, it's a very bittersweet occasion for me to be here and succeeding my friend of 27 years. As any one who knew Bernie, knew that he always talked about the cause, which is defined as your country and you faith, your family, your party, your community and your friends. And, through our friendship of 27 years, I can attest to the fact that he was true to all of those. To his faith, the Catholic Church, to his country which he served in World II Two, earning the Purple Heart, to his large and loving family, his three children, his late wife, Pat, his 10 grand children, his party; which he served for 24 years as Republican Party Committeeman, to his community where he served as the Paletine Township Assessor for 14 years, and to his hundreds of friends upon who he's left an indelible, positive mark. We're all going to miss you, Bernie. God bless you."

"Representative Wojcik."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Today is a difficult day for me. My knowing Bernie did not just start here in Springfield. Bernie and I knew each other very, very well back home. And, I say back home because, 30 some years ago, our townships were small. We all were together. We were all there for the cause. He was always known as 'Mr. Conservative.' In 1968, Bernie took the charge to support the unknown man called, then, Phil Crane. The rest of us Republicans were just totally taken aback by that because, how could he go against the chosen one? Well, guess what? Bernie's cause certainly followed through and Crane was elected and that's when Bernie and I really became very, very good friends. He taught me 39  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 lessons. He taught me the word conservative. I really didn't know what I was, but after listening to Bernie and how he felt about things and issues. At his funeral, they played the Battle Hymn of the Republic. That was Bernie, he battled. He battled for his beliefs and he battled for what he felt our country should be doing. When we went into the parades, he had this bumper sticker, and it was, 'No more taxes in Illinois'. Do you know that if you had that bumper sticker in your hand in the parade, people knew that it was Bernie Pedersen who gave us that message. That's what he is all about. We used to call him the teddy bear with fangs, the then Representative Margie Parcell and I, adopted Bernie because we could go to him and sit down and talk and he had an understanding that was so deep and receptive. When Bernie and I decided to go for the State Representative's job in 1978, he and I went out to lunch and we discussed the fact that we would be asking for this position and one of us would be chosen. That's what we thought. We were very naive. We didn't realize that in the back room, the decision was already made. But, we decided that because of our love for family and our friends, that no matter what happened, we were going to come out and we would stay friends. Well, guess what? As God had it, we didn't have to worry about our friendships. In 1982, Bernie was chosen in his district to run for State Representative. I was not. I then went to Bernie because I was concerned about how he felt about this because he was such a good friend, and I said, 'I probably would go against the organization', and he said to me, 'If you don't go for this you will never know. You have carried the banner, you have been in the trenches, you are just as deserving as anyone else.' I remember Bernie for that. 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 And Bernie is one of the reasons that I am here. And I can only wish you now Bernie up in Heaven that you continue to carry your cause, your conservative faith. Your belief in God, your wonderful family, your grandchildren. And many a times how wonderful we had our fun and times with your loving wife Pat. We talk about Roger and his Tanqueray, well Bernie loved his Absolute with an orange twist. And if you ever needed a favor you just gave him a little Absolute and sat down and he would say to me, 'Now listen' and I tell you I did. So God bless you Bernie."

"Representative Churchill in the Chair. The Chair now recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Speaker Daniels."

"Thank you Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I think when they write stories about the General Assembly and people that served in the General Assembly I would really like to visualize in our own mind the picture of the person that we would most like to represent all of us. And that person I would suggest to you would fill the life of Bernie Pedersen. Strong in his commitment to his country, self sacrifice to wear the Purple Heart, fighting for our freedoms and what we stand for today, our ability to argue and debate. To move in a free society, to disagree as we may, but to always be part of a resolution that we lived in the greatest times in the history of mankind, because of the sacrifices made by Bernie Pedersen's of the world. I would also like them to paint the picture of a religious and committed man, who believed in his God and lived his life in accordance with those beliefs. That is why there is no question in my mind that Bernie and Pat are joined together today in Heaven, in sight of the Lord, because of the life that they led. So 41  141st Legislative Day the STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 strength of God, his belief in God, and his belief in his country and then epitomized by his commitment to family. Now I said before that at times we don't have the opportunity to know people because so many times we see them on the House Floor. And I know that sometimes I run into people in Chicago or Downstate Illinois and I remember oh, I had a disagreement with Joe or Larry and I didn't agree on this, or Jim and I agreed on this. But I don't know that person back home. That person that moves in and out of relationships in family and friendships and community and dedicated to the beliefs that they have. When I think about the General Assembly and the people that serve here, I think about people that make sacrifices on behalf of the beliefs that they hold so strongly. None of us should ever forget that. At times we do. There isn't a Member in this House that doesn't come here with a vast background, knowledge and experience of community and family that has brought us here with our beliefs and that we represent as we sit here in the General Assembly. I had an opportunity to get to know Bernie better and I didn't know that it was coming. I knew Bernie was ill. All of us did. We didn't know how ill he was, because he never complained to any of us. Because it was always his wife that he was concerned about. He'd come back to my office and say, 'Pat isn't doing too well.' And I'd say, 'Bernie, you got to be with her whenever you're with her'. 'Well I think I can take care of my legislative responsibilities here, but I am concerned about Pat'. We knew a few years back that Bernie had been gravely ill and had fought that illness, but we did not know and understand what he was fighting now because Pat was his concern. I am going to tell you that right till the end that his concern was all 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 of you. Republicans and Democrats and for his country and for his state and for his community and for his family. So when Chris called me and said, 'My dad would like to talk to you, I wasn't aware of how sick Bernie was at that time cause he hadn't complained to me and I don't think he had complained to any of you. But I went to his home and I visited with Bernie and Andy was there, Chris was there and his family was there. I walked in his house and I saw his grandchildren playing. And here was a man who was fighting this very grave illness but surrounded by family and I knew that brought a strength of character and a strength of being to him, that was so important to him with his family around. So there was a happiness when I walked in because as I looked at the children they were playing a game on the floor. I thought to myself, there is nothing else in the world that matters as much as this. Because of Bernie's mark on his country, his mark on his state, his beliefs and the strength of his character has been passed on through his family. And I listened to Chris at the eulogy at the funeral and I listen to this man that she described. This father, this person that taught then songs in the car as they went on vacation. That taught them love of books, love of music, love of the classics, and love of what is so important in our lives, and that is family. And I looked and I saw the grandchildren and I saw Andy and Ed and Chris and I thought that this man has lived a rich life. But this man also shared his life with us. And in doing so he has brought us a richness. He has brought us a commitment. And he has brought us a dedication. Republicans should never forget Bernie Pedersen in caucus when he stood up and said, 'No, new taxes'. He disagreed with us at times, and yes Jan, on occasion he disagreed with you too. But you 43  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 know we couldn't have asked for a man of higher commitment, and higher desire to be part of service to his country. So to my friend, and your friend Bernie Pedersen we know that you are with the Lord. We know that your strength of life has placed all of us in a very valued position. Because of you and your service and your dedication we have once again had a renewed spirit of commitment to the values of this country, to what democracy stands for, to a strong voice sometimes in the wilderness of a forest. But we have also had an awareness of the love of community and the love of family. And for all of these things, Bernie, my thanks to you for your life. And my thanks to you for what you have done for all of us. God Bless you Bernie, God Bless you Pat, and God Bless his family, and to his grandchildren. You will carry on the proud heritage of Bernie Pedersen. In your life and in your blood will continue to move this great man. And to all you thank you for the sacrifices you have made in allowing us to share the life of Bernie Pedersen. Thank you."

"Representative Phelps."

"Sings "Lords's Prayer."

"Representative Churchill now moves that all Members of the House be added as Cosponsors to the Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. All Members are added as cosponsors of House Resolution 153. On the Motion. Representative Churchill now moves the adoption of House Resolution 153. All those in favor will signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is unanimously adopted. The House will now stand at ease for 15 minutes."

"The House will come to order. The Members will 44  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 please be in their chairs. Those not entitled to the floor will please retire to the gallery. Supplemental Calendar announcement. Mr. Clerk. Excuse me, Committee Report."

"Committee Report from Rules. Committee Report from Representative Churchill, Chairman from the Committee on Rules to which the following Joint Action Motions were referred. Action taken on November 19, 1996. Reported the same back, 'do approve for consideration'. To the Order of Second Reading. House Bills 996, Senate Bill 203, Senate Bill 503, Senate Bill 1643. To the Order of Third Reading. Senate Bill 523 and Senate Bill 1354. To the order of Motions Nonconcurrence Senate Bill 1766. To the Floor. Motions to accept Amendatory Vetoes on the following Bills, House Bills 226, 346, 347, 378, House Bills 548, 1249, 1645, House Bills 2406, House Bill 2579, House Bill 2621, House Bill 2626, House Bill 2658, House Bill 2809, and House Bill 3193. Supplemental Calendars #1 and #2, are being distributed. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution #150 offered by Representative Black. House Resolution #151 offered by Representative Lang. House Resolution #152 offered by Representative Granberg, and House Resolution #155 offered by Representative Skinner."

"On the Order of Supplemental Calendar #2, on the Order of Nonconcurrence appears Senate Bill 1766. Representative Rutherford."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the Body refuse to recede from the Amendment."

"Representative Rutherford has moved that the House refuse to recede from House Amendment #1, to Senate Bill 1766. Is there a discussion, Representative Granberg?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Gentleman yield?" 45  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996

"He indicates he will."

"Representative Rutherford, could you briefly explain what the content of the Amendment and the rationale for the refusing to recede?"

"Representative Rutherford."

"Thank you. Yes I will, Representative. The Committee Amendment that we'd have adopted would add the Moline motor vehicle facility as a part of the list of facilities that would be able to have a certain cash fund in it. The underlying Bill lists various cities. Moline was a city that the Secretary of State's Office added...asked that we add to it. What we're going to do now by refusing to recede is we're going to be able to put this into a Conference Committee and have language, which is my understanding, is going to be acceptable by both parties in both chambers and we'll come back and deal with at that time."

"Representative Granberg."

"Fine. Thank you, Representative."

"Further discussion? Being none, Representative Rutherford has moved that the House refuse to recede from House Amendment #1, to Senate Bill 1766. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the House does refuse to recede from House Amendment #1, to Senate Bill 1766 and the House requests that a Conference Committee be appointed. Representative Lyons. Representative Lyons, for what purpose do you arise?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure today to introduce Sean Stevenson. Sean is a senior at our local high school, appropriately named Lyons Township High School, in my district and he is the present governor of 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day Boys State University. November 19, 1996 Boys State, for those of you who don't know, is a group of young people selected throughout the State of Illinois to attend a week long camp to learn about state government. This is a special group elected by and sponsored by their local American Legion and must prove themselves worthy to go to the camp. Sean is the first student in the history of Lyons Township High School to be elected governor."

"Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Ladies and Gentlemen. Ladies and Gentlemen. Representative Lyons."

"Sean is the first student in the history of Lyons Township High School to be elected governor. He was also selected to represent Illinois at Boys Nation, another first for Lyons Township High School. Please help me to congratulate and welcome Sean Stevenson."

"Mr. Stevenson."

"Good afternoon. I would like to thank you for allowing me to speak to you today. It is both an honor and a privilege. But before I tell you a little about the Boys State Program and why I'm here, I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I have a rare bone disorder called osteogenes is imperfecta. And when I was born the doctors predicted I wouldn't even make it through the first nights, and well, 17 years later they're all dead and I'm speaking to you, the Illinois House. Once I made it through that first night, my parents weren't told, 'When your son grows up, he will be elected governor of the Illinois Boys State, one of the highest honors a teenager could ever receive.' They weren't told that when he grows up, he will one of the top students in his class. They weren't told that when he grows up he will a television producer for his high school TV station. What they were told was that if Sean survives 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 the first nights, he will have a very hard time living a normal life. He will suffer from many broken bones. This did not stop my parents from helping raising me as a normal child, in fact, it gave them more determination to raise me as a normal child. In fact, I've experienced one thing that the doctors were right on and that is that I have fractured over 200 times. If there is one quote in life that sums up my attitude it is, 'In life you must do things you think you cannot do.' And this summer I didn't forget how true that statement really was. I was asked to represent my school at Boys State. I had no clue what this organization was even about. In fact, I was a little nervous because when I looked over the brochure, it was a lot of sports activities and I thought, 'Oh great, another sports camp, all I'm going to be able to do is keep score, be the referee.' Little did I know that it would change the course of my life forever. The Boys State Program is sponsored by the American Legion. The program is designed to teach students how the state government really works. There's a Boys State Program in every state of the Union except for Hawaii. The Boys State Program, in fact, was originated in Illinois. About 1,000 boys attended this year's Illinois Boys State. We were given uniforms that said Premier Boys State because we were the first to have a Boys State. The uniform consisted of a T-shirt and shorts. When I went down with my high school friends, they separated me from them. They separated everybody from everybody who knew each other so we were forced to make new friends. Every boy was either in the Nationalist or the Federalist Party. I think they did that because if they would have said Democrat and Republican there might not have been a safe environment so...as a whole, we met as a 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 state. We were divided into eight counties. Each county had four cities. There were about 24 boys in each city. At nights we had assemblies with guest speakers about what this country really means, what the flag stands for and why we should respect it. Our counties, they were kind of like platoons. We marched everywhere, rain or shine. During the day we held elections. The second day we held elections on the city level on such positions as mayor, state representative, and chief of police. I decided I was going to hold off until the county positions. The next day I decided I was going to run for state supreme court in my Federalist Party. I was successful and the next day I ran in both parties and was successful again. I had a meeting with the other seven justices. We had to decide who was going to be the Chief Justice. Well, we voted, they tabulated it, came back and said there's a tie between Sean Stevenson and my opponent and I thought well if I'm going to run for governor of Illinois Boys State, the highest office, I better say something now. So I said to all the justices before we voted again, I feel this other justice would make a perfect Chief Justice. I'd really appreciate it if you went back to your county and supported Sean Stevenson for governor. The next day I ran in the Federalist Party to be a candidate for governor. There were 500 boys. I told them that a true leader makes more leaders, not more followers. I was elected in my party to represent them as Governor but the fight was not over. The next day, Governor Jim Edgar flew down and spoke to the Boys State Program. He then wished both candidates to governor good luck. I then gave a speech to 1,000 boys on I told them if we respected each other, we could accomplish anything. I then debated my opponent for 45 minutes on 49  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 such topics as desecration of the flag, school uniforms, and homosexuality. This was very difficult, especially keeping the attention of teenagers while game three of the NBA finals between the Bulls and the Sonics was going on in the background in a TV somewhere. The next morning we voted and I said to God when I cast my ballot, 'No matter what happens, God, I thank you for the experience and how far you've let me come so far and whatever happens, happens.' After I casted my vote three hours later, I was elected governor of the next Boys State. That day I attended a memorial service and the governor gets to carry a wreath. See there's this giant quadrant at Eastern Illinois University where Boys State is held. I got to carry a wreath to the base of the flag pole for all the men and women who died for our country. They fired a cannon and there was silence. All you could hear was the beautiful flag flapping above me. A man screamed out, 'About face'. I turned around and there was 1,000 boys standing at attention. You see, I'll never be able to be in the military so this is as close as I'll ever get. I was so proud and then I just got a tear in my eye when all the boys started marching in formation past me and saluted. That evening I was interviewed by the president and other members of the Boys State staff. They interviewed me to become a candidate to go to Boys Nation and represent Illinois. Forty-five minutes after the interview, they said, 'Congratulations, Sean, you have been chosen to represent Illinois at Boys Nation. Boys Nation is set up like a United States Senate. There are two boys from each Boys State Program. We debate Bills on the floor but during that...in between that we had field trips and our first field trip was to the White House, one of the most 50  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 beautiful house ever in this whole country. And there we spent two hours with President William Jefferson Clinton. You see, President Bill Clinton really likes this program because that's how he got started. He was the Representative from Arkansas. And the famous picture of him shaking President Kennedy's hand. If there's one thing that Boys State and Boys Nation taught to me, it was, yes, democracy has some flaws but it is the best system in the nation. There is one quote that some kid came up to me and said, 'Sean, when I came here at Boys State, I saw you and I thought oh great another kid in a wheel chair. He's going to sit in the cornor and do nothing. When I saw you speak and I saw what you could do and I got to meet you, I said I will never prejudge anyone ever again.' As leaders of Illinois, you know that you can give support to those with special limitations. There are kids who care about their family, the community, and country. There are also kids with physical limitations that can also be a debt to society...that can also help out with society and I would like to leave you...with your help, as leaders of today, you can help out the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you very much for this opportunity."

"Thank you, Governor Stevenson. Thank you for your remarks and good luck to you in your future. Representative Clayton."

"Speaker, at the appropriate time I would like to recognize two young ladies that we have with us today. We have Karen Stoutenberg. Karen, if you would stand up. Karen is Miss Preteen America and also with her is Cindy McClindon who is Miss Preteen Illinois. We welcome you to the House Floor and let's all congratulate them."

"Mr. Clerk, on the Order of. Supplemental 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 Calendar #2, under Senate Bills, Third Reading appears Senate Bill 1354. Return that Bill to the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Supplemental Calendar #1, under Amendatory Veto and Motions, appears House Bill 226. Representative Hoeft. Representative Hoeft."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto of House Bill 226."

"Is there any discussion? Representative Dart."

"Yes..."

"Excuse me. Ladies and Gentlemen. Ladies and Gentlemen. We're on the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions. Okay, Representative Dart."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Speaker yield?"

"He indicates he will."

"Representative, can you explain to me what the Amendatory Veto does?"

"Representative Hoeft."

"At the end of the Session there was some concern that the Goals 2000 money that we had said should not be used in this state would be taken and used in charter schools. There was a group of individuals who did not want the national curriculum brought to our charter schools in this state. I thought it would be a very simple thing to correct so we drew up legislation to prevent federal money, Goals 2000, to go to the charter schools without the approval of the boards. It was written too broadly and it said, 'any public monies', and the Governor correctly said, the intent of this was just simply for the Goals 2000 money, and he took it and made it much more restrictive, just Goal 2000 money. So I concur with the intent of this Bill is what the Governor has placed in the Veto."

"Representative Dart." 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day

"So then I guess, Representative, November 19, 1996 then you were purely attempting to limit the money from Goals 2000 from going to charter schools? The Governor thought it was too broad and he provided more detailed language to make sure that the restriction was rather clear?"

"Representative Hoeft."

"That is absolutely correct, Representative Dart."

"Representative Dart."

"Is there anybody who was opposed to the original Bill or is opposed to it in this form now?"

"Representative Hoeft."

"Yes, there was considerable opposition because certain individuals said that if we have charter schools, they ought to be free from restrictions and that we should not put any restrictions on it. This is sort of an in between, saying that we're going to allow all public funds to go directly to the charter schools without the school boards intervening with the exception of the federal curriculum."

"Representative Dart."

"So then, I guess in a certain sense then, the only people that would be affected by this Bill now would be those...the only schools would be charter schools? That would be the only impact?"

"Representative Hoeft."

"The only ones that would be impacted is charter schools who apply for Goals 2000 money and they can still get that but it has to be put through their local school boards."

"Representative Dart."

"Is the Chicago Public Schools had any position on this thing? I know that they are now accepting or have just accepted applications for numerous charter schools and have they voiced any opinion whatsoever on this?" 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DÉBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996

"Representative Hoeft."

"No, they have not."

"Representative Dart"

"And as far as the IEA or any of the other teachers' groups, are they in favor of this, opposed to it?"

"Representative Hoeft."

"This is such a 'biggie that virtually no one across the board has spoken to me about this. It says something about the Sponsor, I think."

"Representative Dart."

"I guess my only concern was that we had 47 people I think voted against it when the Bill came through before when it was a little broader. Now we're restricting it which would seem to be making the Bill a little bit clearer and I was just wondering it seemed a little strange to me we had that many people opposing the Bill that is this straightforward."

"Representative Hoeft."

"I believe, Sir, that the opposition was to the concept of having any restrictions at all on charter schools. It wasn't specifically to the Goals 2000. If we give them freedom, let's give them freedom. That was the argument."

"Further discussion? Being none, Representative Hoeft moves that the House accept the Governor's specific recommendation for change with respect to House Bill 226. All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed by voting 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Motion there are 114 'ayes'; 0 voting 'nay' and this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, the Motion passes and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendation for a change 54  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 regarding House Bill 226. House Bill 346. Representative Cross."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto language and I'll be glad to answer any questions."

"Any discussion? Representative Dart."

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will."

"Representative, can you explain to me what is the Governor's Amendatory Veto and what exactly he was...the change he was making?"

"Representative Cross."

"I'll certainly try, Representative. There were...this Bill, the underlying Bill, or the Bill, I should say, dealt with the issue of a special designation of court security officers. And this doesn't effect Cook County. It is my understanding that they have a separate classification. But in Kane County, what was happening is, we had individuals working as court security officers that were not sheriff's deputies. The Attorney General's Office said you can't do that, you have to have a separate classification or you have to have an actual sheriff's deputy working at the courthouse. Well, it's not worth from a money standpoint having full-time sheriff's deputies act as court security officials. So we created a new classification..."

"Excuse me. Ladies and Gentlemen. Ladies and Gentlemen. Representative Cross."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, we created this new classification and in the language and it was not inadvertent, I don't even know if we are all in agreement with the Governor, but there is some question about it. 55  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 There was some concern that municipalities would lose some fees that they had been collecting. So the Governor eliminated the language in there so that municipalities would not lose any revenue on fines assessed on traffic offenses. I don't have any objection with the language. The Municipal League, after it was passed, objected to the language in the Bill so that resulted in the Governor's language or the Amendatory language. I think it's still a good Bill and I hope that explains it. I'll try to answer it further."

"Representative Dart."

"Yeah, I'm having a hard time understanding the change it made with the fines that are paid without a court appearance and whether or not...are there still going to be those fines or no?"

"Representative Cross."

"The significance for the purposes of this Bill, Tom, is that there'll still be those fines. They can still do it by local order from the way I read this and the concern was that that extra $15 fee would not go to the municipalities under our Bill, so that language is gone. The municipalities will still get that $15 in the cases where there is not a court appearance, when someone just sends in the money. I hope that explains it. It's just a very small little segment of the Bill."

"Representative Churchill in the Chair. Representative Dart."

"Thank you. Where, under you're original Bill, where was that money supposed to go?"

"Representative Cross."

"It would have gone to the counties because the idea was that we could use it to help pay for this new designation. 56  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 Well now the municipalities were saying we're going to lose a great deal amount, tons of money. And so in reality the counties are still going to be okay or should be because they're going to be having a lesser classified person doing court security. So they should have to pay them less than they'll pay a regular sheriff's deputy. So they'll just have to pay it right out of their budget, their general revenue budget."

"Representative Dart."

"Has AFSCME or any of the other unions taken a position on this as far as with creation of a new type of lesser paid security guard?"

"Representative Cross."

"Tom, none at all that I've heard about. We tried in the beginning of the Session, or last spring, to bring everybody together and at that time there was no opposition. There are a couple questions now that the sheriffs have with respect to training of the courts' security officers, just SO you know, of this new designation. We're going to try to work with the police training board. If there are any problems, we're going to try to work on something next spring. It might be something you want to do next spring. But other than the question you have from AFSCME, etcetera, no opposition that I've ever heard or any type of union group at all."

"Representative Dart."

"Just my final question then. Is it ultimately, even though you're changing the fee structure, that the counties will have enough money to pay for these new security officers?"

"Representative Cross."

"They will not have any new money as a result of this 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 Bill. They'll just have to use existing money but in the case of Kane County, they've already got these people working in this capacity. They're violating the Attorney General's opinion, so they're already paying them as court security officers. This just creates that classification."

"Is there any other further discussion? Representative Cross, do you wish to close on this?"

"I would like a favorable vote if possible."

"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to House Bill 346?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all those opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Motion there are 112 voting 'aye'; 0 voting 'nay'; and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the Motion passes and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding House Bill 346. The Chair would like to recognize Supreme Court Justice, John Nichols, who is on the floor with us this afternoon. Justice Nichols, welcome. The next Order of business, will be on House Bill 347. Representative Cross."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto language and I'd be glad to answer any questions."

"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dart."

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will. Please proceed."

"Representative, can you explain what the underlying Bill was and what the Amendatory Veto does to it?" 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day

"Representative Cross." November 19, 1996 "Representative Dart, I'll certainly try. The Bill was a committee Bill out of the House Judiciary Civil Law Committee and there were a variety of items that we discussed and addressed in House Bill 347. The area that is in question here on the Amendatory Veto language deals with the Adoption Act. And the question or the concern was that state's attorneys were being appointed to act as guardian ad litems in adoption cases. We tried to address that in this Bill and we tried to eliminate the language that would make state's attorneys or assistants act as guardian ad litems. The Governor's Office and the Governor felt like we weren't specific enough and they have provided some specific language that reads, 'Some licensed attorney, other the state's attorney, act in his official capacity will act in the capacity of a guardian ad litem.' This also mirrors language in Senate Bill 1470. So it was a matter of trying to be consistent and being more specific and that is the only issue in the Amendatory Veto language. I don't know of any opposition. As a Sponsor of the Bill, I accept it. I think it's a better, I think frankly it's better language than we had and I hope I answered your question."

"Representative Dart."

"Is is there going to be any problems though with guardians ad litems though as far as there being a lack of them or are they going to be able to fill the need for that?"

"Representative Cross."

"Well, that's a good question. We did not, Representative, at all throughout committee hearings, nor have I heard from anyone since we did this Bill and this Bill has been around quite a bit, it's gone back and forth, 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 have I heard of any problems with a lack of guardian ad litems. It's a valid question but no one has raised that issue until now."

"Representative Dart. Nothing further."

"Is there any further discussion? Representative Cross, would you like to close?"

"I'd appreciate 'aye' votes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to House Bill 347.' All those in favor, signify by voting 'aye'; and the opposed, signify by voting 'nay'. The voting is now 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 Motion there are 114 voting 'aye'; 0 voting 'nay'; and 0 voting 'present' and this Bill, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the Motion passes and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding House Bill 347. On the same Order of business, we'll go to House Bill 378. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Boone, Representative Wait."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, on House Bill 378 was a Vehicle Bill out of the Transportation Committee and I would move to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto."

"Is there discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Scott."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will. Please proceed."

"First of all congratulations on saying it was a Vehicle Bill out of Transportation. I like that. Could you explain what the underlying Bill was and what the Amendatory Veto language did?" 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day

"Representative Wait." November 19, 1996

"One, it allowed trolley cars over in the Galena area to use whistles instead of horns. Also it allowed for basically trucks would not have to have flares and lanterns and lighted fuses unless they were pulling a vehicle behind it, a trailer behind it. Also there was a case that dealt with local governments' ability to post weight restriction, so this was just to update that to make sure they could properly post for weight restrictions basically in the spring. And the thing that the...the Governor went along with all those. The only thing that he objected to was the auto dealers, new and used car dealers, wanted to only put plates on the rear for dealer plates and the Governor felt that that would be a bad precedent. We should still carry the license plates on both the front and the rear and SO that's what he amended it to."

"Representative Scott."

"What was the purpose for only having the one dealer plate in the original Bill? Why was that done in the first place?"

"Representative Wait."

"Well, the auto dealers claim, especially the larger ones have a number of plates, and for them to keep track of both front and rear plates, they claim is cumbersome. And so they would just ask...you know a lot of states like Florida, for example, only require one plate on all the vehicles and they thought this would be a good test case for us to try at least with dealer plates and see that we could get by on just one plate. But again, the Governor did not think that was a good example to be set."

"Representative Scott."

"Have you been in contact with the auto dealers about the 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 Amendatory Veto language? And if so, what's their take on it?"

"Representative Wait."

"Yes, they're willing to accept the Governor's Veto on this. And hopefully, I'm sure, want to revisit this issue in the next Spring Session."

"Representative Scott. Is there any further discussion? Representative Wait, would you like to close?"

"Yes, I would simply ask the Members to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto."

"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with the respect to House Bill 378?' All those in favor, signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed, vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Motion there are 113 voting. 'aye'; 0 voting 'nay'; and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the Motion passes and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding House Bill 378. Representative Moore, for what purpose do you seek recognition?" Moore, E.: "Yes, Mr. Speaker. Somehow my button did not accept the 'yes' vote. I would like to be recorded as voted 'aye' on that particular issue."

"Representative Moore, the record will SO reflect and we'll send the electrician over to see if there is a problem with your voting switch. On the same Order of business, the Chair will turn to House Bill 548. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Saviano." 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day

November 19, 1996 "Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 548 was passed in the Spring Session, just about unanimously. There was a few minor changes that the Governor made. One regarding the GED Testing Provision, which limited to Cook County only. There was some Constitutional problems with that so he eliminated that and also regarding the language concerning the segregation of gang members in the prisons. He cleaned up some of that provision to make it a little bit more feasible for the Department of Corrections to comply with that language and I would move to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto."

"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dart."

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will. Please proceed."

"Representative, can you explain to me why we're making the changes in this Bill in regards to the reporting of the gang activity in the prison?"

"Representative Saviano." "The purpose of it was to keep it confidential. That's the key to that change."

"Representative Dart."

"Why is it that we want it confidential?"

"Representative Saviano."

"Predominantly because they don't want gang members to find out about other gang activity within the prisons. They want to keep it where the prison officials keep a strong control over that information. They don't want it widespread through the prison."

"Representative Dart."

"Yeah, like the strong control they've exhibited over the past ten or 15 years with Larry Hoover and Richard Speck. 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 I guess I'm sort of troubled by this change by the Governor from a couple different aspects. I...in my last recollection was, is the Governor appoints a director of the department and the director is in charge of the prison system. In the course of the last 15, 20 years or whatever it's been, our prison systems have been a disaster in regards to who's exactly running the prison system. And there has been video tapes, there has been witness after witness who's come forward in committees and testified as to who, in fact, is running the prison system. And it turns out quite often that it's the gangs that are running it. And I agree with the majority of this Bill and the majority of the changes but when we all of a sudden change that provision so that the only people that are going find out about this gang report is going to be the Governor and the director, we're right back to where we started. They were the only two that knew about it beforehand and they weren't reporting to anybody and we ended up having a disaster on our hands which is still out there. And now they're asking for us once again to keep a secret report that only they will get so that nobody will know exactly what is going on in the prison system, who's running it and at what expense. So I guess that's also why I have the problem because I really...I can't understand the thinking why, under present law right now, when a gang member is identified as a gang member, he already is segregated. So how will this fact that we're keeping this anonymous change any of that?"

"Representative Saviano."

"It's a very touchy situation because what they're trying to do is prevent other gang members from finding out what...about other gang members information because it 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 seems like, like you said, we have a problem within the prisons. This information is running rampant through there. Everybody knows everything about the gang activity. They just felt this would be maybe a small control over that widespread trend of information spreading through the prisons. It's a...it's not a major thing. Maybe on January 8, you could propose something that we could take a look at to straighten out our prison system."

"Representative Dart."

"I guess, as I say that the thrust of the Bill is fine. I just have a serious problem though with what the Governor's attempting to do here though is that we're finally sort of beginning to at least fess up to the disaster in the prison and yet at the same time we're doing that, at the same time we're painfully aware of the fact that it was caused by the fact that there was not a lot of information getting to us. And who's kidding who? That once someone is segregated, even with anonymous numbers and all, everybody in the prison system knows. They've talked about one of their guys got sent to another prison. They know and so that information, as soon as they know it, which will be instantaneous, that's going out in the streets so they'll be knowing it. It seems that the only people that are going to be kept in the dark on this Bill, will be us.. And I guess that's why I'm going to vote 'present' on this Bill. There's a lot of good things in the Bill but in a certain sense, the Governor's actions reek of a cover-up. He is trying to keep information from us. This originally was going to be a report that we were going to see. We were going to find out the magnitude of the gang problem and who the gang leaders were. And the magnitude of the problem now is going to be kept a secret report that only 65  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 he and the director looks at and I find that very troublesome especially given recent, recent history where they were the only ones that knew what was going on in the recent history and we had disaster on our hands. We had our Specks' and our Hoovers' and now we're going to go down that road again. I think your Bill was outstanding at the beginning. I just am very disappointed at what the Governor's doing. It really reeks of a cover-up."

"Representative Saviano."

"Was that a question?"

"I'm not sure whether that was a question, Representative. I if you choose not to answer we'll go on to the next person."

"No, we let's listen, we all know we have problems in the prisons. I think we've been holding hearings trying to educate ourselves as Legislators on what is going on in the prisons. And I'm looking forward to some very widespread, comprehensive, prison reform legislation coming from a bipartisan nature so we could address that problem. This is a problem, like you said, has existed for years. I think it's time that we try to reverse that trend and it's not going to happen overnight, but I think working together we could improve that system as it exists today. And I would ask that we accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto."

"Representative Saviano, that was not a close because we do have other Members that wish to ask questions but we would now...the Chair would recognize the Lady from Cook, Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will. Please proceed." Davis, M.: "Representative, originally your Bill stated that education for inmates who didn't have a high school diploma 66  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 would be mandated. Is that correct?"

"Representative Saviano."

"It was called for mandatory but it was still discretionary, by discretion of the judge."

"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "So the Governor's Veto states that inmates who test below, who don't have a high school diploma, don't have to attend classes? That that's discretionary?"

"Representative Saviano."

"That is true. And the reason I stated before, why the original language was taken out because it was specific to Cook County, only and they had some constitutional problems with that."

"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Representative, don't you believe that we should make it mandatory for the entire state for prisoners who don't have high school diplomas to attempt to get them?"

"Representative Saviano."

"I would agree with the theoretical side of it. But practically speaking, because of the overcrowding in our prisons today, if we were to make that provision strictly mandatory we would have people staying in prison far beyond what their prison terms were because they couldn't comply with the GED Testing Program."

"Representative Davis." Davis, Μ.: "Representative, I passed a piece of legislation a number of years ago that is now law and it says that if an inmate tests below sixth grade in math or if an inmate tests below sixth grade in reading, that inmate is mandated to take classes while he or she is in prison rather than work. What we did in that legislation was make it discretionary for the inmate to take a job or not take a 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 job but we mandated that that inmate work. Now my question to you is, with your legislation and the Governor's Veto, exactly what does that do in reference to any mandating of education for inmates?"

"Representative Saviano."

"It has no effect at all on previous legislation."

"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Let me just say this, Representative. I believe that we cannot continue to mouth and talk about a desire to have people educated and then when we know it's going to cost dollars we change our mind. Now I believe the reason this veto or this analysis that it's changing the veto message is that education is not so important anymore. We're going to make it discretionary, up to the prisoner whether he or she wants to go to school. Hopefully, prisoners will not opt to earn the $10 a day and not learn anything while they're in prison. I will support your request that we accept this Amendatory Veto. However, I don't think it is in the best interests of the State of Illinois on changing behavior and stopping recidivism. Thank you."

"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg."

"Thank you. Will the Gentleman yield?"

"The Gentleman will yield. Please proceed."

"Representative Saviano, on the public reporting requirements, under your legislation, where would the report go? Would that be open to all public officials or would that be a public document? And how does the Amendatory Veto change the language of the Bill?"

"Representative Saviano."

"It would go to the Governor's Office. I suppose if it's considered public record, you could FOI by the 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day Governor's Office."

"Representative Granberg." November 19, 1996 "But under your legislation that was passed, I think that report was public information. Is that correct? And how would that then be distributed under the original Bill?"

"It "Representative Saviano." just goes to the Governor and you would probably have to request a report from the Governor. I don't think there is any mechanism stated within the Bill on how it would be distributed. If it's on file with the Governor's Office, if he wants to provide it to you, that's fine. I think he should. But the confidentiality side of it is they just don't want it disseminated throughout the prison system."

"Representative Granberg."

"So I just want to make sure I understand this correctly, Representative. Under your Bill the report would be public. Members of this Body would be entitled to receive that report. Under the Amendatory Veto, only the Governor would be entitled to receive that report. Is that correct?"

"Representative Saviano."

"That's correct."

"Representative Granberg."

"So, for the Members on this side of the aisle and the Members on that side of the aisle, understand, under the original legislation you would be entitled, as Members of this Body, to this report on gang activity in the prisons of Illinois. Under the Amendatory Veto, you are no longer entitled to that information. Only the Governor and the Director of Corrections would be entitled to that 69  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 information. That's why, Representative Saviano, with all due respect, I agree with Representative Dart. I think all of us here have a mission, all of us here have a duty to correct the problems in our Department of Corrections. If we are not entitled to that information, what are we to do? We are supposed to give a blank check to the Governor and the Director of Corrections who are, in fact, in charge of these measures. I don't think that's our job in Springfield. I don't think that's what the people sent us up here to do. So I would ask you, Representative, if, in fact, you don't receive the requisite votes to accept the Amendatory Veto, would you file a Motion to override the Governor's Amendatory Veto?"

"Representative Saviano."

"I'll make it simpler than that. I'll get you a copy."

"Representative Granberg."

"So, would you file a Motion to override the Governor's Veto if you don't receive the requisite number of votes?"

"Representative Saviano."

"The fact of the matter is, is like I said. I think we, as Legislators, would have access to that if we went to the Governor's Office. But also there's a lot of provisions in this Bill that are good provisions. The additional statewide grand jury. Numerous provisions that we need and also there's things in there that we needed cleaned up. This Bill was passed in the eleventh hour of Session. We needed this legislation to pass. I think the Governor's Office did their best in trying to clean it up. I don't think there was any hidden agenda, You know, behind the Amendatory Vetoes. I think it just needed some fine tuning and that's why I'm going to accept the Amendatory Veto. I think that down the line we could revisit this issue and 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 I'd be more than happy to be a Cosponsor on that Bill with you, Representative."

"Representative Granberg."

"Representative Saviano, I respect what you tried to do. This Bill passed out of here without one dissenting vote. Everyone agreed with what you were attempting to do. We have to address gang activity. Tom Johnson did an admirable job in holding hearings. Those hearings were suspended prior to the election. Now we have the Department of Corrections and we have the Governor wanting to receive, themselves, copies of a report on gang related activities. Why would they, themselves, be entitled to those reports? Why would we, as Members of this Body, not be entitled to these reports? I don't think it goes far enough and I look forward on...forward to voting to override the Amendatory Veto. I hope we have that opportunity and I intend to vote 'present' because I think we're not going far enough. All of us here in this Body have the right to know what's going on with gangs in our prisons in Illinois."

"Further discussion? The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege. I heard my name mentioned in debate."

"Proceed." Johnson, Tom: "If I may, this discussion is going on on this omnibus Bill and I'm sure it will continue on on another Bill of 1249 which is also an omnibus Bill that has a similar provision in it. Now, the whole issue of gangs in prison and so on, as you're very much aware, has been subject to hearings this summer. These hearings are not over and they are not over in this Session and I'm sure 71  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 that when you take control in the next Session, they will not be over either. I think that in light of the omnibus Bill and the numerous good points in these Bills that it behooves us to get the rest of these good provisions on the books and come back in here with a comprehensive piece of reform legislation as it relates to drugs, gangs, communicable diseases, and so on in the prison system. And it's certainly my intention to see that that continues and that we deal with that in total and hopefully cleanup the system once and for all. I would urge that we support this. Thank you."

"Further discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates that he will. Please proceed."

"Representative, what is the reason that I still haven't heard behind the Governor not wanting the General Assembly to get this report?"

"Representative Saviano."

"I don't think it has anything to do with the General Assembly. I think, Representative, if you wanted a copy of it, I don't think the Governor would have a problem with providing you with a copy. It's just the fact that he didn't want it generally, the information to be generally be disseminated where it would get back to the gang members. Like I told Representative Granberg, If you want a copy, I'll get you a copy."

"Representative Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen to the Motion. Mr. Speaker, could we have some order in here?"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Representative Lang has requested that we have some order so we can listen to him. 72  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 Proceed, Representative Lang."

"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm going to recommend 'present' votes on this Motion. The Bill we passed here, passed unanimously. There were no dissenting votes. The Bill we passed was a good Bill. It did all the things that we thought we should do as a General Assembly to start to correct some of these problems. We've got a lot of problems in our prisons. We have overcrowding. We have problems with gangs. We have problems of all sorts. We know that we had the problem with the Speck tapes last year. We know that our prisons need reform and they need drastic reform and one of the things this General Assembly should be doing in the next Session is to get about the business of completing that reform. But what the Governor attempts to do here is what we've seen him try to do before. To bury the failures of his administration by making changes rather than having the light of day drawn to the report that would be sent to the public and to the General Assembly, the Governor makes the change that only he will see this report along with the Director of the Department of Corrections. This, in my view, is a little like the fox guarding the chicken house. Shall we continue to allow the Governor and these failed agencies to continue to police themselves? Those attempts to police themselves have failed. They've failed in the Department of Mental Health, they've failed in the Department of Children and Family Services, they've failed in the Department of Corrections. This is a straightforward attempt by the Governor of this state to bury further failures of the Department of Corrections within his own office and within the office of the agency director's. So, why should we be about the business after we unanimously decided that this 73  141st Legislative Day STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 kind of reporting should be public, that this kind of reporting should come to the General Assembly. Why should we help the Governor do what he's already done? Continue to bury his failures, continue not to allow his failures to be drawn to the public, that's why we passed this Bill. The reporting requirement is in this Bill SO that people will know what's going on in the prisons. So that we will know what's going on in the prisons. And the Governor's effort to make that go away is not going to change the failures of the Department of Corrections, but is going to make it more difficult for this Body, working with the Governor to make the necessary changes to make the Department of Corrections work. The Bill we passed was a good one. Maybe you don't want to vote 'no' and make it appear that you have no interest in this issue. So I would recommend 'present' votes to both sides of the aisle and then request that the Sponsor file a Motion to override and I assure the Sponsor that a Motion to override will pass. Thank you."

"Is there further discussion? Seeing none, Representative Saviano to close."

"I would ask that we accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to House Bill 548?' All those in favor, signify by voting 'aye'; all those opposed, signify by voting 'nay'. The voting is now 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 67 voting 'aye'; 5 voting 'nay'; and 41 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the required 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 141st Legislative Day Constitutional Majority, the Motion passes and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding House Bill 548. The Chair will now turn to House Bill 1249. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto on House Bill 1249. Be happy to answer any questions."

"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dart."

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will. Please proceed."

"Representative, can you explain to me what the Bill does?"

"Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Tom, I'd be happy to go through all of the provisions but this is a compilation of, I think if you'll recall, about 13 Bills, many of them coming from your side of the aisle as well as...I Chaired that committee, so yeah. Some of it came from your side of the aisle as well as mine but it covers a multitude of things. If you want me to read them all off, I'll do that."

"Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "He says he doesn't want me to read them all off."

"Representative Dart."

"Could you maybe just go through the changes that are made by the Amendatory Veto?"

"Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Right. There are basically four changes. One of the changes is basically the one that you've just finished discussing at great, great length concerning the identification of gang members and the confidentiality thereof. He amends the segregation of gang leaders in the 75  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 institution to make that to the extent possible under conditions and space available instead of an absolute mandate. As you know gang leaders have a tendency to repeat the...elect new ones as others go. It would add additional language to state that inmates may be monitored unless it is unconstitutional. He's just concerned about constitutionality issues there. And finally, it deletes a Bill of Representative Hoffman's that dealt with frivolous lawsuits because that's covered in another Bill, 3048, I believe it is. That has been signed that was Representative Turner's."

"Representative Dart."

"Is the frivolous lawsuit already been passed and signed into law then...provisions?"

"Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Yes."

"Representative Dart."

"Are you in agreement with the changes that we have as far as with the reporting of the gang information to the Governor and the director?"

"Representative Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Tom, I have some reservations about that but in total, and after the hearings that were held this summer and with the additional information that we're continuing to glean, I think that maybe it's more appropriate that we re-look at the whole package of reforms as it relates to gangs and drugs in the institutions. And I think that that's something that we'll need to work together on to come up with substantial change in the near future."

"Representative Dart."

"Thank you. To the Bill itself."

"To the Bill." 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996

"I will not go through the same litany that...I'll save everybody that right now from the previous Bill. This makes identical changes that were made in the Bill we had just voted on. Which as I say I have grave concerns with and as a result I would...I will be voting 'present' and I will urge my colleagues on this side of the aisle to do the same way. And an Inquiry of the Chair as far as to how many votes this would take?"

"About 60 votes, Sir. Is there further discussion? The Chair, seeing none. Representative Johnson to close." Johnson, Tom: "Yes, in closing I would just urge an 'aye' vote on this and I respect the other side's urging to do 'present' but I would remind the Members on the other side of the aisle that a 'present' vote is a 'no' vote and in this case, there are 13 other crime Bills that you will be voting 'no' on if you vote 'present' so I would suggest an 'aye' vote on this and would so urge the House to join in. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to House Bill 1249?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Motion, there are 99 voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'nay'; and 11 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, the Motion passes and the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding House Bill 1249. Mr. Clerk, do you have a Committee Announcement?"

"Committee Announcements for Wednesday morning. 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE November 19, 1996 141st Legislative Day Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will meet in C-1 at 8:30 a.m. Again, for Wednesday, Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will meet in C-l in the Stratton at 8:30 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet this afternoon upon notice. Rules Committee will meet this afternoon upon notice which is 4:30. Rules Committee will meet at 4:30 in the Speaker's Conference Room. Rules Committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. in the Speaker's Conference Room."

"Representative Wennlund, now moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, November 20, 1996, at the hour of 12 noon. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; any opposed say 'nay' and in the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, the House now stands adjourned until Wednesday, November 20, 1996, at the hour of 12:00 noon."

"House Perfunctory Session will be in order. Introduction of Resolution. House Resolution #156, offered by Representative Dart is referred to the Rules Committee. The House Perfunctory Session will stand at ease."

"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Churchill, Chairman from the Committee on Rules to which the following Joint Action Motions were referred. Action taken on November 19, 1996. Reported the same back, 'do approve for consideration' to the Floor. Motions to override Total Veto on House Bill 2794 and House Bill 3546. Introductions and First Readings of House Bills. House Bill 3765, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning certain surgical procedures and amending named Acts. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned. The House will reconvene in regular Session on 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 141st Legislative Day November 19, 1996 Wednesday, November 20, 1996 at 12:00 noon. The House now stands adjourned. 79  REPORT: TIFLDAY PAGE: 001 STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY TRANSCRIPTION OF DEBATE INDEX NOVEMBER 19, 1996 97/03/25 14:39:07 HB-0226 VETO ACTION PAGE 52 HB-0346 VETO ACTION PAGE 55 HB-0347 VETO ACTION PAGE 58 HB-0378 VETO ACTION PAGE 60 HB-0548 VETO ACTION PAGE 62 HB-1249 VETO ACTION PAGE 75 HB-3765 FIRST READING PAGE 78 SB-1354 RECALLED PAGE 52 SB-1766 NON-CONCURRENCE PAGE 45 HR-0150 FILED PAGE 45 HR-0151 FILED PAGE 45 HR-0152 FILED PAGE 45 HR-0153 ADOPTED PAGE 44 HR-0153 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 25 HR-0154 ADOPTED PAGE 25 HR-0154 RESOLUTION OFFERED PAGE 3 HR-0155 FILED PAGE 45 HR-0156 FILED PAGE 78 SUBJECT MATTER HOUSE TO ORDER PAGE 1 SPEAKER DANIELS IN THE CHAIR PAGE 1 PRAYER - FATHER LANCE PAGE 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - REPRESENTATIVE MCAULIFFE PAGE 1 ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE PAGE 1 NEW REP. - (R) MICHAEL MCAULIFFE PAGE 2 NEW REP. - (R) ROBERT BERGMAN PAGE 2 NEW REP. - (R) MARK BEAUBIEN PAGE 2 NEW REP. - (D) JOE LYONS PAGE 2 REPRESENTATIVE CHURCHILL IN THE CHAIR PAGE 41 SPEAKER DANIELS IN THE CHAIR PAGE 44 SUPPLEMENTAL CALENDAR #1&2 PAGE 45 PRAYER - FATHER LANCE PAGE 5 PRAYER - FATHER LANCE PAGE 27 GUEST - SEAN STEVENSON - GOV. OF BOYS STATE UNIV. PAGE 46 GUEST - KAREN STOUTENBERG - MISS PRETEEN AMERICA PAGE 51 GUEST - CINDY MCCLINDON - MISS PRETEEN ILLINOIS PAGE 51 REPRESENTATIVE CHURCHILL IN THE CHAIR PAGE 56 HOUSE ADJOURNED PAGE 78 HOUSE PERFUNCTORY SESSION PAGE 78 HOUSE PERFUNCTORY SESSION ADJOURNED PAGE 79 REPRESENTATIVE CHURCHILL IN THE CHAIR PAGE 21 SPEAKER DANIELS IN THE CHAIR PAGE 24